1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:04,960 Speaker 1: Bertie's ride by Lady Dunboyne. Here's a nice state of things. 2 00:00:05,200 --> 00:00:07,080 We have run short of candles for the tree, and 3 00:00:07,160 --> 00:00:09,279 of course the shops will be shut tomorrow and the 4 00:00:09,359 --> 00:00:12,720 day after. What is to be done. Almost anything else 5 00:00:12,759 --> 00:00:14,759 might have been managed in some way, But a Christmas 6 00:00:14,800 --> 00:00:18,559 tree in semi darkness? Can anything more dismal be imagined? 7 00:00:19,039 --> 00:00:22,039 And Alice Chetwin's usually bright face looks nearly as gloomy 8 00:00:22,079 --> 00:00:24,879 as the picture she has called up. What's the row? 9 00:00:25,079 --> 00:00:28,199 Cries schoolboy Bertie, planning two good natured of somewhat grubby 10 00:00:28,199 --> 00:00:31,239 hands on his sister's shoulders. Alice and the dumps. That 11 00:00:31,359 --> 00:00:33,799 is something quite new. Can't you cut some big candles 12 00:00:33,840 --> 00:00:36,280 in two and stick them about? Here's cousin Mildred ask 13 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:39,079 her she'll be sure to hit upon something. No, don't 14 00:00:39,079 --> 00:00:41,520 bother her, whispers Alice, giving him a warning. Pat As 15 00:00:41,520 --> 00:00:44,000 a pretty girl some years older than themselves enters the room. 16 00:00:44,359 --> 00:00:46,960 She is so disappointed at getting no letter again to day. 17 00:00:47,280 --> 00:00:50,479 I am so sorry for it has quite spoiled her Christmas. Hush, 18 00:00:50,520 --> 00:00:53,520 don't say I told you anything about it? What mischief 19 00:00:53,520 --> 00:00:56,640 are you? Two children? Plodding cousin Mildred tries to speak 20 00:00:56,679 --> 00:00:58,479 cheerily and to turn her face so that they may 21 00:00:58,520 --> 00:01:01,159 not see any traces of tears about her pretty blue eyes. 22 00:01:01,439 --> 00:01:03,159 But there is a little quiver in her voice which 23 00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:06,319 betrays her. In a moment, Alice's arm is round her neck, 24 00:01:06,359 --> 00:01:08,920 and Bertie is consoling her after his rough and ready fashion. 25 00:01:09,519 --> 00:01:11,560 Cheer up, cousin, Milly, I'll bet anything you'll get a 26 00:01:11,640 --> 00:01:14,959 letter tomorrow. I can't do that, Bertie. I'm afraid for 27 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:18,280 the postman doesn't come on Christmas Day, doesn't he? What 28 00:01:18,400 --> 00:01:21,519 a beastly shame, I declare, I'll speak to father. No, no, 29 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:24,439 your father knows all about it. It's quite right, and 30 00:01:24,519 --> 00:01:26,519 I'm so glad the poor old man has one day 31 00:01:26,519 --> 00:01:29,239 to spend comfortably with his wife and children. I don't 32 00:01:29,319 --> 00:01:32,000 quite know why Cecil hasn't written, but worrying about it 33 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:35,359 won't do any good. Now, let us talk about something else, Alice, 34 00:01:35,359 --> 00:01:37,560 When can you be spared from the tree. Mother wants 35 00:01:37,560 --> 00:01:39,359 all the help she can get for the church dressing? 36 00:01:40,239 --> 00:01:42,239 Is she down at the church now? All right, darling, 37 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:44,480 I'll come in two minutes. Isn't it a plague about 38 00:01:44,480 --> 00:01:46,599 these candles? The shops are sure to be shut in 39 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:48,799 Appleton the day after Christmas, and the poor children will 40 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:50,959 be so disappointed if we have to put off the tree, 41 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:54,359 the poor dear school children. Oh that is a pity. 42 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:57,040 But candles, oh dear, I don't know how we can 43 00:01:57,079 --> 00:01:59,439 do without them? Is it quite impossible to send to 44 00:01:59,480 --> 00:02:02,719 Appleton to day? Why to say the truth? I asked 45 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:04,599 father this morning, and he said there was no one 46 00:02:04,599 --> 00:02:07,000 to go. You see, coachman is away for a holiday, 47 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:08,840 and Sam is as busy as he can be, and 48 00:02:08,879 --> 00:02:10,840 there's no one else who can be trusted with a horse. 49 00:02:11,039 --> 00:02:13,439 And one cannot ask anybody to trudge five miles and 50 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:15,360 back through the snow, though it is not at all deep, 51 00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:19,080 and there is more snow coming, I fear, says Mildred, 52 00:02:19,080 --> 00:02:21,280 looking out at the gray, thick, wintry sky. It is 53 00:02:21,319 --> 00:02:24,000 awfully cold. Ah, there is a feeble little ray of 54 00:02:24,039 --> 00:02:26,680 sunshine struggling out. Well, I must go back to my 55 00:02:26,719 --> 00:02:29,599 occupation of measuring flannel for the old woman's petticoats. It 56 00:02:29,639 --> 00:02:31,560 is nice and warm for one's fingers at any rate. 57 00:02:31,719 --> 00:02:33,439 And ally, dear, tell mother I'll join her at the 58 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:35,520 church as soon as ever I can. The keepers have 59 00:02:35,560 --> 00:02:37,439 brought us such lovely holly out of the woods. You 60 00:02:37,520 --> 00:02:39,759 never saw such wealth of berries. The reeds will be 61 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:42,919 splendid this year. And Mildred goes away, humming a little 62 00:02:42,960 --> 00:02:45,759 Christmas Carol and bravely trying to forget the sore anxiety 63 00:02:45,759 --> 00:02:47,919 that is pressing on her heart for the far away 64 00:02:47,960 --> 00:02:50,439 soldier lover whose Christmas greeting she had so hoped to 65 00:02:50,479 --> 00:02:54,319 receive to day. Isn't she a trump? Cries Bertie, who 66 00:02:54,400 --> 00:02:56,680 can see and appreciate the effort his cousin is making. 