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 England with lots of money in it, and you've got to go 'way to get it and—" But the boy's father checked the child's startling announcement by a sudden pull at his collar that sent him trotting backward across the kitchen floor.

"What does brother mean?" Ruth asked, with a thoroughly puzzled look upon her flushed face, for her conversation with John Bishop had evidently been of an exciting character.

"There is a letter from England that is of much moment, particularly to thyself, and we will consider its contents at the proper time," replied her step-father, with a glance at John Bishop, which was not lost upon him or upon Ruth.

"Farewell, Ruth," John remarked, scarcely noticing the others who had gathered about her, and was about to turn away when Ruth said,—

"Stay, John; mother may wish to say how grateful she feels, and this is thy first visit since that unlucky day."

There was a play upon John's features