The Argosy, Volume XXIV — page 22: what you’re looking at

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18 Gabriel’s Appointment. Forrest had often told him of, as ringing in his own ears; though he confessed it was only one here and there who would consent to be rescued, in spite of their misery. This fellow might be acting a part, but he did not think he was. Anyhow, to utilise him would be more agreeable, perhaps less hazardous, than giving him up to the police : and, if he turned out treacherous, well, there were resources at hand for paying his wages. One thing had first to be inquired about—were his parents aware of his being concealed in the house ? Yes, was the answer, they had encouraged him to do it, hoping to give the new tenant a fright. It was not the first time he had done it, but he had never been caught before. “Now look here, and mind you tell me the truth. Had you any hand in frightening that poor young lady ?” “No, indeed, sir. I have anotion that I know who was concerned in that, but it was no doing of mine.” “Will you help me, like a man, to find out all about it, and prevent its happening again ?” ™ ““T will try, sir—and I think I can do it.” “Then I will try you, on one condition: that you do not spoil my cards by showing them to anyone: Do you hear?” “T understand you, sir. I am dumb.” ‘ “If I do you a good turn now, you'll do me another when you can; and if I have a run of luck, you shall share it. But the first time you fall back into your old ways, remember I have not the patience of the lady at Highlevels—I shall not try you again.” ‘“‘T shall remember, sir. You see I am one of those who can’t abide to be under a woman. When they tell me one thing, I always want to do another; but your face is that ofa master, and I feel the luck is on your side. You'll want it all before you’ve done.” CHAPTER XXI. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE FIRE. Ir seemed very long to Alice Kerr, even in the midst of her interest- ing work, since she had parted with her friends ; especially as she had been disappointed in not hearing from Edith. She herself had written every day, keeping a complete journal of her doings and ex- periences, pouring out her sentiments on every subject but one, in full reliance on the indulgence of the reader; but with the exception of one short, encouraging note, there had not been the response she craved. Grace, too, had received no answer to her last letter to Lucy ; and instead of growing strong in the country air, she was look- ing so ill that kind Mrs. Salisbury, laying it all to London smoke, was putting her through a course of new-laid eges and clotted cream, assisted by drives in the little pony-carriage, to nourish, as she comicbooks.com