Part 47 (2/2)
”I can hardly believe it myself, Mr. Kelsey. Why did those two men attack me?”
”It is a great mystery. Had you not met them after the fall over the bluff I would be inclined to say that that fall must have been accidental. But, as it is, it was premeditated, beyond a doubt. And you are certain that you never met the men before?”
”I am.”
”They could not have been the ones that robbed the post office, and got angry because you put the authorities on their track?”
”No sir; I don't believe they had anything to do with that affair.”
”It couldn't be that Percy Paget set them up to it?”
”I don't believe he would go as far as that--not when our quarrel was no worse than it was.”
”I believe you there. Yet there must be some reason,” insisted Horace Kelsey. ”Men do not attempt to take life for the mere fun of it.”
”I believe you there, sir.”
”The thing is--what could they profit by if you were out of the way?”
”I don't know.”
”Could they claim that property, the papers of which are missing?”
”No sir; the property belongs to my mother--at least I think it does.”
”Your father might have willed it to you.”
”In that case my mother would have told me of it.”
”You should have gone back to Westville at once and made a search. Your mother will be worried over your absence.”
”I have already written to her, telling her all. I don't see the use of going back just now. Those men have most likely skipped out.”
”That is true.”
”And now I had come to New York, I thought I would take a look around before I went back. I may not get the chance again. Besides, I only had a job on the lakes running the pleasure sloop, and I would like to strike something better if it's to be had.”
”I see,” Horace Kelsey smiled. ”Well, I promised to do what I could, and I won't disappoint you. I will give you employment here in my office unless you can strike something better.”
”Thank you. I would prefer to work for you.”
”I need another clerk for a new line of work, and I fancy you would just suit. But you would have to remain in New York. How would your mother like that?”
”She would miss me, sir, but if the job paid I could send for her to come on, and rent the place in Westville.”
”Then you can consider yourself engaged whenever you are ready to come to work. And, by the way,” Horace Kelsey went on, hurriedly, as there came a knock on the door, ”there is a gentleman I must see on business. Come in at one o'clock again, will you?”
”Yes, sir,” replied Ralph, and not to detain the gentleman longer, he bowed himself out, well pleased over the sudden turn his fortunes had taken.
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