The word came like a sob from Gray.

"Oh, yes, I am--but I have never lied except for others, and I
have not been afraid."

Again his face went toward the window.

"Even now," he added in a solemn whisper that was all to himself,
"I believe, and am not afraid."

Presently he lifted himself on one elbow and with Gray's
assistance got to a sitting posture. Then he pulled a paper from
beneath his pillow.

"I want to tell you something, Jason. That was all true, every
word you said the first time Gray and I saw you at your
grandfather's house, and I want you to know now that your land was
bought over my protest and without my knowledge. My own interest
in the general purchase was in the form of stock, and here it is."

Jason's heart began to beat violently.

"Whatever happens to me, this farm will have to be sold, but there
will be something left for Gray. This stock is in Gray's name, and
it is worth now just about what would have been a fair price for
your land five years after it was bought. It is Gray's, and I am
going to give it to him." He handed the paper to bewildered Gray,
who looked at it dazedly, went with it to the window, and stood
there looking out--his father watching him closely.