be sure, go far from the house; but even to
clump up and down the veranda and the plank walks that connected the
cabins was a joy. How good it was to get about once more! But, alas,
the pace at which the convalescent moved was a constant source of
alarm to all who beheld it. Before the expiration of the first day
Theo had acquired such skill and speed that he hopped about like a
sparrow. There was no such thing as stopping him. He felt bound,
however, on his father's account to use some caution, and the
realization that he had already caused trouble enough was a potent
factor in restraining his fearlessness. Each day saw a gain in his
condition, and it was evident that before long the injured leg would
be as good as new.

Yet the exasperating hardship of having still to remain a captive in
the camp had to be endured. In the meantime the date for the return
home drew nearer and as the hours of the vacation shortened Theo's
determination that his father should enjoy every possible moment of
the time increased. So he was plucky enough to be as careful as he
could, and while the Doctor and Mr. Croyden fished he invented for
himself such amusements as were practical within his own more limited
confines.

Perhaps, although he did not appear to notice this, Mr. Croyden
fathomed the lad's unselfish intention more completely than did any
one else. However this may be, certain it was that in spite of his
sorties from the camp the merchant contrived to devote a part of
every evening to Theo, whose father was occupied in writing a medical
paper to be read before some convention on his return to the city. To
these evenings with Mr. Croyden the lad looked forward eagerly. They
were the bright spot in the day. The talks the two had together
usually took place in Mr. Croyden's cabin before the open fire where
the china-makers could converse freely and not disturb Dr. Swift.
Such a genuine friendship between the boy and the elder man had sprung
up that it would have been difficult to tell which of them anticipated
this bedtime hour the more.

"Do you realize, Theo, that we shall not be having many more of these
talks?" observed Mr. Croyden one evening as they sat cozily ensconced
before a roaring blaze. "The last of the week we shall be starting
back to civilization--to starched collars and cuffs, and the rush and
hubbub of city life. For you I suppose it will mean school again; and
for me it will be a matter of wading through a mou