JACK BRINGS THE LATEST NEWS. 85

alacrity, “come back; you know I want to
hear it.”

“Why couldn’t you say so, then,” grumbles
Jack, as once more he seats himself.

“Well, for the first thing, Father’s gone;
secondly, Williams has just had a telegram
to say he must leave at once—his sister is
much worse; and thirdly, he gave orders to
Robert before leaving to sweep all round the
hothouse to see if the key has fallen down
anywhere near; so your best plan would be
to get the key at once and pop it under some
leaves near the door.”

“Then has Williams really gone?” I ery,
starting up.

“Yes,” replies Jack; “he was quite ready,
and had just time to catch the twelve up-
train, so he spoke to Mother and she said
he’d better go off at once. I must say,” he
adds, “ that everything seems to be going in
your favour. I only wish I could get out of
all m¥ scrapes as easily.”

“Qh, it’s not as easy as you think,” I say,
feeling rather offended; “I’m sure I’ve thought