“Surest thing you know, I am!” the boy rallied with a strong effort. “It’s great of you, gramp! But—can you afford it?”
“That’s for me to judge, Hal,” smiled the captain, shivering as the draft struck him. He turned towards the safe. Hal detained him with a hand upon his arm.
“Don’t give it to me just yet,” said he, anxiously. “Wait a little!”
“No, no, that wouldn’t be the same at all,” insisted Briggs. “I want you to have this present now, to-day, to make you always remember your fresh start in life.”
“Not to-day, gramp!” exclaimed Hal. “I don’t feel right about it, and—and I can’t accept it. I want to make a really new start. To make my own way—be a man, not a dependent! Please don’t spoil everything the first minute by doing this!”
“But, Hal—”
“I know how you feel,” said the boy, with feverish energy. “But I’ve got feelings, too, and now you’re hurting them. Please don’t, grandfather! Please let me stand on my own feet, and be a man!”
Old Briggs, who had with feeble steps made his way half across the floor, turned and looked at Hal with eyes of profound affection.
“God bless you, boy!” said he with deep emotion. “Do you really mean that?”
“Of course I do! Come, get back into bed now. You’re taking cold there. Get back before you have another chill!”