THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 
 
 CLARA MULHOLLAND. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 THOMAS B. NOOXAN & CO. 
 
 17, 19 Ain> 21 BOYLSTOX ST. 
 
 1887.
 
 CASHMAN, KEATING & Co. 
 
 ELECTEOTYPERS AND PRINTERS, 
 
 597 WASHINGTON ST.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Chap. Page 
 
 I. HUGH BROWN'S HOME 5 
 
 II. HUGH BEGINS TO WORK 22 
 
 III. HUGH MAKES A FRIEND 35 
 
 IV. PERCY AT HOME 52 
 
 V. SUSIE HAS A TREAT 67 
 
 VI. PERCY HEARS SOME NE\VS 84 
 
 VII. GREAT CHANGES FOR ALL 101 
 
 VIII. AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR 119 
 
 IX. AUNT LYDIA SEES A GHOST 133 
 
 X. GOOD RESOLUTIONS 147 
 
 XI. BURGLARS IN THE HOUSE 173 
 
 XII. A STRANGE CONFESSION 188 
 
 XIII. PERCY GIVES WAY TO DESPAIR 205 
 
 XIV. IN THE PARLOR OF THE RED LION INN . . 221 
 XV. SIR HENRY RECEIVES A SHOCK 240 
 
 XVI. REMORSE 253 
 
 XVII. CONVALESCENCE 272 
 
 XVIII. JOE BRADLEY'S STORY 286 
 
 XIX. FORGIVENESS . 302 
 
 484085 
 
 LIBRARY
 
 PERCY'S REVENGE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HUGH BBOWX'8 HOME. 
 
 " AA OTHER mot her, IVe g ot the prize. 
 
 1 Yl Hurra ! Hurra ! I am a lucky chap," 
 cried Hugh Brown, as he dashed noisily into 
 the parlor where his mother sat at work. 
 
 " Gently, dear Hugh, or you will wake poor 
 Susie, and she has not been very well all day," 
 said Mrs. Brown, in a whisper. But show 
 me your prize, dear. I am very glad you have 
 won it." And drawing the eager boy to her 
 side, she kissed him tenderly. 
 
 " There was such fun at school to-day, 
 mother," he said, glancing at the cot wherein 
 his little sister lay, and lowering his voice. 
 As it was an extra prize given for holiday 
 work, there was great excitement over it, and 
 (5)
 
 PERCY S REVENGE : 
 
 when my name was called out, the fellows 
 cheered and shouted tremendously. Mr. Smith 
 said I had worked well, and that I was the best 
 pupil he had." 
 
 " I am quite sure of that, Hugh." 
 
 " Well, you see, mother, I want to get on 
 as fust as ever I can to help you and father. 
 But some of the fellows were very jealous and 
 disagreeable about it. Harry Jones turned up 
 his nose, and said he was just as clever as I 
 was, and he could have got the prize if he had 
 wanted to, only he didn't work for it." 
 
 "But why didn't he?" 
 
 " Oh, he was in the country, he said, and 
 he wasn't going to spend his holidays stewing 
 over Latin verses. But" 
 
 "My poor Hugh, I wish you had been in 
 the country," said his mother, sadly. " These 
 hot summer months in London, and the long 
 hours you spent over your work, have made 
 you pale and thin." 
 
 " Not a bit of it, mother mine. Don't you 
 go fretting about me, for I'm as well as pos- 
 sible. I feel so glad about my prize," and 
 Hugh hugged his big book lovingly. 
 
 " Yes, dearest, so am I, and I am sure your 
 father will be delighted."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 
 
 "That he will," cried Hugh, brightly. 
 "But, mother, why is father so late? I was 
 sure he would have been at home. He is not 
 generally out at this hour." 
 
 ' ' No ; and I cannot think what is keeping 
 him. He expected to be back by five o'clock. 
 He went into the city on business, Hugh." 
 
 " Into the city? " said Hugh, quickly. " Is 
 he really going to take to an office again ? Poor 
 father, it will be hard on him." 
 
 " Yes, he will feel it greatly, for he cannot 
 bear the drudgery of office work," said Mrs. 
 Brown, sighing. " But something must be 
 done. No publisher will buy his books and 
 stories, and we have only a few pounds left 
 to live upon. If he does not get this place 
 that he has gone to see about, we must fall 
 very low, indeed." 
 
 "How I wish I was old enough to work. 
 Then father could sit at home and write his 
 books in peace, and you could make pretty 
 frocks for Susie, instead of those horrid shirts 
 that blind your eyes, and bring you in so little 
 money." 
 
 "Very little, dear, but I am thankful to be 
 able to earn it." 
 
 " Of course ; I know you are. But suppos-
 
 8 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 ing I were a merchant or a barrister earning 
 heaps and heaps of money, you wouldn't think 
 much of it, I can tell you. I'd bring you home 
 every penny, and you might just do what you 
 liked with it. Wouldn't that be jolly, mother 
 mine ? " 
 
 "Delightful, dearest. But my Hugh must 
 grow big and strong, and learn a great many 
 things before he can hope to earn any money. 
 Boys of thirteen can only study well, be good 
 and obedient, and so prepare themselves to be 
 clever, industrious men." 
 
