to thank him enough."

Dr Morgan had not joined in the conversation of his elder children. He
appeared to be absorbed in his own thoughts. Once or twice he glanced
round to ascertain if William was following. He continued for some time
along the road leading to the village, and then suddenly turned into a
path leading up the mountain. William began to feel not very
comfortable when he saw this. Still his father might possibly intend to
cross over the mountain. He lingered still farther behind, and when he
saw him turn off again up the uneven path which led to poor Old Moggy's
hut he was strongly inclined to run away.

Surely his father would not wish to go inside the hut. What could he
have to say to the old woman? However, go on he must. Fortunately,
Charles dropped behind the Doctor, and Anna and William hurried up to
him.

"Charley, is papa really going into the witch's den?" he exclaimed in a
tone of alarm. "She will be doing him some harm, I am sure."

"Nonsense, Willie," answered Charles. "I did not fancy that a fellow
with a head on his shoulders could be such a goose."

"Goose or no goose, I don't wish to fall into the old witch's clutches,
nor papa, nor any of us either," muttered William, as Charles walked on
again rapidly to catch up their father, and to give a helping hand to
the two younger ones. Willie's foolish fears increased when he saw his
father walk up to the door of the hut, and still more alarmed did he
become when the Doctor, lifting the latch, went in, and then turned
round and beckoned to him to enter, though Arthur and Mabel were allowed
to remain outside. Most unwillingly he obeyed; but when he got inside
the door, not a step farther could he bring himself to advance, and from
the furtive glances which he ever and anon cast through the doorway, it
was very evident that he would make his escape if he dared. Even
Charles and Anna drew back from the pitiable object which met their
sight. The light streaming through the window fell on a low pallet, on
which, covered with a sheet, lay the form of Mountain Moggy. By her
side sat Jenny Davis, whom William recognised as her champion who had
threatened him and his companions with condign punishment if they ever
again attacked the old woman. Something dreadful was going to happen--
William scarcely knew what. A glance his father cast at him made him
understand that he must not move. Of course Jenny Davis had told
everything. Af