"Well, apparently it is two against one," smiled Mrs. Swift. "Your father is, of course, a far better judge of your condition than I. Broken bones are in his line. But do be careful, son, and not go skipping on and off cars when they are moving, or doing things that are going to worry me."
"Rest easy, Mother. I'll promise not to take any chances," Theo replied promptly. "I am far too eager to get well. It is no fun to be hobbling about. Besides, I want to be in trim to go to the Croydens as soon as school is over."
"Your father says Mr. Croyden was very kind to you while you were in camp."
"He was bully!"
"It would be nice if you could do something to show that you appreciated it," observed Mrs. Swift vaguely.
Instantly Theo caught at the suggestion.
"I wish I could!" he declared. "Can't you think of something, Mother?"
Mrs. Swift paused a moment.
"It would be of no use to do anything unless it was something you did yourself," she said at last. "Of course your father and I could give you the money to buy a present; but after all that would be our present and not yours."
"Oh, a gift we bought would not be of the slightest use," cut in Dr. Swift. "It would spoil the whole idea. Either Theo would have to purchase something with his own money——"