was awakened by his uncle's hand being placed
on his. The injured man was looking up into his face. He closed his eyes
again and was silent a long while. When he opened them again he spoke
falteringly:

"I'm very sorry, son," he began. "I've been wrong, so wrong all along the
way. I've never been square. I have fought the Fates every day of my
life, and now I'm whipped." He smiled a little, weak smile. "What a fool
a man is," he continued. "Willis, I'm going to slip off very soon, now,
and I have so much I want to say to you." He half arose. "Are we alone?"
Willis told him that they were, but urged him not to talk. He was
determined.

"I have played a desperate game, and I have lost. I'm sorry for my
mistakes. I have wronged Tad and you the most, for I have wanted your
father's mine. I was jealous of your father's favor. Now I know I did not
deserve it. I got your mother's reply to Tad's letter long ago. It was
sent in my care, and I read it. It decided me, for it all looked so easy.
There's money in the mine, son, and Tad is here somewhere. He will tell
you all. Tell him for me that I am sorry." He closed his eyes, and in a
moment was gone.

Willis hurried home to his mother, and together they held a long
conference, and many things were accounted for.

* * * * *

It was at the little cabin that Willis found his greatest pleasure, and
already Ham and himself were planning a new and more pretentious Lodge to
take the place of Buffalo Roost, for the next Buffalo Roost was to be a
memorial camp built in honor of Tad Kieser, gentleman, and Mr. William
Thornton.

Willis had found the cabin, and the cabin with its stanch, good
friendships, the healthful work together, and the unselfish leadership of
the right sort of men, had helped him find his best self in thoughtful
service for others. Surely no better thing ever comes to the life of a
boy.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO ROOST***

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