Em stood perfectly still.
"I'll bet she was surprised, Em," he went on wistfully; "do you think she'll come over and say anything about it?"
"She'd better," said Em, setting her teeth in her bright under lip.
The invalid gave a little, choking cough, and looked out across the valley. A red spot was moving through the stubble toward the house. He put up his hot hand and laid it on Em's cold fingers.
"Mother tried to fool me about the money," he said feebly, "but I think I know where she got it. I don't mean to forget it either, Em. I'll pay it back just as soon as I get up."
"Yes, Ben."
The girl dropped her cheek on his head with a little wailing sob.
"Yes, Ben, I ain't a bit afraid about my pay." Then she slipped her hand from under his and went into the house.
The red spot was drawing nearer. Mrs. Wickersham glanced through the open window at her son.
"Benny's looking brighter than I've seen him in a long time," she thought. "I guess his ride yesterday done him good."