I galloped south, sir, to see my mother, whom I found gone, where, I don't know, and then I couldn't resist the temptation to come by here and see your house and Harry's, which, as you know, sir, has been almost a home to me, too." "Thank God you came, Dick," said the colonel putting his arms around Dick's shoulders, and giving him an affectionate hug.

"You were right.

I did not mean what I said.

There is only one other in the world whom I'd rather see than you.

Dick, I didn't know whether you were dead or alive, until I saw your face there in the doorway." It was obvious to Dick that his uncle's emotions were deeply stirred.
He felt the strong hands upon his shoulders trembling, but the veteran soldier soon steadied his nerves, and asked Dick to sit down in a chair which he drew close beside his own at the window.
"I thank God again that the notion took you to come by the house," he said.