“You should marry a rich girl.”
“True! I may do so, since your lordship recommends it. In fact, I have in view a young lady whose father was once lord mayor I beg pardon, mayor) of New York. Her father is worth a million.”
“Pounds?”
“Well, no, dollars. I should have said two hundred thousand pounds.”
“If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan.”
“Thank you, my lord. Your advice is very kind.”
“The young man seems on very good terms with Lord Bedford,” said Carl’s companion, whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy in his voice.
“Yes,” said Carl.
“I wish he would introduce me,” went on Mr. Atwood.
“I should prefer the introduction of a different man,” said Carl.
“Why? He seems to move in good society.”
“Without belonging to it.”
“Then you know him?”
“Better than I wish I did.”
Atwood looked curious.
“I will explain later,” said Carl; “now I must go in to breakfast.”
“I will go with you.”
Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he did not appear to recognize him, partly, no doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting the boy he had robbed, at Niagara. Besides, his time and attention were so much taken up by his aristocratic acquaintance that he had little notice for anyone else. Carl observed with mingled amusement and vexation that Mr. Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which he had bought for himself in New York, and which had been in the stolen gripsack.
“If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put him on his guard,” thought Carl. “I shall spoil Mr. Stuyvesant’s plans.”
After breakfast Carl prepared to go down to the falls.
On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking in the same direction, and, as it happened, without a companion. Carl quickened his pace, and as he caught up with him, he raised his hat, and said: “Lord Bedford, I believe.”
“Yes,” answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
“I must apologize for addressing a stranger, but I want to put you on your guard against a young man whom I saw walking with you on the piazza.”
“Is he–what do you know of him?” asked Lord Bedford, laying aside his air of indifference.
“I know that he is an adventurer and a thief. I made his acquaintance on a Hudson River steamer, and he walked off with my valise and a small sum of money.”
“Is this true?” asked the Englishman, in amazement.
“Quite true. He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment.”
“The confounded cad!” ejaculated the Englishman, angrily. “I suppose he intended to rob me.”
“I have no doubt of it. That is why I ventured to put you on your guard.”
“I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why, the fellow told me he belonged to one of the best families in New York.”
“If he does, he doesn’t do much credit to the family.”
“Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidently wanted to gain my confidence.”
“May I ask where you met him?” asked Carl.
“On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chatting familiarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that I see through him and his designs.” “Then my object is accomplished,” said Carl. “Please excuse my want of ceremony.” He turned to leave, but Bedford called him back.
“If you are going to the falls, remain with me,” he said. “We shall enjoy it better in company.”
“With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am traveling on business and don’t belong to one of the first families.”
“I see you will suit me,” said the Englishman, smiling.
Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. “My lord,” he said, “I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
“Sir!” said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, “I have not the honor of knowing you.”
Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
“I–I hope I have not offended you, my lord,” he said.
“Sir, I have learned your character from this young man.”
This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as he recognized him