child's words had awakened many memories, and Tim was at that stage now
when the powers of good and of evil were contending for his soul.

'He don't believe I want it, for I keep making excuses!' muttered the
poor man. 'Ay, I do; but I haven't got over the longing to be different.
I'd cut off my right hand, I do believe, if I could be as Saxby is. I
can't bring myself up to the point; that's it!'

Meanwhile, poor little Teddy crept indoors with a sad face, to announce
to his mother the failure of his mission.

'He was nearly here, mother--just the other side of the hedge
outside--and yet he turned back!'




CHAPTER VII

Uplifted and Cast Down


It was a bright, cheery gathering a few hours later. Mr. Upton had
thrown his whole heart into the scheme, and had been round with his
tickets to a few outlying inns, where more of the men were billeted, so
that there were altogether over forty redcoats assembled. Mrs. John and
two other neighbours were in charge of the tea and coffee, and Teddy and
Nancy, with one or two other children, as a special favour, were allowed
to help to wait on the guests. The tables were decorated with flowers;
meat-pies, cold beef and ham sandwiches disappeared in a marvellous