"I feel sure that in any event I can rely on your forbearance," he said. "But the decision may be in my favor, and in that case I will not be behind you in generosity. I will do what I can to further your interests, though I do not promise to do as much for you as an own son."
"Of course not, sir. I thank you for your offer."
Mr. Grey spoke so frankly and fairly--he was one of those who could a.s.sume a virtue though he had it not--that Gilbert was partially deceived--so far, at least, as to question the correctness of his former impressions of his uncle. Nevertheless, he could not help calling to mind that this man, fairly as he now spoke, had in all probability conspired against him, dooming him to privation and penury for nearly ten years, while he and his son had been living luxuriously.
On the whole, his uncle was a puzzle to him. He exhibited such a contrariety of character and disposition, that he knew not to what decision it would be right to come respecting it.
"I am going to avoid the village, Gilbert," said his uncle, "and drive you along a very charming road, or rather cart-path, threading the woods. The trees are now looking very beautiful with their changing foliage, and I think you will like it better than the ordinary road."
"You are right, sir, I should," answered Gilbert.
"It will give you an idea of our Western forests. I suppose you are only familiar with those in the East?"
"I am not familiar with any. I have always lived in the city--first in New York, and afterward in Cincinnati."
Gilbert would have mentioned his residence in Australia, but he thought that the reference to it might be construed by his uncle into a tacit reproach, and therefore forbore.
They turned from the main road into one not much frequented, and speedily entered the forest. Not a suspicion of his uncle"s bad faith, or of any conspiracy against himself, entered the mind of our hero. He had not yet fathomed the depth of his uncle"s wickedness.
"Jasper never cares to ride in this direction," said Mr. Grey. "He has no love for Nature."
"He has told me that he would rather live in the city."
"Yes, he would; but I am attached to the country. I suppose when he grows older that he will insist upon leaving me. That will leave me indeed solitary."
They kept on till they were in the heart of the woods. As Mr. Grey had said, the road was now but a cart-path, bordered on either side by tall, straight trees. Suddenly, from a covert of underbrush, a ruffian sprang out, and seized the horse by the bridle.
CHAPTER x.x.xV.
HOW GILBERT IS DISPOSED OF.
"What do you want, fellow?" demanded James Grey, sternly, in order to keep up appearances, for he recognized his confederate. "Let go that bridle."
"I want money," said Hugh Trimble, for, of course it was he.
"Is this the fashion in which you ask it?" said Mr. Grey. "Let go my bridle, and come round to my house. Then I will listen to your application, and, if I find you deserving, I will grant your request."
"That don"t go down," said Hugh, roughly. "You rich men take good care of your money. I shouldn"t stand no chance at your house."
"As much there as here."
"Maybe not," said the man, significantly. "There you"d be master. Here, I am master."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean that I want five hundred dollars, and I mean to have it."
"Do you dare to threaten me?"
"Yes, I do. You are a rich man--I am poor. You can spare five hundred dollars without feeling it."
"I don"t intend to be forced into giving you money. Let go that bridle, or I will run over you."
"I will stand by you, Mr. Grey," said Gilbert, speaking for the first time. "Don"t submit to that man"s demands."
"Young man," said Hugh, "you"d better not interfere. You can"t help your father."
"He is not my father."
"No matter what he is, you"d better keep out of the affair. That"s the advice I give you."
"I shall stand by him," said Gilbert, spiritedly. "You"ve got two against you."
"And you"ve got two against you," said Hugh, drawing a pistol from a side-pocket. "What do you say to that?"
"My friend, what is it that you demand?" asked Mr. Grey.
"So I"m your friend now, am I?" retorted Hugh, with a mocking laugh.
"It"s the pistol that"s done it, I reckon."
"I repeat it--what do you want?"
"Five hundred dollars."
"I left my pocket-book at home. I will go back and get the money."
"Do you take me for a fool? You would come back with an officer of the law."
"I promise you that I will lay no trap for you."
Here Hugh seemed to hesitate.
"I"ll tell you what I"ll do," he said, finally. "Leave the boy with me as a pledge, and I"ll let you go."
"Suppose I don"t?"
"I"ll shoot you on the spot!"
James Grey turned to Gilbert.
"You hear what he says? Are you willing to remain with him while I go back and get the money?"
Gilbert did not fancy the plan, and hesitated.
"If there is no other way," he said, at length.