"I don't know exactly what to think, Sam. Uncle Randolph is very
peculiar, and since father has been sick again, he has not wanted to
talk matters over very much. We will have to be careful of what we say
when we get home. It won't do, so the doctor said, to excite him too
much."

"Oh, I know that as well as you do. In fact, it might be best not to
mention business to dad at all. You must remember that this is the
third breakdown he has had since we came to Brill, and another such
turn might prove serious."

"Oh, don't talk like that! It makes me shiver to think of it. What in
the world would we do if anything happened to poor, dear dad!"

"If only Uncle Randolph was more of a business man, he might go to New
York and help Dick; but you know how he is all wrapped up in what he
calls 'scientific farming.' Of course, it doesn't amount to a hill of
beans, but he thinks it does, and he spends a great deal of money on
it that might be put to better usage."

"Well, it's his own money, you must remember, and he has a right to do
what he pleases with it. But for gracious sake! don't get him to go to
New York. It would only mix up matters worse than ever. Dick would not
only have to take care of the business, but he would also have to take
care of Uncle Randolph. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to leave Aunt
Martha to look after dad, alone." And there, for the time being, the
talk on personal matters came to an end.

CHAPTER VI