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172 So neither you nor your mother ever got the money? This looks like a deliberate swindle. Well, I am not surprised—after the game Polk tried to work upon me. He is a bad egg." And Amos Bartlett shook his head sadly.

"I met Nuggy Polk by accident in Manila," continued Gilbert, and related the particulars of the affair. "If he turns up here, he will get the better of you if he can. But probably he will be too scared to come to Tien-Tsin just now."

"I don't believe he can harm me—since I have learned the truth of matters in Richmond and since you have warned me. As soon as the present war is over, I shall go to work to bring Ramsey Polk to a strict accounting."

"And will you aid me in my suit against him? " asked Gilbert, anxiously.

"Certainly I will, lieutenant. Your father and I were great friends, and I will do all in my power to see that justice is done you."

Amos Bartlett extended his hand, and Gilbert took it again. By this time the refreshments were ready to be served, and the whole party moved to a piazza of the residence where it veas more shady.