“Of course!” cried Patsy.  “That explains everything.”

“Still,” said Uncle John cautiously, “this is merely surmise on our part, and before accepting it we must reconcile it with the incongruities in the case.  It is possible that the elder Jones owned an interest in the Continental and bequeathed it to his son.  But is it probable?  Remember, he was an islander, and a recluse.”

“More likely,” said Beth, “Ajo’s father left him a great fortune, which the boy invested in the Continental stock.”

“I have been told,” remarked Aunt Jane thoughtfully, “that Continental stock cannot be bought at any price.  It pays such enormous dividends that no owner will dispose of it.”

“The whole thing is perplexing in the extreme,” declared Arthur.  “The boy tells a story that at first seems frank and straightforward, yet his statements do not dovetail, so to speak.”

“I think he is holding something back,” said Beth; “something that would explain all the discrepancies in his story.  You were wrong, Uncle John, not to let him speak when he offered to tell you all.”

“There was something in his manner that made me revolt from forcing his confidence,” was the reply.

“There was something in his manner that made me think he was about to concoct a story that would satisfy our curiosity,” said Louise with a shrug.

Uncle John looked around the circle of faces.

“You are not questioning the young fellow’s sincerity, I hope?” said he.

“I don’t, for a single second!” asserted Patsy, stoutly.  “He may have a queer history, and he may not have told us all of it, but Ajo is honest.  I’ll vouch for him!”

“So will I, my dear,” said Uncle John.

“That is more than I can do, just at present,” Arthur frankly stated.  “My opinion is that his preposterous offer is mere bluff.  If you accepted it, you would find him unable to do his part.”

“Then what is his object?” asked Maud.

“I can’t figure it out, as yet.  He might pose as a millionaire and a generous friend and philanthropist for some time, before the truth was discovered, and during that time he could carry out any secret plans he had in mind.  The boy is more shrewd than he appears to be.  We, by chance saved his life, and at once he attached himself to us like a barnacle, and we can’t shake him off.”

“We don’t want to,” said Patsy.

“My explanation is that he has fallen in love with one of us girls,” suggested Flo, with a mischievous glance at her sister.  “I wonder if it’s me?”

“It is more likely,” said Louise, “that he has discovered Uncle John to be a very—­prosperous—­man.”

“Nonsense, my dear!” exclaimed that gentleman, evidently irritated by the insinuation.  “Don’t pick the boy to pieces.  Give him a chance.  So far he has asked nothing from us, but offers everything.  He’s a grateful fellow and is anxious to help you girls carry out your ambitious plans.  That is how I read him, and I think it is absurd to prejudge him in the way you are doing.”