CONCLUSION On the evening of the nineteenth of December, Ben stood on the piazza of the village hotel when the stage returned from the depot.

He examined anxiously the passengers who got out.

His eyes lighted up joyfully as he recognized in one the man he was looking for.
"Mr.Dinsmore," he said, coming forward hastily.
"You see I have kept my word," said Harvey Dinsmore, with a smile.
"I feared you would not come." "I wished to see the discomfiture of our friend Squire Davenport.

So to-morrow is the day ?" "Yes." "I should like to be on hand when the squire calls." "That will be at twelve o'clock.

My mother has received a note from him fixing that hour." "Then I will come over at half-past eleven if you will allow me." "Come; we will expect you." "And how have you fared since I saw you, my young friend ?" "I have been wonderfully fortunate, but I have kept my good fortune a secret from all, even my mother.