. He had
taken off his hat and she was surprised to find that he was not
repulsive to look at, rather the contrary. But then she remembered
that Satan often appears as an angel of light. Appearances are
deceitful. She wished that John had not asked him into the house and
hoped that no evil consequences would follow. As she looked at him,
she was horrified to perceive a small black head with a pair of
glistening green eyes peeping out of the breast of his coat, and
immediately afterwards the kitten, catching sight of the cups and
saucers on the table, began to mew frantically and scrambled suddenly
out of its shelter, inflicting a severe scratch on Owen's restraining
hands as it jumped to the floor.

It clambered up the tablecloth and began rushing all over the table,
darting madly from one plate to another, seeking something to eat.

The children screamed with delight. Their grandmother was filled with
a feeling of superstitious alarm. Linden and the young woman stood
staring with astonishment at the unexpected visitor.

Before the kitten had time to do any damage, Owen caught hold of it
and, despite its struggles, lifted it off the table.

'I found it in the street as I was coming along,' he said. 'It seems
to be starving.'

'Poor little thing. I'll give it something.' exclaimed the young woman.

She put some milk and bread into a saucer for it and the kitten ate
ravenously, almost upsetting the saucer in its eagerness, much to the
amusement of the two children, who stood by watching it admiringly.

Their mother now handed Owen a cup of tea. Linden insisted on his
sitting down and then began to talk about Hunter.

'You know I HAD to spend some time on them doors to make 'em look
anything at all; but it wasn't the time I took, or even the smoking
what made 'im go on like that. He knows very well the time it takes.
The real reason is that he thinks I was gettin' too much money. Work
is done so rough nowadays that chaps like Sawkins is good enough for
most of it. Hunter shoved me off just because I was getting the top
money, and you'll see I won't be the only one.'

'I'm afraid you're right,' returned Owen. 'Did you see Rushton when
you went for your money?'

'Yes,' replied Linden. 'I hurried up as fast as I could, but Hunter
was there first. He passed me on his bike before I got half-way, so I
suppose he told his tale before I came. Anyway, when I started to
speak to Mr Rushton he wouldn't li