Part 53 (2/2)
”Yes, sir.”
”How did you like him?”
”Not at all, at first, but better before we parted.”
”How was that?” asked Mr. Benton, showing some curiosity.
At first he insisted strongly on the claim the estate has against my aunt; but after awhile he said he should not press the matter at present, and recommended us to look for Uncle Matthew's letter.
”You have searched for it, have you not?” asked Mr. Benton.
”Yes, sir; but so far without success. Still I haven't given up all hope of finding it. My motto is, 'Wait and Hope.'”
”I think it will all come out right,” said the old man. ”Did you see John Tremlett?”
”Yes, sir.”
”Tell me about him,” said the old man eagerly. ”Ho does he look?”
”He looks like a fast young man,” answered Ben. ”I did not like him at all.”
”Do you think he is spending money fast?”
”I know he is. How much money do you think he has drawn in a month?”
”Two hundred dollars?” suggested Mr. Benton.
”He had drawn eight hundred and spent it all, for he came into the office to ask for more.”
”The young scoundrel!” exclaimed Marcus Benton, with an excitement which Ben could not understand. ”Why he is making ducks and drakes of my old friend's fortune.”
”Did you know Uncle Matthew?” asked Ben quickly.
”Yes,” answered the old man. ”I told you so, didn't I?”
”No, sir, you never told me that. Do you know John Tremlett?”
”Yes, I have seen him. He was a sober, steady young man apparently, who ingratiated himself with Mr. Baldwin, whom he deceived as to his real character.”
”What relation was he to Uncle Matthew?”
”Very distant, but he seemed near, having been in his employ for several years. He collected rents and attended to other necessary matters.”
”If he was ever sober and steady, he has changed a good deal.”
”Did Mr. Brief give him the money he asked for?”
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