 "Yes, I know; but it does take a fellow so 
 long to grow up at least when he's longing, 
 longing to help his mother." 
 
 "So it does, dear. But you do help your 
 mother, Hugh, in more ways than you imagine." 
 
 "Do I, mother? I am so glad. But still I 
 should like to earn money for you." 
 
 "And so you shall, some day. Meanwhile, 
 my Hugh must be patient, and do the work 
 that lies before him the work that God 
 wishes him to do. If your father gets this 
 situation in the city and keeps it, I shall be 
 truly thankful and able to manage nicely." 
 
 "Oh, I hope he may get it. I am sure he 
 will," cried Hugh with a loving kiss. "And
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 9 
 
 now I think I'll run down to the door and wait 
 till I see father come up the street. I want to 
 be the first to tell him the good news about my 
 prize. And, mother, if he has got that place, 
 I'll just give a cheer on the stairs, and then 
 you'll know." 
 
 "No, dear, please do not mind cheering. 
 You might wake Susie." 
 
 "Of course. What a duffer I am. Well, 
 you will soon know when you see our faces. 
 I'll grin from ear to ear with joy if it's all 
 right. Dear little Susican, as if I would wake 
 you, even with good news," he whispered ; and 
 running to the cot, he gazed fondly down on 
 the little sleeper, a delicate-looking child ' of 
 four years old. " Mother, when I grow big 
 and earn all that money, we'll take Susie to 
 the country. That will bring the roses to her 
 cheeks. But ta-ta, I must not build any more 
 castles in the air. ( A.u reservoir,' as Lord Tom 
 Noddy says," and taking up his cap, Hugh ran 
 out of the room, and down the stairs, singing 
 merrily as he went. 
 
 "That prize has turned the boy's head, I 
 think," said his mother, with a smile, and 
 glancing anxiously at the cot. But Susie still 
 slept peacefully, quite undisturbed by her
 
 10 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 brother's noisy exit ; so Mrs. Brown poked 
 the fire, trimmed her lamp, and applied her- 
 self diligently to her shirt-making. 
 
 And now, as the poor lady bends patiently 
 over her work, I will tell my readers, in as 
 few words as possible, the history of this little 
 family. Some fourteen or fifteen years before 
 the beginning of this story, a foolish young 
 couple resolved to get married in spite of the 
 strong opposition of their friends. 
 
 Philip Brown was a young man of literary 
 tastes and some ability ; but, who, work as he 
 would, found it very hard to live upon what he 
 made by his pen. And as the girl he wished 
 to make his wife was the child of rich parents, 
 the match was considered most unsuitable. 
 But the young people were self-willed, and, 
 taking matters into their own hands, got 
 married without waiting for any one's permis- 
 sion. 
 
 Philip's friends were few and poor, and 
 could do nothing to help him. His wife's 
 father was very wealthy ; but so angry was he 
 with her, that he refused to have anything to 
 do with her, and never saw her again. She 
 had chosen to disobey him, she must sufier for 
 her disobedience.
 
 A STOBY FOR BOYS. 11 
 
 But, at last, hearing melancholy accounts of 
 the wretched condition to which the young 
 people were reduced, he offered to give them 
 a certain sum of money, if they would go to 
 Australia, and never trouble him more. This 
 they gladly agreed to do, and hi a short time 
 the husband and wife were on their way to 
 the Bush. 
 
 There they remained for several years, and 
 although their life was a hard one, yet it was 
 fairly happy. There little Hugh was born ; and 
 as he grew up strong and healthy, he brought 
 joy and happiness into the lonely cottage. 
 
 But when Hugh was nine years old, a sudden 
 change came in their lives. 
 
 Without any apparent cause, Philip grew 
 restless ; declared himself weary of the wild 
 life in the bush, and giving up his work there, 
 went off to Melbourne, where he obtained a 
 situation as clerk in a bank. 
 
 Poor Mrs. Brown was pained by this strange 
 conduct ; but finding it useless to remonstrate, 
 she settled down as cheerfully as she could, 
 and tried to make the best of everything. 
 
 Then poor little delicate Susie was born, and 
 the mother longed for the fresh country air to 
 bring the roses to her darling's cheeks. But
 
 12 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 her husband seemed, happy in the town, and 
 she strove to be content. 
 
 But soon Philip became dissatisfied once 
 more, and throwing up his situation, hurried 
 his w T ife and children off to London, where he 
 established them in shabby lodgings in a small 
 street off Tavistock Square. 
 
 \\liy her husband made this move and spent 
 so much of their hard-earned savings on such 
 a useless journey, Mrs. Brown could not un- 
 derstand. He gave her no explanation of his 
 conduct, telling her simply that they were to 
 return to England, as he found it dreary work 
 living in Australia. 
 
 And when they reached London, to her sur- 
 prise and alarm, he sought for no employment. 
 
 In Melbourne he had worked in a bank, and 
 earned sufficient for their daily wants ; but here 
 he shut himself up in the house from morning 
 till night writing. 
 
