"But, as I was saying, I being a young fool and frightened out of my wits, said to her: 'You don't owe mother a cent, Miss Estelle.

It's all been settled--except a few weeks lately.

I'm collectin', and I ought to know.' "I ain't much of a hand at lying, and she saw straight through me.

I guess what was going on in her head helped her, for she looked as if she was about to faint.

'It's mighty little for me to do, to get to see you,' I went on.