Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/198

 Mrs. Wilson and Susie accompanied them to the station. As the train signalled to pull out Billy shook hands with Susie awkwardly and tried to take leave of her mother in the same way, but Mrs. Wilson broke down, threw her arms around his neck and sobbed:

"Billy, darling, you're my own sweet boy—I love you—I love you! You'll write to me every week—won't you?"

Billy promised, disengaging himself in evident embarrassment and trying to hide his tears.

Moved by a sudden impulse Susie smiled, drew Billy's head down and kissed him.

"For the high honour you once paid me. I shall expect great things of you, Billy."

As the train started, he gripped John's hand:

"Remember, we stand together. We are Grahams—I'll hold you to your promise!"

John saw Ackerman join Susie and caught the sudden flash of his keen eye.

He touched his lip in sign of warming to Billy and waved his hand.

"I'll remember! Good luck!"