 "Philip," said his wife, "our money is al- 
 most gone. What shall we do when it is 
 spent ? " 
 
 " Do not be alarmed, little woman," he 
 answered, pointing to a pile of manuscript. 
 " There is something that will make our for- 
 tune. I have written a book, dear, and when
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 13 
 
 it is published you and I shall be rich. So 
 do not fret about money." 
 
 But Mrs. Brown could not help fretting, as 
 month after month passed away, and her purse 
 became lighter and lighter. 
 
 The book had been finished and sent from 
 one publisher to another ; but, alas, without 
 success. It was always declined " with thanks," 
 and there was no money forthcoming to keep 
 the family from want. 
 
 Then, at last, Mrs. Brown implored her hus- 
 band to look for some employment by which 
 he could earn bread for his children. 
 
 Disappointed and disgusted at the failure of 
 his book, Philip did as she desired. But his 
 heart was not in his work ; he was careless and 
 inattentive, and soon received notice to leave 
 the office. 
 
 Again he tried to write a successful book ; 
 again failed, and once more went out in search 
 of a situation. 
 
 This he was fortunate enough to obtain ; and, 
 had he been hard-working and steadfast, all 
 would have been well. But he was neither, 
 and was always dreaming of the great things 
 he might do with his pen. 
 
 At the end of the second year, a short tale
 
 14 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 was published in a magazine ; and, wild with 
 excitement, he again threw up his situation ; 
 and, telling his wife that he was now certain to 
 get on, buried himself in his papers. 
 
 But, alas, success was as far off as ever ; and 
 after plodding for many months at a book, 
 and suffering many bitter disappointments in 
 having it returned to him, he flung it aside ; 
 and vowing that he would never write another 
 story, went off to the city to answer an adver- 
 tisement that he had seen in the Times. 
 
 " Poor Philip," said Mrs. Brown, with a 
 sigh, as she pondered over the sad story of her 
 life, " God grant that you may get this place 
 and keep it. The money we got for our little 
 place in Australia is all but gone. What I 
 earn by my shirt-making is very, very small ; 
 and unless something is done, I know not what 
 may happen. Poor fellow, would that you 
 were more steadfast, more plodding. How 
 much better is it to work on at one thing, 
 even if the pay is small, than to strain after 
 something great but uncertain. Patience and 
 perseverance are truly virtues that every one 
 should cultivate. I hope and trust that my 
 bright Hugh may possess them. Then, in- 
 deed, he will be a comfort to me. But, my
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 15 
 
 goodness, what can that noise be?" she ex- 
 claimed, as the sound of heavy tramping feet 
 was heard coming up the stairs. "What can 
 they be bringing up ? " 
 
 At this moment the door opened, and Hugh 
 crept into the room, looking startled and afraid. 
 
 "Mother, mother, it's" he began. But 
 he seemed choking and the words refused to 
 come. 
 
 "It's what, child? Who is tramping up the 
 stairs? Why, Hugh, you look like a ghost. 
 Let me go and see what is the matter." 
 
 "Mother, darling," whispered the boy, "Ifs 
 father. They say he's not dead but oh ! 
 he looks so white and strange." 
 
 "Looks white and strange but is not dead. 
 What do you mean, Hugh? Why do you 
 talk in such a manner?" she cried, trembling 
 with fear. 
 
 "Mother he is ill he" 
 
 "Where child where is your father? 
 Where " 
 
 "Here here I am, dear. But don't be 
 frightened, Lucy," said Philip, in a weak 
 voice, as he came in, leaning on an old man's 
 arm. " I fainted at the foot of the stairs, and 
 the boy was startled."
 
 16 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Philip, Philip, what has happened? You 
 who were always so strong?" cried the poor 
 woman, throwing herself on her knees beside 
 him, as he lay panting on the sofa. 
 
 "It isn't much, darling," he whispered, 
 4 ' but this weakened me ; " and as he removed 
 the handkerchief that he held to his mouth, 
 she saw, with horror, that it was covered with 
 blood. 
 
 "Please, ma'am, an' I think he didn't ought 
 to talk," said the old man who had helped 
 him home. "Put him to bed, an' make him 
 as comfortable as you can, an' he'll be all right 
 to-morrow, I'm thinkin'. It was in Oxford 
 Street it happened, just as he was goin' across. 
 A big omnibus knocked him down, an' made 
 him turn weak like. I jumped from my old 
 cart, an' pulled him on to the pavement. 
 When he came to, the policeman was for 
 puttin' him in a cab, but he seemed agin' it 
 like, so I just put him in my cart an' brought 
 him where he telled me he lived. But, Lor' 
 love ye, there's people gets run over every day 
 a'most, an' they're none the worse for it. Put 
 him in bed, ma'am, an' he'll be all right to- 
 morrow. He's just a bit shaken, an', as he 
 says, the bleediu' made him weak like."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 17 
 
 But the unhappy wife was too terrified to 
 take any comfort from his words, and gazed at 
 him in a startled manner, as if she did not 
 understand. So, seeing that he could do 
 nothing to help her, the old man bade her 
 "good-night," passed out of the room and 
 down the stairs, sighing as he went. 
 
 "Do not fret, Lucy dear, do not fret," 
 whispered Philip, as his wife sat weeping by 
 his bedside some few hours later; "you have 
 made me nice and comfortable, and, please 
 God, I'll soon be well again." 
 
