196 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

For a few moments, Claire was overcome with
surprise.

“ Concerns Fanny Elder to know! What do you
mean, sir ?”’

“Precisely what I say. There has been a great
fraud committed; and I know all the ins and the
outs of it!”

“By whom?” asked Claire.

« Ah!” replied the visitor, “that we will come to
after a while.”

“Upon whom, then?”

“Upon the estate of Ruben Elder, the father
of your adopted daughter.”

Not liking either the man’s appearance or man-
ner, Claire said, after a moment’s reflection—

“Why have you called to see me ,

“To give the information I have indicated—pro-
vided, of course, that you desire to have it.”’

“On what terms do you propose to act in this
matter? Let us understand each other in the be-
ginning.” ne

“TJ can put you in the way of recovering for Miss
Elder from twenty to a hundred thousand dollars,
out of which she has been cheated. But, before I
give you any information on the subject, I shall re-
quire an honourable pledge on your part, as well as
written agreement, to pay me twenty per cent. of
the whole amount recovered. Will you give it ”’

Claire bent his head in thought for some moments.
When he looked up he said—

_ “No, sir. Ican make no compact with you of
this kind.”

“Very well, sir. That closes the matter,’ re-

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