He could imagine them talking about him and weighing Eric's story.

Further reflections were interrupted by the reappearance of Tom, an open letter in hand and several newspapers sticking from a pocket.
"Nothing for you but a couple of papers," he said.

"What do you suppose those silly fathers of ours are doing now ?" "Fighting a duel ?" asked Steve with an attempt at humour.
"Not quite," Tom answered, "but they're getting ready for a law-suit." "What about ?" "I can't make out," replied the other disgustedly, scanning the letter again.

"It's something about some contract for building supplies, though.

Gee, they make me tired! Always squabbling!" "Who's bringing the suit, your father or mine ?" asked Steve.
"Mine," said Tom hesitantly.
"Then I don't see that you need to blame my dad for it," retorted Steve.
"It takes two to make a quarrel, though," answered Tom sagely.