67 00:02:57,199 --> 00:02:58,879 I know she has half cried her eyes out when 68 00:02:58,919 --> 00:03:00,639 she was by herself, but she didn't mean us to 69 00:03:00,639 --> 00:03:03,199 find it out. I say, Alice, I'll have another try 70 00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:05,159 for that letter of hers, and get your candles too. 71 00:03:05,639 --> 00:03:08,000 Great Plover has been roughed, and he's as surefooted as 72 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:09,719 a goat. The snow is nothing to hurt now, and 73 00:03:09,759 --> 00:03:11,560 I'll trot over to Appleton and be back in no 74 00:03:11,599 --> 00:03:14,919 time at all. Oh, Bertie, don't cousin Mildred said there 75 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:17,080 was a snowstorm coming, and you might get lost like 76 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:19,560 the people in the Swiss mountains or the babes in 77 00:03:19,599 --> 00:03:21,680 the wood, Eh, you little silly, don't you think I'm 78 00:03:21,719 --> 00:03:24,719 man enough to take care of myself, and Master Bertie, 79 00:03:24,719 --> 00:03:27,080 who is fifteen and a regular, sturdy specimen of a 80 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:30,280 blue eyed, sunburn curly haired English lad, draws himself up 81 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:34,479 with great dignity and looks down patronizingly at his little sister. Alice, 82 00:03:34,479 --> 00:03:37,520 of course, subsides vanquished by this appeal, but she cannot 83 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:40,560 help feeling some very uncomfortable qualms of conscience when it 84 00:03:40,599 --> 00:03:42,840 appears that she is to be the only person admitted 85 00:03:42,879 --> 00:03:46,240 into the young gentleman's confidence. Don't go bothering poor mother 86 00:03:46,280 --> 00:03:48,280 about it. She always gets into such a funk as 87 00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:50,000 if no one knew how to take care of themselves. 88 00:03:50,240 --> 00:03:52,360 And be sure not to say a word to cousin Mildred. 89 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:54,159 I want to surprise her by bringing her letter by 90 00:03:54,159 --> 00:03:56,800 the second post, and if father asks where I am, Oh, 91 00:03:56,840 --> 00:03:58,240 but that will be all right. I shall get back 92 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:00,680 before he comes home from shooting, and Bertie is gone 93 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:02,680 before his sister has time to put into words the 94 00:04:02,719 --> 00:04:06,639 remonstrance she has been struggling to frame. Youw missus dinner, 95 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:09,840 Poor dear, she thinks compassionately, but is consoled by the 96 00:04:09,879 --> 00:04:12,840 remembrance of an admirable pastry Cook's shop in Appleton, where 97 00:04:12,840 --> 00:04:15,520 the gingerbread is sure to be extra plentiful on Christmas Eve, 98 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:18,759 of all days in the year. A real old fashioned 99 00:04:18,839 --> 00:04:21,319 Christmas father calls it thanks Alice as she goes to 100 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:23,920 the window and looks out at the whitened landscape, amongst 101 00:04:23,920 --> 00:04:26,279 which the leafless branches of the trees stand out like 102 00:04:26,319 --> 00:04:29,000 the limbs of blackened giants. The snow, which has been 103 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:31,360 falling at intervals for some days, is not deep, but 104 00:04:31,399 --> 00:04:34,160 there is a heavy lowering appearance about the sky, betokening 105 00:04:34,199 --> 00:04:37,199 that the worst is yet to come. The little birds 106 00:04:37,199 --> 00:04:39,560 which Alice has been befriending ever since the winter set in, 107 00:04:39,639 --> 00:04:42,839 come hopping familiarly round the window, and one saucy robin 108 00:04:42,879 --> 00:04:44,639 gives a peck to the glass, as if to intimate 109 00:04:44,639 --> 00:04:47,839 that a fresh supply of crumbs would be acceptable. Alice 110 00:04:47,879 --> 00:04:49,399 feels in her pocket for a bit of bread, and, 111 00:04:49,439 --> 00:04:52,160 finding some fragments, hastily scatters them on the window ledge, 112 00:04:52,199 --> 00:04:55,040 promising a better repast by and by then she gives 113 00:04:55,079 --> 00:04:57,360 a last look at the half dressed Christmas tree, shakes 114 00:04:57,360 --> 00:05:00,279 her head over the insufficient candles, and murmuring that Bertie 115 00:05:00,319 --> 00:05:02,600 really is the dearest boy in the world runs off 116 00:05:02,600 --> 00:05:06,319 to aid her mother in decorating the old village church. Meanwhile, 117 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:09,160 Gray Plover is swiftly and resolutely bearing his rider over 118 00:05:09,199 --> 00:05:11,439 the half frozen snow, and a manner worthy of his name. 119 00:05:12,240 --> 00:05:15,199 He is a handsome, strong belt pony, Squire Chetwind's gift 120 00:05:15,199 --> 00:05:17,160 to his son on his last birthday, and a right 121 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:21,360 goodly pair they make, at least in the fond father's eyes. Perhaps, 122 00:05:21,439 --> 00:05:23,959 if either mister Chetwynd or his steady old coachman had 123 00:05:23,959 --> 00:05:26,120 been at home, Master Bertie would not have found it 124 00:05:26,199 --> 00:05:28,199 quite so easy to get his steed saddled for that 125 00:05:28,279 --> 00:05:31,120 ten miles ride, with the ground already covered with snow, 126 00:05:31,160 --> 00:05:33,160 and the heaviest fall that has been known for many 127 00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:37,000 a year visibly impending. There is a keen northeaster blowing, 128 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:39,040 but Appleton lies to the west, so that for the 129 00:05:39,079 --> 00:05:40,879 present it only comes on the back of his neck, 130 00:05:41,120 --> 00:05:42,920 And Bertie turns up his collar to keep out the 131 00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:45,319 flakes which seems scattered about here and there in the air, 132 00:05:45,480 --> 00:05:48,360 and trots bravely along, whistling and talking. By turns to 133 00:05:48,399 --> 00:05:50,959 his pony and to a wiry little terrier which is 134 