Farmer Green stretched out a hard horny hand, and took the boy’s small one.  ‘Here’s my hand on’t!’ he said with his grim smile.  ’I may be a fool for believing you, but if you’re sorry for the past, I won’t be the one to rake it up.’

Teddy’s upward look was so full of innocence that he received a clap on the shoulder.

‘Run along; you’ve made your peace with me.’

And speeding away Teddy whispered to himself,—­

’I shall ask mother to make it, and I shall pick the gooseberries myself, and then he’ll know I love him!’

Farmer Green was much bewildered a few days after at receiving a parcel which was left at his house by some boys on their way back from school; he was still more puzzled when upon opening it, it proved to be a gooseberry pudding in a basin, with a piece of paper attached to it, and these words in very shaky writing, ‘I send you my love.—­Teddy.’

But his daughter was able to enlighten him, and they had a hearty laugh over Teddy’s mode of confirming the treaty of friendship.

CHAPTER IX

Lost

Our little soldier had his ups and downs, but on the whole he was making steady progress, and his mother was thankful to see his increased thoughtfulness and gentleness.  He was not less merry and joyous, he was still the leader of the village sports, but he was learning how to control his mischievous propensities and to restrain his hasty words and actions.  Nancy was a great trial to him sometimes, and yet, though the two were ceaselessly involved in arguments and differences, they could not keep apart for long.  Nancy’s father arrived, and Teddy had the privilege of being invited to tea, and of hearing the most wonderful yarns from the big brown-bearded man, who, though outwardly rough in voice and manner, had a very soft corner in his heart for his little daughter.

Teddy listened and admired, and satisfied Nancy by his evident appreciation of the sea stories; but when he reached home, and was asked about his visit, he said emphatically,—­

’Nancy’s father is very nice, but he’s nothing like the picture I’ve got of father, with his red coat and sash and sword, and his voice is so gruff and hoarse, and he shouts so loud, and I shall never, never think sailors are better than soldiers!’

It was after Nancy’s father had left her, and when the bright summer days were beginning to close, that one afternoon Teddy and Nancy were fishing together.  At least that was their intention, but any one seeing them sitting on the low stone bridge over the river, with their lines dangling carelessly in the water, and their merry laughter and voices ringing out continually, would not be surprised if their fishing did not meet with success.  At last they clambered down and wandered along the tow-path, and then suddenly Nancy drew Teddy’s attention to his button.

‘Why, it’s nearly coming off; you’ll lose it!’ she cried.