Now then, Tommy! Now, lad!" He had taken her place almost before she knew it.

She saw him stoop with absolute assurance and slip his arm under the boy's shoulders.

Tommy's inert head fell back against him, but she saw his strong right hand come out and take the spoon that Ralston held out.

His dark face was bent to his task, and it held no dismay, only unswerving determination.
"Tommy!" he said again, and in his voice was a certain grim tenderness that moved her oddly, sending the tears to her eyes before she could check them.

"Tommy, wake up, man! If you think you're going out now, you're damn well mistaken.