blow, but as soon
as he saw who had touched him, he rose to his knees, and caught quickly
at the doctor's extended hand, while the look in the visitor's eyes had
so strange an influence upon him that he continued to gaze wonderingly
in the stern but benevolent face.

"I think you'll come with me?" said the doctor.

"Yes, I'd come. But may I?"

"Yes; I think he may, Mr Hippetts?" said the doctor.

"Yes, sir; of course, sir, if you wish it," said the master, with rather
an injured air; "but I feel bound to tell you the boy's character."

"Yes; of course."

"And to warn you, sir, that you will bring him back in less than a
week."

"No, Mr Hippetts," said the doctor quietly; "I shall not bring him
back."

"Well, sir; if you are satisfied I have nothing to say."

"I am satisfied, Mr Hippetts."

"But he is not so old as you said, sir."

"No."

"And you wanted a boy of good character."

"Yes; but I recall all I said. That is the boy I want. Can I take him
at once?"

"At once, sir!" said the master, as the little fellow, with his face a
study, listened eagerly, and looked from one to the other. "I shall
have to bring your proposal before the Board."

"That is to say, before me and my colleagues," said the doctor, smiling.
"Well, as one of the Guardians, I think I may venture to take the boy
now, and the formal business can be settled afterwards."

"Oh yes, sir; of course. And I venture to think, sir, that it will not
be necessary to go on with it."

"Why, Mr Hippetts?"

"Because," said the master, with a peculiar smile which was reflected in
the schoolmaster's face; "you are sure to bring him back."

"I think I said before I shall not bring him back," replied the doctor
coldly.

The master bowed, and Mr Sibery cleared his throat and frowned at the
boys.

"Then I think that's all," said the doctor, laying his hand upon the
boy's head.

"Do I understand you, sir, to mean that you want to take him now?"

"Directly."

"But his clothes, sir; and he must be--"

"I want to take him directly, Mr Hippetts, with your permission, and he
will need nothing more from the Union."

"Very good, sir; and I hope that he will take your kindness to heart.
Do you hear, Coleby? And be a very good boy to his benefactor, and--"

"Yes, yes, yes, Mr Hippetts," said the doctor, cutting him short. "I'm
sure he will. Now, my man, are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," cried the boy eagerly; "but--"

"Well?" said the d