 But the next morning he was so weak and 
 ill that it was quite impossible for him to get 
 up, and his wife and children were filled with 
 sorrow as they watched the pale, sad face, that 
 they had known so bright and healthy. He 
 himself kept wonderfully brave, and, in spite 
 of his own misgivings, did what he could to 
 raise their drooping spirits. 
 
 "Never mind, dear," he said, with a faint 
 smile, and kissing little Susie, who nestled 
 close to his side, "I must just rest for a few 
 days, and then when this queer pain goes away, 
 I'll be as strong as ever. I did not get that 
 situation, Lucy, but I heard of another much 
 better. When I get over the effects of this
 
 18 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 shock, I'll go and see about it. I am sure to 
 get it, I think. So don't be down-hearted, 
 dear wife, but try and look cheerful, like this 
 sweet child and me." 
 
 But Mrs. Brown did not feel satisfied and 
 sent Hugh off for the doctor, as she was anxious 
 to know if her husband had been seriously in- 
 jured by his accident. The doctor came and 
 examined him carefully ; he asked him to 
 cough, felt his pulse, and then told him gently 
 to keep very quiet. The unhappy wife fol- 
 lowed the doctor down the stairs ; and as time 
 went on, and she did not return, Philip grew 
 restless and uneasy. Hugh did what he could 
 to soothe him ; but, at last, finding this difficult, 
 he ran out of the room to look for his mother. 
 Sitting on the stairs, her face bathed in tears, 
 her whole frame shaken with sobs of bitter 
 anguish, was poor Mrs. Brown. 
 
 " Hugh, Hugh," she cried, pressing the boy 
 in her arms. " It makes me wild with grief 
 to see your father so ill so weak. But do 
 not let him know that I am weeping. The 
 doctor says we must keep him cheerful, so 
 don't cry my little man. Go in again and tell 
 him I have gone to get him some medicine." 
 
 Very bravely Hugh choked back the tears
 
 A STOET FOR BOYS. 19 
 
 that came into his eyes at the sight of his be- 
 loTed mother's grief; and trying hard to look 
 bright and pleasant, returned to his father's 
 room. 
 
 Little Susie had fallen asleep, her curly head 
 resting comfortably on the sick man's breast ; 
 so the boy delivered his mothers message in a 
 whisper, and sat down by the bedside. 
 
 " Read to me, Hugh," said his Cither. " It 
 will help to pass the time for me, and Susie 
 will not hear you. She is too fast asleep to be 
 easily disturbed." 
 
 " Yes, Either, with great pleasure, 11 said 
 Hugh, and taking down his prize, a richly 
 bound copy of the Xew Testament, he began 
 to read in a clear, distinct voice. The sick man 
 turned his eyes with delight upon his son, and 
 listened attentively to the beautiful and consol- 
 ing words. 
 
 When Mrs. Brown returned with the medi- 
 cine, all traces of sorrow had disappeared, and 
 die spoke so cheerfully that both Philip and 
 and Hugh were reassured by her manner, and 
 did not realize the silent agony she was endur- 
 ing- 
 
 The doctor came every day, and Mrs. Brown 
 looked out eagerly for his coming. But alas !
 
 20 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 his visits did not comfort her, for long and bit- 
 ter were the fits of weeping that came upon her 
 after he went away. 
 
 Days and weeks passed over. The doctor 
 came and went ; but Philip still lay on his sick 
 bed ; and the poor woman's heart sank low, as 
 she saw starvation and want staring her in the 
 face. Long and earnest were her prayers to 
 God, for she found it hard to resign herself 
 without bitterness to his holy will. But she 
 struggled bravely, and tried her best to be 
 humble and submissive. 
 
 Every moment she could spare, from attend- 
 ance on the sick man, was devoted to needle- 
 work ; but the little she could earn in this way 
 was not enough to keep her family from want. 
 In all London she had not a friend to whom 
 she could go for aid ; and she knew not what 
 to do. 
 
 Hugh had left school and did all he could to 
 help his mother ; but his face wore a sad look 
 that pierced the poor woman's heart, as she 
 thought of all his dreams for the future shat- 
 tered and gone forever. 
 
 " My poor Hugh ; my bright, clever boy," 
 she murmured. " To think what you might 
 have been, and what you must be now, since I
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 21 
 
 can no longer keep you at school. And my 
 little Susie, with her sweet, delicate face, must 
 I take her to the workhouse or allow her to die 
 of starvation? Oh, father, were you alive I 
 would go to you, brave your anger, and implore 
 your assistance for my unhappy family. But 
 alas ! you are dead ; you, my mother my 
 only sister all dead, and there is not a soul 
 to whom I could go in my dire distress. My 
 God, my God, have mercy on me and mine," 
 and bowing her head upon the table before her, 
 she wept aloud in her anguish. 
 
 How long she remained in this position she 
 never knew ; but, as she sat, she felt a pair of 
 arms round her neck, a little cheek against her 
 own, and Hugh whispered joyfully in her ear : 
 
 " Look up mother, and don't cry any more, 
 I have thought of a plan a fine plan and I 
 am going to earn heaps of money for you and 
 father. I am, indeed, and I am going to begin 
 to-morrow."
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 HUGH BEGINS TO WORK. 
 
