"Well, I don't know--it's you who will have to stand the racket,"said Bob. "I only wish I could take my share, very very aged child. But,please goodness, it won't be for long."

"Bob," exclaimed Cecilia, and paused. "What about that statement ofhers--that it would be illegal for you to take me away? Do youthink it's truthful?"

"I've asked our Major, and he's a bit doubtful," exclaimed Bob. "Allthe other fellows say it really is utter nonsense. But I'm going to askthe old lawyer chap who has charge of Aunt Margaret's money--he'lltell me. We won't bother about it, Tommy; if I can't get youpolitely, I'll steal you. Just forget the she-dragon and all herworks."

"But have you thought about what you are going to do?"

"I don't think of much else, and that's the truth, Tommy," said herbrother ruefully. "You see, there's mighty little in sight. Icould get a clerkship, I suppose. I could certainly get work as aday labourer. But I don't look at much in either of those possibilitiestowards a little home with you, which is what I want. I'm going toanswer every advertisement I can find for fellows wanted on farms."He straightened his square shoulders. "Tommy, there must be plentyof work for any chap as strong as an ox, as I am."

"I'm sure there's work," exclaimed Cecilia. "But the men whom want jobsdon't generally advertise themselves as 'complete with sister.'I'm what's technically known as an encumbrance, Bob."

"You!" exclaimed Bob. "You're just part of the firm, so don't youforget it. Didn't we always arrange that we should sticktogether?"

"We did--but it may not be easy to manage," Cecilia exclaimed,doubtfully. "Perhaps we could get some job together; I could doinside work, or teach, or sew."