"Then I will stay," answered the child, gravely. "I am to stay with him till papa comes back." They had told the little boy that his father had gone on a long journey, and wished him to stay with Rupert during his absence. He had acquiesced quietly, for he was a docile child, and transferred his affection to Rupert, of whose love he felt assured. "Now, Mrs. Benton, I must make a bargain with you for Fred's board." Mrs. Benton at first refused to accept anything, protesting that a child would be little expense, but Rupert told her that the father had left money, and finally induced her to accept three dollars a week. "I am afraid that is too little," said the bell-boy. "No; it will help pay the rent, and I shall like to have Freddie here as a companion for Harry." So it was arranged, and the little boy was provided with a happy and comfortable home at small expense. Two days later Giles Packard sought out Rupert during an interval of the bell-boy's labors. "How is the little boy?" asked the cattleman. "He is well, and he seems to be happy. He thinks his father is away on a journey." "The journey we must all take some time," said Packard, gravely. "Then you won't accept my help towards paying for the child's maintenance?" "It won't be necessary, Mr. Packard. I am to pay only three dollars a week for his board." "His clothing will cost something." "Mrs. Benton will manage that. She says it won't cost over fifty dollars a year." "I foresaw that you wouldn't let me help support the boy, so I have got even with you in another way." "How is that?" asked Rupert, puzzled. Mr. Packard, smiled. "I decided to make you a present," he said. "You won't refuse that?" "No; I am sure you are a good friend, and I won't reject your kindness." Rupert fancied Mr. Packard might be intending to give him fifty dollars, or something like that, and he felt that it would be ungracious to refuse. The man from Colorado drew from his pocket a large-sized envelope, and from it took a legal document. "This," he said, "is a deed of two lots in Harlem, not far from One-hundred-and-twenty-fifth Street. The deed is made out to you, and establishes your ownership." "I didn't know you had any lots in Harlem," said Rupert, in surprise. "Neither had I till yesterday. I bought them through a real estate agent on Third Avenue, after carefully considering several others." "But, Mr. Packard, they must have cost you a good deal of money." "Two thousand dollars." "And you give me such a valuable present?" "Yes, Rupert, and I am glad to do so. Don't think I have pinched myself to do it. I am a rich man, and I haven't a chick or child, except--well, except you," he continued, with a smile. "I don't know that I ought to accept such a handsome present, though I fully appreciate your great kindness." "I don't quite see that you have any choice. The deed is made out in your name, and in due time you will find that you will have to pay taxes on them."