a 'try on'--thinks he's going to have a lark with us."

The Autolycus Club looked round at itself.

"I can see verra promising possibilities in this, provided the thing is
properly managed," said the Wee Laddie, after a pause.

"So can I," agreed Jack Herring. "Keep where you are, all of you.
'Twould be a pity to fool it."

The Autolycus Club waited. Jack Herring re-entered the room.

"One of the saddest stories I have ever heard in all my life," explained
Jack Herring in a whisper. "Poor girl left Derbyshire this morning to
come and see her brother; found him out--hasn't been seen at his lodgings
since three o'clock; fears something may have happened to him. Landlady
gone to Romford to see her mother; strange woman in charge, won't let her
in to wait for him."

"How sad it is when trouble overtakes the innocent and helpless!"
murmured Somerville the Briefless.

"That's not the worst of it," continued Jack. "The dear girl has been
robbed of everything she possesses, even of her umbrella, and hasn't got
a _sou_; hasn't had any dinner, and doesn't know where to sleep."

"Sounds a bit elaborate," thought Porson.

"I think I can understand it," said the Briefless one. "What has
happened is this. He's dressed up thinking to have a bit of fun with us,
and has come out, forgetting to put any money or his latchkey in his
pocket. His landlady may have gone to Romford or may not. In any case,
he would have to knock at the door and enter into explanations. What
does he suggest--the loan of a sovereign?"

"The loan of two," replied Jack Herring.

"To buy himself a suit of clothes. Don't you do it, Jack. Providence
has imposed this upon us. Our duty is to show him the folly of indulging
in senseless escapades."

"I think we might give him a dinner," thought the stout and sympathetic
Porson.

"What I propose to do," grinned Jack, "is to take him round to Mrs.
Postwhistle's. She's under a sort of obligation to me. It was I who got
her the post office. We'll leave him there for a night, with
instructions to Mrs. P. to keep a motherly eye on him. To-morrow he
shall have his 'bit of fun,' and I guess he'll be the first to get tired
of the joke."

It looked a promising plot. Seven members of the Autolycus Club
gallantly undertook to accompany "Miss Bulstrode" to her lodgings. Jack
Herring excited jealousy by securing the privilege of carrying her
reticule. "Miss Bulstrode" was given to understand that