"Caroline, your cap!"

For it was on the back of the head that had never worn a cap before.
And not only then, but for the most part whenever they met, those
tears and caresses, that poor Mother Carey so much feared, were
checked midway by the instinct that made Aunt Ellen run at her with a
great pin and cry—-

"Caroline, your cap."

She was still, after having had it fixed, kneeling down, searching
for a form for telegraphing, when the door was opened, and in came
Colonel Brownlow, looking very pale and fearfully shocked.

"Ellen!" he began, "how shall I ever tell that poor child? Here is
Mr. Acton."

But at that moment up sprang Mother Carey, and as Mr. Acton entered
the room she leapt forward—-

"Oh! I was just going to telegraph! They are safe! they are here!
Jock, Jock!"

And downstairs came tumbling and rushing that same little imp, while
the astonishment of his uncle and aunt only allowed them to utter the
one word, "John!"

Mr. Acton drew a long breath, and said, "You have given us a pretty
fright, boy."