With the darkness had come a wind from the sea,and the boy crept outside in his flannels and planter's hat and threw himself down in a cane chair with a little murmur of relief.Below him burned the white lights of the town,a little noisier than usual to-night,for out in the bay a steamer was lying-to,and there had been a few passengers and cargo to land.The boy had had a hard day's work,or he would have been in the town himself to watch for arrivals and wait for the mail.He closed his eyes,half asleep,for the sun had been hot and the murmurs of the sea below was almost like a lullaby.As he lay there a man's voice from the path reached him.
He sprang up,listening intently.It must have been fancy -and yet!He leaned over the wooden balcony.The figure of a man loomed out through the darkness,came nearer,became distinct.Fred recognised him with a glad shout.
"Trent!"he cried."Scarlett Trent,by all that's amazing!"Trent held out his hand quickly.Somehow the glad young voice,quivering with excitement,touched his heart in an unexpected and unusual manner.It was pleasant to be welcomed like this -to feel that one person in the world at least was glad of his coming.For Trent was a sorely stricken man and the flavour of life had gone from him.Many a time he had looked over the steamer's side during that long,lonely voyage and gazed almost wishfully into the sea,in whose embrace was rest.It seemed to him that he had been a gambler playing for great stakes,and the turn of the wheel had gone against him.
"Fred!"
They stood with hands locked together,the boy breathless with surprise.Then he saw that something was wrong.
"What is it,Trent?"he asked quickly."Have we gone smash after all,or have you been ill?"Trent shook his head and smiled gravely.
"Neither,"he said."The Company is booming,I believe.Civilised ways didn't agree with me,I'm afraid.That's all!I've come back to have a month or two's hard work -the best physic in the world.""I am delighted to see you,"Fred said heartily."Everything's going A1here,and they've built me this little bungalow,only got in it last week -stunning,isn't it?But -just fancy your being here again so soon!Are your traps coming up?""I haven't many,"Trent answered."They're on the way.Have you got room for me?""Room for you!"the boy repeated scornfully."Why,I'm all alone here.It's the only thing against the place,being a bit lonely.
Room for you!I should think there is!Here,****!Dinner at once,and some wine!"Trent was taken to see his room,the boy talking all the time,and later on dinner was served and the boy did the honours,chaffing and talking lightly.But later on when they sat outside,smoking furiously to keep off the mosquitoes and watching the fireflies dart in and out amongst the trees,the boy was silent.Then he leaned over and laid his hand on Trent's arm.
"Tell me all about it -do,"he begged.
Trent was startled,touched,and suddenly filled with a desire for sympathy such as he had never before in his life experienced.He hesitated,but it was only for a moment.
"I never thought to tell any one,"he said slowly,"I think I'd like to!"And he did.He told his whole story.He did not spare himself.
