isn't it, daughter?" Travis smiled. "Well, I think I'll--I think
I'd better--" he began.

"No," said Travis, "I don't want you to, Papum; you sit right
where you are. How absurd!"

The old man dropped obediently back into his seat.

"That's all right, Maggie," said Travis as the cook reappeared
from the pantry. "Snooky went."

"Huh!" exclaimed Howard, his grin widening. "Huh!"

And remember one thing, Howard," remarked Travis calmly, "don't
you ever again ask Mr. Rivers for a nickel to put in your bank."

Mr. Bessemer roused up. "Did that boy do that?" he inquired
sharply of Travis.

"Well, well, he won't do it again," said Travis soothingly. The
old man glared for an instant at Howard, who shifted uneasily in
his seat. But meanwhile Snooky had clambered down to the outside
door, and before anything further could be said young Rivers came
into the dining-room.



Chapter II