Besides, whoever takes charge of Phil must be prepared for a long absence,--at least a year.

It must be either Clover or myself; and as it seems out of the question that I shall drop my practice for a year, Clover is the person." "Phil is seventeen now," suggested Katy.

"That is not so very young." "No, not if he were in full health.

Plenty of boys no older than he have gone out West by themselves, and fared perfectly well.

But in Phil's condition that would never answer.