"What will the operation cost?" Ralph asked desperately.

Doctor Kane pondered for a moment.

"Well, if she will consent to go before a clinic, I think I can get
her off with a hundred and twenty-five dollars, including hospital
fees," he replied. "I'll be glad to go with her to the city, Ralph,
and pay the car fares."

Ralph knew he meant by "car fares" traveling expenses, for he was
familiar with Doctor Kane's habit of belittling his many charitable
acts. He knew also that, if necessary, the doctor would gladly
lend him the sum of money which stood, a tangible barrier, between
his mother and total darkness; but with a sense of indomitable
hope and modest pride, he had resolved not to ask for that favor,
which, he realized, would be no small one, except as a last resort.

"You're awfully kind, sir," he responded warmly. "I appreciate-----"

"Nonsense!" ejaculated Doctor Kane. "It will be a pleasure for
me to do anything I can for your mother and you, my boy. Your
father was one of the best friends I ever had, and some day I'll
tell you how I came to owe him a debt which I shall never be able
to repay. Just call on me if I can help out, won't you?"

He closed the gate and went forward to crank up his runabout, but
Ralph detained him a few moments longer, to tell him about the
encounter with Bill Terrill. When he had finished, the doctor
advised him to pay no attention to the vague overtures made by
Silas Perkins' hireling, until the doctor himself had referred