Four or five miles isn't much, only my leg bothered me;" and Jack gave the ailing member a slap, as if he had found it much in his way that day; for, though he had given up the crutches long ago, he rather missed their support sometimes.

Then, with a great yawn, he stretched himself out to bask in the blaze, pillowing his head on his arms.
"Dear old thing, he looks all used up; I won't plague him with talking;" and Jill began to sing, as she often did in the twilight.
By the time the first song ended a gentle snore was heard, and Jack lay fast asleep, worn out with the busy week and the walk, which had been longer and harder than any one guessed.

Jill took up her knitting and worked quietly by firelight, still wondering and guessing what the secret could be; for she had not much to amuse her, and little things were very interesting if connected with her friends.

Presently Jack rolled over and began to mutter in his sleep, as he often did when too weary for sound slumber.

Jill paid no attention till he uttered a name which made her prick up her ears and listen to the broken sentences which followed.