But he was not concerned about that if only he could go about in any sort of fashion once more.
Wednesday of that week he was surprised by an unexpected manner by an event which did more than anything else to hasten his recovery.

He was still confined to bed downstairs when in the afternoon the bell rang, and Mrs.Strong went to the door supposing it was one of the church people come to inquire about the minister.

She found instead Alfred Burke, Philip's old college chum and Seminary classmate.

Mrs.Strong welcomed him heartily, and in answer to his eager inquiry concerning Philip's condition she brought him into the room, knowing her patient quite well and feeling sure the sight of his old chum would do him more good than harm.

The first thing Alfred said was: "Old man, I hardly expected to see you again this side of heaven.