s the matter?"

"I--I didn't know I could feel this way."

"How do you feel?"

"I--I dunno. I guess I'm homesick."

Bob's eyes blurred. He himself had scarcely been back to Trumbull for
three years.

"Well, you'll soon be back, Buddy ... with mother. Summer vacation is
about over. I expect she's missed you a lot too. She's tried to do
the very best she knew how for you.... Perhaps I can come up later and
... and see you play football."

Judd started. Bob almost regretted that he had taken the liberty to
make this suggestion. He had tried to do it casually as if playing
football would be the natural thing for Judd to do. And he had not
mentioned school although to play football would imply attending
school. Judd looked at Bob sharply. His emotions were conflicting.
He would like to do so many things if...

"But mother wouldn't hear to my playin'," objected Judd at last. This
seemed the most logical excuse he could think of. "Anyhow, I am not
goin' back to school." This came as an after thought.

"Well ... I'm glad you are going back to Trumbull any way," replied
Bob, "I think you will be able to take better care of yourself." There
were lots of things he would like to have said to Judd but Bob somehow
did not feel that it would be wise. Judd must be allowed to think
things out for himself.

When the morning arrived for Judd's departure, Bob who had to go on to
work, bade his younger brother good-bye at the apartment.

"I'm leaving you a contract, Buddy, and a little note. As soon as I've
gone I want you to read them. If, after thinking it over, you are
willing to sign the contract, leave the duplicate for me on the table.
I want you to know that whatever you do I'm for you. You're going to
make good as soon as you forget yourself. You'll understand what I
mean some day. Good-bye. Tell mother I'll get up to see her this fall
sure. Good luck!"

Judd sat wonderingly, holding the folded slips of paper that Bob had
placed in his hand. What did Bob mean by the word "Contract?" Why
should his brother leave him a note? Why couldn't he tell him what he
wanted to without putting it on paper? This was a funny way of doing
things!

He opened the note and read: "Dear Buddy--It's easier to tell you what
I have in mind on paper than it is face to face. And I think you will
realize it when you have read what I have to say. The contract I have
drawn up is to be strictly between you and me. N