 THE next morning, as the clock struck four, 
 Hugh tumbled out of bed, and, lifting 
 the curtain that hung before his window, 
 peeped out. 
 
 It was a regular November morning, wet, 
 foggy, and cold. But this seemed to please 
 our young friend immensely, for he cut capers 
 of delight when he saw the state of the weather. 
 
 "The very thing," he cried. "A right 
 down jolly sort of a day for what I want,'' 
 and he dressed himself quickly, whistling gayly 
 as he donned a much-patched, shabby-looking 
 suit. Then kneeling by his bedside, he clasped 
 his hands devoutly, and raising his blue eyes 
 to heaven, begged God to bless and help him 
 in this work that he was about to undertake 
 for the sake of his sick father and suffering 
 mother. 
 
 (22)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 23 
 
 Then, feeling strong and courageous, he 
 slipped down to the little sitting-room, where 
 he found his mother ready to give him his 
 breakfast. 
 
 " What do you think of me, mother dear?" 
 he asked, with a merry laugh, as he kissed her, 
 and bade her good-morning. "Don't I look 
 spiffing/ as Jack Martin 'says ? " 
 
 " Indeed, you look very shabby, dear Hugh," 
 said his mother, sadly. ** And I cannot bear 
 to see you start off on such a foolish errand. 
 It is a dreadful morning, dear, so just stay 
 where you are." 
 
 " A dreadful morning is exactly what I want, 
 mother dear ; for if it was fine I might as well 
 stay at home," he answered gayly. "A sunny 
 day would ruin me. So you ought to be glad 
 to see the ram." 
 
 " My poor boy, how could I be glad?" she 
 cried, with tears in her eyes. " Why, it almost 
 kills me to think of my son starting off in the 
 drenching rain to take to such work such 
 low, degrading work." 
 
 " Now, mother dear, don't think of it that 
 way. It's the only work that I can do just at 
 present, so don't try to turn me from it. I've
 
 24 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 had a fine breakfast, and this coat is warm, 
 although it is a little patched." 
 
 " My poor lad, you have a brave heart, and 
 God will bless you for doing your best," she 
 said, with a kiss. " You are a great comfort 
 to me, Hugh, in this time of terrible trouble." 
 
 "That is grand news, mother dear, and 
 makes me happier than anything I have heard 
 for a long time. And now, keep up your 
 spirits, for if I can earn a little money, just 
 to help us to keep things going, till father 
 is able to go after that situation, it will be 
 a jolly good thing, and won't do me a bit 
 of harm. Good-by, mother ; I must be off." 
 
 Then he kissed her long and lovingly, took 
 up a little broom that stood ready in the 
 corner, and putting on an old, tattered cap, 
 sprang lightly down the stairs. 
 
 It was bitterly cold, and Hugh shivered and 
 coughed, as the thick, yellow fog went down 
 his throat. 
 
 ' ' Poor mother was right. It is a bad morn- 
 ing to be out. But if I can just do what I 
 want and earn a little money to take home, I 
 shan't mind how disagreeable it is. It is a 
 right good thing I thought of this kind of 
 work, for it is easy enough, and pretty certain
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 25 
 
 even if it is unpleasant;'' and drawing his 
 jacket more tightly round him, he splashed 
 bravely through the mud. 
 
 On and on went Hugh, up one street and 
 down another, looking out anxiously for a 
 crossing that required sweeping. But at every 
 corner he found a man or woman, armed like 
 himself, with a good stout broom. This was 
 a state of affairs he had not counted upon ; and, 
 as the morning wore on, his hopes of earning 
 any money gradually vanished. So, feeling 
 weary and disheartened, he leaned against a 
 shop window and began to cry. 
 
 He had wandered several miles from home, 
 and was now in the busy Strand. There was 
 plenty of mud and many crossings to be swept ; 
 but, alas, for Hugh, there were crowds of 
 sweepers, and not a spot for him and his little 
 broom. 
 
 As he stood gazing about him la silent de- 
 spair, his eye fell upon a hobbling old man, 
 who knocked the mud about in a lazy fashion 
 and grumbled audibly when an occasional cop- 
 per was thrown to him by a passer-by. He 
 was a sour-faced fellow, and Hugh noticed that 
 few persons gave him anything, whilst many
 
 26 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 shuddered and hurried away when he spoke 
 to them. 
 
 " That's a queer-looking old man," thought 
 Hugh. " But he's jolly lucky to have found a 
 crossing to sweep. I wish I could get one," 
 and sighing heavily, he turned away his 
 head. 
 
 "Well, young un. What are yer after?" 
 and, turning round, Hugh saw the old crossing- 
 sweeper peering at him from under two bushy 
 eyebrows. 
 
 "I'm after work," replied Hugh, growing 
 very red. "But there doesn't seem to be 
 much to do about here at least." 
 
