At first the mother demurred, but she gave way—there was great temptation in the unusual treat. When Helen came home and was told the plan she was even more excited than they; it was so unusual an adventure. You can readily believe that it was a happy party of three that repaired to one of the many nice restaurants in the loop and afterward to the theater. They did not reach home until late in the night. On the way home they discussed what the news could be that Strong would have for Ted.
The next day Ted spent at the Settlement, renewing old acquaintances. Miss White, who had taken Mrs. Dean’s place, was glad to see him and gave him a hearty welcome. She was greatly interested in his story of his year in the West and wanted to know all about Mrs. Dean. It was a great day for Ted and the pleasantest of his stay in Chicago.
On his way home that night Ted began to wish for Wayland. He had not realized how much the place meant to him until now. Syd Graham and the rest of the boys seemed very dear, very desirable.
“I hope,” he said to himself, “that nothing will keep me from going on Saturday.”
CHAPTER XXIII
TED RECEIVES A REWARD
SIR ROBERT WINGATE listened while John Strong told the story of the plotting and counterplotting in Chicago. Many times he made memorandums. He asked questions once or twice, but in the main he just listened. When Strong finally completed his account, Sir Robert said:
“We took immediate action at our end and the results are more than satisfying. Strong, I do not want you to think for a minute that the importance of what you men have done is underestimated. The excitement of the Great War, the necessity of secrecy as to what you have accomplished—all these facts may give you an idea that we do not consider your work as important as it is. We do, however. Now, as to this boy, Theodore Marsh. He must be an unusual youngster with a good head. He will bear watching.”
“Unfortunately for us, he is American. Those are the kind of boys Canada could use to advantage. Not only is he American, but loyally so.”
“Well, he shall have acknowledgment of his deed of service. Tell me, is he from a family of wealth?”
Strong briefly gave Sir Robert an account of Ted’s past. The latter nodded his head understandingly.