“Why--no--I don’t see how, exactly,” said Fred, endeavoring to escape. “Fred,” whispered the Squire, tightening his hold on the lapels of Fred’s coat, “tell _him_ so, won’t you? I’ll be your best friend forever if you will; it’s dreadful to think of a man going up to God with such an idea on his mind, even if it _is_ a mistake. Of course, when he gets there he’ll find out he’s wrong, _if_ he is, as----” Fred broke away from the storekeeper, and wedged himself between the doctor and pastor. Doughty withdrew his wrist from the doctor’s fingers, extended a thin hand, and smiled. “Fred,” said he, “we used to be chums when we were boys. I never took an advantage of you, did I?” “Never,” said Fred; “and we’ll have lots of good times again, old fellow. I’ve just bought the best spring wagon in the State, and I’ll drive you all over the country when you get well enough.” George’s smile became slightly grim as he replied, “I guess Barker’s hearse is the only spring wagon I’ll ever ride in again, my boy.” “Nonsense, George!” exclaimed Fred heartily. “How many times have I seen you almost dead, and then put yourself together again? Don’t you remember the time when you gave out in the middle of the river, and then picked yourself up, and swam the rest of the way? Don’t you remember the time we got snowed in on Raccoon Mountain, and we both gave up and got ready to die, and how you not only came to, but dragged me home besides? The idea of _you_ ever dying! I wish you’d sent for me when you first took the silly notion into your head.” Doughty was silent for a moment; his eyes brightened a little and a faint flush came to his cheeks; he looked fondly at his wife, and then at his children; he tried to raise himself in his bed; but in a minute his smile departed, his pallor returned, and he said, in the thinnest of voices, “It’s no use, Fred; in those days there was something in me to call upon at a pinch; now there isn’t a thing. I haven’t any time to spare, Fred; what I want to ask is, keep an eye on my boys, for old acquaintance’ sake. Their mother will be almost everything to them, but she can’t be expected to know about their ways among men. I want somebody to care enough for them to see that they don’t make the mistakes I’ve made.” A sudden rustle and a heavy step was heard, and Squire Tomple approached the bedside, exclaiming, “_I’ll_ do that!” “Thank you, Squire,” said George feebly; “but you’re not the right man to do it.” “George,” said the Squire, raising his voice, and unconsciously raising his hand, “I’ll give them the best business chances that can be had; I can do it, for I’m the richest man in this town.” “You gave _me_ the best chance in town, Squire, and this is what has come of it,” said Doughty. The Squire precipitately fell back and against his old place by the wall. Doughty continued,