The Riddle of the Frozen Flame Part 26

"Good luck-and G.o.d bless you both," he said. "This is a fitting end, Merriton, and a new and glorious beginning."

"And every moment of it, every second of it we owe to you, Mr. Cleek," returned Sir Nigel, in a deep, happy voice. "Time alone can show our grat.i.tude-I can't."

Cleek bowed, and his hand went out suddenly to Ailsa Lorne, who had stolen up beside him, went out and caught her hand and held it in a grip that hurt. "I know, boy. And one day in the glad future I shall call upon you-who knows?-to attend a similar ceremony on my behalf, and in which Mr. Narkom here has promised to act as best man-with Dollops to bolster him up if he should be attacked with nerves. Now be off with you and-be happy. We'll see you later at the Towers, Merriton. Good-bye to you both."

The door closed, the engine started, Dollops sprang back and they were off. The boy turned suddenly, looked at Cleek and Ailsa standing there in the suns.h.i.+ne of the little porch, at Mr. Narkom chuckling quietly behind them, and-remarked:

"Gawd! Dunno which is the best-weddings or funerals! Strite I don't. Yer snivels at bofe like a blinkin' fool wiv a cold in 'is 'ead. And when it comes to your time, Guv'nor! well, if yer don't let me myke a third at the funnymoon, I'll commit hurry-skurry on yer wery doorstep!... An' jolly good riddance ter bad rubbish, too!"

THE END