“The man was a traveling salesman—only occasionally visited New York—and did not again have a chance to go to the restaurant until quite recently. But he was honest, and wished to find the owner of the money. The proprietor told him to communicate with me.”
Redfern seized the other’s hand.
“Mosley,” he said, “I’ll never forget you for this.”
The president smiled.
“Well, my story is almost finished. I was about to write to Colonel Ellison, in order that he might meet the gentleman and have his money restored. The visit is most opportune, though I regret his errand.”
“Think no more about it,” said Uncle Dan, hastily. “I was once a boy myself; circumstances had a great deal to do with my feelings.”
“Uncle Dan,” put in George Clayton, “may I speak a word to you?”
“Well, young man, what is it?”
Briefly, George explained the whole story of his connection with the house-boat expedition, and this time his guardian, in the light of recent developments, listened and believed.
“You must understand, George,” he said, “though Redfern is not to blame in the matter, you have acted in a most reckless and self-willed fashion. We shall talk about it later.”