"And you wouldn't like to leave now?"
"Leave? Well, I guess not!"
"I hear that Peter John is not to come back," said Mr. Phelps soberly.
"Why not?"
"I can't say. I don't even know that he is not to return. I have heard it, that's all; but I fancy you know more about it than I."
Will was silent till the train was near Winthrop. "Well, Will," said his father, breaking in, "I'm to leave you here. Do you want to know what I value most in your year's work?"
"What is it?"
"That you've learned how to work. When a man learns that, much of the problem of his life is solved. Some men run from hardness, some endure it, and some overcome it."
"It hasn't been so hard."
Mr. Phelps smiled but all he said was, "Good-bye, Will, we'll look for you soon at home. I think you've made a good investment this year."