"Is it any one I know?" asked Gerald.

Mr. Nugent smiled.

"Probably you know him better than any one else in the world. I mean yourself!"

Gerald started in amazement.

"You really mean it?" he asked.

"Yes."

"But I am only a boy."

"True, but you are a good, sensible, reliable boy. How old are you?"

"Sixteen, sir."

"So I supposed. The qualities I mentioned are not a matter of age. Sometimes a boy is more reliable than a man."