he did not
value, even from her.

"I'm going out West to herd cattle, not to cobble trousers," he said
contemptuously.

Jack had a report to make. "Harry, I've found a chance for you," he said
when they were alone. "There was a man moving to Colorado here on
Saturday. He said he could use you, but of course I had to tell him you
couldn't go for a few days. He's just about to Roseville now. I'll tell
you what you do. You get on the train and go to Roseville--I'll let you
have the money--and you strike him when he comes through. His name is
Pratt. He's a tall old chap, talks queer. Of course he may have a hand
now, but anyway you must get out o' here. He wouldn't take you if he
knew you'd been in jail."

"Aren't you going?" asked Harold sharply.

Jack looked uneasy. "Not now, Harry. You see, I want to graduate, I'm so
near through. It wouldn't do to quit now. I'll stay till fall. I'll get
to Uncle John's place about the time you do."

Harold said no more, but his face darkened with disappointment.

The call to dinner brought them all together once more, and the
minister's grace became a short prayer for the safety of his son, broken
again and again by the weakness of his own voice and by the sobs of Maud
and Mrs. Excell. Harold sat with rigid face, fixed in a frown. The meal
proceeded in sad silence, for each member of the family felt that Harold
was leaving them never to return.

Jack's plan was determined upon, and after dinner he went to hitch up
his horse to take Harry out to the farm. The family sat in painful
suspense for a few moments after Jack went out, and then Mr. Excell
said:

"My son, we have never been friends, and the time is past when I can
expect to win your love and confidence, but I hope you will not go away
with any bitterness in your heart toward me." He waited a moment for his
son to speak, but Harold continued silent, which again confused and
pained the father, but he went on: "In proof of what I say I want to
offer you some money to buy a horse and saddle when you need them."

"I don't need any money," said Harold, a little touched by the affection
in his father's voice. "I can earn all the money I need."

"Perhaps so, but a little money might be useful at the start. You will
need a horse if you herd cattle."

"I'll get my own horse--you'll need all you can earn," said Harold in
reply.

Mr. Excell's tone changed. "What makes you say that, Harold? What do you
mean?"

"Oh, I didn't