rance on
the scene. They won't accept my terms. I wish now I had let them know
how I felt when my blood was up."

"Life's too short for that, brother. Up or down, blood hampers when
it's hot. Common sense is always best. What does the letter say?"

"The Treadwell woman won't lose her hold on Lansing: not even for four
years!"

Matilda's eyes dropped and she kept silent.

"She's about ruined him," Levi went on. "I put it to her plain and
solemn, but she always slips through argument like a greased snake.
Said I--let me have his next four years. I'll put him through college,
give him work in the mills during the summer, and when he graduates
I'll give him a choice of taking over the business or following a
profession. The knowledge of business and some honest, hard work would
bring the scamp's tone up. He's flabby now; flabby as his father
before him."

"And she--says?"

Levi turned to the letter.

"She says she will not consider the plan for a moment, but she says she
will not mention it to Lansing, and when I return he may choose for
himself. I really thought the Treadwell woman would reckon with the
money and not be so independent!"

"It's to her credit," Matilda murmured.

"Oh! doubtless she thinks when I have it out with the boy I'll change
my mind. She'll find the contrary. It's come to the last ditch now.
I'm not going to have any repetition of--the past with my money backing
it!"

Again a long silence while Sandy apparently slept, and Bob twitched and
grunted. Then:

"Matilda, we must return to Massachusetts. How soon can we go?"

Suddenly Sandy started up and leaned forward. His eyes were the one
prominent feature in his face, and they were now hungry and anxious.

"Massachusetts?" he whispered in the weak, hoarse voice of the
convalescent; "Massachusetts? That's where I'm going; there's money to
pay my way, almost, I reckon. I'll work out the rest and make my
schooling, too. I'll promise. Oh! take me with you!"

The agony of earnestness brought both man and woman to his side.

"Now, now!" commanded Matilda, pushing him back on the pillow; "nothing
is ever gained by using yourself up in this shallow fashion."

"But I've got to go!" Sandy urged breathlessly; "I started out to go.
I saved ever since I was seven years old to get away--and at last I
fixed on--Massachusetts because they let you work for your learning
there--and I've got to get it--get learning!"

"Come! come!"