sleep. Lovingly, and with eyes brimming with tears, the woman stood
for some time and watched the boy. Then a light step aroused her. It
was the doctor.

"The turn has come," he whispered. "You were just in time."

Rod rapidly recovered, and there was joy not only at the rectory but
throughout the entire parish. Captain Josh was almost beside himself
with joy, while the scouts plucked up sufficient courage to meet at
Headquarters to talk about the accident, and their patrol-leader's
illness.

It was a great day for Rod when he was able to sit up and receive
visitors. Captain Josh had been often in the room, but so far the
scouts had not been allowed to come. When at last they were given
permission to visit the invalid, they could not get to the rectory fast
enough. They were surprised to see Rod so thin and white, and when
they left after their brief visit, they hurried back to Headquarters
for another long talk.

Rod was never so happy as when Anna Royanna was with him. Many were
the stories she told, and she would often read to him. She seemed to
be in no hurry about going away, and this pleased the boy, as he wanted
her to stay until after Christmas. They were to have a big time on
Christmas Day, so he told her. Captain Josh and the scouts were coming
for dinner, and perhaps Whyn would be home.

One day Rod noticed that Mr. and Mrs. Royal seemed happier than usual
when they came into his room. Though no parents could have been kinder
than they ever were to him, yet now there appeared a marked difference.