something new has turned up about those letters. I'm curious to know."
Just as Bob got near the Simmons place, he paused and drew back in the shelter of a big oak tree.
"That's queer," he could not help saying, and he peered curiously at the gateway of the place. A man was just passing through it.
The lad stood stock still and stared as he saw that this man was the tramp he had caught lounging about the Dunbar place. The fellow was too much taken up with what he was about to notice Bob. Besides, he started from the gate in the opposite direction.
As he did so, Bob noticed that he was looking over some money in his hand. Bob caught sight of a green bank note, and heard some loose silver jingled. The man thrust this money into his pocket, and folded up a piece of paper that made Bob think of a note or a check.
"I don't understand that at all," spoke out Bob. "And I don't like it at all," he added, after a moment's thought. "I guess I'll see Miss Simmons."
Bob entered the yard. As he came up the steps of the porch he heard some one sobbing. Looking towards the other end of the porch he made out Miss Simmons.
She was seated in a porch rocker and looked very wretched. As she saw Bob she tried to hide her tears.
"Why, what is the matter, Miss Simmons?" asked the lad in a kindly way.
"Oh, nothing," replied the old maid. "You see, I have had a very trying afternoon."
"I suppose so," said Bob. "Miss Simmons, I just saw a man leave here. He's a stranger in Fairview, I think."
Miss Simmons looked quite startled at this. She flushed a little and clasped her hands nervously.
