The boy was growing sleepy, but at these words roused himself and delightedly exclaimed, "Yes, yes!"
"Well, Mr. Petrie is going to make you one." Hal looked over in approval at their visitor who was to make his dream come true. "Only," Jim continued, "you'll wear a fine red coat instead of a blue one, and Mr. Petrie's going to make you a big, fine soldier man. So daddy's going to let you go. Isn't that fine?"
"You, too, daddy?" the child questioned.
"No, dear; I can't go. When you go away there'll be nobody but me to take care of little momie."
"I won't go alone," Hal protested.
"Yes, dear, if father wants you to," Jim persuaded.
But the child only cried, "I won't—I won't—I won't!" as he flung his arms about his father's neck.
Jim felt it would be useless to argue further now. It was past the boy's bedtime, so he only said, coaxingly, "Yes, yes, you will." A scheme to help the boy to bear the separation began to formulate in his mind. They should take him away while he was asleep, and he would send Big Bill along with him for a few days if necessary.
"Now, old man, tell Mr. Petrie good-night."
The child did as he was bid.