"But, I say, Monck!" he protested.

"That Mission business! It's the very thing you'd most enjoy.
Surely you can't be going to let such an opportunity slip!" "My own business is more pressing," Monck returned briefly.
Then Tommy remembered the stricken look that he had surprised on his friend's face that evening, and swift concern swallowed his astonishment.

"You had bad news from Home! I say, I'm awfully sorry.

Is your brother ill, or what ?" "No.

It's not that.