He was obliged to be in New York a couple of days before sailing, and it was arranged that Roderick should overtake him at the last moment.

The evening before he left Northampton he went to say farewell to Mrs.Hudson.The ceremony was brief.

Rowland soon perceived that the poor little lady was in the melting mood, and, as he dreaded her tears, he compressed a multitude of solemn promises into a silent hand-shake and took his leave.

Miss Garland, she had told him, was in the back-garden with Roderick: he might go out to them.

He did so, and as he drew near he heard Roderick's high-pitched voice ringing behind the shrubbery.