tle of old Lannercost, when you are far away."

"Why, Lyn, how awfully good of you. I can't tell you how I shall value
them. They will seem to bring back all the good times we have had
together here. And, now, good night. I suppose it's good-bye too."

"Oh no, it isn't. I shall be up to see you off."

"But think what an ungodly hour I'm going to start at."

"That doesn't matter. Of course I'm going to see you off."

"Why, rather," struck in small Fred.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning dawned, frosty and clear, and the intending traveller
appreciated the thick warmth of his heavy ulster to the full, as he
prepared to mount to the seat of Bayfield's buggy, beside the native boy
who was to bring back the vehicle after depositing him at the district
town, nearly fifty miles away. There was no apparent gloom about the
trio now. They were there to give him a cheery send off.

"Well, good-bye, old chap," cried Bayfield, as they gripped hands. "I
think there's everything in the buggy you'll want on the way."

"Good-bye, Bayfield, old pal," was the hearty reply. "Good-bye, Lyn,"
holding the girl's hands in both of his, and gazing down affectionately
into the sweet, pure face. "God bless you, child, and don't forget your
true and sincere old friend in too great a hurry. Fred--good-bye, old
chappie." And he climbed into his seat and was gone.

The trio stood looking after the receding vehicle until it disappeared
over the roll of the hill--waving an occasional hat or a handkerchief as
its occupant looked back. Then Fred broke forth:

"Man--Lyn, but Mr Blachland's a fine chap! _Tis waar_, I'm sorry he's
gone--ain't you?"

He had pretty well voiced the general sense. They felt somehow, that a
vacant place had been set up in their midst.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that morning Bayfield chanced to return to the house from his work
outside. It seemed empty. Small Fred was away at the bottom of the
garden with a catapult, keeping down the swarming numbers of predatory
mouse-birds and the wilier spreuw. But where was Lyn? Just then a
sound striking upon the silence brought him to a standstill, amazement
and consternation personified, so utterly strange and unwonted was such
a sound in that household, and it proceeded from the girl's room.
Gently, noiselessly, he opened the door.

She was seated by he