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A knock sounded at the door Jonas opened it, took a quick look at the tray in his housekeeper’s hands and waved her out

“Leust, “and cake You’d think there was a couple of kids in this here room” He slammed the door and looked at Gray “Where was I?”

“You said you wanted to talk”

“That ain’t what I was saying I was tellin’ you there’s not ood shot of whiskey and a fine cigar” Jonas eased into a chair, ht, I do have some talkin’ to do I suppose Marta told you I’m dyin’?”

“Uh, well, uh, she said—”

“Coaot, and I’ve used up ht? That I liked the way you shoot straight? Don’t disappoint me now, boy I’m dyin’ That’s all there is to it And you knohat? Dyin’s okay I lived a long, full life” He sar and exhaled a cloud of s sons, built ood times for a dozen men” The smile faded and he sat forward “But the closer I coood tiood, if you catch my drift”

What was the oldof the soul? Gray cleared his throat

“Yes, well, all of us do things we’re not proud of, from time to time I mean—”

“Daet that panicked look off your face” Jonas scowled darkly “I told you, If I wanted a pulpit pansy I’d have sent for one I ain’t about to drop a bunch of regrets in your lap and ask for absolution” He paused, took a long breath, then got to his feet Slowly he walked to his desk and picked up a paperweight “You ever notice this, Graham?”

Gray rose and followed his uncle to the desk Jonas held out the paperweight Gray took it froht at all It was a chunk of rock, pitted, rough and heavy, ured was some kind of mineral deposit

“No,” he said slowly, “I guess I never did What is it? Granite?”

The old ht”

Gray lass A bea the ht yellow

“Gold?” Gray said, looking at his uncle “Is that what this is?”

“That’s what it is, all right Gold ore” Jonas took the rock froers around it “Took it froo”