To William her words were like an electric shock stirring him to instant
action. He sprang abruptly to his feet.

"Well, whatever we've done, we've done it," he declared sternly;
"and now we must do the rest--and do it well, too. He's the son of my
boyhood's dearest friend, and he shall be made welcome. Now to business!
Bertram, you said you'd take him in. Did you mean it?"

Bertram sobered instantly, and came erect in his chair. William did not
often speak like this; but when he did--

"Yes, Will. He shall have the little bedroom at the end of the hall. I
never used the room much, anyhow, and what few duds I have there shall
be cleared out to-morrow."

"Good! Now there are some other little details to arrange, then I'll
go down-stairs and tell Pete and Dong Ling. And, please to understand,
we're going to make this lad welcome--welcome, I say!"

"Yes, sir," said Bertram. Neither Kate nor Cyril spoke.



CHAPTER V

GETTING READY FOR BILLY


The Henshaw household was early astir on the day of Billy's expected