"In that case," declared Tom, suddenly twitching up his head, "I will
go down there." His face was so drawn that Jasper started, and then
looked away over the sea, and did not appear to notice the clenched
hand down by the boy's side.

"I--I--didn't know he was sick." Tom brought it out in gusts, and his
face worked worse than ever in his efforts not to show his distress.
The only thing he could do was to double up his hand tighter than ever,
as he tried to keep it back of him.

"I understand," nodded Jasper, still looking off over the blue water.

"And now I'll go down," said Tom, drawing a long breath and starting
off. Oh! and Dr. Jones had said the last thing to Jasper as he rushed
off with the good news to Tom, "On no account let that boy see his
Grandfather. I won't answer for the consequences if you do."

"See here," Jasper tore his gaze off from the shimmering water. "The
doctor doesn't--doesn't think you ought to see your Grandfather now."

"Hey!" cried Tom, his drawn lips flying open, and his big blue eyes
distending in anger. "He's my Grandfather. I rather think I shall do as
I've a mind to," and he plunged off.

"Tom!" Jasper took long steps after him. "Beg your pardon, this is no
time for thinking of anything but your Grandfather's life. Dr. Jones
said you were not to see him at present." The truth must be told, for
in another moment the boy would have been off on the wings of the wind.

"And do you think that I will mind in the least what that beastly