“The sick man and the lame man will take hands and hobble up the hill,” said Aladdin. “And whatever happens, they mustn’t let anything make any difference.” “No,” said Peter, “they mustn’t.” XXIX Our veterans walked painfully through the town and up the hill; nor were they suffered to go in peace, for right and left they were recognized, and people rushed up to shake them by the hands and ask news of such an one, and if Peter’s bullet was still in him, and if it was true, which of course they saw it wasn’t, that Aladdin had a wooden leg. Aladdin, it must be owned, enjoyed these demonstrations, and in spite of his lameness strutted a little. But Peter, white from the after effects of his wound and weary with the long travel, did not enjoy them at all. Then the steep pitch of the hill was almost too much for him, and now and again he was obliged to stop and rest. The St. Johns’ house stood among lilacs and back from the street by the breadth of a small garden. In the rear were large grounds, fields, and even woods. The place had two entrances, one immediately in front of the house for people on foot, and the other, a quarter of a mile distant, for people driving. This latter, opening from a joyous country lane of blackberry-vines and goldenrod, passed between two prodigious round stones, and S-ed into a dark and stately wood. Trees, standing gladly where God had set them, made a screen, impenetrable to the eye, between the gateway and the house. Here Peter and Aladdin halted, while Aladdin sent a coin spinning into the air. “Heads!” called Peter. Aladdin let the piece fall to the ground, and they bent over it eagerly. “After you,” said Peter, for the coin read, “Tails.” Aladdin picked up the coin, and hurled it far away among the trees. “That’s our joint sacrifice to the gods, Peter,” he said. Peter gave him five cents. “My share,” he said. “Peter,” said Aladdin, “I will ask her the first chance I get, and if there’s nothing in it for me, I will go away and leave the road clear for you. Come.” “No,” said Peter; “you’ve got your chance now. And here I wait until you send me news.” “Lord!” said Aladdin, “has it got to be as sudden as this?” “Let’s get it over,” said Peter. “Very good,” said Aladdin. “I’ll go. But, Peter, whatever happens, I won’t keep you long in suspense.” “Good man,” said Peter. Aladdin turned his face to the house like a man measuring a distance. He drew a deep breath. “Well--here goes,” he said, and took two steps. “Wait, ‘Laddin,” said Peter. Aladdin turned. “Can I have your pipe?” “Of course.” Aladdin turned over his pipe and pouch. “I’m afraid it’s a little bitter,” he said. Again he started up the drive; but Peter ran after him. “‘Laddin,” he cried, “wait--I forgot something.” Aladdin came back to meet him. “Aladdin,” said Peter, “I forgot something.” He held out his hand, and Aladdin squeezed it. “Aladdin,” said Peter, “from the bottom of my heart I wish you luck.”