"I'm not going to send any message to ma and the girls. They know I love them. You can't add anything to that." A sidelong smile stole through the bars. "I love you too, Bob. I guess it's a bum thing to say, but to-night—well, it's different—and I'm going to say it. I can't do anything to thank you; but it may mean something to you to have me loving you like the devil all the way from—from over there."
"It means something to me now."
"Then that's all right."
The Italian breathed heavily. The negro snored. The guards were bored and somnolent. Teddy might have been asleep except for the look and the smile that every now and then crept through the bars toward his companion.
Suddenly he pulled his fingers from Bob's clasp, jumped to his feet, and held out his arms.
"All right, ma! I'm ready!"
The cry was so loud and joyous that Bob sprang up. Brannigan lumbered forward.
"Been dreamin'," he explained. "Just as well if he has."
Teddy looked about him in bewilderment.
"No, I haven't been. I wasn't asleep. I was wide awake. I guess you'll think I'm dippy, Bob; but I did see ma. 'Pon my soul I did! She was right there." He pointed to the spot. "She looked lovely, too—young, like—and yet it was ma all right. She wanted me to come. That's why I jumped. Oh, well! Perhaps I am dippy. But it's funny, isn't it?"