finally he seemed to have made up his mind, and going out he closed
the door slowly behind him. As he did so, the key turned in the lock,
and a stifled moan died away in the inner chamber.

"Mr. Rushton is unwell, and can't transact business to-day," said
Roundjacket, softly, for he was thinking of the poor afflicted heart
"within;" then he added, "you may call to-morrow, sir,"

The visitor went away, wondering at "Judge Rushton" being sick; such
a thing had never before occurred in the recollection of the "oldest
inhabitant." Just as he had disappeared, the door re-opened, and Verty
made his appearance.

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Roundjacket," said the boy, "for having run off
so this morning, but you see I was after that pigeon. I'll stay till
night, though, and work harder, and then it will be right again."

Instead of a very solemn and severe rebuke, Verty was surprised to
hear Mr. Roundjacket say, in a low and thoughtful voice:--

"You need not work any to-day, Verty--you can go home if you like. Mr.
Rushton is unwell, and wishes to be quiet."

"Unwell?" said the boy, "you don't mean sick?"

"Not precisely, but indisposed."

"I will go and see him," said the boy, moving towards the door. Mr.
Roundjacket interposed with his ruler, managing that instrument pretty
much as a marshal does his baton.