Part 38 (1/2)

Away in the park soht quarters Nearer, a blackbird piped an evening song They sounded restless and plaintive to the lonely boy, and he hid his face in his hands, covering eyes and ears that he ed a recollection of the dear old free days at hoht in the midst of every ain That was the thought that broke his spirit, and had he been a girl he would have cried; but Eustace shed no tears--this sorroas beyond the hard suddenly struck him with a sharp tap on the shoulder, and, as he started back in surprise, fell with a clatter back on the gravel below

Then Eustace gasped, rubbed his eyes, and stared, feeling as if he must suddenly have taken leave of his senses; for there in the drive, his hand poised ready to throw another stone if the first had missed its mark, stood Bob Cochrane

CHAPTER XX

BREAKING THE NEWS

Before the boy had recovered sufficiently to make a sound, Bob said in a low, distinct voice,--

”Don't host I want you to get hold of your father forthat you have seen ate, and want to speak to hi you is better luck than I expected”

He turned and alking rapidly away across the centre grass plot before Eustace quite realized this was no drea was required of him

”Bob, Bob, how have you coure only half turned with a warning gesture, and passed resolutely on

For areal?

Could Bob possibly be there? The idea was incredible; yet his eyes, his ears, both bore witness to the fact But how had it happened?

what did itto suffocation, he -roo his head round the door at the answer to his knock, ”are you nearly dressed?”

”All but lass where he was carefully arranging his evening tie ”Come in if you want to”

There was an open door into the bedroom, where Eustace knew his mother was certain still to be

”I--I would rather speak to you out here,” said the boy, ”if you could be quick”

Mr Orban turned a surprised face

”Oh, if it is a secret I a the door,” he said, and suited the action to the word ”Now co into some scrape, old man?”

The boy looked so extraordinarily white that Mr Orban began to be afraid so serious had happened

”You are quite certain mother can't hear?” Eustace said in a low tone

”Perfectly,” said Mr Orban, looking more deeply perplexed, for hitherto Mrs Orban had shared all secrets; in fact, the children had gone more readily to her with their troubles than to his ”There hasn't been any accident to one of the others?” he added sharply, struck by a new idea

”Oh no, no,” Eustace said; ”nothing like that But, father,” he went on, drawing very close, ”I'm not to tell another soul--only you Bob Cochrane is here He is waiting for you down by the first drive gate, and wants to speak to you at once”

”Bob Cochrane!” repeated Mr Orban, blankly staring at the boy

”What are you talking about, child? You've been dreaot a touch of fever”