Chapter 24 RUBY'S DECLARATION.

The first thing Jim Crichton did-after he had made a successful return flight to Netheravon-was, on getting five days' special leave, to run up to London and search for Ruby Strode that he might keep his promise to Rupert. He resisted the temptation to pay a flying visit to Blackthorn Farm. Rupert was safe, a thousand miles or more away on his jour