the housekeeper said. “That is, if any one has the heart to eat.” “Well, I feel bad enough about uncle’s trouble, as 29 far as that goes,” observed Frank, “but there’s no use in starving. Besides, we must keep up our strength. There’ll be plenty to do from now on.” 29 “I’m with you!” agreed his brother. “I don’t know just what we can do, but we’ll do our best, anyhow.” The household was upset, naturally, but Mrs. Brun managed to put a meal on the table. In the evening the two boys went to see the local lawyer. He could give them little satisfaction, however, as he knew hardly anything about Mr. Ardens affairs. He said, though, that he would do what he could to aid the boys in case further legal proceedings were taken against them or their uncle. And there was need of his help, for the next day formal notice was served of the attachment of the Arden property for the benefit of the persons in the South American republic. “But what does it mean?” asked Frank, when a copy of the papers had been left at the house and a surly man put in charge. “It means that I’m in possession,” was the answer. “The property has been seized, and will be held for the benefit of the damaged parties.” “Can’t we stay here?” asked Ned. 30 30 “Don’t see how you can very well,” was the answer. “I don’t want to be mean, boys, but orders is orders. If you’ve got any way of living I don’t object to your staying in the house. It won’t hurt it any, I guess. But how are you going to live?” “That’s so,” conceded Frank. “There’ll not be any money coming in with our uncle away. Our money is tied up, as is his. Have you got much, Ned?” “A few dollars.” “That’s the way with me. We’d better go to see that lawyer. Maybe he can fix things up.” But the legal representative was unable to do anything. The attachment was perfectly legal he said, and the boys were practically ousted. The servants took alarm at the first warning, and left to look for other situations. Mr. Arden had anticipated something like this though, and had paid them up
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