of whom I was rather afraid, as he was apparently intent on watching.

"Ready, lads? Now for the rosin! Blaze 'un out."

But, in the eager scuffle, the torch, the only one alight, was
knocked down and trodden out. A volley of oaths arose, though whose
fault it was no one seemed to know; but I missed my man from behind
the tree--nor found him till after the angry throng had rushed on to
the nearest lamp. One of them was left behind, standing close to our
own railings. He looked round to see if none were by, and then
sprang over the gate. Dark as it was I thought I recognized him.

"John?"

"Phineas?" He was beside me in a bound. "How could you do--"

"I could do anything to-night. But you are safe; no one has harmed
you. Oh, thank God, you are not hurt!"

And I clung to his arm--my friend, whom I had missed so long, so
sorely.

He held me tight--his heart felt as mine, only more silently.

"Now, Phineas, we have a minute's time. I must have you safe--we
must get into the house."

"Who is there?"

"Jael; she is as good as a host of constables; she has braved the