"Yes," admitted Phil gravely. "It is very dangerous. I don't exactly know what it is, but before she went away our family doctor said that if it came to an operation it would be a serious one. Now--now it seems that it's time for it. Dear old mother--I--I hope----" He was struggling with himself. "Oh, hang it all!" he suddenly burst out. "Let's get this room to rights. If--if I go away I'll have the nightmare thinking what shape it's in. Let's fix up a bit, and then go out and take a walk. Then it will be grub time. After that we'll go out and see if any more fellows have arrived."