nd some of us excel in being very
patient about it afterward," he added, patting the boy's shoulder
affectionately.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XI

OUR ENGLISH COUSINS

All too soon the time came when grips had to be packed, tackle stowed
away, and the campers start out over the carry to meet the train that
was to take them to New York. The trip was a long and tedious one of
two days' duration. Nevertheless our travelers did not find it
wearisome. On the train were papers and magazines in plenty, and
whenever Dr. Swift went into the smoking car Theo always found
Mr. Croyden near at hand and willing to talk.

"And when Mr. Croyden is around no place could be dull or stupid,"
affirmed Theo to his father.

"I believe I shall begin to be jealous of Mr. Croyden, Theo," laughed
Dr. Swift good-naturedly. "I am coming to fear that if you go to
visit him as he wants you to, you never will come back home."

Theo smiled.

"You can't lose me so easily, Dad," he answered. "Just the same, I
know if I do go and visit the Croydens I'll have a bully time. But I'd
like to wait until I get rid of these crutches so I won't be a bother
to anybody."

"That is wise. I should not feel easy if you started out on a visit
before you were quite well," replied Dr. Swift. "However, it won't be
long now before you can cast your crutches into the rubbish heap. In
the meantime your own family can have a visit with you. I rather fancy
your mother will be thankful to have you home again; she has been
pretty anxious about you. No mother likes having her boy where she
cannot get to him when he is ill."

"But you were there, Dad."

Dr. Swift smiled into the eyes that met his.

"Yes, I was there, to be sure," he assented. "But a doctor is not
necessarily a good nurse."

"I don't see how anybody could be a better nurse than you, Father."

The Doctor shook his head.

"I'm afraid I did not fuss much over you," he answered. "At least I
did not smother you with attention the way your mother would have
done. You got no spoiling from me. I expect, though, that when your
mother gets hold of you she won't be able to do enough for you. I can
see her to-day flying round the house ordering all the things you like
to eat, and getting everything ready for your coming. I shall have no
attention at all."

Theo beamed.

"You will have all the attention you want, and more too, Dad, I
guess," he remarked drily. "Probably a string of patients