"I am very glad to hear you say so, Mr. Nixon."
"It will probably require six months. Then we will start. But you must stay with me there. I have no relations that I care for. I consider you my adopted son, and will see that you are provided for."
Steps were immediately taken to settle up Mr. Nixon's estate. To anticipate matters a little, it was found, after this was effected, that he possessed close upon seventy-five thousand dollars, though he had paid up the sum of his defalcation and made Gerald a gift of ten thousand dollars.
At length the time came when Mr. Nixon was ready to start for the East. The old man brightened up with anticipation.
"Gerald," he said, "I feel ten years younger. I really begin to think that I shall live a few years longer."
"I am sure you will, Mr. Nixon."
"How much I owe you! I little thought when you came to me, a mere boy, that you would do me so much good. John Nugent knew what he was about when he selected you as his messenger. How long is it since you came to me?"
"It must be nearly a year and a half."
"I should have been in my grave before this if you had not come. Do you ever hear from your stepmother?"
"I have not heard from her."