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:54,040 really cousin Mildred's property, but in common with most other animals, 135 00:05:54,079 --> 00:05:58,120 is deeply devoted to Bertie. Steady, Lad steady. And Bertie 136 00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:00,000 checks his steed as they descend a somewhat steep bay 137 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,519 incline bordered by high hedges, of which the one to 138 00:06:02,519 --> 00:06:04,480 the north is half concealed by a bank of snow. 139 00:06:05,480 --> 00:06:07,279 I declare, I never thought it could have grown so 140 00:06:07,360 --> 00:06:10,199 deep in the time, mutters Bertie to himself. I hope 141 00:06:10,199 --> 00:06:12,120 it won't snow again before tonight, or I shall have 142 00:06:12,199 --> 00:06:14,920 some work to get home. What's the time? Just too 143 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:17,399 all right? Two hours more daylight at any rate, more 144 00:06:17,439 --> 00:06:19,759 if a fog doesn't come on good day, John, Merry 145 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:22,480 Christmas to you. As the village carrier, his cart, heavily 146 00:06:22,519 --> 00:06:25,519 laden with Christmas boxes and parcels, passes him, leading his 147 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:28,759 old horse carefully up the hill. The same to you, 148 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:31,120 Master Bertie, and many of them, how be the Squire 149 00:06:31,120 --> 00:06:33,319 and missus Chetwynd and all well, thank you John, But 150 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:35,240 I can't stop to go through the list. Now I've 151 00:06:35,279 --> 00:06:37,120 to get to Appleton and back as soon as I can. 152 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:40,560 To Appleton laws Now, Master Birdie, don't you do nothing 153 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:42,879 of the kind as sure as I'm alive. There's awful 154 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:44,800 weather coming, and you and that little pony will never 155 00:06:44,800 --> 00:06:47,879 get back if you don't mind little pony. Indeed, John 156 00:06:48,079 --> 00:06:50,519 gray Plover is nearly fourteen hands, and do you suppose 157 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:53,519 I care for a snowstorm? Old John points to the 158 00:06:53,519 --> 00:06:57,240 wall of gray cloud advancing steadily from the northeast. You 159 00:06:57,480 --> 00:06:59,759 just look yonder, master, If that don't mean the worst 160 00:06:59,759 --> 00:07:01,560 store that we have known for many a long year, 161 00:07:01,639 --> 00:07:04,319 my name's not John Salter. Well, then I must make 162 00:07:04,360 --> 00:07:06,079 all the more haste. If I don't turn up by 163 00:07:06,120 --> 00:07:07,839 church time tomorrow, you and old Moss will have to 164 00:07:07,839 --> 00:07:10,360 come dig me out. Come along, Nettle and whistling to 165 00:07:10,399 --> 00:07:13,240 the terrier, which has been exchanging salutations with the carrier's 166 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:17,319 old half bred Collie Bertie Canter's on. I don't think 167 00:07:17,360 --> 00:07:19,519 I can find time to go home to luncheon, says 168 00:07:19,519 --> 00:07:22,560 missus Chetwind, casting an anxious eye round the half decorated church, 169 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:26,040 which presents a one sided appearance, two columns being beautifully 170 00:07:26,040 --> 00:07:28,959 wreathed with glossy dark leaves and coral berries, shining Laurel 171 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:32,600 and graceful Ivy, and the third as yet untouched mildredd. 172 00:07:32,639 --> 00:07:34,240 When you come back, will you and Alice bring me 173 00:07:34,279 --> 00:07:36,000 some biscuits and I can eat them in the vestry. 174 00:07:36,160 --> 00:07:37,800 The daylight now is so short, and I think to 175 00:07:37,879 --> 00:07:40,000 day is even darker than usual. We shall have to 176 00:07:40,040 --> 00:07:43,160 work very hard to get finished in time. I'll stay 177 00:07:43,160 --> 00:07:45,720 with you, replies her cousin, and Alice shall bring provisions 178 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:48,240 for us both, and by this means the secret of 179 00:07:48,240 --> 00:07:51,759 Bertie's absence from the early dinner remains unobserved. It is 180 00:07:51,800 --> 00:07:54,519 snowing heavily as Alice, in fur cloak and snow boots, 181 00:07:54,639 --> 00:07:56,639 trips back to the church, some quarter of a mile 182 00:07:56,680 --> 00:07:59,319 distant from her home. The girl is beginning to be 183 00:07:59,439 --> 00:08:02,120 very anxious about her brother, and sorely repents her extorted 184 00:08:02,160 --> 00:08:05,720 promise of secrecy as to his intentions. We are getting on, 185 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,800 says missus Chetwinn, glancing round. I wonder if your father 186 00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:10,680 will look in on his way back from shooting. I 187 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:12,399 suppose Bertie must have gone to join him, as we 188 00:08:12,439 --> 00:08:14,279 have seen nothing of the boy. I hope they won't 189 00:08:14,319 --> 00:08:17,040 be late. The snow is getting quite deep. A hasty 190 00:08:17,160 --> 00:08:19,360 knocking at the church door makes Alice start and turn 191 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:21,319 so pale that her cousin laughs at her for setting 192 00:08:21,399 --> 00:08:24,240 up nerves before, however, they can open it. The intruder 193 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,720 makes his way in and proves to be the stable helper, 194 00:08:26,879 --> 00:08:28,920 with a face so white and scared that the alarm 195 00:08:28,959 --> 00:08:33,080 is communicated to missus chetwind Milly. She says, faintly, there's 196 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:37,120 been some accident. Ask him quick Herbert's gun. No, no, 197 00:08:37,399 --> 00:08:40,440 says her cousin, bent only on reassuring her, speak out, James. 