"I need not say that I was surprised to receive your letter. I supposed you dead long ago. I am glad to hear that you are alive, and are in such a creditable state of mind. When you appropriated our funds, you injured yourself more than you did us. I am sure you have regretted it many times. "I cannot go out to see you as I would if I were younger and stronger, for I am getting to be an old man, and I am feeble, besides being a victim of rheumatism. As to sending a messenger, I was at first greatly in doubt whom I could select. Finally I fixed upon Gerald Lane, whose late father I knew well. He is only a boy, but he possesses as much good judgment as many men ten years older. Besides, he is thoroughly honest and reliable. I place him at your service, with full power to act for me, and I will pay his expenses. When you know him as well as I do, you will learn to trust him as much as I do. "I remain, with sincere good wishes, "Your old friend, "JOHN NUGENT." Gerald was gratified in reading the terms used in speaking of him. Mr. Nixon listened intently. "That is a good letter, and gives me great pleasure!" he said. "I am glad that John Nugent forgives me the injury I did him." "Yes, he told me that he freely forgave you." "But still," said the old man, "it seems strange to me that a boy of your age—— How old are you?" "Sixteen." "That a boy of sixteen should be so trusted." "I am surprised, too, Mr. Nixon," said Gerald, frankly. "I hope I shall be found to deserve all that Mr. Nugent says of me. He is a fine man, and has been a good friend to me." "He is an excellent man," said Mr. Nixon, with emphasis. "I like you, too, and I feel confident that you deserve what he says of you." "I hope so, Mr. Nixon, and I want to be of service to you. Will you let me offer a suggestion?" "By all means." "Then don't you think it is unwise to keep your gold so exposed? I wonder you have not been robbed before." "That is true. I have been imprudent. But I have been so miserably sick, I was unable to make any other arrangements. Now that you are here, I will think what I can do." "Is there no bank where you could store it?" "Yes, there is one ten miles away, in Fairfield, but I am not able to go there." "Send me, then. You will want to keep some of the gold by you for use." "I use very little money," said the old man, shaking his head. "I hope you will use more. You are getting old, and you ought to be more comfortably situated. As I read the letter you sent to Mr. Nugent I know that you are abundantly able to live better than you do." "You are right. Heretofore I have had no ambitions and no object in life, but since I am assured of John Nugent's forgiveness I feel that a burden had been lifted from my soul. You are so young, you won't get tired of staying with the old man?"