"Where would you be getting your men, mother ?" "You are man enough, laddie," said his mother, "and a good one you will come to be, I doubt.

And you, too, Hughie, lad," she added, turning to him.

"You will be like your father." "I dunno," said Hughie, his face flushing scarlet.

He was weary and sick of his secret, and the sight of the loving comradeship between Thomas and his mother made his burden all the heavier.
"What's wrong with yon laddie ?" asked Mrs.Finch, when Hughie had gone away to bed.
"Now, mother, you're too sharp altogether.

And how do you know anything is wrong with him ?" "I warrant you his mother sees it.