Page:Tom Beauling (1901).pdf/166

 ing, "You must put off the time—you must go back." But it won't be long—only back to Singapore and around the other way. Don't think I'm slighting your letter and your injunctions for a small cause. For, indeed, even if I were to completely lose your regard I would do as I am doing—not otherwise. I had hoped to win favor by going home as straightly as the shingler's hammer goes to the head of the nail, but it seems the shingler was to slip a little on the roof, to miss his aim, and have to strike again. But this time I shall send the hammer home, and, God willing and you helping, the nail also. . ..

What does it cost a man on the home trail to double and go back? I think it cost Beauling not even a pang. It seemed so much righter to break a lance for a poor little, sobbing, silly woman than to rush like a whirlwind into the very arms of the world's desire. He tiptoed into the sick-room to have a last look at Jack. Jack was so thin that you were hardly