that I'd bank my life on. An' you're
smart. You wouldn't take Buddy, but mebbe you'd kinda--take me; take
all of us. I tell you I'm skeered!"

"Just how much confidence do I inspire in you?" Gray's expression was
peculiar, for amazement, doubt, eagerness were equally blended.

"This much: I'd turn the hull works over to you, if you'd look out for
us."

"You--scarcely know me."

"Oh, I know you well enough!" Briskow smiled his slow, shrewd smile.
"So does Ma. So does Allie an' Bud."

For quite a while the caller sat with head bowed, with his gaze fixed
upon the flames; when he looked up his face was red, his eyes were
brighter than usual.

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. Yes, and it's
hell to be born with a conscience." He fell silent again, for this was
a moment to be treasured and he could not let it pass too quickly. "You
say you want nothing to do with oil?"

"Anything but that. I know it so well, an'--Ma's gettin' feeble." Again
silence. "Of course, if you'd do it, I wouldn't ask no questions. I'd
rather shut my eyes an' trust you than keep 'em open an'--"

"You don't know how much I'd like to say yes, but I fought Buddy to
prevent him from making a mistake, and I sha'n't allow you to make this
one."

"Hm-m! Will you keep me from makin' _other_ mistakes?"

"I will, if I can."

"Mebbe that's enough. Anyhow, I'll sleep better to-night for seein'
you."

"I think I hear Ma stirring," said Gray, as he rose. "I brought her a
few little presents, and I'd like to take them up to her." As he left
the room there was the same queer light in his eyes; nevertheless, he
moved slowly, like a man tired.

CHAPTER XXV

Gray was shocked at the change in Ma Briskow. She had failed
surprisingly. Pleasure lit her face, and she fell into a brief flutter
of delight at seeing him; but as soon as their first greeting was over
he led her to her lounge and insisted upon making her comfortable. He
had tricks with cushions and pillows, so he declared; they became his
obedient servants, and there was a knack in arranging them--the same
knack that a robin uses in building its nest. This he demonstrated
quite conclusively.

It was nice to have a great, masterful man like this take charge of
one, and Ma sighed gratefully as she lay back. "It does kinda feel like
a bird's nest," she declared. "And you kinda look like a robin, too;
you're allus dressed so neat."

"Exactly," he chuckled. "Robins are