122 Turnaside Cottage.

Tommy’s two helpers, Simon Williams and Razzy
Davies, stood looking down at me.

“T can’t think what’s the matter with him, not
J,” said Razzy.

“ His father ’ve a bet him,” pronounced big Simon.

“He hasn't!” said I, sitting up, but turning so
dizzy that I had to lean back against Tommy’s arm.

“Look here, Simon,” said Tommy, in a tone of

‘

authority ; “go you off and fetch the doctor ; your
great long legs ‘ll carr’ you there in half-a-twinkling
of a bedpost. And, Simon, if he ain’t in, go you
after him till you catches him, and not you leave
him till you’ve a brung him, though it’s by the scruff
of as neck. And, Razzy, go you down into the
house-place, and see can you make Reuben a cup
of tea; Ill warrant he’s had nought in him to-day,
Muster about, now.” Then the two being gone, he
turned to me. “ Reuben, lad, ’tis a lucky thing I
comed up about my letter to-day, though I guess I
may make shift to write it myself. Who have
screwed up your door a this way ?”

“Father,” said I. “He’sgone. Hedid not want
to take me. He’s gone right away.” Tommy gave
a long whistle. “ Don’t tell,” said I.

“Bless you, no. What's he off for ?”

“We had words,” I said. “I don’t think I’ve
done rightly by him, somehow; I can’t tell. Tommy,