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Rh think of that. Dick is older, even though they go to college together. You see, he got behind a little at Putnam Hall because, when I was sick, he had to attend to a lot of business for me. But he is going ahead fast now. He came out at the head of his class."

"So Dora told me. Oh, he will make his mark: in the world, I am sure of it."

"If he does not, it will be his own fault. I shall give him as much of an education as he desires, and when he wishes to go into business, or a profession, I shall furnish him with all the money he may need. I am going to do that for all of the boys—that is, unless the bottom should drop out of everything and I should become poor."

"Oh, Mr. Rover, I trust you do not anticipate anything of that sort!"

"No, at present my investments are safe. But one cannot tell what may happen. Hard times come, banks break, railroads default on their bonds, and a man is knocked out before he knows it. But I don't look for those things to happen."

"Mr. Rover, before I leave I wish to ask your advice about that fortune we brought home from Treasure Isle."

"What about it?"

"Do you think I ought to invest the money, or