Dan is now a young man. He completed his preparation for college, and graduated with high honors. He is no less frank, handsome, and self-reliant than when as a boy he sold papers in front of the Astor House for his mother's support. He looks forward to a business life, and has accepted an invitation to go abroad to buy goods in London and Paris for his old firm. He was, in fact, preparing to go when a mysterious letter was put in his hands. It ran thus:

 

"Mr. Daniel Mordaunt:—I shall take it as a great favor if you will come to the St. Nicholas Hotel this evening, and inquire for me. I am sick, or I would not trouble you. Do not fail. I have to speak to you on a matter of great importance.

 

"John Davis."

 

[Pg 293]

 

"John Davis!" repeated Dan. "I don't know of any one of that name. Do you, mother?"

 

"I cannot think of any one," said Mrs. Mordaunt. "I hope you won't go, Dan," she added, anxiously; "it may be a trap laid by a wicked and designing man."

 

"You forget that I am not a boy any longer, mother," said Dan, smiling. "I think I can defend myself, even if Mr. Davis is a wicked and designing person."

 

Nevertheless Mrs. Mordaunt saw Dan depart with anxiety. To her he was still a boy, though in the eyes of others an athletic² young man.

 

On inquiring for Mr. Davis at the hotel, Dan was ushered³ into a room on the third floor. Seated in an arm-chair was an elderly man, weak and wasted, apparently⁴ in the last stages of consumption. He eyed Dan eagerly.

 

"You are Daniel Mordaunt?" he asked.

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Son of Lawrence Mordaunt?"

 

"Yes. Did you know my father?"

 

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