198 00:08:40,440 --> 00:08:43,159 Don't you see how you are frightening your mistress? If 199 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:45,720 you please, ma'am. Gray Plover has come home alone, and 200 00:08:46,360 --> 00:08:50,279 the pony master Bertie, wasn't riding, Yes, ma'am, he started 201 00:08:50,279 --> 00:08:53,080 to ride to Appleton about half past one o'clock to 202 00:08:53,240 --> 00:08:56,240 ride in such weather, yes, ma'am, he would go, and 203 00:08:56,320 --> 00:08:57,919 the squire are not being at home. I could not 204 00:08:58,039 --> 00:09:00,480 hinder him. And now the pony's just galloped into and 205 00:09:00,879 --> 00:09:03,919 Mary Dearest, don't look so frightened, cries Mildred, fearing her 206 00:09:03,919 --> 00:09:06,120 cousin is going to faint. I dare say he got 207 00:09:06,159 --> 00:09:08,200 off to walk and warm himself, and the pony broke away. 208 00:09:08,480 --> 00:09:10,480 Ferdie rides so well he would not be likely to 209 00:09:10,519 --> 00:09:13,320 have a fall. But the snow. Isn't it quite deep 210 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:16,519 in some places? James, yes, ma'am, six or seven feet, 211 00:09:16,519 --> 00:09:18,080 they say, in the drifts. Though most part of the 212 00:09:18,159 --> 00:09:20,600 road was pretty clear this morning. But it's been snowing 213 00:09:20,639 --> 00:09:22,759 heavily these two hours and more, and nearly as dark 214 00:09:22,759 --> 00:09:24,919 as night. And grape plover must have been down some 215 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:26,799 time or other, for when he came in, the saddle 216 00:09:26,919 --> 00:09:30,240 was all over snow. Missus Chepwin gives a gasp, and 217 00:09:30,279 --> 00:09:32,240 for a moment her cousin thinks her senses are going, 218 00:09:32,440 --> 00:09:36,080 But with a brave struggle she rallied her powers. James, 219 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:37,919 you and the gardeners had better go off at once. 220 00:09:38,039 --> 00:09:41,159 Two of you try eachro to Appleton to meet Master Bertie. Alice, dear, 221 00:09:41,240 --> 00:09:43,360 run up to the house and fill father's flask with cordial, 222 00:09:43,519 --> 00:09:45,559 and see that they take it, and and a blanket, 223 00:09:45,639 --> 00:09:47,159 and tell some one to go and meet your father. 224 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:48,720 He will know best what to do. I must get 225 00:09:48,759 --> 00:09:51,039 myself to look for my boy. God help me, what 226 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:53,360 shall I do if he has come to harm? You 227 00:09:53,360 --> 00:09:56,240 cannot walk, darling, and Mildred tenderly leads her to one 228 00:09:56,240 --> 00:09:58,240 of the open seats and strokes her hands in loving 229 00:09:58,240 --> 00:10:01,480 but vain efforts at encouragement. Don't imagine anything bad till 230 00:10:01,519 --> 00:10:03,480 it comes. Bertie is sure to have taken some of 231 00:10:03,480 --> 00:10:05,000 the dogs with them, and they would have come home 232 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:07,759 to tell us if anything were wrong. There is only 233 00:10:07,759 --> 00:10:10,639 little Nettle at home. Missus Chepwinn answers with a sigh. 234 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:12,919 Jerry and Nell are out shooting with Herbert, and the 235 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:16,000 new dog is no use. Oh Milly, my bright bonnie boy, 236 00:10:16,039 --> 00:10:19,080 where can he be? See how dreadfully dark it has grown? 237 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:21,559 And the cold? Think if he should be lying helpless 238 00:10:21,559 --> 00:10:25,639 in the snow. About the same time on this December afternoon, 239 00:10:25,639 --> 00:10:27,200 the young man is getting out of the one horse 240 00:10:27,240 --> 00:10:30,200 omnibus which the George Hotel, a small third rate inn, 241 00:10:30,279 --> 00:10:33,000 albeit the best in Appleton, usually sends down to meet 242 00:10:33,039 --> 00:10:36,399 the afternoon train from London. He is a tall, soldierly 243 00:10:36,399 --> 00:10:39,320 looking person with bright dark eyes and a brisk, imperative manner, 244 00:10:39,360 --> 00:10:41,639 which ensures a certain amount of attention, even from the 245 00:10:41,639 --> 00:10:45,240 surly landlord. But when instead of demanding luncheon or any 246 00:10:45,240 --> 00:10:48,480 creature comforts for himself, the traveler orders a dog cart 247 00:10:48,600 --> 00:10:50,399 or any sort of trap with a good horse to 248 00:10:50,440 --> 00:10:53,000 take him to mister Chetwin's house, five miles distant. The 249 00:10:53,039 --> 00:10:56,960 host demurs, impossible. The omnibus horse is the only one roft, 250 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:59,159 and he has been out twice a day already. Besides, 251 00:10:59,159 --> 00:11:00,679 there is likely to be a heavy fall of snow 252 00:11:00,679 --> 00:11:02,559 before night. Even if a horse and trap could get 253 00:11:02,559 --> 00:11:04,879 to Edenhurst, there would be no possibility of getting back 254 00:11:04,919 --> 00:11:08,000 before nightfall. My host is very sorry to disoblige the gentleman, 255 00:11:08,039 --> 00:11:11,120 but it is quite out of the question. The young man, 256 00:11:11,159 --> 00:11:14,320 who is evidently not used to stolid opposition, begins to chafe, 257 00:11:14,360 --> 00:11:17,000 and his dark eyes give an angry flash. However, he 258 00:11:17,039 --> 00:11:20,159 forces himself to speak quietly and persuasively, and even descends 259 00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:24,000 to bribery and his anxiety to spend his Christmas at Edenhurst. Still, 260 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:26,320 the landlord remains obdurate the fact that he has a 261 00:11:26,320 --> 00:11:28,919 big commercial dinner impending at five o'clock, making him the 262 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:31,919 less inclined to spare any of his men. Well, hang 263 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:34,279 it all, cries the young man impatiently. Then I declare, 264 00:11:34,279 --> 00:11:36,159 I'll get there all my own legs. I can carry 265 00:11:36,159 --> 00:11:38,960 my bag, swinging it stoutly over his shoulder as he speaks. 