s like coming home. You go on to Liverpool, I
understand."

"I have a ticket to Liverpool," he said; "but I suppose they would let
me off at Queenstown, wouldn't they?"

"Why, certainly--how fast we are nearing land. I'll have to go down now
and awaken father. We haven't much time to get ready."

He would have held her, had he dared. She was gone, and there were a
hundred and one questions to ask her. She must not get away from him
like this. He must know where they were going--get addresses by which to
find them. He had no plans but what could be easily changed. Seeing
Europe without Lucy Strong would be a dull, profitless excursion.
Chester's thoughts ran along this line, when Lucy appeared again. The
color had left her face.

"Father is very sick," she said to Chester. "He seems in a stupor. I
can't wake him. Will you find the doctor?"

"I'll get him," he said. "Don't worry. We'll be down immediately."

Chester and the doctor found Lucy rubbing her father's hands and
forehead, pleading softly for him to speak to her. The doctor after a
hurried examination, said there was nothing serious. A nervous
break-down of some kind only--no organic trouble--would be all right
again shortly.

"But doctor, we get off at Queenstown," explained Lucy.

"Well, I think you can manage it. By the time you are ready to leave, he
will be strong enough. This young man seems able to carry him ashore, if
need be. Are you landing also," he asked of Chester.

"Well--yes."

Lucy looked at the young man, but said nothing. The doctor promised to
bring some medicine, then left.

"But Mr. Lawrence--" began Lucy.

"I'll listen to no objections," interrupted he. "I couldn't think for a
moment of leaving you two in this condition. You're hardly able to lift
a glass of water, and now you father's ill also. No; I am going with
you, to be your body guard, your servant. Listen! I'm out to see the old
world. I should very much like to begin with Queenstown and Cork."

The father moved, opened his eyes, then sat up He passed his hand over
his face, then looked at the two young people. "It's all right," he
muttered, then lay down again on the pillow. The doctor came with his
medicine. There were now heard the noise of trunks being hoisted from
the hold and the bustle of getting ready to leave the ship.

"Father," said Lucy. "We must soon get ready to leave. Will you be
able?"

"Yes, yes, child"--it seemed difficult for the old man to speak