Part 35 (1/2)
Mr Dunston Porter had been down to Carpen Falls for a walk and to get theseveral letters with him He was of course much surprised to learn of the capture of Link Merwell, and listened with interest to the details concerning the affair
A was one for Dave, which he read with deep interest It was froarding hisuncle
”I want to tell you of what has happened here lately,”
(wrote Nat) ”I have received two visits fro fellow na-picture actor, and the sa steam yacht This felloas in town once with Link Merwell, and then ca a number of people who are well acquainted with you, and also visited the poorhouse here and talked to several of those in authority, and those who used to have the running of the poorhouse years ago, when you were an inreat importance on his mind, but what it was he would not tell, but he did let slip that it was so surprise in store for you He also let slip that he, too, had been in a poorhouse when he was a little boy, and that he had never been able to learn where he had really couard in case he should show himself either at your camp or at the Wadsworth mansion after your return I must confess that I don't like the fellow'spipes to play you some trick”
Dave read this letter over several tiotten what Link Merwell had said to hiotten the fact that he had seen Link and Ward Porton in Crumville at the old Potts far,” our hero told himself
”Link said that I was not Dave Porter Nohat did heup soainst me”
”Dave, you look rather worried,” re the communication for the third time ”No bad news I hope?”
”I can't tell whether it is or not, Phil,” was the reply And Dave handed the letter to his chum
”Phew! This looks like a mystery,” was the comment of the shi+powner's son ”Dave, do you think this had anything to do hat Link Merwell said e caught him--that you were not Dave Porter?”
”That's the way it looks to me, Phil”
”But that's rank nonsense We all know you are Dave Porter”
”Well, I've always thought I was Dave Porter, ever since I met my Uncle Dunston out in those South Sea Islands”
”Why of course you are! Don't you look just like your Uncle Dunston?
This is soame, Dave”
”I think soabout?” asked Roger, walking up
”We're talking about a letter I just received,” answered Dave And then the senator's son also read the communication
”Say, this is a er's comment ”And so Nat thinks that Ward Porton is e”
”What do you suppose he has to do with it, Roger?” questioned Phil
”I am sure I don't know But coer broke off in confusion
”Look like what, Roger?” asked Dave, quickly
”Oh, never mind, Dave, let's drop the subject and talk about e are going to do with Link Merwell”
”I think I knohat you were going to say,” went on our hero, and he tried to speak cal to say that Ward Porton looked like my Uncle Dunston and like me”
”Well, if you must know it, Dave, that is what did come into my mind I don't think he resembles you quite as much as he reseer, drop that!” interposed Phil, hastily ”I think Dave looks a good deal more like his uncle than Porton looks like Mr
Porter”