No trace of dirt was allowed to linger anywhere.

When the door to the adjoining kitchen opened, as Caterina passed through, pleasant odors floated in, inciting the two to fresh efforts at the trencher.

It was all as it had been when they were young boys living there, attending the school of Alexander McLean and traveling by painful steps along the road to knowledge.

In its snugness, its security and the luxury it offered it was a wonderful contrast to the dark forest, where death lurked in every bush.

Robert drew a long sigh of content and poured himself another cup of coffee.
"And you escaped from the French after the great battle ?" said Mynheer Jacobus, asking the same question over and over again.
"Yes, sir," replied Robert, "and it was not a difficult thing to do at all.