Gerald hurried to his father’s chair in sudden alarm.
“Father,” he said anxiously, and placed his hand on the insensible man’s forehead.
“Get some water,” said Wentworth—”bathe his face.”
This seemed good advice, and Gerald followed it. In a short time his father opened his eyes and looked about him in a dazed fashion.
“How do you feel, father? What made you faint?” asked Gerald.
“I dreamed that Bradley Wentworth was here, and that we had a discussion. He—he would not agree to my terms.”
“He is here,” said Gerald, and Wentworth came forward.
“Yes,” said Wentworth, “but you are in no condition to talk. Let us defer our conversation.”
“Alas! I do not know how much time I have left——”
“You can rely upon me to be a friend to your son, Lane.”
“Don’t let us go into details. You are not strong enough to talk at present. I am sure Gerald will agree with me.”
“Yes, father,” said Gerald. “Mr. Wentworth is right. Wait till this afternoon. I want to come in and cook the trout. It is high time for dinner.”
“You say well, Gerald,” put in Wentworth. “I don’t mind confessing that I am almost famished. If there were a hotel near I wouldn’t encroach upon your hospitality. As it is, I admit that a dinner of trout would be most appetizing. And now, if you don’t mind, I will go outside and smoke a cigar while your son is preparing it.”
“That will be best, Mr. Wentworth,” said Gerald approvingly. “If you remain here father will be talking, and he has already exhausted his strength.”
“I will take a little walk,” said Wentworth, as he stepped out of the cabin, “but I won’t be away more than half an hour.”
When Wentworth was at a safe distance Gerald advanced to his father’s chair, and said in a low voice: “Father, I distrust that man. When I came into the room he was searching the bureau drawer.”
“He was after the papers,” he said. “He offered me a thousand dollars for them.”
“Yes: I will not barter my son’s inheritance for a mess of pottage.”
“I would rather have you do that, father, than have your last moments disturbed.”
“I will not permit myself to be disturbed. But, Gerald, I have one warning to give you. When I am gone this man will leave no stone unturned to get possession of those papers. _Don’t let him have them!_”