196 BRAGGADOCIO.

“ Forgive me, forgive me, Tom,” said he.
“YT hired a black man to burn your house
on the island. He burnt the boat, too, and
swam ashore.”

“T forgive you freely,” said Tom; “ keep
quiet. You had better not tell any one else.
I never shall mention it to a living being. I
must leave you now.”

“‘T have ordered some refreshments for you
in the dining-room,” said Mrs. Cramer. ‘ Go, ©
my lads, you need them. I can attend to
George now.”

Fatigued and exhausted by their exertions
and exposure to cold, the boys found the hot
coffee and oysters very comforting. Ada pre-
sided at the table, and Mr. Starr came in while
Howard was giving a full account of the rescue
of George from a watery grave.

When Mr. Cramer returned home in the
evening, George was sitting up in a comfortable
easy-chair, but looking very pale and feeble.

“ What—what 7s the matter! I left you
well this morning,” he exclaimed.

Mrs. Cramer explained the whole affair,