Gilbert Patten

“ I must have the proof, you know, because I am a very rich man, and you, as my sole relative, will inherit everything I leave. Hoping to see you in San Diego at your earliest convenience, I remain, yours expectantly,
"'Upton Hill."'
Gerald dropped the letter on the table, and looked up at his friends with a guileful smile.
"How's that for a bait?" he asked.
"Bully!" declared Katz. "Hiram Hill will tumble all over himself to go to San Diego."
"What'll happen when he can't find any Upton Hill in San Diego?" said Burton.
"We don't care what happens—then," answered Gerald. ”

“ The old man—judging from his photograph, which Hill totes around in his pocket—is a bigger freak than Hiram is. He's got a beak like a pelican, and is homely enough to stop a clock."
"You know plenty about Hill and his hunt for his dad," returned Burton. "You flimflammed Hill out of five hundred by offering to take him across the Mexican boundary and showing him where his father could be found," said Burton, with a laugh. "But you got the money, and Hill got the experience," he added.
"Which," said Gerald calmly, "is mainly the reason why Hill is trying to get even with me. ”

“ The letter was folded, thrust into the envelope, and the envelope sealed and stamped.
"It's dinner time, fellows," announced Gerald, "and we'll post this on our way to the noon eats. Come on."
They all got up and left the room.
"When do we hike for the island, Gerald?" asked Katz, as they went downstairs.
"We'll pull out for San Pedro to-morrow, and catch the morning boat," was the reply. "We want to wind up our business with Lopez and clear out before Hill discovers that letter is a fake and gets back from San Diego. We can turn the trick with ground to spare—don't fret about that." ”