It is hard on me, I know, but fifteen minutes more of Patsy and I shall be counting my tootsies and prattling nursery rhymes.

Here they come," he breathed.

"Now, 'a little forlorn hope, deadly breach act, if you love me, Hardy.' Play up, old boy!" And with commendable enthusiasm and success, Hugh played up, supported--as far as his physical and mental condition allowed--by the enfeebled Vic, till they had safely deposited their charges at the Rectory door, whence, refusing an invitation to stop for cocoa, they took their homeward way.
"'And from famine, pestilence and sudden death,' and from the once-over by that penetrating young female, 'good Lord, deliver us,'" murmured Vic, falling into the seat beside his friend.

"Take me home to mother," he added, and refused further speech till at his own door.

He waved a weak adieu and staggered feebly into the house..