Part 64 (1/2)

An hour later Hal was resting easier, and then Horace Sumner arose to leave and find out what the officers had done with the captured criminals.

As he turned to pick up the tin box he noticed the golden locket. He took it up rather carelessly, but suddenly a peculiar look stole into his eyes, and dropping the tin box he hurriedly opened the locket.

”My heavens!” he e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed.

The exclamation was so p.r.o.nounced that it awoke Hal, and the youth opened his eyes wide, and stared at the man.

”Where--where did you get this locket?” demanded Horace Sumner, in a voice husky with emotion.

”It is my birthright--or at least all I have of one,” replied the youth.

”Your birthright?”

”That's what I call it, sir. It was around my neck when I was found on the streets of Fairham.”

”Can this be true? When was this?”

”About sixteen years ago. But what--what--”

”Stop! what part of the year, Hal? answer me quickly.”

”It was one Fourth of July night.”

Horace Sumner staggered back.

”Fourth of July,” he muttered to himself. ”And little Howard disappeared on the twenty-seventh of June. Can it be----”

”You say you do not know anything about yourself?” he asked of Hal.

”No, sir. The people at Fairham tried to find out, but they didn't make a very great effort, I'm thinking, and so I--I--well, you can see how it is.”

”You are not to blame, Hal. A better or more n.o.ble boy never lived--and--and I thank G.o.d that is so, for it--I will explain later. I must see Caleb Allen without delay.”

And with his tin box under his arm, Horace Sumner rushed from the house, taking the golden locket with him.

When he appeared at the station-house he seemed almost like a crazy man, so eager was he to interview Allen. A private meeting between the two was speedily arranged.

”Allen, I have come on an important mission,” began Horace Sumner.

”Have you? I thought you had your bonds,” returned the swindler, as cooly as he could.