"That wasn't nothing, sir. I was so mad that they didn't move the shoot quicker, I thought her ladyship must have stuck half-way, so I ran up a ladder, and though it wasn't quite in the right place I managed, by stretching out, to hold Miss Tonia for a minute till the shoot came. If it hadn't been for that she couldn't have held on, how she did it at all, sir, is a miracle, but she's got such a cool head has Miss Tonia, 'tain't another like her anywhere, sir."
"You're right, Jim, there isn't another like her, anywhere."
"Thought you had started for foreign parts, sir."
"I haven't started yet—I may go next week—or I may not. Tell me how the fire began, Jim." And Jim's ideas on this point lasted till they reached Waycott Hall gates.
"All right, Jim, I'll walk from here—I don't want to disturb the ladies—they are not expecting me. Go back for Sir Evas." Lewis sneaked into his own house like a thief. His brain seemed spinning round with a multitude of ideas, as if it were on fire. He mentally saw Toney on that ledge and—he muttered some savage words about himself for not being there, adding, "Hang that Jim, he'll be unbearable for the rest of his life."
No one was expecting him, the hall was deserted, he walked through it and from habit made for his own study. He wanted to calm himself before seeing them all; of course Toney was upstairs—perhaps in bed. Oh! he could wait now. If he told anyone he was here, Aunt Honoria would claim him, and he should have to hear that horrid story again. He opened the door and stepped in. He walked to the fireplace—then—— Good heavens! there was Toney on his sofa, fast asleep, and there too was Trick, who pricked up his ears and barked!
Toney woke up with a start, and with her right hand rubbed her eyes.
"Gracious stars! Uncle—oh, it's——" She sank down again because her legs refused to carry her.
"It's only Lewis," he said sitting down beside her. "Toney—Toney, I've come back to tell you what a fool I've been."
"You haven't yet killed all the lions in Somaliland, have you?" said Toney trying to laugh in her old manner; but the laugh died away before the look in Lewis' eyes.