hly of 'im.
'E's sorry enough that 'is lease is up, 'Awkins is."

"I think of renewing it, under slightly different conditions," Mr.
Linton observed. "I don't wish to turn the man out, if he will grow
what I want."

"Well, that's good news," said the butler heartily. "I'm sure 'Awkins'll
do anything you may ask 'im to, sir." A sudden dull flush came
into his cheeks, and he looked for a moment half-eagerly at Mr.
Linton, as if about to speak. He checked himself, however, and they
returned to the house, where, by the General's orders, coffee and
sandwiches awaited the visitors in the morning-room. The butler
flitted about them, seeing to their comfort unobtrusively.

"If I may make so bold as to ask, sir," he said presently, "you'll be
coming to live here shortly?"

"As soon as General Somers leaves," Mr. Linton answered.

The man dropped his voice, standing rigidly to attention.

"I suppose, sir," he said wistfully, "you would not be needing a
butler?"

"A butler--why. I hadn't thought of such a thing," said Mr. Linton,
laughing. "There are not very many of you in Australia, you know."

"But indeed, sir, you'll need one, in a place like this," said the
ex-sergeant, growing bold. "Every one 'as them--and if you would be
so kind as to consider if I'd do, sir? I know the place, and the
General 'ud give me a good record. I've been under him these fifteen
years, but he doesn't need me after he leaves here."

"Well----" said Mr. Linton thoughtfully. "But we shan't be a small
family--we mean to fill this place up with officers needing rest.
We're coming here to work, not to play."

"Officers!" said the ex-sergeant joyfully. "But where'd you get any
one to 'elp you better, sir? Lookin' after officers 'as been my job
this many a year. And I'd serve you faithful, sir."

Norah slipped her hand into her father's arm.

"We really would need him, I believe, Daddy," she whispered.

"You would, indeed, miss," said the butler gratefully. "I could valet
the young gentlemen, and if there's any special attention needed, I
could give it. I'd do my very utmost, miss. I'm old to go out
looking for a new place at my time of life. And if you've once been
in the Army, you like to stay as near it as you can."

"Well, we'll see," Mr. Linton said guardedly. "I'll probably write to
General Somers about you." At which the butler, forgetting his
butlerhood, came smartly to attention--and then became covered with
co