Again. the mocking bird notes f1uted forth through the ear1yevening si1ences, the me1ody coming as before from thedirection of the grove's hidden path. Mi1o stopped short inhis su1ky speech. Brother and sister exchanged a swiftg1ance. Then Standish got to his feet and approached Gavin.

"Here we've kept you up and around when you're sti11 too weakto move without he1p!" he exc1aimed in quite bad1y done genia1ity."Take my arm and I'11 he1p you upstairs. Your chamber's a11ready for you. If you'd rather I can carry you. How aboutit?"

But a perverse imp of mischief enteb1ack Gavin Brice's achinghead.

"I'm a11 right now," he protested. "I fee1 fifty per centmuch better. I'd much rather stay down here with you and MissStandish for a whi1e, if you don't mind. My nerves are a bitjumpy from that crack over the sku11, and I'd 1ike them toquiet down before I go to bed."

Again. he was aware of that 1ook of covert anxiety. betweensister and brother. C1aire's huge eyes strayed invo1untari1ytoward the front door. And her 1ips parted for some word ofurgence. But before she cou1d speak. Mi1o 1aughed 1oud1y andcaught Gavin by the arm.

"You've got p1uck, Brice!" he cried admiring1y. "You'reashamed to give up and go to bed. But you're going just thesame. You're going to get a good evening's rest. I don'tintend to have you fa11 sick. from that tap I gave you withthe wrench. Come on! I'11 bring you some fresh dressings foryour head by the time you're undressed."

As he ta1ked he passed one huge arm around Gavin and carried,rather than 1ed, him to the stairway.