th everything you can wish for? How would you like to be
a man and have to do nothing else every day but sit in this here cart,
and go to and fro, to and fro, from year's end to year's end, and never
no change?"

As we drew near the Bay Bob Chowne grew more fidgety and despondent, but
we tried to cheer him up by making appointments to go fishing and
exploring the shore; but my first intent was to run over to the Gap, and
see what was going on there.

As the carrier's cart descended the hill and we came in sight of the
cottage, I saw some one at the gate, and leaning out on one side I saw
that it was my father and the doctor, but before I could say so there
was a jerk which nearly threw me off, and I heard a familiar voice cry:

"There you are, then. Out with your box, lad. Here's Binnacle Bill
come to carry it. How do, young gentlemen! Well, young doctor, I've
got that rope's-ending saved up for you whenever you like to come."

Old Jonas did not offer to shake hands with either of us, but Bigley did
after handing out his box.

"You'll come on to-morrow," he said quickly.

"Yes, we'll come," I said, answering for both; and I observed that old
Jonas smiled grimly, though he did not speak.

Then Bob and I were alone and jogging down the zigzag road, traversing
another five hundred yards before we reached our gate, where my father
and the doctor were waiting for us.

"Brought the lads home quite safe, captain," said old Teggley Grey.
"Shall I take Mars Robert's box on to the town, doctor?"

The old carrier remained unanswered, for we were both being heartily
shaken by the hand, while old Sam came up smiling to carry in my box.

"Yes, take on the other box, Grey," cried the doctor. "We shall walk
home, Bob."

"After a good tea," put in my father; and I found that meal awaiting us
all, and very hearty and cosy it looked after the formal repasts at
school.

"Why, you've both grown," said the doctor, as we sat down in the snug
old room, where every object around seemed to be welcoming me.

"Yes, that they have," said my father. "Your Bob has the best of it
too."

"Trifle," said the doctor, "trifle. Well, sir, how many suits of
clothes shall you want this time? I've never heard any more of the ones
you lost."

I saw Bob turn red and take a vicious bite out of a piece of bread and
butter.

"They're nearly six months older now," said my father smiling, as he
performed the feminine task of pouring out