For a peculiar feeling of exultation had come upon the boy, and the storm, instead of being startling, seemed grand, till he rode into the enclosure, seeing that lights were in three of the windows, and a trio of voices cried:
“Nic, is that you?”
“Yes, all right,” he shouted. “So hungry. In as soon as I’ve seen to my horse.”
Five minutes after he ran in dripping wet, and had hard work to keep Mrs Braydon from embracing him.
“Not till I’ve changed, mother,” he cried.
“But where have you been?”
“Over to Dillon’s, to get him not to punish Leather, and let him come away.”
“Yes, Nic?” cried Janet excitedly.
“He wouldn’t let him come.”
Janet heaved a piteous sigh and sank back in her chair, while Nic hurried to his room to get rid of his soaking garments.