"But you'll like living with your daughter, I'm sure," said Mr. Tutt. "It will make a new man of you in no time."
"Healthiest spot in northern New York," exclaimed Doc. "Within two miles of a lake—fishing, shooting, outdoor recreation of all kinds, an ideal site for a mammoth summer hotel."
Mr. Tutt rose and laid his arms round old Doc Barrows' shoulders.
"Thank you a thousand times," he said gratefully, "for the securities. I'll be glad to keep them for you in my vault." His lips puckered in a stealthy smile which he tried hard to conceal.
"Louisa may want to repaper the farmhouse some time," he added to himself.
"Oh, they're all yours to keep!" insisted Doc. "I want you to have them!" His voice trembled.
"Well, well!" answered Mr. Tutt. "Leave it that way; but if you ever should want them they'll be here waiting for you."
"I'm no Indian giver!" replied Doc with dignity. "Give, give, give a thing—never take it back again."
He laughed rather childishly. He was evidently embarrassed.
"Could—could you let me have the loan of seventy-five cents?" he asked shyly.