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 possessed of more good, sound horse-sense than Tim Watson, nor a more honest financier."

"I believe it," Jack answered.

The subject of their discussion then appeared with the announcement that he was ready, and they soon arrived at the home of Miss De Vere, the aforementioned kinswoman of Jack.

Like most of the residences of the better class, it was built of native stone with a broad piazza, or "gallery," extending around three sides of the house. Miss De Vere was busily engaged in her flower garden when Watson espied her, and in a stentorian voice called out,—"Howdy, Miss De Vere!"

Miss De Vere was apparently about sixty years of age, and as she graciously welcomed them, Jack was struck with the resemblance to his father's family. Evidently she, too, saw the De Vere characteristics in Jack, for laying her hands on his shoulders she said meditatively,—"Strange the tenacity of race. Our type is a particularly strong one and