“I don’t know what I’d do without it, Jim.”

231

“I think it can be arranged without difficulty. It is such a small matter.”

“It may look small to you, but it looks a heap sight different to me.”

“I know, Josiah. It is very opportune that you have come to me to-night. Not more than an hour ago I was thinking of you, and wishing I might––er––see you. I have been thinking, too, of others, some who stood by me in time of peril and poverty. I feel greatly indebted to them, and since they were members of your family, I must now show my appreciation for their kindness.”

“I cal’late you’re referring to them you served a dirty trick over in Australia.”

“Why, Josiah! I have told you a hundred times that I was never in Australia,” declared the other, paling slightly.

“That’s so, you have, Jim. Excuse me.”

“As I was saying,” he continued, showing great relief, “I feel indebted to them, and I want to pay back–––”

“Look here, Jim, you needn’t offer none of your blood money. It don’t look good to me.”