"Many men have very vague ideas of how they stand. Your father did wrong in not insuring his life."
"He did not think it would be necessary. He thought we should be sufficiently provided for without that."
"He had no right to think so," said Ferguson irritably. "You see how things have turned out."
"But what can have become of all the money?"
"I hope, Miss Patton, you don't think I have spirited it away?"
"No, sir. Don't be offended, but it seems so strange," faltered Ruth.
"The money was unwisely invested. A large part of it was in wild-cat mining stocks, which were not worth the paper they were written on."
"Father never spoke to us about any such investments."
"I presume not. Most men keep such matters to themselves. Well, the upshot is that but seventy-five dollars are left. I presume your mother received my check for this amount."
"Yes, sir."