CHAPTER XXIX.
GILBERT AND JASPER.
Gilbert went to the window and looked out. He was glad to find that itafforded him a prospect of the Mississippi, a mile distant. He couldnot help speculating on the singular position in which he found himselfplaced. He had come to this place expecting to receive abuse anddefiance from his uncle. On the other hand he had been politelywelcomed, and was now a guest. He didn't understand it, but he was gladof it. He was prepared to contend, but he would much prefer tocompromise in a friendly manner. His uncle had wronged him, but he wasnot vindictive.
Meanwhile Jasper, who had been out to the stables, returned to thehouse and entered his father's presence. He only came in for somethinghe had left in the library, but his father detained him.
"Stop a minute, Jasper," he said. "I want to speak to you."
Jasper turned unwillingly, for he anticipated some remonstrance orcriticism upon his conduct.
"I wanted to go out," he said.
"I wish to speak to you on a matter of importance," said his father,seriously.
"Now for a blowing up," thought Jasper. "I suppose I must grin and bearit."
But this time he was mistaken.
"You are going to have company for a few days," said James Grey.
"Who is it?" asked Jasper, in surprise.
"A boy of about your own age. He is up stairs preparing for dinner atthis moment."
"Is it any one I know?"
"It is not."
"What is his name?"
"He calls himself Gilbert Grey."
"Is he any relation?"
"He calls himself your cousin."
"Why do you say 'calls himself?'" inquired Jasper, in somemystification.
"Because I do not propose to admit his claim. While he is here, he willpass as a distant relative."
"I don't understand, father. Is his claim a false one?"
"Listen, Jasper, for it is fitting that you should know all, since youare quite as much interested as I am. Do you remember your Uncle John?"
"No. I was too young when he died to remember him."
"It was he that was wealthy, not I. I had a comparatively smallinterest in the firm, but as he died childless I succeeded naturally tohis property. That made me rich, and ever since I have been possessedof large means. But if he had left a son, all this would have beenchanged. The son would have inherited the bulk of his property, and Ishould have received an inconsiderable legacy. Do you follow me?"
"Yes, sir, but I don't see the force of it. My uncle left no son."
"Gilbert Grey, as he calls himself, contends that he did leave a son,and he claims to be that son."
"But it is a lie," said Jasper, hastily.
"Of course, but you understand the motive."
"That he may deprive us of the property."
"Precisely."
"Why don't you kick him out of the house?" exclaimed Jasper,indignantly. "Of course he is an impostor, and deserves no bettertreatment."
"I will tell you why. He is very artful, and has forged a pretendedconfession, and attached to it the signature of an old clerk of ourhouse, who disappeared about the time my nephew was lost, asserting hisidentity with the lost boy, and charging that I employed him to kidnapthe boy, in order that I might succeed to the property."
Jasper fixed a fierce glance upon his father. He had never loved orrespected him particularly, and a suspicion entered his mind that thecharge might be a true one. But, if admitted, it would reduce him tocomparative poverty, and he had no intention of suffering his suspicionto appear. In this matter, at least, he and his father were in entireagreement.
"But, father," he said, after a pause, "can't you prove that it is aforgery?"
"Possibly, but I don't want the matter to come to trial. There arealways people, who out of sentimental sympathy would be led to suspectthat the rich uncle was guilty of defrauding the poor boy."
"When did you first hear of his claim, father?"
"A short time since, during my recent visit to Cincinnati. I defied himthen, and left the city without letting him know my address. But he isevidently shrewd and determined, and he has managed, in some way whichI cannot fathom, to discover it. He has followed me up, and here heis."
"What do you mean to do?"
"I find force won't do. He is full of courage, pluck, anddetermination, and so is an enemy to be dreaded. I am going to try anopposite course."
"You are not going to give up?"
"No, certainly not. I am going to pretend friendship, and having puthim off his guard, to get rid of his claim as well as I can. Theproperty I will never surrender, as long as there is a possibility ofretaining it," he concluded, firmly.
"I agree with you there, father. So you have invited him to stop here?"
"Yes, and the better to carry out my designs, I want you to act in aparticularly friendly manner."
"I will if I can, but I know I shall hate him."
"If you dislike him, adopt the course most likely to injure him."
"You are right, father. I will follow your advice."
"Of course, anything that I communicate to you in this matter must bekept secret for both our sakes. Have I your promise?"
"You have."
"Then come here."
Jasper drew near his father, and the latter spoke in a lower voice.
"You are a good rider," he said.
"Yes, I can ride as well as any one of my age in the country," saidJasper, proudly.
"Good! Gilbert Grey says he can ride also."
"I am not afraid of his rivalry."
"I am going to send him out to ride with you. You will ride your ownhorse; he shall ride--Bucephalus."
"Bucephalus, father! He is a vicious beast. I wouldn't dare to ride himmyself, and I have no doubt I can ride better than he."
"I would not trust you on him, Jasper. As for Gilbert, I have noparticular reason to feel concerned for his safety."
The eyes of the father and son met, and the glance was that of mutualunderstanding.
"Indeed," added Mr. Grey, "if he should be thrown off, and break hisneck, I shouldn't particularly mind. It would rid us both of adangerous enemy."
"That's so," said Jasper. "It's a capital idea! When shall we ride?"
"To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant. This afternoon you may have thecarriage, and drive him round the neighborhood. Be as friendly as youcan. Don't let him suspect anything from your manner."
"I won't. You can trust me for that, father."
"Hush! I hear his steps descending the stairs. I will introduce you."
Gilbert, unsuspicious of the wicked plot that had been entered intoagainst him, entered the room at this moment.
"Gilbert," said his uncle, graciously, "let me introduce to you my son,Jasper. He must be near your own age. He has promised to do what he canto make your stay pleasant."
"I am glad to meet you, Mr. Grey," said Jasper, advancing with a smile,and speaking in a soft voice. "I have scarcely any companions of my ownage, and I shall enjoy your society."
"Thank you," said Gilbert; "I am much obliged to you for your kindreception. I don't think we shall be strangers long."
They talked on various subjects till the bell rang for dinner. No faultcould be found with Jasper's manner, which was extremely cordial; yetGilbert, he could not tell why, was not attracted to his cousin.