XIIIBilly, with that fine inner sense that some boys have, perceived that there was deep emotion of a silent sort between the minister and Mark, and he drifted away from them unnoticed, back toward the car.
“Billy!” whispered Lynn, rising from the upper step in the shadow of the church.
The boy turned with a quick silent stride and was beside her:
“I couldn't help it, Miss Lynn, I really couldn't—There was something very important—Cart—That is—Cart needed me! I knew you'd understand.”
“Yes, Billy, I understand. Somehow I knew you were with Mark. It's good to have a friend like you, Billy!” She smiled wanly.
Billy looked up half proud, half ashamed:
“It's nothin'!” said Billy, “I just had to. Cart—well, I had to.”
“I know, Billy—Mark needed you. And Billy,—if there's any trouble—any—