266 00:11:39,200 --> 00:11:41,000 And you must find some means of sending the other 267 00:11:41,039 --> 00:11:44,480 things over tomorrow morning at latest. It would be too tantalizing, 268 00:11:44,519 --> 00:11:47,159 he adds to himself, after coming two thousand miles to 269 00:11:47,159 --> 00:11:48,799 see the little woman, if we could not spend our 270 00:11:48,879 --> 00:11:52,200 Christmas Eve together after all, and turning a deaf ear 271 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:55,120 to the Landlord's remonstrances and prophecies of evil, he sets 272 00:11:55,159 --> 00:11:57,559 forth briskly on the road well known to him, although 273 00:11:57,600 --> 00:12:01,039 untrodden for two long years. Two little soul, He's saying 274 00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:03,120 to himself as he strides through the snow, what a 275 00:12:03,159 --> 00:12:05,480 surprise it'll be to her? I am half sorry now 276 00:12:05,480 --> 00:12:07,759 I did not write. Perhaps she'll be startled, but I 277 00:12:07,759 --> 00:12:10,240 don't believe in sudden joy hurting anyone. I wonder if 278 00:12:10,279 --> 00:12:12,840 she'll be altered. I hope not. The little face couldn't 279 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:15,240 be sweeter than it was, And Herbert Chetwyn is a 280 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:17,240 rare good fellow. What a welcome I shall get from 281 00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:19,840 him and his kind hearted wife. It's almost worth toiling 282 00:12:19,840 --> 00:12:21,759 and broiling for two years in India to come home 283 00:12:21,759 --> 00:12:24,200 for such a Christmas. I wonder if that jolly pickled 284 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:26,919 Bertie is much grown capital little companion he used to be. 285 00:12:26,960 --> 00:12:29,879 I remember how far have I come. Oh, just past 286 00:12:29,919 --> 00:12:32,279 the second milestone. The snow is getting plaguey deep, and 287 00:12:32,320 --> 00:12:34,679 I can hardly see ten yards ahead. Can't say it 288 00:12:34,720 --> 00:12:37,559 is pleasant traveling. How I shall appreciate the splendid fire 289 00:12:37,600 --> 00:12:40,000 in the big hall fireplace at Edenhurst they will be 290 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:42,679 burning the Yule log for Christmas. How I shall enjoy 291 00:12:42,720 --> 00:12:44,960 taking up all the old home customs once more. I 292 00:12:45,039 --> 00:12:47,279 wonder if the weights go round? Now? What a brute 293 00:12:47,279 --> 00:12:49,240 I used to feel, lying snug in bed and listening 294 00:12:49,279 --> 00:12:51,799 to the poor little shivering mortals singing outside in the 295 00:12:51,799 --> 00:12:54,639 frosty morning air, almost before it was light. But I 296 00:12:54,679 --> 00:12:56,799 believe Herbert's wife and Milly always took care that they 297 00:12:56,799 --> 00:12:58,639 had a warm breakfast and a toast at the kitchen 298 00:12:58,639 --> 00:13:01,440 fire afterwards. But hello, I say, what little dog? Are 299 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:03,360 you out alone in the snow in this lonely part 300 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:05,919 of the road? Lost your master? Have you? Poor little beggar? 301 00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:08,279 Never mind, you had better follow me home to Edenhurst 302 00:13:08,279 --> 00:13:10,159 for tonight. They wouldn't refuse a welcome, even to a 303 00:13:10,200 --> 00:13:12,639 stray dog on Christmas Eve. I say, you are very 304 00:13:12,679 --> 00:13:15,039 pressing in your attentions, my friend. I'm afraid you are 305 00:13:15,039 --> 00:13:17,679 on a wrong track, sniffing and prancing around me. I'm 306 00:13:17,679 --> 00:13:19,639 not your master, nor a I've i the honor of 307 00:13:19,679 --> 00:13:23,759 that gentleman's acquaintance, unless, by jove, if it isn't little Nettle, 308 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:25,759 the dog I give Mildred when I went to India. 309 00:13:26,080 --> 00:13:28,200 What can she be doing out here alone? And what 310 00:13:28,279 --> 00:13:30,720 does she want me to do? I wonder? As the terrier, 311 00:13:30,799 --> 00:13:33,759 delighted at the sudden recognition, dances round him more energetically 312 00:13:33,799 --> 00:13:35,799 than ever, catches his hand and the skirts of his 313 00:13:35,879 --> 00:13:38,080 coat gently in her teeth, then runs on a little 314 00:13:38,080 --> 00:13:40,200 way ahead, looking back to see if he is following. 315 00:13:41,159 --> 00:13:43,039 Lead on, I'll follow thee. That seems to be what 316 00:13:43,080 --> 00:13:45,360 you want me to say, eh, Little Nettle? All right there? 317 00:13:45,679 --> 00:13:47,879 And the traveler's two long legs contrive to make quite 318 00:13:47,919 --> 00:13:50,159 as rapid progress along the road as the terrier's four 319 00:13:50,159 --> 00:13:53,399 short ones, especially as the poor little animal occasionally lights 320 00:13:53,399 --> 00:13:55,519 on a snowy heap softer and deeper than the rest, 321 00:13:55,759 --> 00:13:59,639 and is nearly lost to sight altogether for some seconds. Presently, however, 322 00:13:59,639 --> 00:14:01,840 and spy of all obstacles, she scurries on ahead and 323 00:14:01,879 --> 00:14:04,879 stops short with a joyful, self satisfied bark in front 324 00:14:04,919 --> 00:14:07,159 of a dark object which is half sitting, half lying 325 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:09,320 in a bed of partly melted snow under the hedge, 326 00:14:09,679 --> 00:14:12,399 an object which, upon closer inspection proves to be a slight, 327 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:15,840 curly headed boy clad in heather colored jacket and knickerbockers. 