And then he read aloud the words docketed upon the outside: "'Warranty Deed and Conveyance from Charles Walton to Jonas Wegg and William Thompson.' Our troubles are over, my boy, for here is the key to your fortune." "Also," whispered Louise to her cousins, rather disconsolately, "it explains the last shred of mystery about the Wegg case.

Heigh-ho! what a chase we've had for nothing!" "Not for nothing, dear," replied Patsy, softly, "for we've helped make two people happy, and that ought to repay us for all our anxiety and labor." * * * * * A knock was heard at the door, and Old Hucks entered and handed Mr.
Merrick a paper.
"He's waiting, sir," said he, ambiguously.
"Oh, Tom--Tom!" cried Joe Wegg, rising to throw his arms around the old man's neck, "I'm rich, Tom--all my troubles are over--and Mr.Merrick has done it all--for Ethel and me!" The ever smiling face of the ancient retainer did not change, but his eyes softened and filled with tears as he hugged the boy close to his breast.
"God be praised.

Joe!" he said in a low voice.

"I allus knew the Merricks 'd bring us luck." "What the devil does this mean ?" demanded Uncle John at this juncture, as he fluttered the paper and glared angrily around.
"What is it, dear ?" inquired Louise.
"See for yourself," he returned.
She took the paper and read it, while Patsy and Beth peered over her shoulder.

The following was scrawled upon a sheet of soiled stationery: "John Merrak, esquare, to Marshall McMahon McNutt, detter.
"To yur gals Smashin' 162 mellings at 50 cents a one .....................$81.00 Pleas remitt & save trouble." The nieces screamed, laughing until they cried, while Uncle John spluttered, smiled, beamed, and then requested an explanation.
Patsy told the story of the watermelon raid with rare humor, and it served to amuse everybody and relieve the strain that had preceded the arrival of McNutt's bill.
"Did you say the man is waiting, Thomas ?" asked Uncle John.
"Yes, sir." "Here--give him five dollars and tell him to receipt the bill.