paying investment
called for?"

"No, I haven't, Uncle Ezra."

"Hum, well, I didn't think you would. Boys have no head for business
nowadays. I knew your money would do you little good. So you are to come
and live a year with me, eh?"

"I suppose so. Yes, of course, Uncle Ezra," and Dick tried to make his
voice sound cheerful, but it was hard work when he thought of the gloomy
house.

"Well, I told Samanthy I'd bring you back with me, and she's going to
have your room all ready. Then, too, I've arranged to send you to a good
boarding school. It is taught by a friend of mine; a man who doesn't
believe in nonsense."

Dick could see, in fancy, the kind of a school Uncle Ezra would pick
out, and he could also fancy the principal of it, a harsh, stern old
man. He sighed, but there was no help for it.

"So I will take you away with me to-morrow," went on Mr. Larabee,
rubbing his hands as if delighted at the prospect. "I shall--Gracious
goodness! What's that?" he exclaimed, jumping from his chair, as a loud
growl sounded from under the library table. "Have you a wild animal in
here, Nephew Richard?"

"I guess it's my bulldog, Grit," replied Dick. "Here, Gibbs," calling
the butler, "have Grit taken to the stable."

Grit was led away, growling out a protest.

"I can't bear dogs," said Uncle Ezra. "You'll not be allowed to have
one at The Firs, so you had better get rid of this one."

"Oh, I suppose I can leave Grit home," answered Dick, with a sigh. "Can
I get you something to eat, Uncle Ezra?" he asked, trying to be
hospitable.

"No, thank you, Nephew Richard. I never eat between meals, nor do I
allow it at my house. Three times a day is enough to eat."

"Maybe you would like some lemonade; it's quite warm to-day." Dick was
both hungry and thirsty.

"No, lemonade is bad for the liver, I have heard. You may get me some
plain water, if you please."

"And I've got to live a year with him," mused Dick as he went out to get
his uncle a drink. "Why, oh why, didn't some of my investments succeed?"

Dick spent a miserable evening with his uncle. Mr. Hamilton came home
from the bank, whither he had gone after the ride, and greeted his
brother-in-law.

"Well, I guess you'll have to take Dick back with you," said the
millionaire, with an attempt at cheerfulness.

"I intend to, and when he comes back from living with me he'll be a
different lad," said Mr. Larabee, grimly.

"I guess that's true enough," thought Dick.