328 00:14:16,200 --> 00:14:18,399 His cap has fallen off and his eyes are nearly closed, 329 00:14:18,399 --> 00:14:20,519 as he leans back on his cold couch with an 330 00:14:20,559 --> 00:14:24,039 expression of half conscious suffering on his young face. Come 331 00:14:24,080 --> 00:14:26,240 this won't do, exclaims the traveler, in a tone of 332 00:14:26,320 --> 00:14:29,000 no small surprise and concern. I see, young sir, have 333 00:14:29,039 --> 00:14:31,279 you forgotten that this is December and not exactly the 334 00:14:31,279 --> 00:14:34,759 season for enjoying life? In gipsy fashion. The boy's eyes 335 00:14:34,799 --> 00:14:37,399 opened dreamily and scanned the keen, brown, mustached face which 336 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:39,360 is bending over him, But he neither moves nor makes 337 00:14:39,399 --> 00:14:42,159 any response. The traveler lays a hand on his shoulder 338 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:45,720 and speaks again, somewhat more peremptorily. I say, young one, 339 00:14:45,720 --> 00:14:47,159 get up, do you hear? Do you want to get 340 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:50,080 frozen to death? If there is some roughness in the tone, 341 00:14:50,120 --> 00:14:51,960 there is none in the manner and gesture with which, 342 00:14:52,039 --> 00:14:54,480 dropping on one knee in the snow, the traveler proceeds 343 00:14:54,519 --> 00:14:56,879 to chafe the cold, nerveless hand, which, in answer to 344 00:14:56,919 --> 00:14:59,679 this appeal the boy slowly tries to lift. He points 345 00:14:59,679 --> 00:15:01,440 to his li left foot, which is stretched out in 346 00:15:01,480 --> 00:15:04,200 an uncomfortable twisted attitude, and his new friend is not 347 00:15:04,279 --> 00:15:06,440 long in discovering that a sprained ankle is the cause 348 00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:10,039 of the mischief. A serviceable, many bladed knife is quickly produced, 349 00:15:10,080 --> 00:15:12,879 and the boot dexterously slid open, to the instant relief 350 00:15:12,879 --> 00:15:15,799 of the injured limb, which is much swollen. The boy 351 00:15:15,799 --> 00:15:19,159 gives a gasp of satisfaction and murmurs thank you as 352 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:21,759 he makes a still unsuccessful effort to scramble to his feet. 353 00:15:22,399 --> 00:15:25,039 Take care, let me give you a hand, poor little chap, 354 00:15:25,080 --> 00:15:27,399 as the patient collapses again. Here have a pull at this, 355 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:30,440 taking a restorative from a medicine case in an inner pocket. 356 00:15:30,840 --> 00:15:32,840 That's right, you'll be able to tell me about it presently, 357 00:15:33,279 --> 00:15:35,159 nett a little ass. It's a pity you can't speak, 358 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:38,519 isn't it. How do you know the dog's name? The 359 00:15:38,559 --> 00:15:41,919 boy inquires, now almost roused into curiosity. How do I 360 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:44,240 know it? Why? Because she belonged to me for six 361 00:15:44,279 --> 00:15:46,080 months before I went to India, and then I gave 362 00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:47,360 her to the lady who I hope is to be 363 00:15:47,399 --> 00:15:51,240 my wife. Now I've come back. What are you, Cecil Gordon? 364 00:15:52,320 --> 00:15:55,159 The same at your service, cousin sis, as your little 365 00:15:55,159 --> 00:15:57,480 sister used to call me, if as I suppose you are, 366 00:15:57,480 --> 00:16:00,000 my old playfellow Bertie, two years have made a day 367 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:02,039 difference in your side, my lad, And this snow gave 368 00:16:02,039 --> 00:16:03,759 your face a blue sort of look which prevented my 369 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:06,120 knowing you at first. And now tell me what pranks 370 00:16:06,120 --> 00:16:07,840 have you been playing to get into such a plight. 371 00:16:08,799 --> 00:16:11,279 I rode gray Plover to Appleton this afternoon to get 372 00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:14,559 some things the girls wanted, and the snowstorm came on heavily, 373 00:16:14,840 --> 00:16:17,240 and it got horribly dark, as you see, and somehow 374 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:19,639 we stumbled into a snow drift. I'd marked the bad 375 00:16:19,679 --> 00:16:21,600 places as I came, and thought I could keep clear 376 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:23,360 of them, but the darkness mist led me and the 377 00:16:23,360 --> 00:16:26,039 snow got into my eyes. We rolled over together, and 378 00:16:26,159 --> 00:16:27,799 my foot caught in the stirrup and came out with 379 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:30,200 an awful wrench. But it's ever so much better since 380 00:16:30,200 --> 00:16:32,799 you cut the boot open. And then I suppose the 381 00:16:32,799 --> 00:16:36,519 pony made off, Yes, I believe, so I felt awfully 382 00:16:36,559 --> 00:16:38,360 sick when I got up, but I managed to crawl 383 00:16:38,360 --> 00:16:40,200 out of the drift, for I just sense enough left 384 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:42,559 to mind being smothered. I don't suppose I could have 385 00:16:42,639 --> 00:16:44,279 lain here very long when you came, or I should 386 00:16:44,279 --> 00:16:47,039 have been frozen. Well, the great thing will be to 387 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:48,840 get you home as soon as may be. But the 388 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:50,639 snow is getting so deep that it won't be very 389 00:16:50,639 --> 00:16:53,000 pleasant traveling. Can you bear to put that foot to 390 00:16:53,039 --> 00:16:55,600 the ground? No, then don't try. My legs must do 391 00:16:55,639 --> 00:16:58,519 duty for two. Oh, I'm too heavy. You'll never be 392 00:16:58,559 --> 00:17:02,279 able to carry me, especially to snow. Nonsense. If you 393 00:17:02,360 --> 00:17:04,400 begin making difficulties, I shall have to treat you as 394 00:17:04,400 --> 00:17:06,559 one of our fellows. So the story goes, did the 395 00:17:06,599 --> 00:17:11,079 wounded sergeant in Zululand oh what was that? Why? The 396 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:13,200 enemy was close upon them? And be that was The 397 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:15,759 officer was bent upon rescuing the sergeant of his troops, 398 00:17:15,759 --> 00:17:17,599 who was wounded and helpless, and whose own horse had 399 00:17:17,599 --> 00:17:19,559 been killed. So he told him to get up behind 400 00:17:19,599 --> 00:17:21,640 on his horse, And the sergeant refused and told Bee 401 00:17:21,680 --> 00:17:23,799 to save himself and leave him to perish. And