Keith shifted his position miserably. His face grew white and
strained-looking.

"I--I couldn't seem to get my lessons, dad."

"Couldn't! You mean you wouldn't, Keith. Surely, you're not trying to
make me think you couldn't have made a better record than this, if
you'd tried."

There was no answer.

"Keith!" There was only pleading in the voice now--pleading with an
unsteadiness more eloquent than words. "Have you forgotten so soon
what I told you?--how now you hold all the hopes of Jerry and Ned and
of--dad in your own two hands? Keith, do you think, do you really
think you're treating Jerry and Ned and dad--square?"

For a moment there was no answer; then a very faint, constrained voice
asked:

"What were those figures, dad?"

"Read for yourself." With the words the card was thrust into his hand.

Keith bent his head. His eyes apparently were studying the card.

"Suppose you read them aloud, Keith."

There was a moment's pause; then with a little convulsive breath the