“There may be letters, but I was thinking of something else. It will bring something--someone, I should say----” “You don’t mean that my--my--” David gasped. “Yes, your father is coming.” The listener was so overcome at this news that he was speechless. He grasped a chair for support. “And now I am going to tell you the whole story,” Rice continued. “Your father wrote me before you came that he wanted this to be your last change. He asked me to make things so bad, so trying, so disagreeable, that only the strongest faith in yourself could carry you through. I was either to make or break you. I did what I considered was proper and the men were given their instructions. Some things went too far; I know that, because I have questioned each one and I learned the truth. Carlos abused my confidence and you because in you he saw a possible rival. I was misled by him or I should not have entrusted you to his care.” “How about accusing me of stealing the cattle?” David was on the point of tears. “If you will think back you will remember that I did not accuse you. I simply wanted to put you on your mettle. I firmly believed you could catch the thief; I couldn’t, and you don’t know how hard I tried. I never even suspected Carlos. That was the last test and I had to make it so strong that when you came through it there would be no further possible question in my mind as to your character and ability. Boy, boy, you’ve made good a million times over and I wish I could keep you here always. I would trust you with anything; you would find a way out of every difficulty.” “Do you want me to stay?” David asked, as in a dream. “Yes, because then I could honestly feel that there was one person on the place worthy of my confidence.” “Let me see.” David was bewildered. “I must have time to think.” He rose to go. “Have your things moved over here,” Rice said as he started away. “You are to live with me hereafter.” David, however, preferred to remain with the men until he knew definitely what the future held in store for him. He went back to his quarters and there he found Miguel. “You are going?” the latter asked anxiously. “I don’t know,” David replied. “But I know now what you wanted to tell me. I suspected it at times, but then things got so bad I thought I must be mistaken. Dom Carlos was to blame.” “I’m glad you know. Carlos was always urging me to cause you trouble. And then, after you knocked me down in front of the others, I became angry and was in earnest. I’m sorry.” “Never mind. It’s all over. You’re my best friend and I want you to keep that place.” The launch came the next afternoon, and after the lengthy, joyous greetings were over, Rice, father and son settled down to a serious discussion of the future.