8 DOGGED 7ACK.

an accident; you might you know, at cricket or jump-
ing."
 Jack, his troubles drowned in amusement, and
 laughing uproariously, snatched the little figure to
 him, and covered her blushing face with kisses.
 But, Jack, you often use pins, don't you ?" she
 asked anxiously, struggling to free herself and look
 at him when his mirth had somewhat abated.
 "Oh dear, yes,-constantly!" said Jack, "and I'll
 always keep it in my pocket, and think of my own dear
 little sister Polly; and now I'm going to warm you,
 and put you to bed. Why your poor little toes are
 stone cold," he continued, tenderly taking the fat little
 pink feet, and rubbing them between his hands.
 There they sat, those two, the firelight lighting
them up every now and then with a sudden gleam;
the boy's arms holding the small white figure close to
him, and one crimsoned cheek pressed caressingly to
his brown face. The big blue eyes slowly closed in
sleep, while his dark thoughtful ones were bent in
amusement on her, as he watched her endeavours to
keep awake. Soon he carried her over to her crib in
the corner of the room, then tucked her up warm and
close.
 "Jacko," cried a sleepy voice as he was leaving
the room.
 He came back, and stooped over the little bed.