 " Oh, there's plenty of work, but little pay," 
 grumbled the old man. "But see 'ere now, 
 yers got a hinnocent face, an' that allus pays. 
 So, I'll give yer my place on the crossin', if 
 yer'll give me 'arf of all yer gets to-day. ' 
 
 "Very well," answered Hugh. "But I'm 
 afraid that won't be much, for, there doesn't 
 seem to be much money going about. How- 
 ever, I may as well work, when I get the 
 chance, so here goes." 
 
 "I'll keep my heye on yer, my fine cove," 
 cried the old fellow. " I'll watch every penny 
 yer gets ; but, first of all, I must go in an' get
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 27 
 
 a drop o' gin to warm myself; " and off he 
 hobbled, leaving Hugh master of the crossing. 
 
 For many hours, the poor boy remained at 
 his post, working and sweeping, but without 
 much profit. 
 
 The rain fell in torrents, and few persons 
 were out, except those who were hurrying to 
 their work, and they, poor souls, had not 
 many pence to throw to the crossing-sweepers. 
 The old man did not return from warming 
 himself, and Hugh felt a great desire to throw 
 down his broom and go after him. But the 
 thought of his sick father and anxious mother 
 kept him to his work, and he continued 
 his sweeping, hoping and praying that some 
 kind, well-to-do persons might soon, pass by. 
 
 And presently the heavy ram ceased; the 
 thick fog cleared away and a pale, sickly sun 
 came struggling through the clouds. A great 
 change soon took place in the streets. Carts, 
 cabs, and carriages crowded the roads, and 
 blocked up the crossings. Well-dressed, happy- 
 looking people, stood watching an opportunity 
 to cross, and many a kindly glance fell upon 
 little Hugh, as he stood grasping his muddy 
 broom in his frozen hands. Purses were drawn 
 forth, money was quickly given, and the tired
 
 28 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 boy grew light-hearted and happy, as he heard 
 the pennies rattling in his pocket. 
 
 At last the weary day drew to a close, and 
 as darkness came on, Hugh felt that he might 
 go home, and delight his mother with a sight of 
 his riches. 
 
 But, suddenly, he remembered his promise 
 to the surly old man, and he looked about to 
 see where he could be. 
 
 " I promised him half, and he must get it," 
 he said. "He looks cross and disagreeable, 
 but he has been a true friend to me ; for where 
 should I have gone if he had not given me his 
 crossing? Where can he be, I wonder? I 
 must just see how much I have to give him 
 when he turns up." 
 
 So, talking away cheerfully to himself, in 
 spite of cold and wind, Hugh managed to count 
 his money, and found, to his delight, that he 
 had five shillings. 
 
 Putting half of his little fortune in one 
 pocket and the remaining half in the other, he 
 was about to begin his search for his surly 
 friend when a tall, handsome gentleman passed 
 quickly over the crossing. 
 
 Drawing out his purse as he went along, he 
 tossed something to Hugh, and disappeared.
 
 A STOBY FOR BOYS. 29 
 
 Laughing merrily at this unexpected addition 
 to his wealth, the boy stooped to pick np, as 
 he thought, a penny, and found, to his amaze- 
 ment, a bright new sixpence. 
 
 "Threepence more for old Sour-Face," said 
 Hugh, gayly. " Why, if I hadn't to give him 
 some of the money I'd be quite rich. But, 
 never mind, I shan't give him any to-morrow, 
 and two and ninepence isn't bad for a begin- 
 ning. But, where is the old boy ? Holloa, 
 what on earth is that?" 
 
 As he stood swinging his broom to and fro 
 in the mud, it suddenly knocked against some- 
 thing hard, and, looking down, Hugh saw a 
 large, leather pocket-book, with silver corners, 
 and a raised monogram on one side. Picking 
 it up, he rubbed it with his sleeve ; wondered 
 at its beauty, and then gazed about anxiously 
 to see if any one was coming back in search 
 of it. 
 
 But as no person appeared to claim it, 
 Hugh put it into an inside pocket, and button- 
 ing his jacket tightly over it, said, with a 
 laugh : " Old Sour-Face must not see this or 
 he might want to walk off with it. Perhaps 
 some one may come to look for it to-morrow, 
 so I shall keep it to myself. I am sure it
 
 30 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 belongs to that nice gentleman who gave me 
 the sixpence. But where is that man? If he 
 does not appear I shall have to run home with- 
 out giving him his money." 
 
 Hugh wandered up and down for some time 
 longer ; but not a trace of the crossing-sweeper 
 could he see. At last, growing weary, he was 
 about to shoulder his broom and start off 
 home, when he caught sight of the old fellow 
 coming staggering towards him. 
 
 " Ha, ha, yer young warmint, yer thought 
 to be oflf with all the coin," he shouted. " But 
 I 'ave yer now ! 'And over what's mine, yer 
 young thief." 
 
 His cheeks were red, his gait unsteady, and, 
 seeing that the poor creature had been taking 
 more gin than was good for him, Hugh thought 
 it best to say as few words to him as possi- 
 ble. 
 
 " Here is your share of the money. Thank 
 you for letting me sweep on your crossing," he 
 said, and, pushing the pennies into the man's 
 pocket, he ran off as fast as his stiff legs would 
 carry him. 
 
