“I think we will leave it entirely to you, so far as planning the route goes,” Mr. Linton answered. “You know the country, and we don’t; and as for us, any part of Ireland is good.” “I vote for having no fixed plan at all,” Jim said. “It’s when you have no plans that the best things happen to you!” “We’ll leave it at that, then,” said Sir John. “Can we start to-morrow?” “We have only two weeks more leave,” said Jim. “So the sooner we go the better.” “And you can be ready, Norah?” “Me? Oh, certainly,” said Norah, who, Wally declared, was always ready at any time for anything. “Then, I’ll be off,” Sir John declared. “I left Con hard at work on the car, giving her a thorough overhaul—we could not believe that you would be so hard-hearted as to refuse him the trip! But I have a good many things to see to, and I’ll have a busy day.” “Could I help you?” Jim asked. “I’m handy at odd jobs.” “Would you care to? I’ll be awfully glad of your company,” said Sir John warmly. They went off together, the boy’s great shoulders towering above O’Neill’s dwarfed form. Jim did not return until late that night. Norah, just about to blow out her candle, heard his light step on the stair and called to him softly. “Not asleep yet, kiddie?” Jim said, sitting down on the bed. “You should be; you’ll be tired to-morrow.” “I’m all right,” said Norah, disregarding this friendly caution. “Jim, I packed your bag; and there’s a list of things just inside it, in case I made any mistakes.” “Well, you are a brick!” said Jim, who was accustomed to stern independence, but, like most people, greatly appreciated a little spoiling now and then. “I was looking forward rather dismally to a midnight packing; O’Neill wants to get off quite early in the morning.” “We guessed that was likely. Did you have a good day, Jim?” “Quite. I don’t think I was any particular help to O’Neill; he found a few jobs for me, but I fancy he had to rack his brains for them. But we pottered about together all day, and had a very jolly time; he’s such fun when he’s in good form, and he was like a kid to-day. Made me laugh no end.” Jim pondered, beginning to unlace his boots. “I think it’s only when he is alone that those bitter fits get hold of him; and he just dreads being alone. That’s why he took me over, of course.” “I thought so,” nodded Norah. “But I do think he’s happier than he was, Jim.” “I believe he is. Well, we’ll try to keep him laughing for the next week or so, anyhow,” said Jim. “Now, you go to sleep, old kiddie.”