Chapter XXXVIII. An Important Discovery

Mr. Carter, can you spare me a couple of days?" asked Philip.

"Certainly, Phil," answered the old gentleman. "May I ask how you wish to dispose of the time?"

"I would like to go to Planktown to see my friends there. It is now some months since I left the village, and I would like to see my old friends."

"The desire is a natural one. Your home is broken up, is it not?"

"Yes, but I can stay at the house of Tommy Kavanagh. I know he will be glad to have me."

"It is strange that your step-mother and her son have left no trace behind them," said Mr. Carter thoughtfully. "It looks suspicious, as if they had some good reason for their disappearance."

"I can't understand why they should have left Planktown," said Philip, appearing puzzled.

"Is the house occupied?"

"Yes. I hear that a cousin of Mrs. Brent occupies it. I shall call and inquire after her."

"Very well, Philip. Go when you please. You may be sure of a welcome when you return."

In Planktown, though his home relations latterly had not been pleasant, Philip had many friends, and when he appeared on the street, he met everywhere glances of friendly welcome. One of the first to meet him was Tommy Kavanagh.

"Where did you come from, Phil?" he asked.

"I am glad enough to see you. Where are you staying?"

"Nowhere, Tommy, at present. If your mother can take me in, I will stay at your house."

"Take you? Yes, and will be glad enough to have you stay with us. You know we live in a small house, but if you don't mind----"

"What do you take me for, Tommy? Whatever is good enough for you and your mother will be good enough for me."

"What are you doing, Phil? You don't look as if you had hard work making a living."

"I am well fixed now, but I have had some anxious days. But all's well that ends well. I am private secretary to a rich man, and live in a fine brown-stone house on Madison Avenue."

"Good for you, Phil! I knew you'd succeed."

"Where is Mrs. Brent? Has anything been heard from her?"

"I don't think anybody in the village knows where she is--that is, except her cousin, who lives in your old house."

"What is his name?"

"Hugh Raynor."

"What sort of a man is he?"

"The people in the village don't like him. He lives alone, and I hear that he cooks for himself. He is not at all social, and no one feels very much acquainted with him."

"I shall call upon him and inquire after Mrs. Brent."

"Then, Phil, you had better go alone, for he doesn't like callers, and he