standing about, may make yourselves useful. Look sharp, now, gather up all that bedding, and run off with it to my kitchen. Joe Hatch, I've other work for you-run off to the town, to Mr. Burrowes-ring the night-bell, tell him of the fire and of the accident, and ask him to come over to me."

The boys instantly obeyed with alacrity.

"Please, ma'am," said one of the men respectfully, "I think it's hard you should have both the Dicks, and I believe the old man is more frighted than hurt. I'll take him along with me, if you will allow me.'

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"That's very kind of you, Thomas. Of course it will be very inconvenient to you. May I accept your offer ?"

"O yes, indeed, maʼam, we shall do very well. Neighbours must be helpful."

Very well, then so let it be. God bless your good heart, Thomas. Carry him, then, to your cottage."

And she hurried homeward, in the red light of the flaming cottage, which was now given up, without another effort, to destruction. As she passed Toby, lying motionless as a sack in the blanket, he piteously smiled at her and said:

"You're very kind, miss-I give ye credit for it-and so will the Lord!"

CHAPTER V.

Whenever I find a great deal of gratitude in a poor man, I take it for granted there would be as much generosity if he were a rich man.

ELEANOR had run forward, so that when the men arrived with their unfortunate burthen, the bed-clothes which had been sent in advance were already comfortably, though hastily, arranged in the back kitchen. Toby was deposited on them with the utmost gentleness; notwithstanding which, some unavoidable shock or inward hurt made him faint away. Miss Clairvaux could not have shewn more

tender solicitude for him, had he been her own brother; and when the men who had carried him had placed him as comfortably as they could, and seen him come to himself, they thankfully left him in his kind protectress's care.

She told Eleanor and the servants they might return to their beds. The latter gladly obeyed, but Eleanor assured her she much preferred sharing her watch, as she was sure she could not sleep. She established herself in the snug little kitchen, where Miss Clairvaux joined her; looking in on Toby from time to time.

The fire had by this time spent itself, and the cottage lay a smouldering heap of ruins. All the poor people seemed to have returned to their crowded homes, though dogs continued to bark.

"What is that lumbering noise ?" said Miss Clairvaux. "Oh, the engine! Too late, of course, to be of any good. It may keep

the men in practice, to give the ruins a good

drenching."

"I hear a horse coming up to the gate," said Eleanor. "The doctor, I hope."

Instead of the doctor, however, the visitor was a shabby-genteel man, who, with abundance of politeness announced himself as Mr. Tribulini, the manager of the circus, who had come to inquire after his clown.

"He is more dead than alive, I am afraid," said Miss Clairvaux. "You can see him if you like, but he has not spoken yet."

Mr. Tribulini followed her on his tip-toes, like a dancing-master, into the scullery, looking rather awe-stricken; but, as soon as he saw a feeble smile of recognition on Toby's face, he took his hand, and said cheerily.

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"What! Othello, my fine fellow ? occupation's gone, hey? for the present ?" "I'm afraid it has, master," said Toby, huskily.