think Dick and I were cut out for business men. Sam is the learned
member of this family."

"Well, boys, have your own way; you are old enough to know what you
are doing." And now Mr. Rover sank back in the chair, for even this
brief conversation had almost exhausted him.

CHAPTER XIV

A STARTLING SCENE

"Dear old dad! Isn't it awful to see him propped up in that chair,
unable to leave his room!"

"You are right, Sam. And yet it might be worse-- he might be confined
to his bed. I hope we didn't excite him too much."

"He was very much surprised at your determination to give up Brill,
and join Dick. I guess he was afraid Dick would have to shoulder the
business alone. And by the way, Tom," went on the youngest Rover,
earnestly, "somehow it doesn't seem just right to me that I should put
all this work off on you and Dick."

"Now, don't let that bother you, Sam. You can go to New York with me
this Summer, and then you go back to college, and come out at the head
of the class. That will surely please us all."

This conversation took place while the two boys were retiring for the
night. They had not remained very long with their father, fearing to
excite him too much. Aunt Martha had, as usual, had a very fine repast