He came in all glowing and glad; a form lay on his own couch before the fire.

The dominie and Mrs.Hope were bending over it.

As he entered, Mrs.Hope sprang forward-- "Father!" "Eh?
Father?
What is this ?" "Father, it is Colin." Then he knew it all.

Colin stretched out a feeble hand towards him.

He was sorely bruised and hurt, he was white and helpless and death-like.
"Father!" And the father knelt down beside him.