"Pooh! I don't believe it will ever hurt me," said Ralph.
"I think it will," said Arthur; "you have not yet attained your growth, and therefore are the more certain to be injured by its use.
"Max, my boy, I admire your father greatly, particularly his magnificent physique."
Max flushed with pleasure.
"Do you not wish to be like him in that? as tall and finely developed?"
"Yes, sir; yes, indeed! I want to be like papa in everything!"
"Then eschew tobacco, for it will stunt your growth!"
"But papa smokes," repeated Max.
"Now, but probably he did not until grown," said Arthur. "And very likely he sometimes wishes he had never contracted the habit. Now I must leave you for a time, as I have some other patients to visit."
"I told you he was an old fogy," said Ralph, as the door closed on his brother, adding with an oath, "I believe he wouldn't allow a fellow a bit of pleasure if he could help it."