"I suppose not," admitted Theo grudgingly. "But it is so irritating." "I know that; still, it might be worse, Theo. You really are pretty comfortable, you know." "Yes." "You are not suffering." "No," murmured the lad, hanging his head. "You have plenty to eat." "Yes." "And the food is good." Theo flushed, but said nothing. "There is many a boy worse off than you are." "Probably." "I guess your father could show you a score of them were you to accompany him on one of his hospital rounds. Suppose, for example, you were in pain every moment, and were never to walk again. That would be a real calamity, and something to fuss about." Theo raised his eyes. "I know it, sir," he said instantly. "I'm afraid I have been pretty grumpy and cross." "No. Until now you have been most patient--phenomenally patient for a lad who loves to be doing something every minute. It is precisely because you have done so well that I'd like you to hold out a little longer." Theo's lip quivered; then suddenly his scowl melted into a mischievous smile. "I believe, Mr. Croyden, that you are as good at preaching as you are at lecturing," he observed gaily. Mr. Croyden nodded his head. "You are one of the few persons, Theo, who appreciate me at my full value. I am really a very gifted person if only other people suspected it. In return for your recognition of my talents I have half a mind to favor you with another of my celebrated lectures this very instant." "I wish you would," came eagerly from Theo. "But aren't you going off fishing this morning?" "No. Your father and Manuel are going to fish some secret trout hole, and they did not invite me. You see, your father's guide and mine are the best of friends until it comes to trout holes; then they are sworn enemies. Manuel won't tell Tony where he finds his five and six pounders; and Tony won't tell Manuel. Yesterday Tony actually led me nearly half a mile out of my way so Manuel should not see where we were going. He wanted to throw him off the scent, and I guess he did it, too. This rivalry between fishing guides is very common and sometimes, I am sorry to say, it is less good-natured than here." "It seems very silly," Theo remarked. "It is the same old question of protecting the source of one's income. Governments as well as individuals have to confront the problem. You remember how the Chinese tried to shut every one out from knowing how they made their porcelain?" "Yes, indeed. And you never have told me yet how the European nations found out the secret." "Until now we had not come to that story," replied Mr. Croyden. "But to-day it chances that that is the very tale I have in mind to tell you." Theo rubbed his hands, and with a contented smile settled back against the pillows prepared to listen.