be 402 00:17:23,920 --> 00:17:26,480 answered in peremptory fashion, if you don't obey orders at once, 403 00:17:26,519 --> 00:17:30,319 I shall punch your head. Don't punch mine today, says 404 00:17:30,359 --> 00:17:33,079 Bertie with a rather feeble laugh and feels so queer 405 00:17:33,079 --> 00:17:35,200 and top heavy. I'll give you leave to try as 406 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:38,079 soon as I'm all right again. All right, but now 407 00:17:38,079 --> 00:17:40,440 about this getting home? Here, you take the bag and 408 00:17:40,519 --> 00:17:43,319 I'll carry you. Will you ride an ordinary pickaback fashion, 409 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:45,200 or as I've seen soldiers do at what they've called 410 00:17:45,240 --> 00:17:49,200 chummy races, lengthwise across their bearer's shoulders. Bertie prefers the 411 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:51,960 former method, and with some little difficulty, is hoisted into 412 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:55,680 the required position. How are they all at home? Asks 413 00:17:55,759 --> 00:17:58,400 Captain Gordon, after they have advanced some little way in silence, 414 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:02,599 very well and very jolly. Only to day cousin Milly 415 00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:06,000 was out of spirits because well what the tone is 416 00:18:06,039 --> 00:18:09,799 sharp and impatient, because you hadn't written, and she did 417 00:18:09,839 --> 00:18:12,160 so want a letter for Christmas, and I thought there 418 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:14,680 might be one by the afternoon post. They do come 419 00:18:14,720 --> 00:18:18,240 then sometimes, And that was the reason for your taking 420 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:21,319 that crazy ride through the snow, My dear little fellow. 421 00:18:21,480 --> 00:18:23,559 And the brisk voice is very kind and gentle. Now 422 00:18:24,119 --> 00:18:25,839 I am sorry to have been the cause of all 423 00:18:25,839 --> 00:18:29,400 this trouble. Oh, never mind, it was partly too to 424 00:18:29,400 --> 00:18:31,359 get Alice the candles she was bothering about for the 425 00:18:31,440 --> 00:18:33,960 Christmas tree by the bye. I hope they've not fallen 426 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:36,279 out of my pocket. No, here they are, all right. 427 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:39,640 I'm afraid you found no letter at the post office 428 00:18:39,640 --> 00:18:41,720 after all. You see, the orders for home came to 429 00:18:41,799 --> 00:18:43,799 us rather suddenly, and when I found I could be 430 00:18:43,839 --> 00:18:45,440 in England as soon as a letter could reach I 431 00:18:45,440 --> 00:18:49,200 didn't write. I am so sorry it happened. So you 432 00:18:49,279 --> 00:18:52,680 had lots of real fighting among the Afghans, hadn't you. Yes, 433 00:18:52,799 --> 00:18:54,799 I'll tell you about it some day. Just now, I 434 00:18:54,839 --> 00:18:57,319 want my breath for something more than talking. How deep 435 00:18:57,400 --> 00:19:00,880 the snow is between these high hedges. Yeah, if only 436 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:02,799 we could get over into the fields it would be better. 437 00:19:03,119 --> 00:19:06,079 And there's a short cut too, Can we find it? 438 00:19:07,160 --> 00:19:10,880 I'll try, but my head is so stupid somehow, don't 439 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:14,160 I hear someone whistling behind us? As Bertie speaks, a 440 00:19:14,160 --> 00:19:16,359 young laboring man comes up to them, looks with some 441 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:19,000 surprise at the pair, and answers with a surly grunt 442 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:21,599 to Captain Gordon's inquiry as to the nearest way to Edenhurst. 443 00:19:22,279 --> 00:19:26,000 Why Jack, you can show us, cries Bertie impatiently. There's 444 00:19:26,039 --> 00:19:28,480 a style somewhere that leads right past your mother's cottage, 445 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:31,799 and then we can get across Higgins's fields. If there 446 00:19:31,839 --> 00:19:33,720 is a cottage, I shall be glad of five minutes 447 00:19:33,759 --> 00:19:36,440 rest by the fireside, says Cecil, who is beginning to 448 00:19:36,480 --> 00:19:39,799 get decidedly blown. I was just thinking what an awfully 449 00:19:39,839 --> 00:19:43,759 lonely road this was. Jack Brown is a surly fellow, 450 00:19:43,799 --> 00:19:45,759 whispers Bertie in his ear, but not so low, but 451 00:19:45,799 --> 00:19:48,880 that the man catches the last words surly. And who 452 00:19:48,880 --> 00:19:51,319 wouldn't be young master. I'd like to know in my place, 453 00:19:51,559 --> 00:19:53,640 didn't the squire have me up for poaching? And didn't 454 00:19:53,680 --> 00:19:55,680 I get three weeks in jail along of snaring a 455 00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:58,440 few worthless pheasants? Much he or anyone would have cared 456 00:19:58,440 --> 00:20:02,559 if my old mother had starved the for shame. Bertie's 457 00:20:02,559 --> 00:20:05,200 wrath is making him quite energetic, as if mother and 458 00:20:05,240 --> 00:20:07,400 Mildred didn't go to see the old woman nearly every 459 00:20:07,480 --> 00:20:10,559 day and make sure she wanted for nothing, well, well, 460 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:13,440 interrupts Cecil. Don't rag up bygones on Christmas Eve of 461 00:20:13,440 --> 00:20:15,960 all days in the year, forgive and forget peace and 462 00:20:16,039 --> 00:20:17,880 good will. That's what the bells always seemed to me 463 00:20:17,920 --> 00:20:20,039 to be saying. I say, my friend, I'm sure your 464 00:20:20,039 --> 00:20:21,839 mother will be willing to let the young master sit 465 00:20:21,880 --> 00:20:23,960 by her fire for five minutes after he's nearly got 466 00:20:24,039 --> 00:20:27,160 himself killed and buried too, riding to Appleton to do 467 00:20:27,200 --> 00:20:30,440 his sister and cousin a good turn. A shadow of 468 00:20:30,440 --> 00:20:32,799 a smile lurks on Jack's grim visage at this appeal, 469 00:20:32,920 --> 00:20:35,119 