for such uninteresting subjects as rheumatism; they nudged each
other delightedly, and waited in breathless silence to see what would
happen next.

Tramp, tramp, tramp came the slow approach, and then a sudden halt--the
halt they knew so well--followed by something like a stifled groan as
the victim stiffly bent forward to examine the treasure-trove. His
gloved hand had nearly closed on the parcel when Jack adroitly flicked
it a few inches away. He bent still farther, with another gasping
effort, and then, even as the parcel again moved onward, there came a
loud, startled cry, and the horrified twins beheld their victim fall
forward on his face, and lie helpless on the ground.

CHAPTER SIX.

WHAT CAME OF THE TRICK.

A moment Jack and Jill stared at each other in horrified silence, then
the same words burst from both lips--

"We must help him! We must see if he is hurt!" Out from behind the
bushes they flew, raced for the nearest gate, and ran panting to the
scene of the accident.

The rays from the lamp near at hand lighted up the pavement, and showed
the old gentleman already dragging himself to his feet, assisted by a
lady whom Jill recognised in the flash of an eye as the much-admired
occupant of Number 17. There she stood in her smart fur coat, a little
red velvet toque perched on her dark locks, supporting the old gentleman
by the arm, and so evidently overpowered by his weight that she was
overjoyed to welcome further assistance.

No words were spoken, but quick as light Jack darted forward and pulled
with all his force, while Jill placed both hands against the blue
broadcloth back and vigorously pushed forward. As a result of these
united efforts, the old gentleman was hoisted to an upright position,
with a celerity which appeared to startle him almost as much as the
preceding fall. He leant against the railings, puffed and panted,
groaned and grumbled, while the onlookers listened with sympathy and
self-reproach.

"Injured for life--strained in every muscle--nervous shock--police--
disgraceful--much obliged--advice at once--no time for delay." The
different phrases detached themselves from attacks of groanings and
sighings, and, hearing the last words, Jack was blessed with a brilliant
inspiration.

"There's a doctor at the corner, sir. Would you like me to help you to
the house?" he said in his politest manner.

It seemed as if, after all, good might arise out of evil if the accident