Wharton, isn't it? Right!"

As they made their way homeward, thoroughly worked up by the
excitement of their adventure, Harry wondered whether his father
would let him undertake this service Colonel Throckmorton had
suggested. After all, he was not English, and he felt that his
father might not want him to do it, although Mr. Fleming, he knew,
sympathized strongly with the English in the war. He said nothing
to Dick, preferring to wait until he was sure that he could go
ahead with his plans.

But when he reached his house he found that things had changed
considerably in his absence. Both his parents seemed worried; his
father seemed especially troubled.

"Harry," he said, "the war has hit us already. I'm called home by
cable, and at the same time there is word that your Aunt Mary is
seriously ill. Your mother wants to be with her. I find that, by
a stroke of luck, I can get quarters for your mother and myself on
tomorrow's steamer. But there's no room for you. Do you think
you could get along all right if you were left here? I'll arrange
for supplies for the house; Mrs. Grimshaw can keep house. And you
will have what money you need."

"Of course I can get along!" said Harry, stoutly. "I suppose the
steamers are fearfully crowded?"

"Only about half of them are now in service," said Mr. Fleming.
"And the rush of Americans who have been travelling abroad is
simply tremendous. Well, if you can manage, it will relieve us