right, what would they do if all were broken up? Then he slapped
Stead on the back, called him a sensible, steady lad, and promised
always to be his friend.

Moreover he gave up his morning's work to come with the children to
their homestead, and see what could be saved. It was a real
kindness, not only because his protection made Patience much less
afraid to go near the place, and his strong arm would be a great help
to them, but because he was parish constable and had authority to
drive away the rough lads whom they found already hanging about the
ruins, and who had frightened Patience's poor cat up into the ash
tree.

The boys and two curs were dancing round the tree, and one boy was
stripping off his smock to climb up and throw poor pussy down among
them when Master Blane's angry shout and flourished staff put them
all to flight, and Patience and Rusha began to coax the cat to come
down to them.

Hunting her had had one good effect, it had occupied the boys and
prevented them from carrying anything off. The stable was safe. What
had been burnt was the hay rick, whence the flames had climbed to the
house. The roof had fallen in, and the walls and chimney stood up
blackened and dismal, but there was a good deal of stone about the
house, the roof was of shingle, and the heavy fall, together with the
pouring rain, had done much to choke the fire, so that when Blane
began to throw aside the charred bits of beams and of the upper
floor, more proved to be unburnt, or at least only singed, than could
have been expected.