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would be impossible to state which of the quartette was the most astonished. As Stanley cried out President Thaxter sprang forward and clasped him in his arms. For once in his life Hatton lost his composure; the amazement on his usually cold face rivalling that depicted by Abner’s angular features.

“Mr. Thaxter! Is this your—your nephew?” finally cried Hatton, as he beheld the former kitchen boy in the magnate’s embrace.

“Our Reddy his nevvy!” stuttered Abner, pressing both hands to his head.

“Leave us for a while,” requested Thaxter in a low voice.

Hatton and Abner stumbled out of the door and stared at each other dumbly. The arrival of Bub on the scene loosened their tongues and each sought to be the first to proclaim the astounding news.

Bub’s eyes and mouth opened very wide as he gathered the truth from their disjointed exclamations. 391