No news might be good news, but not for a mother. Hardly had the door closed when Mrs. Daly put on her things and made ready to start for the hospital.
The priest had a good deal to think about. There was a possibility that Willie's condition was serious on account of internal injuries. What a blow it would be to the parents if he should die! When he reached home, the first thing he did was to telephone to the hospital and inquire about the boy. He was informed that the patient was resting quietly. "That is good," he said to himself, "for I should not be at all surprised if Mrs. Daly ran down to see the lad tonight." With that he went over to the Club, wrote a few letters, and then returned to the rectory for the night.
(VIII)
The boys were late leaving the Club after the excitement of the fire. They spoke in suppressed tones. Admiration and regret prevailed—admiration for Bill's daring deed—regret for their conduct to him just before.
"Gee!" said Tommy, "I'm sorry I sailed into him the way I did."
"And who would have thought he was such a daring chap!" exclaimed Dick.
"It only shows," added Ned, "that you never can tell what's in a fellow."
"We called him the 'Bull'," said Frank, "and in one way we were right, for that was the bulliest thing I ever saw. My hat is off to Bill Daly."
After a while, they turned to speculating on his condition.
"I hope it's nothing serious," remarked Dick.