THE SUMMONS

When Kelly awoke that morning, it was some time later, and Burke
was entering his hut with a steaming cup of cocoa. The Irishman
stretched his large bulk and laughed up at his friend.

"Faith, it's the good host that ye are! I've slept like a top, my
son, and never an evil dream. How's the lad this morning? And
how's the land?"

"The land's all right so far," Burke said. "I'm just off to help
them bring in the animals. The northern dam has failed."

Kelly leaped from his bed. "I'll come. That's just the job for me
and St. Peter. Don't bring the missis along though! It's too much
for her."

"I know that," Burke said shortly. "I've told her so. She is to
take it easy for a bit. The climate is affecting her."

Kelly looked at him with his kindly, curious eyes. "Can't you get
things fixed up here and bring her along to Brennerstadt for the
races and the diamond gamble? It would do you both good to have a
change."

Burke shook his head, "I doubt if she would care for it. And young
Guy would want to come too. If he did, he would soon get up to
mischief again. He has gone back to his hut this morning, cleared
out early. I hope he is to be trusted to behave himself."