6+ J. COLE.

So that surmise was a mistake, for Joe had
money, and would go by train if he went
home, and be there in two hours.

All the household sat up nearly all that
night, or rested uncomfortably on sofas and
armchairs; we felt too unsettled to go to bed,
though worn out with suspense, and the
previous excitement and fright. Officials and
detectives came and went during the even-
ing, and looked about for traces of the rob-
bers, and before night a description of the
stolen things, and a most minute one of Joe,
were posted outside the police-stations, and
all round London for miles. A reward of
twenty pounds was offered for Joe, and my
heart ached to know there was a hue and
cry after him like a common thief.

What would the old parents think? and
how would Dick feel? — Dick whose good
counsels and careful training had made Joe
what I knew he was, in spite of every sus-
picion.

The next day I still felt sure he would
come, and I went down into the room where
he used to sleep, and saw Mrs. Wilson had