The $500 Check — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A NEW ARRIVAL IN LAKEVILLE. y | **I didn’t,’ answered Bert, with spirit. ‘What right have you to charge me with such a thing ?”’ “Then if it wasn’t you, it was that old tramp you were talking with,’’ persisted Percy, sullenly. ‘*Hush, Perey!’ said Bert, apprehensive lest the old man’s feelings might be hurt. ‘* You don’t know who this gentleman is.”’ ‘*] never met the gentleman before,’’ re- joined Percy, with ironical deference. ‘* Then let me introduce him as your uncle, Jacob Marlowe, from California ! ’’ Percy’s face betrayed much more surprise than pleasure as he stammered, “Is that true ?”’ ‘“*Yes,’’ answered the old man, smiling calmly; ‘‘ I have the honor to be related to you, young gentleman.” ‘* Does father know you are here ? ”’ ‘No; I am going to call upon him.”’ Percy hardly knew what to think. He had heard his father speak of ‘‘ Uncle Jacob”? and indulge in the hope that he had accumulated a fortune in California. His shabby attire did Gomichoo (E(@) m CS