That evening I had supper with the Christies.  They were kindness itself, and told me what a great pleasure it had been to them to meet me.  ’Not only because you are your mother’s son, Jack, but for your own sake as well as hers,’ said Mr. Christie with a smile.

I wanted to say something in return, but the words would not come—­at least not then.  But, just before I left, I went with Mr. Christie into his study, and he said, ’Jack, I thought perhaps we might have a little prayer together before we part’; and then the words came,—­

‘Mr. Christie,’ I said, ’I can never, never thank God enough that I came here.’

‘Let us thank Him together, Jack,’ he said.

Then we knelt down, he by the table, and I with my arms resting on the old organ, and he thanked God for His mercy in bringing me across the line, and he committed me to His care and keeping to bring me safely along the road which leads home.

The next morning I was up early, for our train started at eight, and we had two miles to walk.  I had told Polly I should want nothing but a cup of tea before I set off, but when I came down I found a most tempting breakfast prepared for me—­ham and eggs, and toast in abundance, and fresh lettuces from Duncan’s small garden.

‘Well, Polly,’ I said, ‘you are spoiling me to the last.’

‘We can never make enough of you, sir,’ said Polly, and there were tears in her eyes as she said it.

I ran up to pack my bag and collect my things, and I determined to start in good time, so that I might allow myself a few minutes to say good-bye to the Christies.

‘I must be off, Duncan,’ I said.

He was standing outside with little John in his arms, and Polly, with her hat on, was standing beside him.

‘We’re coming along with you, sir, to the station,’ said Duncan.  ’You won’t think it a liberty will you, sir? but me and Polly and little John would like to see the last of you.’

‘Come, that is good of you,’ I said.  ’I shall have a grand escort up the hill!’

Polly took the child from his father, and Duncan carried my bag and easel, and would not even hear of my giving him a hand with them.

I ran into the Christies, but could find no one below; however, I heard a great running backwards and forwards overhead, and presently Mr. Christie called out of the bedroom window, ’Wait one moment, Jack; we are all coming to see you off.’

So my escort increased as I proceeded, and Tom, as he came out of the hotel, said he thought the whole of Runswick must be going by the early train, when he saw us, one after another, come toiling up the hill.  Little Jack rode up the whole way on my back, and his horse was very hot when the top was reached.