"What chances has he?" asked Marion.
"I shall be very rich; and, not only that, our family has a famous name in England, with a title attached. Jack may some day be a nobleman."
"I reckon he'd rather be an American," answered Marion.
"Well, there is no accounting for tastes," said the surgeon dryly. "And you evidently have him well drilled in."
"What actual proofs have you that Jack is your son?" asked Mrs. Ruthven, after a painful pause.
"I have a number of private papers; also the marriage certificate which proves that I married Jack's mother. More than that, I expect soon to meet an old college chum who knows much of the past, and who can testify in my behalf."
"Well, on my own account and on Jack's, I feel that I must make you prove your claim, Dr. Mackey. It will be hard enough to give up the boy when I am assured that he is really your own."
"I will not discuss the situation further," cried the doctor, moving stiffly toward the door. "But unless you wish me to take immediate steps to take Jack from you, you must make me one promise."
"And what is that, sir?"
"That you will not spirit the boy away from this plantation, so that he cannot be brought into court when wanted."