Nora met him at the station in her own car, which, in view of her activity in connection with the mine where her father was now manager, the directors had placed at her disposal. “How big and fine you look, Larry! You must be pounds heavier,” she cried, viewing him from afar. “Twenty pounds, and hard as hickory. Never so fit in my life,” replied her brother, who was indeed a picture of splendid and vigorous health. “You are perfectly astonishing. But everything is astonishing these days. Why, even father, till he broke his leg--” “Broke his leg?” “There was no use worrying you about it. A week ago, while he was pottering about the mine, he slipped down a ladder and broke his leg. He will probably stay where he belongs now--in the office. But father is as splendid as any one could well be. He has gripped that mine business hard, and even Switzer in his palmiest days could not get better results. He has quite an extraordinary way with the men, and that is something these days, when men are almost impossible to get.” “And mother?” enquired Larry. “Mother is equally surprising. But you will see for yourself. And dear old Kathleen. She is at it day and night. They made her President of the Women's War Association, and she is--Well, it is quite beyond words. I can't talk about it, that's all.” Nora's voice grew unsteady and she took refuge in silence. After a few moments she went on: “And she has had the most beautiful letter from Jack's colonel. It was on the Big Retreat from Mons that he was killed at the great fight at Landrecies. You know about that, Larry?” “No, never heard anything; I know really nothing of that retreat,” said Larry.