ands in brisk, professional manner. "My maid tells me that
you have had a fall. I hope my young people have looked after you in my
absence. Now, would you prefer to have a talk here, or shall I assist
you into my consulting-room?"

The critical moment had arrived, and with it came a rapturous surprise,
for even as the young people gazed, the anger faded out of the
stranger's face, the gleaming eyes softened, the lips relaxed, and, as
by the waving of a magician's wand, he was suddenly changed into a
kindly, benevolent old gentleman, who would never condescend to such an
indignity as a fit of temper.

"Thank you, sir, thank you, sir! I fancy I am pretty nearly my own man
again. Your son very kindly brought me in, and gave me the opportunity
of resting, which was really all I required. And your daughter offered
me refreshments. I--ah--happened to slip,"--the protruding eyes met
Jack's with a flicker, which, if such a thing could be imagined, was
almost a wink!--"to slip on the pavement, and a man of my weight feels
these things more than a boy. Gout, sir, gout in the feet! Your good
son has already diagnosed my complaint, and, no doubt, you will be
equally ready. Now, if you could make up a prescription which would
give me back my powers of twenty years ago--"

Dr Trevor laughed, while Betty, Jack, and Jill mentally erected a
monument, and placed the figure of the victim upon it in everlasting
gratitude and affection.

"I am afraid I can hardly do that, but if you will allow me I will give
you a draught which will steady your nerves after the shock. How did
you come to fall? Was the pavement slippery with the mud?"

"The London pavements, sir," answered the old man pompously, "the London
pavements are a disgrace to civilisation! Don't tell me that I am
crazy. Don't tell me it is the best-paved city in the world. I've
heard that statement before, and I stick to my own opinion. My opinion,
I trust, sir, is worth as much as any other man's. It is a wonder there
are not many more accidents. I fell, sir, I would have you know, in
consequence of my own selfish and avaricious instincts, and I attach no
blame to anyone but myself!"

"Ah!" exclaimed the doctor significantly. He glanced towards his son,
caught his air of embarrassment, and hesitated between amusement and
indignation. "Jack--at your old parcel trick again?"

"Boys will be boys, sir, as I have just been reminded. Perhaps we can
remember t