."

"Then," said George with a slight flush, "you're more generous than
wise. They haven't produced a wheat yet that will stand drought and
hail. Suppose I have another year like last? I'm sorry I can't let
you run this risk."

"We'll quit pretending. I owe a little to the country that has made me
what I am, and these new hardy wheats are going to play a big part in
its development. I want to see them tried on the poorest land."

"That's a good reason. I believe it goes some way, but I hardly think
it accounts for everything."

His companion looked at him with fixed directness.

"Then, if you must be satisfied, you're my neighbor; you have had
blamed hard luck and I like the way you're standing up to it. If
anybody's on meaner soil than yours I want to see it. Anyway, here's
the seed; take what you need, pay me back when you're able. Guess
you're not too proud to take a favor that's gladly offered."

"I'd be a most ungrateful brute if I refused," George replied with
feeling.

"That's done with," Grant said firmly; and soon afterward he and George
returned to the other room.

After a while he went out with Edgar to look at a horse, and George
turned to Flora.

"Your father has taken a big weight off my mind, and I'm afraid I
hardly thanked him," he said.

"Then it was a relief?" she asked, and it failed to strike him as
curious that she seemed to know what he was alluding to.

"Yes," he declared; "I feel ever so much more confident now that I can
get that seed. The fact that it was offered somehow encouraged me."

"You never expected anything of the kind? I've sometimes thought
you're apt to stand too much alone. You don't attach enough importance
to your friends."

"Perhaps not," admitted George. "I've been very wrong in this
instance; but I suppose one naturally prefers to hide one's
difficulties."

"I don't think the feeling's universal. But you would, no doubt, be
more inclined to help other people out of their troubles."

George looked a little embarrassed, and she changed the subject with a
laugh.

"Come and see us when you can find the time. On the last occasion, you
sent your partner over."

"I'd made an appointment with an implement man when I got your father's
note. Anyway, I should have fancied that Edgar would have made a
pretty good substitute."

"Mr. West is a favorite of ours; he's amusing and excellent company, as
far as he goes."

Her tone conveyed a hint that E