There was something in the unhappy man's tone as he spoke, something so crushed and forlorn that John could not but melt a little. He paused at the door. It crossed his mind that he might possibly be able to cheer him up.
"Uncle Lester," he said, "how did you get on with Sergeant-Major Flannery at Healthward Ho?"
Mr. Carmody winced. Unpleasant memories seemed to be troubling him.
"Just before I left," said John, "I blacked his eye and we fell downstairs together."
"Downstairs?"
"Right down the entire flight. He thumped his head against an oak chest."
On Mr. Carmody's drawn face there hovered for an instant a faint flickering smile.
"I thought you'd be pleased," said John.
II