CHAPTER XXIV.
PEGGY HAS REVENGE.
Joe Wegg made a rapid recovery, his strength returning under the influence of pleasant surroundings and frequent visits from Ethel and Uncle John's three nieces.

Not a word was hinted to either the invalid or the school teacher regarding the inquiries Mr.Merrick was making about the deed to the Bogue timber lands, which, if found, would make the young couple independent.

Joe was planning to exploit a new patent as soon as he could earn enough to get it introduced, and Ethel exhibited a sublime confidence in the boy's ability that rendered all question of money insignificant.
Joe's sudden appearance in the land of his birth and his generally smashed up condition were a nine days' wonder in Millville.

The gossips wanted to know all the whys and wherefores, but the boy kept his room in the hotel, or only walked out when accompanied by Ethel or one of the three nieces.

Sometimes they took him to ride, as he grew better, and the fact that Joe "were hand an' glove wi' the nabobs" lent him a distinction he had never before possessed.
McNutt, always busy over somebody else's affairs, was very curious to know what had caused the accident Joe had suffered.