The gate opened, and closed behind him. Within stood men of the garrison, and women, and behind them the Chinese. All looked puzzled. Many tongues greeted him at once, eagerly questioning.
He looked about from one to another of the thin weary faces with burning eyes that hung on his slightest gesture, and slowly shook his head. He could answer none of their questions. He was searching for one face that meant more to him than all the others. It was not there. He walked on toward the house occupied by the Boatwrights. Just as he was turning in there he saw Betty. She was tunning across from the residence.
“On, Dad!” she cried. “You're back!” Her arms were around his neck. “How wonderful! And you're well—like your old self.”
“Better than my old self, dear,” he said, with a tender smile, and kissed her forehead.
“I can't stay, Dad. I just ran out. Wasn't it strange—I saw you from the window! But what's happened? What is it? Everybody's so puzzled. Have the troops come?”.
He shook his head.
“But it's something. Everybody's terribly excited.”