“Mr. Peter!” Goring’s voice was on a note of exultation.

And into the room came a tall, lean man, a mongrel dog at his heels.

“Hullo, father!”

“Well, my boy!”

There was a grip of hands. Then the old man was sitting again by the fire, Peter opposite to him. There was a little silence. Democritus, sniffing at the black, hairy hearthrug, was completely engrossed with his own occupation. In the silence the two men watched him.

Presently he curled down with a thump. A quivering sigh of satisfaction passed through his body.

“It is evident,” said Peter with a little laugh, “that Democritus has come to stay.”


CHAPTER XXXII

PER ASPERA AD ASTRA