"Three hundred dollars!" ejaculated Alonzo in amazement. "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. "Yes; he referred to it as a settled thing." "He left all his property to Mrs. Lane, and I am dependent upon her." "That is strange. But surely she, knowing your father's intentions—" "She has decided that I am to enter the employment of Mr. Tubbs, the grocer," said Gerald, bitterly. "But this is positively shameful!" said the old gentleman, warmly. "I say so, too, squire," put in Alonzo. "Melindy's my sister, but that don't hinder me from sayin' that she is treatin' Gerald meanly. She has put her own boy in his place, though he's no kith nor kin of the man from whom her money comes." "Is there another boy, then? I have never seen him." "She didn't send for him till after Mr. Lane's death. Like as not he never knew that she had a son. Melindy's sly, and always was." "I am not sure that I ever spoke to Mrs. Lane, though her husband was one of my few friends," said John Nugent. "As you yourself criticise her, I will not hesitate to condemn her conduct. What I cannot understand is the manner in which Gerald has been left out of the will." "It does look cur'ous, squire." "I suppose it will be very disagreeable for you to enter Mr. Tubbs's store, Gerald?" "Yes, sir. I am not afraid of work, but that is about the last position which I should have selected for myself." "No doubt. Mr. Tubbs is an ignorant and illiterate man, and your education will be thrown away in his store. I have a great mind to call on your stepmother and protest against her treatment of you." "Thank you very much, Mr. Nugent; but I don't think it would do any good. I have sometimes thought I would leave Portville and try to make my own way in the world." "Shall I offer you some advice, my young friend?" "I wish you would, sir. I am too young to decide what I ought to do."