"Yes; if that isn't enough, let me know."
"It'll set me on my feet," said Mr. Crane, his plain face shining with delight. "I'll pay it back as soon as I can, squire."
"Quite unnecessary, Mr. Crane," said the old gentleman, with a pleasant smile. "I consider your service quite worth three hundred dollars."
The blacksmith tried to thank Mr. Nugent, but the old gentleman prevented him by turning to Gerald.
"How soon are you going to college, Gerald?" he asked.
CHAPTER X
GERALD FINDS A SYMPATHIZING FRIEND
"There is very little chance of my going to college, Mr. Nugent," answered Gerald.
"Why not?" asked the old gentleman, in evident surprise. "Your father always intended that you should go. He has told me so more than once."
"Did he tell you so within a short time of his death?" asked Gerald, earnestly.