re
are two--which I suppose you and Marian will consider the most
important of all."

"But----" Ernest interrupted, "why does he keep talking as if we were
going, too? I thought he was just buying this for Frank and Marian."

"So did I--just wait--he explains in a moment.

"One is a roomy, comfortable farm house of two stories, the other
a snug five-roomed affair just across the road from the first.
Both houses are a little old-fashioned, but could easily be
remodeled. One word as to the climate, then I have something for
you to think over. Kansas is exactly the place for Marian--not so
hot as Arizona, no startling change from hot days to cold nights
as I found in Colorado. Now, dear, I want to know if you would be
willing to consider coming out here to live also. The ranch is
almost too big a thing for Frank alone and as you know I find my
practice pretty hard work for a man of my age, but we'll talk all
this over when I come home. Tell Ernest for me that he would never
have weak eyes here. There is fishing and hunting enough to keep
any boy out doors, not to mention having a horse of his own."

"O Mother," Ernest interrupted again, "wouldn't that be jolly?"

"Jolly, to leave our home and friends?"

Mrs. Morton's face was tragic and the tears flooded her eyes.

"Why, Mother--I didn't think--don't cry. Of course we won't go if you
don't want to." And Ernest stroked his mother's hair awkwardly.

Mrs. Morton smiled through her tears.

"I mustn't give way--it's foolish. But it was so unexpected--and I'm
afraid--perhaps we ought to do it on Frank and Marian's account--and
your father's. It is hard for him to be up nights so much. We'll see."

Mrs. Morton kissed Ernest and picked up her sewing again.

Dr. Morton came home a week later sunburned and vigorous--full of the
wonderful country he had been seeing. His trunk was a perfect treasure
house of gifts for the family. Ernest's eyes shone when the
canvas-covered case his father held out to him was found to contain a
small shot gun. He had been begging for one for the past two years, but
had been refused because he was too young.

"I think I can depend upon you to handle this with the greatest care,
Ernest," said his father impressively. "I wouldn't have bought it for
you if I hadn't felt assured you could be trusted."

Dr. Morton looked at the boy keenly and was pleased to see the way he
drew up his shoulders and looked his fathe