Uncle Jacob’s Secret: The Boy who cleared his Father’s Name #4

Bert Barton is poor and told he is fatherless. Two people know that is not true. His mother and Squire Marlowe, a distant relative. Squire Marlowe owns a shoe factory and employs many men and young boys from the village. Industrial improvements leave some people, including Bert, without a job. Now real poverty is knocking at the Barton’s door. Marlowe is not at all sympathetic. And then Uncle Jacob shows up after many years out in the California in the Gold rush. Is he as poor as he looks? His promise of help to Bert and his mother Mary appears unlikely. How will they all survive? But that is Uncle Jacob’s secret.