CHAPTER XVI.
"HE _MUST_ REMEMBER" Dick arrived very early the next morning, having to be off again by the twelve o'clock train, in order to reach that evening the place where he was due to spend Christmas.
A telegram from Helen had prepared him for a change in Ronnie, but hardly for the complete restoration of mental balance which he saw in his friend, as they hailed one another at the railway station.
Ronnie had breakfasted early, in order to meet Dick's train.

He had said nothing of his plan to Helen, merely arranging his breakfast-hour overnight with the "valet." He walked to the station alone; but, arrived there, found the "valet" on the platform.
"Thought I might be wanted, sir, to carry the doctor's bag," he explained, touching his hat.

But, just as the train rounded the bend, he remarked: "Better stand back a little, sir," and took Ronnie firmly by the arm.
Ronnie could have knocked him down; but realised that this would be the surest way to find himself more than ever hedged in by precautions.

So he stood back, in wrathful silence, and, as Dick's gay face appeared at the window of a third-class smoker, the "valet" loosed his hold and disappeared.

It may here be recorded that this was the last time Ronnie saw him.