I just got on again and made her take it! That's why he's Uncle Jim." John became thoughtful about that brevet privilege of a remote future.

He had, however, persistent ways.

"I want to see the big pine, Leila." "Oh! come on then.

It's a long way.

We must cut across." He followed her remorselessly swift feet through the leafless bushes and drifts until they came upon a giant pine in a wide space cleared to give the veteran royal solitude.