be of some use," said she, gently.

"So you can," said Mr. Wood. "You go into the house and sit down, and
Harry and I will come to you when we want cheering up. What have you
been doing, Harry?"

"I've watered them a little, and got a good fire going. I scarcely think
the cow will pull through. I think we'll save the horse. I tried to get
the cow out-doors, but she can't move."

"Let her alone," said Mr. Wood. "Give her some food and her strength
will come to her. What have you got here?" and he began to take the
things out of the buggy. "Bless the child, she's thought of everything,
even the salt. Bring those things into the house, Harry, and we'll make
a bran mash."

For more than an hour they were fussing over the animals. Then they came
in and sat down. The inside of the Englishman's house was as untidy
as the outside. There was no upstairs to it only one large room with a
dirty curtain stretched across it. On one side was a low bed with a heap
of clothes on it, a chair and a washstand. On the other was a stove,
a table, a shaky rocking-chair that Miss Laura was sitting in, a few
hanging shelves with some dishes and books on them, and two or three
small boxes that had evidently been used for seats.

On the walls were tacked some pictures of grand houses and ladies and
gentlemen in fine clothes, and Miss Laura said that some of them were
noble people. "Well, I'm glad this particular nobleman has left us,"
said Mr. Wood, seating himself on one of the boxes, "if nobleman he is.
I should call him in plain English, a scoundrel. Did Harry show you his
note?"

"No, uncle," said Miss Laura.

"Read it aloud," said Mr. Wood. "I'd like to hear it again."

Miss Laura read:

J. WOOD, Esq., Dear Sir: It is a matter of great regret to me that I am
suddenly called away from my place at Penhollow, and will therefore
not be able to do myself the pleasure of calling on you and settling
my little account. I sincere hope that the possession of my live stock,
which I make entirely over to you, will more than reimburse you for any
trifling expense which you may have incurred on my account. If it is any
gratification to you to know that you have rendered a slight assistance
to the son of one of England's noblest noblemen, you have it. With
expressions of the deepest respect, and hoping that my stock may be in
good condition when you take possession,

I am, dear sir, ever devotedly yours,

HOWARD ALGERNON LEDUC BARRON.

Mi