t I'm not used to, and
don't fancy doing. But I've a plan in my head and I'm going
straightway to Attorney Case. But he's a hard man, so we'll say
nothing to the boys, lest nothing comes of it. Come, lads," he went
on, turning to the crowd of children, "it is time you were going your
ways home. Turn the lamb in here, John, into the paddock for the
night." The butcher then went to the Attorney.

"If it's a good, fat, tender lamb you want for Sir Arthur," he said,
"I could let you have one as good or better than Susan's and fit to
eat to-morrow."

As Mr. Case wished to give the present to Sir Arthur as soon as he
could, he said he would not wait for Susan's lamb, but would take the
one offered by the butcher. In the meantime Susan's brothers ran home
to tell her that the lamb was put into the paddock for the night. This
was all they knew, but even this was some comfort to the poor girl.
Rose was at Farmer Price's cottage that evening, and was to have the
pleasure of hearing Susan tell her father the good news that he might
stay at home for one week longer. Mrs. Price was feeling better and
said that she would sit up to supper in her wicker armchair. As Susan
began to get ready the meal, little William, who was standing at the
house-door watching for his father's return, called out suddenly,
"Susan, why here is our old man!"

"Yes," said the blind harper, "I have found my way to you. The
neighbors were kind enough to show me where-abouts you lived; for,
though I didn't know your name, they guessed who I meant by what I
said of you all."

Susan came to the door, and the old man was delighted to hear her
speak again. "If it would not be too bold," said he, "I'm a stranger
in this part of the country, and come from afar off. My boy has got a
bed for himself here in the village; but I have no place. Could you be
so kind as to give an old blind man a night's lodging?"

Susan said she would step in and ask her mother, and she soon returned
with an answer that he was heartily welcome, if he could sleep upon
the children's bed, which was but small.

The old man entered thankfully, and, as he did so, struck his head
against the low roof. "Many roofs that are twice as high do not
shelter folk so kind," he said. For he had just come from the house of
Mr. Case, and Barbara, who had been standing at the hall-door, said he
could have no help there. The old man's harp was set down in Farmer
Price's kitchen, and he promised to pla