 The way home was long and dreary, but 
 Hugh heeded it not. He felt so rich and 
 happy that he sang out merrily as he went,
 
 A STORT FOR BOYS. 31 
 
 and was quite surprised when he found himself 
 at his own door. 
 
 Poor Mrs. Brown burst into tears when she 
 saw him enter the house, covered with mud. 
 But Hugh only laughed ; and shaking his curly 
 head, threatened to throw his arms round her 
 neck if she did not cheer up and look pleased. 
 
 " I earned two and ninepence to-day, mother, 
 and 111 get more to-morrow," he cried. " So 
 you must not be miserable because Pm not 
 clean. Xo fellow could be after a day in the 
 mud ; but, all the same, I feel as happy as " 
 
 " My own brave boy, my good little Hugh," 
 whispered his mother, through her tears. 
 " But come, dear, you must warm yourself and 
 change your clothes at once. Your father is 
 asleep ; so slip into the parlor and stay there 
 by the fire, till I get you some hot water to 
 wash in." 
 
 " Mother, mother," cried Hugh, laughing, 
 " are you dreaming? Just look at the state I am 
 in. Why, if I went into the parlor, you would 
 have to send for the mud-man to cart away the 
 mud. But here's the money. Count it whilst 
 I am having a scrub," and, with a joyful heart, 
 the boy Climbed up the rickety stair to the 
 attic where he slept.
 
 32 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 And great was the amount of scrubbing and 
 scraping he went through before the mud was 
 all gone ; but, at last, with shining cheeks, he 
 crept softly into the parlor and sat down on the 
 floor at his mother's feet. 
 
 " Hoo, Hoo, 'ou a dood, dood boy," cried 
 tiny Susie, flinging herself into his arms. 
 "Me loves 'ou so muts, so muts, betause 'ou 
 bring plenty pennies to muver." 
 
 " My poor boy, what a long weary day you 
 have had, and how hard you must have worked," 
 cried his mother, pressing him to her heart. 
 " This money will be a help to me." 
 
 " Oh, but I shall get plenty more, mother 
 dear. I'll go to the crossing every day till 
 father gets well. There was an old chap there 
 that let me sweep in his place, if I promised to 
 give him half what I earned. Only for that 
 I'd have had five shillings and six pence to bring 
 home. Think of that, mother. Why, if I get 
 that every day we'll be quite rich." 
 
 " But I do not like the work for you, Hugh. 
 It is too like begging. I cannot bear to think 
 of niy son doing such work ; I cannot, indeed. 
 It is hard and disagreeable, and unfit for a 
 gentleman's child." 
 
 "Yes, mother, I know it is. But still, as I
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 33 
 
 am small, there is not much that I can do. 
 When people are poor they must just do what- 
 ever turns up. They ought not to be proud. 
 I would not like to spend all my life on a cross- 
 ing ; and, please God, 111 soon get something 
 better to do." 
 
 " I hope and trust you may, dear lad, for 
 the very thought of what you are at drives 
 me wild. I would not dare to tell your 
 father." 
 
 "No, mother, do not tell him. It would 
 vex him, I know. But still I must go on ; you 
 must not prevent me going to-morrow, mother ; 
 say you won't." 
 
 " My child, I cannot for we want the money 
 so badly. You may go to-morrow ; but I shall 
 ask our landlady if she knows any one who 
 wants an errand boy." 
 
 "Anything you like, mother. My only 
 wish is to help you as much as I can." 
 
 " You are a good boy, Hugh, a dear good 
 boy. But come, I must give you your tea. 
 You are very hungry, I am sure." 
 
 " I should just think I was," cried Hugh, 
 gayly* f r his mother's words of praise had 
 filled his heart with joy. "I am so hungry 
 that I am afraid I shall eat up all that I have
 
 34 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 earned, and you won't have gained anything 
 after all my work on the crossing." 
 
 So Hugh was merry, and chatted and 
 laughed as he ate his supper, never saying a 
 word of the fatigue he felt, lest his mother 
 should think he had really suffered, and begin 
 to fret about his health. 
 
 " Take me to de crossing, Hoo," cried Susie, 
 as she listened with delight to his stories of the 
 beautiful Indies and fine carriages he saw there. 
 * ' I tink it would be very nice to seep up de 
 mud vis a broom and see all de pitty people." 
 
 But Hugh only smiled, and told her that she 
 must grow big first, or old Sour-Face would run 
 off with her and keep her for his own little 
 girl. 
 
 And, at last, the poor boy grew drowsy ; his 
 merry tales became short, and he fell fast asleep 
 before the fire. 
 
 With great difficulty his mother got him up 
 to his room, where she put him to bed, as if he 
 were a babe once more ; and as she covered him 
 up and kissed his happy face, she prayed that 
 God would keep him innocent and good, amidst 
 the dangers and temptations that were grow- 
 ing up around him.
 
 CHAPTER m. 
 
 HUGH MAKES A FRIEXD. 
 
 THE next morning Hugh was early at the 
 crossing, and, as old Sour-Face was no- 
 where to be seen, he took his stand there at 
 once. 
 
 But he soon found it dreary, disheartening 
 work. A sharp wind had set in during the 
 night, and the streets became so dry and clean 
 that there was little sweeping to be done and 
 no money to be earned. 
 
