"Good idea," Tom declared, when she had made known her plan. "The
town's so full of scamps it looks like Rodeo Day, and most of 'em
are doing well. If they can make good, it seems like an honest
firm could do better."

"We'll be partners, dad. You run the insurance and I'll be the
lease hound."

"Say--" Tom's eyes brightened. "I'll put a desk right alongside of
mine--a little feller, just your size--and a nice lounge in the
back room, where you can lay down when you're tired. You been away so
long it seems like I can't have you close enough." Another thought
presented itself, and he manifested sudden excitement. "I tell you!
I'll get a new sign painted, too! 'Tom and Bob Parker. Real Estate
and Insurance. Oil Prop'ties and Leases.' _Gosh!_ It's a _great_ idea,
son!" His smile lingered, but a moment later there came into his eyes a
half-regretful light.

Barbara read his thought almost before he was aware of it, and,
rising, she laid her hand upon his shoulder. Wistfully she said,
"I'm awfully sorry, too, dad--"

"Eh?"

"--that I disappointed you so by not being a boy. But--it wasn't
my fault, and maybe I'll show you that a daughter can help as much
as a son."