For a moment the two men stood with clasped hands, looking into each other's eyes with a satisfaction too deep for words.
After an affectionate scrutiny of his young friend Mr. Britton resumed his seat, remarking,—
"You are looking well—better than I have ever seen you; and I was glad to hear that laughter outside; it had the right ring to it."
"Duke was responsible for that," Darrell answered, with a smiling glance at the collie who had stationed himself by the fire and near Mr. Britton; "he challenged me to wrestle with him, and got rather the worst of it."
A moment later, having divested himself of his great coat, he drew a second seat before the fire, saying,—
"You evidently knew where to look for me?"
"Yes, your last letter, which, by the way, followed me for nearly six weeks before reaching me, apprised me of your return to the camp. I was somewhat surprised, too, after you had established yourself so well in town."
"It was best for me—and for others," Darrell answered; then, noting the inquiry in his friend's eyes, he added:
"It is a long story, but it will keep; there will be plenty of time for that later. Tell me of yourself first. For two months I have hungered for word from you, and now I simply want to listen to you a while."