Why did not Aaron Wolverton burn the receipt, and get rid once for all of the only proof that the interest had been paid? It would have been the most politic thing to do, inasmuch as he had made up his mind to be dishonest. But, though unprincipled, he was not a bold man. The thought did certainly occur to him, and he even went so far as to light a match. But more timid counsel prevailed, and he concealed it in his desk, carefully locking the desk afterwards.
It is unnecessary to describe the grief of the little family at Burton's Ranch when the body of the master was brought home. No one had dreamed of speedy death for Richard Burton. He seemed so strong and vigorous that it would have seemed safe to predict for him a long life--long beyond the average; yet here, in middle life, in the fullness of health and vigor, the summons had come.
To Mrs. Burton, who was a most devoted wife, it was a crushing blow. It seemed at first as if it would be happiness to lie down beside her dead husband, and leave the world for him.
"What have I to live for now?" she asked, mournfully.
"You have me, mother," answered Bob, gently. "I have lost my father. What would become of me if I should lose my mother also?"
"You are right, Robert," said Mrs. Burton. "I was wrong to give way; but it is a very hard trial."
"Indeed it is, mother," said Robert, kissing her affectionately. "But we must try to bear up."
Mrs. Burton felt that this was her plain duty, and henceforth strove to control her emotions. She ceased to sob, but her face showed the grief she suffered.
The funeral took place, and the little family held a council to decide what was to be done.
"Can we carry on the ranch now that your father is gone?" asked Mrs. Burton, anxiously. "Would it not be better to sell it?"
"No, mother; the sacrifice would be too great."
"But I do not feel capable of managing it, Robert."
"You may think me presumptuous, mother, but my proposal is to assist you, relieving you of the greater part of the care. Between us we can carry it on, I am confident."
"You are only a boy of sixteen, Robert," objected his mother.
"That is true; but I have watched carefully the manner in which the ranch has been carried on. Of course you must help, and you will try to get a man with whom I can advise. I am sure we can make a good deal more out of the farm than we could realize from investing the money it would bring."