"You won't be without some little return, for when we found that you would be ill so long we let your fields to two men who have planted them, and will pay you one-third of their crop of corn. That's the customary rent here, and it will keep your mule through next winter, at any rate."
"Now, that is truly kind and thoughtful. It is, indeed, fr-riendly!"
"You must thank Dr. Morgan for that arrangement."
Von Rittenheim sat erect and stared at the little old lady before him. A look of confused and struggling recollection was called into life by her words.
"I must thank—whom?"
The spirit of the gallant adventurer who had been Mrs. Carroll's immigrant ancestor to the Virginia wilds pushed her on to dare the situation. She also sat upright, and the two faced each other undauntedly.
"You must thank Dr. Morgan for that kindness, and for others even greater."
"Dr. Mor-rgan?"
Clearer remembrance brought with it the old feeling of suspicion and its accompanying look of hatred, which distorted Friedrich's handsome face.
"Yes, Dr. Morgan. I want you to listen to what I am going to tell you. You are well enough now to hear the truth."