"Have we had a letter since my illness?" she asked.
"No," answered Hal faintly.
"Not since—let me see,—it was August."
Hal made no reply.
"Why—it's strange! He never did such a thing before! Hasn't any one heard?"
"I believe not." Hal turned his head, and went on with some writing.
"Seems to me you take it pretty easy," said Granny, a little vexed. "Joe never was the one to forget his home folks. Hal, something's happened: mark my words!"
Poor Hal brushed away a tear.
Then Granny gave Dot a mysterious confidence, and asked her to inquire of Mr. Terry.