"Yes," Billy repeated; "a big thing like that in a big way like that. I'd like t' be man enough. An' I knows only one other man in the world who could do it—in jus' that quiet way."
"Who's that, Billy?"
"Doctor Luke."
"Yes," Archie agreed; "he's big enough for anything."
"I'd like t' be like he!" Billy sighed.
Then the boys went down to dinner. Archie had something in mind of which Billy Topsail was not aware.
After dinner, Toby Farr was put to bed. He was a soft little fellow, perhaps, and Archie's mother, too, was tender. At any rate, she was calling Toby "Son" by that time; and Toby didn't mind, and Archie was delighted, and Sir Archibald was smiling as though he enjoyed it. Toby was not happy—not by any means; no prospect of luxury, no new love, could ease the wish for his grandfather's voice and presence. Yet he was as happy as he very well could be—and as safe as any lad ever was. When he said good-night, he said it gravely, in the mannerly way he had—a courteous voice, a serious air, a little bow. Sir Archibald smiled, and Archie clapped him on the back, and Archie's mother put her arms around the lad, smiling, too, and led him off to stow him away.
Archie and Billy were then left alone with Sir Archibald.
"Dad," Archie began, "Billy and I have been talking."