All the boys are over here." "Was all the dormitory on fire, then ?" "Yes; but thank God every one was saved." "Is Langrish all right ?" "Oh yes, all of them are." "Will he be game for the High Jump ?" "Surely, surely--but you're talking too much, sonny." "Mother ?" "What is it, darling ?" "Does Tempest know I've been ill ?" "Yes," and her eyes seemed to fill with tears as she bent over me.
"Will you tell him about the shilling ?" "Yes, if you like." "Mother, why are you crying?
Is Tempest ill too ?" "No, dear--but--" "Tell us, mother." "If it had not been for Tempest," said she, "I should have had no boy to-day." "Did he get me out, then ?" said I, getting thoroughly aroused.
"Yes, Heaven bless him for it!" she replied, kissing my forehead.
"That'll be a score for him," said I; "I'm so glad." My mother evidently did not quite understand this point of view, and concluded I had been talking more than was good for me, and once more implored me to be silent.
But I had no notion of giving up my inquiries at this stage.
"Did he get hurt doing it ?" I asked.
"Only his hand a little." "How did he get at me ?" "Every one thought you were safe out of the burning room with the others.

When it was found you were not, Tempest rushed back before any one could stop him, and carried you out.

He had not got outside with you more than a second or two when the roof and staircase and all fell in." Here she shuddered as once more she bent over me and kissed me.
This was all I wanted to hear at present, and I closed my eyes in order to think it over the better.
My chief sensation was one of exultation that Tempest should risk his life for me.

It meant that I had won him back in spite of myself.

Then when I recalled the frightful blaze and noise of that night, I began to realise what my rescue must have meant to any one.