“Why,” said Audry, “are you not comfortable here?” “Of course I am comfortable,” he said, “but I cannot stay here forever, it would not be fair to you. Besides it is time that I was doing my work in the world.” “But it would be terribly risky,” said Audry, “and after the narrow escape you had, I think you might consider you had done your share.” “No, because I feel that I have something so valuable for people, that it is worth any risk.” “But look how you have suffered and you will bring the same suffering to others; in fact you hesitated about telling us.” “But that was because you are children, and somehow I do not feel that a child is called upon to undertake such great responsibilities.” “I do not see why a child should not judge,” said Aline; “it is all so simple and beautiful. If it is worth dying for, people should be glad to have it, whatever the suffering. I think I feel ready to die like poor George Wishart. So if your going helps other people, even if it makes us very sad you must go. When do you think you ought to start?” “I have a definite errand to undertake. I have never told you about it, but I am acting as a special messenger with some important papers, and I have been thinking it over and have come to the conclusion that I should be leaving here in a week at most, but less if possible.” “What, so soon?” exclaimed both the children at once. A deeper gloom than ever seemed to fall over the party as this was said, and although they tried to feel cheerful, they knew it was a poor attempt. No one spoke for a long time. Ian sat with his head between his hands and Aline gazed into the empty fireplace at the dead ashes of the fire that had been lit when Ian came. These days with Ian had made the Holwick life far more bearable for her. There were her Greek lessons and the fencing lessons, but bad as it would be to lose them it would be worse to lose her friend. He was generally very reserved with her; but if she was in trouble he always opened out. She glanced up. Ian had lifted his head and their eyes met. What would she do without him? Audry held one of the foils and drew with it on the floor. The silence was oppressive. At length Aline spoke. “Where shall you go, when you leave us? You cannot think how sadly we shall miss you.”