“How the country around here has changed since the time when we moved here,” went on Sam.  “Do you remember those days, Tom?”

“Do I remember them?  Well, I guess!  And how Uncle Randolph used to be annoyed at what we did.”  And Tom smiled grimly.

Another turn or two, and they came in sight of the first of the farm fields.  Then they reached the long lane leading to the commodious farmhouse, and Tom began to sound the automobile horn.

“There is Uncle Randolph!” cried Sam, pointing to the upper end of the lane.

“Yes, and there is Aunt Martha,” added Tom, as a figure stepped out on the farmhouse piazza.  Then both of the boys waved their hands vigorously.

“Back again, eh!” cried Uncle Randolph, when the car had been brought to a stop.  “Glad to see you, boys,” and he shook hands.

“Back again, and right side up with care!” exclaimed Tom.  He made one leap up the piazza steps, and caught his aunt in his arms.  “How are you, Aunt Martha?  Why, I declare, you are getting younger and better looking every day!” and he kissed her heartily.

“Oh, Tom, my dear, don’t smother me!” gasped the aunt.  Yet she looked tremendously pleased as she gazed at him.  Then Sam came in for a hug and a kiss.

“You mustn’t be too boisterous,” whispered Uncle Randolph, when all started to enter the house.  “Remember, your father isn’t as strong as he might be.”

“Where is he?” both boys wanted to know.

“He is up in the wing over the dining-room,” answered their aunt.  “We thought that would be the nicest place for him.  The window has a fine outlook, you’ll remember.”

“Can we go up now?” questioned Tom.

“Yes, but remember, do not say anything to excite him

“All right, we’ll be careful,” came from Sam.  And then both lads cast aside their caps and hurried up the stairs.

Mr. Anderson Rover sat in an easy chair, attired in his dressing gown.  He looked thin and pale, but his face lit up with a smile as his eyes rested on his two sons.

“Dad!” was the only word each could utter.  And then they caught him by either hand, and looked at him fondly.

“I am glad to see you back, boys,” said their father, in a low but clear voice.  “It seems like a long while since you went away.”

“And we have missed you a great deal!” broke out Sam.  It’s too bad you don’t feel better.”

“Oh, I think I’ll get over it in time,” answered Mr. Rover.  “But the doctors tell me I must go slow.  I wouldn’t mind that so much, if it wasn’t for Dick.  I think he ought to have some help.”

“Now, don’t you worry, Dad,” interposed Tom, gently.  “You just leave everything to us.  We are both going to New York to help Dick straighten out matters, and it will be all right, I am sure.”  And he stroked his father’s shoulder affectionately.

“But you’ll have to go back to college——­” began the invalid.