“Well, boys,” he said, “how do you bring it in? What’s to be done?”
“Sit down, and let’s settle it, Alick,” said Uncle Dick, leaning back and spreading his big beard all over his chest.
“Ah, do!” cried Uncle Jack, rubbing his curly head.
“Once and for all,” said Uncle Bob, drawing his chair forward, stooping down, taking up his left leg and holding it across his right knee.
My father drew forward an easy-chair, looking very serious, and resting his hand on the back before sitting down, he said without looking at me:
“Go to your mother and sister, Jacob.”
I rose quickly, but with my forehead wrinkling all over, and I turned a pitiful look on my three uncles.
“What are you going to send him away for?” said Uncle Dick.
“Because this is not boys’ business.”
“Oh, nonsense!” said Uncle Jack. “He’ll be as interested in it as we are.”