ut of her mind with grief when she realized that her
darling baby was lost. The father haunted the police stations and
hospitals longing for news of the boy. But it was all in vain, little
Bertram had completely disappeared. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent never saw their
child again; a month or two afterwards the father was thrown from a trap
and killed, and when Gladys was born soon after, the poor mother could not
recover the shock and she followed her husband. On her death-bed she made
her brother and sister promise that they would look after Gladys,
and also do all in their power to find Bertram.

Faithfully these two kept their word. Aunt Winnie had been a good mother
to little Gladys, and in the hope that they might some day come across the
little boy, they had started their mission among the waifs of London. So
far, however, it had been all in vain. Sometimes they fancied they had a
clue, but it always led to nothing, and they had almost begun to think the
task hopeless, when Miss Elton's attention was directed to Willie Brown.

Directly breakfast was over the next morning Mr. Elton and his sister set
out on their errand of inquiry. In spite of her brother's counsel not to
think too much about it, Miss Elton could not help feeling strangely
hopeful, for something seemed to tell her that at last God had heard her
prayers, and little Bertram would be restored to those who loved him.
On arriving at Mrs. Blair's house she encountered Bob just marching off
with his broom. "Why Bob," she exclaimed delightedly, "you will be late
for business this morning. How is this?"

"Yes'm," he began awkwardly, blushing to the roots of his hair.
It was the first time such a thing had occurred since he started his
crossing, and he felt himself in disgrace.

"Well, ma'am, begging your pardon," broke in Mrs. Blair, "and who could
blame him if he is? It isn't every day those two dear children go to a
Christmas party; not a wink of sleep did they get this blessed night long.
Little Willie there was so full of that pretty little lady that took so
much notice of him---'the little angel,' he calls her."

"I am very glad you _were_ late this morning, Bob," said Miss Elton,
"for I want to talk to you both. So, Willie," turning to the little
fellow, "you like my girlie, do you? Would you like to see her again?"

"Yes, please'm," said Willie, his eyes sparkling.

"Well, then," was the answer, "Bob must bring you to my house, and you mus