Gerald quite entered into his feelings and views, but was unable to offer a suggestion. Of what Mr. Nugent had in his mind he had not the remotest conception. "You will want to do something?" he said. "Such a sum of money is worth securing." "So most people would say. In my case, having abundant means, I am less likely to be influenced by this consideration. My chief object, if I comply with the writer's request, is to bring relief to his mind by enabling him to make atonement for his offence. It was only this afternoon that I thought of one whom I could send out to Montana as my agent." "Is it any one I know?" asked Gerald. Mr. Nugent smiled. "Probably you know him better than any one else in the world. I mean yourself!" Gerald started in amazement. "You really mean it?" he asked. "Yes." "But I am only a boy." "True, but you are a good, sensible, reliable boy. How old are you?" "Sixteen, sir." "So I supposed. The qualities I mentioned are not a matter of age. Sometimes a boy is more reliable than a man." "I thank you very much for your good opinion of me," said Gerald; "I am afraid you think too well of me." "It may be so, but I have a good deal of confidence in you." "I am very young for such a responsible commission." "That's true. I wish you were older, but that is a matter that cannot be hastened. The sum of it all is, that failing you I know of no one whom I would care to trust. It must be either you or none. Are you willing to undertake the task?" "Yes, sir, if you think me competent. I am not only willing, but shall be very glad to." "You are quite sure that you will like it as well as staying with Mr. Tubbs?" Mr. Nugent said this with a smile. "I should not be willing to stay with Mr. Tubbs at any rate." "When do you leave him?" "To-morrow evening." "Very well. I will get you ready to start for Montana on Monday." When Gerald reached home it was five minutes past ten o'clock. Abel met him at the door. "Ma says she won't have you comin' home so late," he said. "She'll give it to you!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XVI MRS. LANE'S SURPRISE CONSIDERING his new and brilliant prospects, Gerald was not particularly disturbed by Abel's words. He didn't take the trouble to reply, but went at once into the sitting-room, where, with a frowning face, Mrs. Lane awaited him. "This is a fine time to come home," she said, abruptly. "It is rather late, Mrs. Lane," said Gerald, calmly, "but I could not very well reach home earlier." "Did you come from the store as soon as it closed?" "No, madam." "I suppose you went to the billiard-room; I understand that you frequent that disreputable place." "Then you are misinformed. I went there one evening with Mr. Brandon, Mr. Tubbs' clerk." "Where, then, did you go?" "To Mr. Nugent's."