Hastings lit the cigar. ``They wanted ten thousand dollars,'' he
said, almost apologetically. ``Why, they never saw ten thousand
cents they could call their own.''

``But they lost their bread-winner, father,'' pleaded the girl.
``And there were young children to bring up and educate. Oh, I
hate to think that--that we had anything to do with such a
wrong.''

``It wasn't a wrong, Jen--as I used to tell your ma,'' said the
old man, much agitated and shrill of voice. ``It was just the
course of business. The law was with our company.''

Jane said nothing. She simply gazed steadily at her father. He
avoided her glance.

``I don't want to hear no more about it,'' he burst out with
abrupt violence. ``Not another word!''

``Father, I want it settled--and settled right,'' said the girl.
``I ask it as a favor. Don't do it as a matter of business, but
as a matter of sentiment.''

He shifted uneasily, debating. When he spoke he was even more
explosive than before. ``Not a cent! Not a red! Give that
whelp money to run his crazy paper on? Not your father, while he
keeps his mind.''

``But--mightn't that quiet him?'' pleaded she. ``What's the use