the door in great
style, Pip driving and Pat looking sulkily on. They took the
coat parcel and put it carefully under the seat, and were
preparing to start again, when Judy came out upon the veranda,
holding the General in an uncomfortable position in her arms.

"You come, too, Fizz, there's heaps of room--there's no reason you
shouldn't," Pip said suddenly. "Oh--h--h!" said Judy, her eyes
sparkling. She took a rapid step forward and lifted her foot to
get in.

"Oh, I say!" remonstrated Pip, "you'll have to put on something
over that dress, old girl--it's all over jam and things."

Judy shot herself into the hall and returned with her ulster; she
set the General on the floor for a minute while she donned it,
then picked him up and handed him up to Pip.

"He'll have to come, too," she said; "I promised Esther I
wouldn't let him out of my sight for a minute; she's getting
quite nervous about him lately--thinks he'll get broken."

Pip grumbled a minute or two, but the General gave a gurgling,
captivating laugh and held up his arms, so he took him up and
held him while Judy clambered in.

"We can come back in the tram to the Quay, and then get a boat
back," she said, squeezing the baby on the seat between them.
"The General loves going on the water."

Away they sped; down the neglected carriage drive, out of the
gates, and away down the road. Pip, Judy of the shining eyes,
the General devouring his thumb, and Pat smiling-faced once more
because in possession of the reins.

A wind from the river swept through the belt of gum trees on the
Crown lands, and sent the young red blood leaping through their
veins; it played havoc with Judy's curls, and dyed her brown
cheeks a warm red; it made the General kick and laugh and grow
restive, and caused Pip to stick his hat on the back of his head
and whistle joyously.

Until town was reached, when they were forced to yield
somewhat to the claims of conventionality. On the way to
Paddington a gentleman on horseback slackened pace a little.
Pip took off his hat with a flourish, and Judy gave a frank,
pleased smile, for it was a certain old Colonel they had known
for years, and had cause to remember his good-humour and
liberality.

"Well, my little maid--well, Philip, lad," he said, smiling
genially, while his horse danced round the dogcart--"and the
General too--where are you all off to?"

"The Barracks--I'm taking something up for the governor," Pip
answered, Jud