London's all very well
for a visit. But just imagine what it would be if we didn't know we
were going back to Billabong some day!"

"What a horrible idea!" Norah said. "But we are--when the old War's
over, and the Kaiser has retired to St. Helena, and the Huns are busy
building up Belgium and France. And you'll both be captains, if you
aren't brigadiers, and all Billabong will expect to see you come back
in uniform glittering with medals and things."

"I like their chance!" said Wally firmly.

"Anyhow, we'll all go back; and that's all that matters," said Norah.
Her eyes dwelt wistfully on the two tall lads.

"And meanwhile," said Jim, "we'll all go down to Fuller's and have
morning tea. One thing, young Norah, you won't find a Fuller's in
Cunjee!"

"Why would I be trying?" Norah asked cheerfully. "Sure isn't there
Brownie at Billabong?"

"Hear, hear!" agreed Wally. "When I think of Brownie's pikelets----"

"Or Brownie's scones," added Norah. "Or her sponge-cakes."

"Or Brownie's tea-pot, as large and as brown as herself," said Mr.
Linton--"then London is a desert. But we'll make the best of it for
the present. Come along to Fuller's."

CHAPTER II

THE HOME FOR TIRED PEOPLE

"To begin with," said Jim--"what's the place like?"

"Eighty acres, with improvements," answered his father. "And three
farms--all let."

"Daddy, you're like an auctioneer's advertisement," Norah protested.
"Tell us what it is _like_--the house, I mean."

"We'll run down and see it soon," said Mr. Linton. "Meanwhile, the
lawyers tell me it's a good house, Queen Anne style----"

"What's that?" queried Jim.

"Oh, gables and things," said Wally airily. "Go on, sir, please."

"Standing in well-timbered park lands," said Mr. Linton, fishing a
paper out of his pocket, and reading from it. "Sorry, Norah, but I
can't remember all these thrills without the lawyers' letter. Lounge
hall, four reception rooms----"

"Who are you going to receive, Nor?"

"Be quiet," said Norah, aiming a cushion at the offender. "Not you,
if you're not extra polite!"

"Be quiet, all of you, or I will discontinue this penny reading," said
Mr. Linton severely. "Billiard-room, thirteen bedrooms, three baths
(h. and c.)----"

"Hydraulic and condensed," murmured Wally. Jim sat upon him with
silent firmness, and the reading was unchecked.

"Excellent domestic offices, modern drainage, central heating,
electric plant, Company's water