'
Mr. Don hesitates.
'Dick, there is something I have wanted to ask you all the time.'
Some fear seems to come into the boy's voice. 'Don't ask it, father.'
'I shall go on worrying about it if I don't--but just as you like,
Dick.'
'Go ahead, father; ask me.'
'It is this. Would you rather be--here--than there?'
After a pause the boy says, 'Not always.'
'What is the great difference, Dick?'
'Well, down here one knows he has risks to run.'
'And you miss that?'
'It must be rather jolly.'
'Did you know that was what I was to ask?'
'Yes. But, remember, I'm young at it.'
'And your gaiety, Dick; is it all real, or only put on to help me?'
'It's--it's half and half, father.'
'Face!' he cries, next moment. Then cajolingly, 'Father, K.C.M.G.!'
'When will you come again, Dick?'
'There's no saying. One can't always get through. They keep changing the
password.' His voice grows troubled. 'It's awfully difficult to get the
password.'
'What was it to-night?'
'Love Bade Me Welcome.'
Mr. Don rises; he stares at his son.
'How did you get it, Dick?'
'I'm not sure.
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