Cleek was at the
porch waiting for them as they came out. He reached forth a hand to each.
"Good luck--and God bless you both," he said. "This is a fitting end,
Merriton, and a new and glorious beginning."
"And every moment of it, every second of it we owe to you, Mr. Cleek,"
returned Sir Nigel, in a deep, happy voice. "Time alone can show our
gratitude--I can't."
Cleek bowed, and his hand went out suddenly to Ailsa Lorne, who had
stolen up beside him, went out and caught her hand and held it in a grip
that hurt. "I know, boy. And one day in the glad future I shall call upon
you--who knows?--to attend a similar ceremony on my behalf, and in which
Mr. Narkom here has promised to act as best man--with Dollops to bolster
him up if he should be attacked with nerves. Now be off with you and--be
happy. We'll see you later at the Towers, Merriton. Good-bye to you
both."
The door closed, the engine started, Dollops sprang back and they were
off. The boy turned suddenly, looked at Cleek and Ailsa standing there in
the sunshine of the little porch, at Mr.
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