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in the manufacture of this product, and invested a good deal of money in the production and perfection of American tin. My factories were now scattered all along the coast, even to California, where I made the cans for the great quantities of canned fruits they ship from that section every year. Of course the business made me rich, and I bought real estate with my extra money, and doubled my fortune again and again.

      "I never married, for all my heart was in the business, and I thought of nothing else. But a while ago a big consolidation of the canning industries was effected, and the active management I resigned to other hands, because I had grown old, and had too much money already.

      "It was then that I remembered the family, and went back quietly to the village where I was born. They were all dead or scattered, I found; but because Jane had inherited a fortune in some way I discovered where she lived and went to see her. I suppose it was because my clothes were old and shabby that Jane concluded I was a poor man and needed assistance; and I didn't take the trouble to undeceive her.

      "I also found my three nieces at Elmhurst, and it struck me it would be a good time to study their characters; for like Jane I had a fortune to leave behind me, and I was curious to find out which girl was the most deserving. No one suspected my disguise. I don't usually wear such poor clothes, you know; but I have grown to be careless of dress in the west, and finding that I was supposed to be a poor man I clung to that old suit like grim death to a grasshopper."

      "It was very wicked of you," said Patsy, soberly, from her father's lap.

      "As it turned out," continued the little man, "Jane's desire to leave her money to her nieces amounted to nothing, for the money wasn't hers. But I must say it was kind of her to put me down for five thousand dollars—now, wasn't it?"

      The Major grinned.

      "And that's the whole story, my friends. After Jane's death you offered me a home—the best you had to give—and I accepted it. I had to come to New York anyway, you know, for Isham, Marvin & Co. have been my bankers for years, and there was considerable business to transact with them. I think that's all, isn't it?"

      "Then this house is yours?" said Patsy, wonderingly.

      "No, my dear; the whole block belongs to you and here's the deed for it," drawing a package of papers from his pocket. "It's a very good property, Patsy, and the rents you get from the other five flats will be a fortune in themselves."

      For a time the three sat in silence. Then the girl whispered, softly:

      "Why are you so good to me, Uncle John?"

      "Just because I like you, Patsy, and you are my niece."

      "And the other nieces?"

      "Well, I don't mean they shall wait for my death to be made happy," answered Uncle John. "Here's a paper that gives to Louise's mother the use of a hundred thousand dollars, as long as she lives. After that Louise will have the money to do as she pleases with."

      "How fine!" cried Patsy, clapping her hands joyfully.

      "And here's another paper that gives Professor De Graf the use of another hundred thousand. Beth is to have it when he dies. She's a sensible girl, and will take good care of it."

      "Indeed she will!" said Patsy.

      "And now," said Uncle John, "I want to know if I can keep my little room in your apartments, Patsy; or if you'd prefer me to find another boarding place."

      "Your home is here as long as you live, Uncle John. I never meant to part with you, when I thought you poor, and I'll not desert you now that I know you're rich."

      "Well said, Patsy!" cried the Major.

      And Uncle John smiled and kissed the girl and then lighted his pipe again, for it had gone out.

      Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

       Table of Contents

       CHAPTER I THE DOYLES ARE ASTONISHED

       CHAPTER II UNCLE JOHN MAKES PLANS

       CHAPTER III "ALL ASHORE"

       CHAPTER IV SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES, AND A WARNING

       CHAPTER V VESUVIUS RAMPANT

       CHAPTER VI UNDER A CLOUD

       CHAPTER VII A FRIEND IN NEED

       CHAPTER VIII ACROSS THE BAY

       CHAPTER IX COUNT FERRALTI

       CHAPTER X THE ROAD TO AMALFI

       CHAPTER XI THE EAGLE SCREAMS

       CHAPTER XII MOVING ON

       CHAPTER XIII IL DUCA

       CHAPTER XIV UNCLE JOHN DISAPPEARS

       CHAPTER XV DAYS OF ANXIETY

       CHAPTER XVI TATO

       CHAPTER XVII THE HIDDEN VALLEY

       CHAPTER XVIII GUESTS OF THE BRIGAND

       CHAPTER XIX A DIFFICULT POSITION

       CHAPTER XX UNCLE JOHN PLAYS EAVESDROPPER

       CHAPTER XXI THE PIT

       CHAPTER XXII NEWS AT LAST

       CHAPTER XXIII BETH BEGINS TO PLOT

       CHAPTER XXIV PATSY'S NEW FRIEND

       CHAPTER XXV TURNING THE TABLES

       CHAPTER XXVI THE COUNT UNMASKS

       CHAPTER XXVII TATO IS ADOPTED

       CHAPTER XXVIII DREAMS AND DRESS-MAKING

       CHAPTER XXIX TATO

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