Part 51 (1/2)

”Let me sit down, children,” said David Linton presently; and they saw that he was trembling. ”I'm getting an old man, Jim; I didn't know how old I was, until we lost you.”

”You couldn't get old if you tried,” said Jim proudly. ”And you can't lose me either--can he, Norah?” They drew together again; it seemed complete happiness just to touch each other--not to speak; to be together. Afterwards there would be explanations; but they seemed the last thing that mattered now.

They did not hear the hoot of a motor in the drive or a ring at the front door. Allenby answered it, and admitted a tall subaltern.

”Mr. Wally!”

”Evening, Allenby,” said Wally. ”I believe I'm a bit ahead of time--I didn't expect to get here so soon. Do you think they'll have a corner for me?”

Allenby laughed--a rather quavering laugh.

”I think you'll always find your room ready, sir,” he said. ”You--I suppose you 'aven't 'eard our good news, sir?”

”I never hear good news,” said Wally shortly. ”What is it?”

Allenby eyed him doubtfully.

”I don't know as I oughtn't to break it to you a bit, sir,” he said.

”You can't be over-strong yet, and you wounded, and all; and never 'aving rightly got over losing Mr. Jim, and----”

Wally shuddered.

”For Heaven's sake, man, stop breaking it gently!” he said. ”What is it?” In his voice was the crisp tone of the officer; and the ex-sergeant came to attention smartly.

”It's Mr. Jim, sir,” he said. ”'E's 'ome.”

For a long moment Wally stared at him.

”You're not mad, I suppose?” he said slowly. ”Or perhaps I am. Do you mean----”

”Them 'Uns couldn't kill him, sir!” Allenby's voice rose on a note of triumph. ”Let me take your coat, sir--'e's in the study. And you coming just puts the top on everything, sir!”

He reached up for Wally's coat. But the boy broke from him and ran blindly to the study, bursting in upon the group by the fire. There he stopped dead, and stared at them.

”Old chap!” said Jim. He sprang to him, and flung an arm round his shoulders. Then he gave a great sigh of utter contentment, and echoed Allenby unconsciously.

”Well, if that doesn't make everything just perfect!” he said.

CHAPTER XX

ALL CLEAR

”Kiddie, are you awake?”

”Come in, Jimmy.”

Norah sat up in bed and felt for the electric switch. The room sprang into light as Jim came in.

”I had to come and bring your stocking,” he said. ”Merry Christmas, little chap.”