So he strode on toward nowhere.
Day was breaking when Mr.Gray climbed the stairs to his room.

There were two flights, the ascent of the first of which occupied about half an hour of Crailey's invaluable time; and the second might have taken more of it, or possibly consumed the greater part of the morning, had he received no assistance.

But, as he reclined to meditate upon the first landing, another man entered the hallway from without, ascended quickly, and Crailey became pleasantly conscious that two strong hands had lifted him to his feet; and, presently, that he was being borne aloft upon the new-comer's back.

It seemed quite a journey, yet the motion was soothing, so he made no effort to open his eyes, until he found himself gently deposited upon the couch in his own chamber, when he smiled amiably, and, looking up, discovered his partner standing over him.
Tom was very pale and there were deep, violet scrawls beneath his eyes.
For once in his life he had come home later than Crailey.
"First time, you know," said Crailey, with difficulty.

"You'll admit first time completely incapable?
Often needed guiding hand, but never--quite--before." "Yes," said Tom, quietly, "it is the first time I ever saw you quite finished." "Think I must be growing old and constitution refuses bear it.
Disgraceful to be seen in condition, yet celebration justified.