"I don't believe my father would start anything like that unless--unless there was some reason for it." "Oh, I suppose my father beat him out on a contract and he got sore," said Steve, with a short laugh.

Tom looked across in surprise and puzzlement.

The tone was unlike Steve, while never before had they taken sides in their fathers' disagreements.

Tom opened his mouth to reply, thought better of it and slowly returned the letter to its envelope.
"I guess it'll blow over," he said finally.

"I hope so." Steve shrugged his shoulders.