"I believe it is."
"Then I can't afford to stay there; but I can call on you all the same."
"Stay there as my guest, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury cordially. "It shall not cost you anything."
"Thank you, sir. You are very kind, but I don't like to accept unnecessary favors. I will put up at some cheap hotel, and call upon you both."
"You would be heartily welcome, my boy," said Mr. Waterbury.
"I don't doubt it, sir, and the time may come when I will gladly accept your kindness," replied Tom.
"But now you mean to have your own way; is that it, Tom."
"You won't be offended, sir?"
"On the contrary, I respect you for your manly independence. You won't forget that I am your friend?"
"I don't want to forget that, sir."