CHAPTER XXVII.
Sudbury.
We must now admit our readers to a consultation that is progressing between Mr.Balch and Mr.Walters, respecting the future of the two Garie children.
They no doubt entered upon the conference with the warmest and most earnest desire of promoting the children's happiness; but, unfortunately, their decision failed to produce the wished-for result.
"I scarcely thought you would have succeeded so well with him," said Walters, "he is such an inveterate scoundrel; depend upon it nothing but the fear of the exposure resulting from a legal investigation would ever have induced that scamp to let twelve thousand dollars escape from his clutches.

I am glad you have secured that much; when we add it to the eight thousand already in my possession it will place them in very comfortable circumstances, even if they never get any more." "I think we have done very well," rejoined Mr.Balch; "we were as much in his power as he was in ours--not in the same way, however; a legal investigation, no matter how damaging it might have been to his reputation, would not have placed us in possession of the property, or invalidated his claim as heir.

I think, on the whole, we may as well be satisfied, and trust in Providence for the future.

So now, then, we will resume our discussion of that matter we had under consideration the other day.

I cannot but think that my plan is best adapted to secure the boy's happiness." "I'm sorry I cannot agree with you, Mr.Balch.I have tried to view your plan in the most favourable light, yet I cannot rid myself of a presentiment that it will result in the ultimate discovery of his peculiar position, and that most probably at some time when his happiness is dependent upon its concealment.