e
that I could not rest away from it. So I said I'd risk it again, just
for a day."

"I thought you might possibly want some assistance, as before."

"I do want that, also," said Richard. "Not much. My illness has run
me into debt, and if my mother can let me have a little, I shall be
thankful."

"I am sure she will," answered Mr. Carlyle. "You shall have it from me
to-night. What has been the matter with you?"

"The beginning of it was a kick from a horse, sir. That was last winter,
and it laid me up for six weeks. Then, in the spring, after I got well
and was at work again, I caught some sort of fever, and down again I was
for six weeks. I have not been to say well since."

"How is it you have never written or sent me your address?"

"Because I dared not," answered Richard, timorously, "I should always be
in fear; not of you, Mr. Carlyle, but of its becoming known some way or
other. The time is getting on, sir; is that Thorn sure to come?"

"He sent me word that he would, in reply to my note. And--there he is!"
uttered Mr. Carlyle, as a ring was heard at the bell. "Now, Richard,
come this way. Bring your hat."

Richard complied by putting his hat on his head, pulling it so low that
it touched his nose. He felt himself safer in it. Mr. Carlyle showed him
into Mr. Dill's room, and then turned the key upon him, and put it in
his pocket. Whether this precautionary measure was intended to prevent
any possibility of Captain Thorn's finding his way in, or of Richard's
finding his way out, was best known to himself.

Mr. Carlyle came to the front door, opened it, and admitted Captain
Thorn. He brought him into the clerk's office, which was bright with
gas, keeping him in conversation for a few minutes standing, and then
asking him to be seated--all in full view of the little window.

"I must beg your pardon, for being late," Captain Thorn observed. "I am
half an hour beyond the time you mentioned, but the Herberts had two or
three friends at dinner, and I could not get away. I hope, Mr. Carlyle,
you have not come to your office to-night purposely for me."

"Business must be attended to," somewhat evasively answered Mr. Carlyle;
"I have been out myself nearly all day. We received a communication
from London this morning, relative to your affair, and I am sorry to say
anything but satisfactory. They will not wait."

"But I am not liable, Mr. Carlyle, not liable in justice."

"No--if what you tell me be correct. B