“Ah! to study medicine—you are fond of your books. I see that.”
“The only thing that troubles me,” continued Dallas, with some embarrassment, “is that one’s studies are long and expensive. I feel that I ought to choose something like a clerkship, so I should not be so long a burden on you.”
“You shall be a doctor,” said the Judge, promptly. “You have done well to speak your mind frankly and honestly. How old are you now?”
“Sixteen, sir.”
“Just two years older than Titus, though you are much taller. It is well for a boy to choose his vocation in life as early as possible. Then he can prepare for it. You know what Titus wishes to be?”
“Yes, sir—a farmer.”
“I can’t gainsay him. I believe in getting back to the soil. He wants a stock farm, and already I am beginning to get things in shape for him. Roblee,” and the Judge spoke to the coachman, “drive out toward Cloverdale.”
“I have bought a hundred and fifty acres of land,” the Judge continued, “and have a young man in charge. We have not time to go all the way there to-day, but you will see in what direction it is. Have you been out this way before?”
“No, sir.”
“Have you not been driving at all since you came to Riverport?”