As the gloaming of the sad day of the funeral drew on Tommy took his beads from his pocket. Then came the realization that he was alone to say them.
“Ethel! Ethel,” he cried, and the floodgates of his tears were open. Big, strong Roy caught him up in his arms as he would a baby. There Tommy, resting his tired little head on his big brother's breast, wept unrestrainedly.
On the day of the passing of Ethel Roy pondered
long about sending a message to his friends at St. Cuthbert's. He could not decide to whom to send it. Bracebridge, Beecham, Shealey, Gill, and Jones, all were thought of, but he remained undecided. While thinking over this, his aunt, Andrew Garrett's mother, entered the room. Roy loved this good and beautiful woman almost as much as he loved his own mother, whom she was supporting and comforting in her sudden affliction.
“I am glad you received my telegram in time," she said. “You will be just now such a support and comfort to your mother and father, Roy, in their sorrow.”She kissed him on the forehead.
“When the sickness came to Ethel,” she continued, "they were both too distracted by grief to think of sending for you, so I wired in your father's name.”
Roy made up his mind about his message. He filled out a blank:
“Dear Andrew: Ethel passed away at three. Pray and get prayers for her. I know you will. Roy.”
For many a long day after, Roy Henning had reason to bless the influence which prompted him to send this message to his cousin, rather than to any one else. The message had the effect of working a wonderful change in Andrew Garrett, so that when Roy next saw him, he scarcely recognized him. Many strange things will happen before Roy again sees his cousin.