So now you have the whole story, and it's up to you to
decide. Maybe you think I've got a lot of crust to propose
this, and maybe you won't see it this way, but I've had the
nerve because Stephen Marshall's life and Stephen Marshall's
death have made me believe in Stephen Marshall's Christ and
Stephen Marshall's mother.

I am, very respectfully,
PAUL COURTLAND.


He mailed the letter that night and then studied hard till three o'clock
in the morning.

The next morning's mail brought him a dainty little note from Gila's
mother, inviting him to a quiet family dinner with them on Friday
evening. He frowned when he read it. He didn't care for the large,
painted person, but perhaps there was more good in her than he knew. He
would have to go and find out. It might even be that she would be a help
in case Stephen Marshall's mother did not pan out.




CHAPTER X


Mother Marshall stood by the kitchen window, with her cheek against a
boy's old soft felt hat, and she looked out into the gathering dusk for
Father. The hat was so old and worn that its original shape and color