Then I'll stand by you; for you'll need every kind of support and comfort, specially if Ted bolts early,' laughed Mr Laurie, enjoying her lamentations.
'I don't think anything can surprise me now; but I am anxious about Dan, and feel that someone had better go to him.

It's a rough place out there, and he may need careful nursing.

Poor lad, he seems to get a good many hard knocks! But perhaps he needs them as "a mellerin' process", as Hannah used to say.' 'We shall hear from Demi before long, and then I'll be off.' With which cheerful promise Mr Laurie departed; and Ted, finding his mother firm, soon followed, to coax his uncle to take him.
Further inquiry confirmed and added interest to the news.

Mr Laurie was off at once; and Ted went into town with him, still vainly imploring to be taken to his Dan.

He was absent all day; but his mother said, calmly: 'Only a fit of the sulks because he is thwarted.