Jack had not very many more half-years to look forward to: he was to be a soldier, and before long must leave Ryeburn in preparation for what was before him, for he was fifteen past.

Carlo was only thirteen and small of his age.

He _had_ known what it was to be homesick, even at Ryeburn, more than three years ago, when he had first come there.

But with a big brother--above all a big brother like Jack, great strong fellow that he was, with the kindest of hearts for anything small or weak--little Carlo's preliminary troubles were soon over.

And now at thirteen he was very nearly, in his way, as great a man at Ryeburn as Jack himself.