But you people must admit that the annoyances you have caused me during the past fortnight, to say nothing of the gratuitous insults heaped upon my head, render me little inclined to favor you." "You are quite justified in feeling as you do," replied Uncle John, meekly.

"I have been an ass, West; but circumstances warranted me in suspecting you, and even Joseph Wegg did not know that the Almaquo stock had been transferred to you.

He merely glanced at it at the time of his father's death, without noticing the endorsement, and thought the fire had rendered it worthless.

But if you then owned the stock, why was it not in your possession ?" "That was due to my carelessness," was the reply.

"The only notary around here is at Hooker's Falls, and Mr.Thompson offered to have him come to Captain Wegg's residence and witness the transfer.