latch was raised, and Tom Smith was in the kitchen.
With one well-aimed kick he sent Dick into the furthest corner, and
with equally sure aim he seized Huldah by the wrist. "Now, you come
along of me, and no nonsense, do you hear? A fine dance you've led
me and your poor aunt! You deserves a good hiding, both of 'ee, and
I ain't sure but what you'll get it yet."

"Let her alone," gasped Mrs. Perry, "let her go--she isn't yours.
You've no--right--to her." Her face was grey white, her heart seemed
to have stopped beating, and she could hardly speak.

Tom Smith took no notice of her whatever, he was not going to waste
time in arguing--bullying was more in his line. "Now then, come
along. If you makes any noise, I'll turn the p'lice on the old lady
there, for harbouring thieves and receiving stolen property.
Stop it now!" as Huldah wrenched herself away. "P'raps that'll teach
you," and he caught her a heavy blow on the ear.

Mrs. Perry screamed. "Don't hurt her--oh, don't do them any harm!"
she pleaded. "Promise not--to beat them." It seemed to her
impossible to resist him, they were helpless there, those two alone.
Huldah and Dick must go.

Huldah's heart sank with overwhelming sorrow. Was she really to be
given up? was she to leave her new home, her new happiness, her work,
Mrs. Perry, Miss Rose,--all to go back to the old torture? Oh no, it
could not be. She could never bear it! Mrs. Perry spoke as if she
would have to; but what would she herself do there alone? She would
be almost frightened to death.

Poor Huldah grew frantic. "I am not going. I can't go, and Miss
Rose said you can't make me. I am not yours. Oh, Miss Rose, Miss
Rose do come and save us!"

With a little whimper of pain Dick crawled out of his corner and came
towards her. He seemed to realise that his little mistress was in
danger, and he meant to stand by her.

"Shut up your noise!" shouted her "uncle," and dealt her another
sharp blow on the side of the head.

Mrs. Perry screamed, and fell fainting into the chair, and with the
same Tom Smith picked up Huldah in his arms and made for the door.

The sound of footsteps and bitter cries died away in the lane, and a
deep oppressive silence followed. The kettle sang and boiled and
bubbled over, the supper burnt in the pan, the fire died down, and
still that senseless form lay huddled up in her chair, her white face
turned upwards to the ceiling, as though beseeching help.