ed me. I reckon he'd ruthah hurt hisself if he could do me right
that-a-way. You guess I--I'm goin' to git shet o' the misery some day?"

"That's what we're trying for, my brave little brother," and the two
physicians bade the small patients good-by and walked out upon the
street.

CHAPTER XXIV

IN WHICH DAVID THRYNG HAS NEWS FROM ENGLAND

As they passed down the street, David shivered and buttoned his light
overcoat closer about him.

"Cold?" said the older man.

"Your air is a bit keen here already. I hope it will be the needed tonic
for that little chap."

"What were his s--secrets?" David told him.

"He's imaginative--yes--yes. I really would rather hurt myself. He may
come on--he may. I've known--I've known--curious,
but--Why--Hello--hello! Why--where--" and Doctor Hoyle suddenly darted
forward and shook hands with another old gentleman, who was alertly
stepping toward them, also thin and wiry, but with a face as impassive
as the doctor's was mobile and expressive. "Mr. Stretton, why--why!
David--Mr. Stretton, David Thryng--"

"Ah, Mr. Thryng. I am most happy to find you here."

"Doctor Thryng--over here on this side, you know."

"Ah, yes. I had really forgotten. But speaking of titles--I must give
this young man his correctly. Lord Thryng--allow me to congratulate you,
my lord."

"I fear you mistake me for my cousin, sir," said David, smiling. "I hope
you have no ill news from my good uncle; but I am not the David who
inherits. I think he is in South Africa--or was by the latest home
letters."

Mr. Stretton did not reply directly, but continued smiling, as his
manner was, and turned toward David's companion.

"Shall we go to my hotel? I have a great deal to talk over--business
which concerns--ahem--ahem--your lordship, on behalf of your mother,
having come expressly--" he turned again to David. "Ah, now don't be at
all alarmed, I beg of you. I see I have disturbed you. She is quite
well, or was a week or more ago. Doctor Hoyle, you'll accompany us? At
my request. Undoubtedly you are interested in your young friend."

Mechanically David walked with the two older men, filled with a strange
sinking of the heart, and at the same time with a vague elation. Was he
called home by his mother to help her sustain a new calamity? Had the
impossible happened? Mr. Stretton's manner continued to be mysteriously
deferential toward him, and something in his air reminded David of
England and the atmosph