"And will you promise never to come back?" "Yes; I promise solemnly!" "You had better keep your promise. When Gerald tells of your attempt to rob him, some of his friends may start out to hunt you down." "Don't tell till to-morrow," entreated Saul. "No, I won't. I'll give you time to get away," said Gerald. "You'd better start at once," added Bean. Saul Gridley lost no time in following this advice. When he was a hundred yards away, Louis Bean fired at him, taking care not to hit him. It is needless to say that the fugitive increased his speed and soon was out of sight. "He is badly scared," said Bean, laughing. "I don't think we shall have any more trouble with him." Arrived at Campville, Bean got out at the grocery store, where Gerald left the wagon. He went back at once to the Nixon house. The old man's eye brightened when Gerald entered. "I am glad you have come back," he said. "I felt lonely while you were away." "I am glad you missed me," said Gerald, gently. "I deposited the money in the bank, and here is the bank-book." "Very well. You may put it in my desk." "Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Nixon? Was your dinner brought over from the boarding-house?" "Yes; but I did not have as much appetite when eating alone." "Yet you lived alone for years?" "It was not living—it was only existing. Now I feel much better since Mr. Nugent has forgiven me and allowed me to make atonement. Have you written to him since you came here?" "No. I should like to do so. Have you paper and ink?" "You will find writing materials in the desk." "If I can do nothing for you, I will write at once." "Do so." Gerald wrote briefly, giving an account of his arrival in Campville, and the condition in which he found the man to whom he was sent. When he had finished, he asked: "Won't you add a few lines, Mr. Nixon?" "I don't feel equal to writing, but I will dictate if you will write for me." "I will do so with pleasure." Gerald paused with his pen in readiness. After a short time Thomas Nixon began to dictate: "MR. NUGENT—Dear Sir: I cannot thank you sufficiently for your kindness in overlooking my serious offense, and for sending me Gerald Lane. I was surprised at first that you chose so young a messenger, but already I have seen enough to justify your choice. He has made a new man of me, and provided me with a more comfortable home. I very much needed some one to help me in my business, for I am too old and feeble to attend to it myself.