ss or confusion, and it just struck Bertie that perhaps he
had not been missed at all. His uncle had seemed very preoccupied
all day; perhaps he had forgotten all about him since the time he had
sent him to Threadneedle Street. As it happened, that was just the
case. Mr. Gregory did not come home till late, when he was
accompanied by Mr. Murray; and immediately after dinner both
gentlemen went into the library, and had remained there ever since.
It was as James the footman opened the door, and the policeman and
Bertie entered the hall, that Mr. Gregory and Mr. Murray entered it
too from the library.

"I wish you would let me order the carriage," Mr. Gregory was saying,
when he stopped suddenly and hurried forward. "What's all this?
Bertie Rivers and a policeman! What has he been doing?" he asked, in
a tone that made the hearers think he was almost glad to see his
nephew in difficulties.

"There's not much amiss, sir," the policeman answered respectfully.
"This young gentleman says he was tired, and fell asleep in the park.
Of course he got locked in, and I helped him out. That's all, sir;
unless he has got cold from sleeping on the grass."

"Why were you in the park? why did not you come straight home? Give
an account of yourself," Mr. Gregory said sternly.

"I went to Threadneedle Street, sir, and waited for an answer, as you
told me, but the gentleman did not come in; then I went back to
Mincing Lane, but the office was shut, and I walked home."

"Why did you walk?" Mr. Gregory interrupted.

"I had no money, sir," Bertie replied defiantly; "and I thought I was
to return with you, but you were gone."

"Well, why didn't you come straight home? Why did you loiter in the
park? I don't believe a word you have said!"

"He was in the park right enough, sir. I seed him there and helped
him out; and any one as walked from the City might fall asleep
without much blame on an afternoon like the one to-day," the
policeman said, feeling a little indignant at Bertie's reception, and
perhaps disappointed at the poor prospect of reward for himself.

"Get about your business!" Mr. Gregory said shortly, and the man
turned aside with a muttered exclamation, but Bertie seized his hand
and thanked him warmly, and Mr. Murray just then contrived to slip a
more tangible reward into his other hand. Then the old gentleman
turned to Bertie, and patted him kindly on the shoulder. "Why, dear
me, boy! you are quite wet," he cried, starti