"Not all he wanted. He gave him one hundred dollars, and reminded him that he was only at liberty to pay over to him the income of the estate--that is, for the first twelve months."
"Quite right!" murmured Mr. Benton.
"He lectured him upon his extravagance and fast life, and warned him that he must check himself."
"He did right."
"What I dislike most about this John Tremlett was the way in which he spoke of Uncle Matthew," said Ben.
"How did he speak of him?" demanded Marcus Benton quickly.
"As a tight-fisted old curmudgeon."
"He did--the young viper!" exclaimed the old man indignantly.
"Spoke so of the man who left him his fortune!"
"Yes, sir. I couldn"t help telling him I thought it not very becoming to speak in that way of his benefactor; and he told me to mind my own business."
"I wouldn"t have believed John Tremlett would act so," said Mr.
Benton slowly; "I trusted him so, and always treated him kindly."
"You trusted him!" repeated Ben, astonished.
"My boy," said Mr. Benton, "the time has come for me to throw off the mask. I am not Marcus Benton, as you suppose. I am Matthew Baldwin."
"But I thought Mr. Baldwin was dead--committed suicide,"
exclaimed Ben, in wild amazement.
"The world thinks so; but the world is mistaken. I will tell you the whole story. I found myself getting old. In all probability I had but a few years to live. By industry and economy I had acc.u.mulated a fortune, which I must leave behind me. I was anxious that it should not be squandered. I selected John Tremlett as my heir. So far as I knew he was devoted to my interests, and he seemed steady in his habits. But it occurred to me to try him.
Accordingly I sent a letter to my lawyer, Solomon Brief, who had my will in his possession, announcing my intention to commit suicide, and directing him to open the will and carry out the provisions. Then I left Montreal secretly, staying a short time in northern Vermont. Later I came on to Boston and managed to throw myself in your way. Not knowing me, you treated me with kindness and consideration. I became interested in you, and regretted that I had made no provision for you and your aunt.
Through you I have learned how unwisely I disposed of my fortune.
Thank Heaven it is not too late to remedy that.
"This seems like a romance, Mr. Benton--I mean, Uncle Matthew."
"Yes; call me uncle. I like to feel that I have somebody to live for."
"Come out to Milltown with me, Uncle Matthew. Aunt Jane will be delighted to see you," said Ben.
"I have work to do first," said the old man firmly. "I must go to Montreal, and you must go with me."
"I am not sure that Jones & Porter will allow me."
"Then throw up your situation. You shall lose nothing by it."
"When do you wish to start?"
"To-night," said Mr. Baldwin resolutely.
"Then I must go to the store, at once, and give notice of my absence."
Ben lost no time in going to the store. He explained matters fully, and obtained a week"s leave of absence. Then he bought tickets for his uncle and himself, and they set out on their long journey.
Chapter x.x.xVII
The Dead Alive
Mr. Brief was considerably surprised when Ben entered his office.
"I thought you had gone back to Boston," he said.
"I have been back to Boston, Mr. Brief, and returned to Montreal on business."
"Didn"t you finish up your business here?"
"I thought so, sir; but I was mistaken."
"I am afraid you are not a very good manager. It looks to me like waste of time. What can I do for you?"
"A gentleman came with me, who thinks he would like to have you attend to a little business for him."
"Certainly," responded the lawyer bruskly. "I shall be happy to wait on him. Where is he staying?"
"At the Windsor."
"And you recommended me? I am much obliged to you. What is the gentleman"s name?"
"Marcus Benton."
"Can"t say I ever heard of him Is he from Boston?"
"He comes from Boston," answered Ben evasively.
In the hope of securing a profitable client, Mr. Brief lost no time in seeking the hotel.
"Remain here a moment," said Ben, as they entered the office, "and I will let Mr. Benton know you are here."
"Certainly," said the lawyer complacently.
In five minutes Ben reappeared.
"Follow me, if you please, Mr. Brief," he said. "By the way, Mr.
Benton says he knows you."