"Quit college? Oh, Dick, do you want to do that?"

"Not exactly, Dora-- and yet I don't think I am exactly fitted for a
professional career. That seems to be more in Tom and Sam's line. I
like business, and I'd enjoy getting into something big, something
worth while. I think I could handle those matters, if father would
only let me try. And then there is another thing, Dora," went on the
youth, looking squarely into his companion's face. "Perhaps you can
guess what that is."

She blushed deeply.

"What?" she whispered.

"I want to marry you, and take you some place where I know you'll be
safe from such creatures as Crabtree and Sobber and Larkspur-- and I
want the right to look after your mother, too."

"Oh, Dick!" And she clung tightly to his arm.

"Aren't you willing, Dora?"

"Yes." She looked at him frankly" "Yes, Dick, whenever you say."

"And your mother----"

"Mamma depends upon me in everything, and she has told me to do just
as we thought best."

Dick gave a swift look around. Nobody was in sight at that moment. He