He rejoiced that the Fates had agreed to remove him from the very hot neighbourhood of Lobourne, while he grieved, like an honest lad, to see his comrade left to face calamity alone.

The boys parted amicably, as they could hardly fail to do, when Ripton had sworn fealty to the Feverals with a warmth that made him declare himself bond, and due to appear at any stated hour and at any stated place to fight all the farmers in England, on a mandate from the heir of the house.
"So you're left alone," said Austin, contemplating the boy's shapely head.

"I'm glad of it.

We never know what's in us till we stand by ourselves." There appeared to be no answer forthcoming.

Vanity, however, replied at last, "He wasn't much support." "Remember his good points now he's gone, Ricky." "Oh! he was staunch," the boy grumbled.
"And a staunch friend is not always to be found.