But the boy’s father was not so easily assured. “Howell,” he said in a nervous tone, “you’ve done something for me this evening that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I don’t often talk about money, but I’m a rich man. From what you’ve told me, I can see you’re yet working pretty hard. You may have plenty of money but no matter as to that. I know it takes a lot of money to do what you’re doing. I’m not doing this to show my appreciation of what you’re willing to do for me, but it looks as if you’re the only real friend I have in the world. Let me put some money into this venture with you—I don’t care how much—but I’ve an interest in your project now—”
The Kentuckian was on his feet in a moment. “Jack,” he began without any show of resentment, “I’ve got all the money I’ll ever need in this world. It’s fine of you to say what you have, but now I’m going to make you a new proposition. I’m willing to take your boy and treat him as my own son but I’ll have to put one condition on it.”
The ranchman only looked his surprise. A wave of his hand indicated that any condition would be met.
“I want him to go with me but I’ll only take him as my guest.”
“Hill,” said Mr. Zept, after looking his friend directly in the eye, “I knew from the moment we first made camp together up on the Peace, that you were the real stuff. I haven’t any way to thank you.”
“Let’s compromise on another of those cigars,” laughed Colonel Howell, “and then, if it is agreeable to you, and I can have the use of your car for a short time, I have some business of my own.”
After a few moments with his hostess, Colonel Howell departed in the motor. As soon as he was out of his host’s hearing, he ordered the driver to take him to the King George Hotel. Still puffing his new cigar, the oil man entered the hotel and made a quick examination of the bar room. The person he was looking for was apparently not in sight. Nodding his head to an occasional acquaintance, Colonel Howell made his way downstairs to the fashionable cafe.
He did not obtrude himself, but called the head waiter and after a question, took out his card and scribbled a line on it. A few moments later, in the lobby of the hotel, he was joined by young Count Zept, who explained that he had been dining with a few friends. Colonel Howell motioned him to a seat and gave no sign of noticing the boy’s flushed face and somewhat thick speech.
He had spoken hardly a dozen words to the excited young man, when the latter seemed to throw off his condition as if it had been a cloak. He even discarded the cigarette he was smoking. Then the colonel resumed his talk with the young man and for several minutes spoke very earnestly in low tones.
As he concluded, the young man sat sober and tense.