and he proceeds to lead the way across a difficult 470 00:20:35,119 --> 00:20:37,839 hog backed stile, over which he helps to lift Bertie 471 00:20:37,880 --> 00:20:40,880 with more gentleness than might be expected, and striding before 472 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:42,880 them through the snow which is more even and easy 473 00:20:42,880 --> 00:20:45,400 to wade through in the open field, he presently stops 474 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:47,279 at the door of a little thatched cottage, which is 475 00:20:47,319 --> 00:20:50,759 opened by a tidy old woman. Bertie is soon established 476 00:20:50,759 --> 00:20:52,640 in her own high backed wooden chair by the fire, 477 00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:56,079 drinking hot if somewhat hascented tea, and obtaining great relief 478 00:20:56,079 --> 00:20:58,000 from the attentions his friend is now better able to 479 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:01,240 bestow upon the injured foot. Meanwhile, this is becoming a 480 00:21:01,359 --> 00:21:04,039 very sad Christmas Eve to the anxious watchers at Edenhurst. 481 00:21:04,480 --> 00:21:07,359 The Squire has returned home, puzzled and half incredulous at 482 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:10,599 the confused report of Master Bertie's disappearance which has reached him. 483 00:21:10,720 --> 00:21:12,960 But when the snow soaked saddle and the riderless pony 484 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:15,680 have been shown him, he too grows seriously alarmed, and, 485 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:17,799 without waiting to change his wet things, sets off in 486 00:21:17,799 --> 00:21:21,359 the direction of Appleton. Other messengers have already been dispatched, 487 00:21:21,359 --> 00:21:23,640 but the hours pass by and no news is obtained. 488 00:21:23,880 --> 00:21:25,599 No one happening to think of the short cut and 489 00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:28,759 old Missus Brown's cottage. Even the bells are mute. The 490 00:21:28,839 --> 00:21:31,039 villagers cannot bear to ring them when their dear lady 491 00:21:31,079 --> 00:21:33,720 is in such trouble. She is trying hard to force 492 00:21:33,720 --> 00:21:36,160 herself to believe that nothing can be so very wrong. 493 00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:39,599 It is foolish to be so over anxious. No one 494 00:21:39,599 --> 00:21:42,359 has any heart to carry on the joyous preparations for Christmas, 495 00:21:42,359 --> 00:21:45,000 in which Bertie usually bears an active part, But Missus 496 00:21:45,039 --> 00:21:47,400 Chetwood will not let the poor people suffer, and their 497 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:49,599 gifts of warm clothing and tea and sugar are all 498 00:21:49,599 --> 00:21:53,319 looked over and carefully ticketed by Mildred and Alice. Poor girls, 499 00:21:53,359 --> 00:21:55,359 they have little spirit for the work, but it is 500 00:21:55,359 --> 00:21:58,559 better for them than the dreary waiting which follows. At last, 501 00:21:58,599 --> 00:22:00,920 Alice can bear it no longer. She throws a cloak 502 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:03,440 round her and steals out into the avenue. The air 503 00:22:03,559 --> 00:22:05,519 is clearer now, and the snow has ceased to fall. 504 00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:07,920 The earth is covered with a brilliant white sheet, and 505 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:10,480 overhead the wintery stars are shining out one by one 506 00:22:10,480 --> 00:22:12,960 in the deep blue vault. The girl begins to feel 507 00:22:13,039 --> 00:22:15,920 more hopeful as the still frosty air cools her hot cheek, 508 00:22:15,960 --> 00:22:17,880 and the stars look down upon her with their silent 509 00:22:17,920 --> 00:22:21,799 greeting of peace, glad tidings of great joy, the Christmas 510 00:22:21,839 --> 00:22:25,119 message of nearly nineteen centuries ago. Surely it cannot be 511 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:27,039 that a heart breaking grief is to come on them 512 00:22:27,039 --> 00:22:29,799 on this of all nights in the year. A prayer 513 00:22:29,839 --> 00:22:31,920 is in her heart, on her lips, And even in 514 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:34,160 that moment, as if in answer, there burst forth the 515 00:22:34,160 --> 00:22:37,079 most joyous of all sounds to Alice's ear, their own 516 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:40,160 village bells ringing in a merry Christmas peal. It had 517 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:42,079 been understood that this was to be the signal of 518 00:22:42,119 --> 00:22:45,279 Bertie's being found and safe. Louder and louder it comes, 519 00:22:45,279 --> 00:22:48,960 and eager congratulations are exchanged by the anxious watchers. Missus 520 00:22:49,039 --> 00:22:50,880 Chetwin wants to fly to meet her boy, but is 521 00:22:50,920 --> 00:22:53,720 gently restrained by Mildred, who reminds her that his father 522 00:22:53,839 --> 00:22:55,960 must be with him. Nor is it long before a 523 00:22:56,000 --> 00:22:59,279 happy group or seen approaching. There is Bertie, who has 524 00:22:59,279 --> 00:23:01,480 insisted on putting his injured foot to the ground, lest 525 00:23:01,519 --> 00:23:04,200 his mother should be frightened by seeing him carried bravely 526 00:23:04,240 --> 00:23:06,519 hopping along with the aid of his father's strong arm. 527 00:23:06,920 --> 00:23:09,799 Faithful little Nettle trotting close at his side, and Jack Brown, 528 00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:12,039 with whom the Squire has shaken hands and exchanged a 529 00:23:12,079 --> 00:23:15,400 merry Christmas, slouching behind. But who is the tall figure 530 00:23:15,440 --> 00:23:19,319 on Bertie's other side, ah cousin Mildred knows and well 531 00:23:19,319 --> 00:23:21,640 it is perhaps that the growing darkness throws a friendly 532 00:23:21,759 --> 00:23:24,640 veil over the joyous blushes and the happy, thankful tears 533 00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:29,440 that mark that meeting, and of Bertie's ride by Lady 534 00:23:29,519 --> 00:23:29,960 Dunboyn