“I hope so. I’m sure I ought to.”
“He ain’t any happier than I am,” said a voice that Charlie well knew; and stepping from behind the great tree, Ned Gates ran into his arms.
“Why, Ned, how you have grown! I should hardly know you.”
“Have I, truly, Mr. Bell?” replied Ned, excessively pleased.
“Yes; and see what a cue he’s got,” said Walter, turning him round.
“Be still, Wal; how you do like to poke fun at me.”
“Mr. Bell,” asked Walter, “can you bear good news?”
“I guess so.”
“But you never had any such news as this.”