What would have become of him now but for the half-crown the lady had
given him! She was not _quite_ a lady, or she would have walked out of
the shop, and declined to gain by frustrating a swindle; but she was a
good-hearted woman, and God's messenger to Clare. He bought a bigger
loaf than usual, at which, and the time of the day when he bought it,
and the half-crown presented in payment, Mr. Ball wondered; but
neither said anything--Mr. Ball from indecision, Clare from eagerness
to get home to his family.



Chapter XXXVI.

The policeman.


But, alas! Clare had made another enemy--the lad whose attempt to
change the bandboxes he had foiled. The fellow followed him,
lurkingly, all the way home--on the watch for fit place to pounce upon
him, and punish him for doing right when he wanted him to do wrong. He
saw him turn into the opening that led to the well, and thought now he
had him. But when he followed him in, he was not to be seen! He did
not care to cross the well, not knowing what might meet him on the
other side; but here was news to carry back! He did so; and his master
saw in them the opportunity of indulging his dislike and revenge, and
a means of invalidating whatever Clare might reveal to his discredit!

Clare and the baby and Tommy and Abdiel had taken their supper with
satisfaction, and were all asleep. It was to them as the middle of the