“All right—­ we’ll sue,” said Dick, and he made a move as if to close the interview.

“See here, are you of age—­ have you authority to close this matter?” demanded Belright Fogg, suddenly.

“I can close the matter, yes,” answered Dick.  “My father will be perfectly satisfied with whatever I do.  I transact much of his business for him.”

“Ah, well then, let us consider this thing a little more, Mr. Rover.”  And thereupon the lawyer went all over the matter again.  Presently he offered twelve hundred dollars.  But Dick was firm; and in the end the lawyer said he would pay them fifteen hundred dollars the next day, provided they would sign off all claims on the railroad.

“We’ll do it as soon as we see the money,” answered Dick.

“Can’t you trust me, Mr. Rover?” demanded Belright Fogg.

“I like to do business in a business-like way,” answered Dick, coolly.  “When you bring that check kindly have it certified,” he added.

“Very well!” snapped the lawyer; and then he and the doctor got out, Belright Fogg stating he would return the next morning.

“Dick, you ought to be a lawyer yourself!” cried Tom.  “You managed that in fine style.”

“Tom helped,” added Sam.  “He nearly scared that doctor into a fit, talking about our aches and pains!”

“Wait—­ perhaps the lawyer won’t come back with the money,” said Dick.  “He may reconsider the offer.”

“You didn’t say anything about the wreckage,” said Sam.  “Who gets that?”

“We do, Sam.  They are to pay us for damages, don’t you see?  If they pay only that, they can’t claim the wreckage.”

Promptly at the appointed time the next day Belright Fogg appeared.  He was a bit nervous, for the railroad officials had told him to settle at once—­ before the Rovers took it into their heads to bring suit.

“I have the check, certified,” he said, producing the paper.  “Here is what you must sign, in the presence of witnesses,” he added, and brought out a legal-looking document.

“We’ll call in two of the teachers,” answered Dick.

The oldest Rover boy read the document over with care.  It was all right, excepting that in it the railroad claimed the wreckage of the Dartaway absolutely.

“Here, this comes out,” cried Dick.  “The wreckage belongs to us.”

At this there was another long discussion.  But the Rovers remained firm, and in the end the clause concerning the wreckage was altered to show that the Dartaway must remain the boys’ property.  Then the three brothers signed the paper and it was duly witnessed by two teachers, and the certified check was handed to Dick.

“Very sharp young man, you are,” was Belright Fogg’s comment, as he was about to leave.  “You ought to be a lawyer.”

“Perhaps I will be some day,” was Dick’s answer.

“Better get that check right in the bank!” cried Sam, when he and his brothers were alone.  “That fellow may stop payment on it.”