She had more than her share of trouble, and David always tried to talk about cheerful things when he was in her presence.
"Doesn't it cheer you up any to know that your business is prospering ?" exclaimed Bert.

"Then we will tell you something else.
How would you like to be mail carrier?
How would you like to put thirty dollars in your pocket every month ?" "That is more money than I shall be able to earn for long years to come," replied David.
"Perhaps not.

Father told us this morning that the old mail carrier is going to give up his route, his contract having expired, and he thinks he can get you appointed in his place.

He's been to see Colonel Packard, and Silas Jones, and all the rest of the prominent men in the settlement, and they have promised to give you all their influence and to go on your bond." "What does that mean ?" asked David, who now began to show some interest in the matter.
"Why, there are certain legal forms to go through with, which father explained, but which I don't pretend to understand," said Bert.

"You must promise to attend to your business----" "O, I'll do that," exclaimed David.
"Of course you will," said Don, "but that will not satisfy the authorities in Washington.