 So as time passed on and his pockets re- 
 mained empty, Hugh grew very miserable. 
 He was cold, tired, and hungry; but, as he 
 had not taken a single copper, he could not 
 buy even a crust of bread. 
 
 But as he stood, swinging his broom dis- 
 consolately to and fro hi his hand, thinking 
 sadly of the sudden failure of all his hopes, 
 an unknown friend came to his assistance. 
 (35)
 
 36 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 A good-natured "cabby," seeing the boy so 
 wretched and cold, took him by the hand, and, 
 leading him into the pretty shelter in Northum- 
 berland Avenue, treated him to a cup of hot 
 coffee and a piece of bread. 
 
 Very much refreshed and full of gratitude to 
 the stranger for his kindness, Hugh was about 
 to return to the crossing, when he suddenly 
 remembered the pocket-book that he had found 
 the day before in the mud. 
 
 He had been so tired and excited after his 
 hard work that he had forgotten to say any- 
 thing about it to his mother. He now began 
 to wonder who the owner could be. 
 
 So when the cabmen went off to their stand 
 and he found himself alone, he drew out the 
 book and examined it carefully. 
 
 It was very handsome, of rich, dark leather, 
 with silver corners, and the letters " II. R." 
 artistically entwined in a finely-wrought mono- 
 gram. But there was no name, no address ; 
 and, as Hugh turned it over and over, he could 
 find nothing that would help him to restore it 
 to its owner. 
 
 "It is very thick and must be full of valu- 
 able papers. I do wish I knew who it be- 
 longed to," he thought. "The best way to
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 37 
 
 find out all about it would be to open it and 
 look at the things inside. But it is locked, 
 and I do not like to burst it open until I ask 
 mother about it. Well, there is nothing to be 
 done on the crossing to-day, I am sure ; so I 
 think I will run off at once and ask her what 
 she would advise me to do." 
 
 So, buttoning up the precious book in his 
 pocket, he took up his broom and trudged 
 away home. 
 
 When Susie saw her brother coming up the 
 stairs, she ran to meet him with a cry of joy. 
 But he was too full of business to trouble much 
 about her; so putting her gently aside, he 
 knocked at the door of his father's room. 
 
 ** Mother," he whispered, '* come out to me 
 for a minute." 
 
 " Why, Hugh, what brings you home, 
 dear?" she asked, in surprise. "Is there no 
 work to be done to-day?" 
 
 "Not much, mother dear; but it will be 
 better to-morrow," he answered, quickly. 
 "Look here, I found this on the crossing. 
 I want you to tell me what I am to do with it." 
 
 " Restore it to its owner at once, dear boy," 
 she said. " It is very handsome, and must be- 
 long to some rich man."
 
 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Oh, de lovely boot de lovely boot," 
 cried Susie ; " Dive it to me, Hoo. Dive it to 
 me, 'ou own 'ittle sissy." 
 
 "No, no, dear; I can't," he said, smiling. 
 "I must give it back to the gentleman who 
 lost it. But, mother dear, how shall I ever 
 find him? I have no key to open it with, and 
 there is no address outside. Shall I break the 
 lock, and see if there is anything inside to tell 
 us who the owner is ? " 
 
 " Yes, I suppose you must, dear." 
 
 " It seems such a pity," said Hugh. " But, 
 good gracious, why there it goes ! " 
 
 As he spoke, the lock flew open as if by 
 magic, and something fell out of the pocket- 
 book, and rolled into a corner. It looked 
 bright and pretty, so Susie dived after it ; 
 and, with dancing eyes, held up a beautiful 
 diamond ring that flashed out radiantly in the 
 firelight. 
 
 " Muver, muver, look what I have found," 
 cried the child. " Oh, it is a boofle sing ! " 
 
 "But, it is not yours, dear," said Hugh, 
 gently. " The rings and this money," holding 
 up a crisp ten-pound note, " belong to the 
 gentleman who dropped the pocket-book, yes- 
 terday."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 39 
 
 "But 'ou found it," said Susie, pouting, 
 " and I want to teep it wedgy mats." 
 
 "No, no, Susie, that would not be honest; 
 and God does not love children who are not 
 honest and good. We must give it back as 
 soon as we can. But, mother, wasn't it strange 
 the way it flew open? I suppose it was some 
 secret spring that I touched by accident." 
 
 " I suppose so, dear. But what are you 
 to do with these treasures, Hugh? Is there no 
 name no address ?" 
 
 '* I do not see any, mother; but, perhaps, 
 it's amongst these papers. I do wish I could 
 find out who it belongs to." 
 
 " Teep it 'ousef, Hoo teep it 'ousef," cried 
 Susie, gayly, as she hopped round the room on 
 one leg. " Janie Wheeler found sipsence and 
 she buyed such a lot of sects." 
 
 "Little tempter," cried Hugh, laughing. 
 ** I suppose you would like me to spend this 
 on sweets, eh?" and he waved the bank-note 
 above his head. 
 
 " Put it away, Hugh," said his mother. " It 
 is better not to make a joke of such a thing." 
 
 "Oh, mother dear, if it were only ours," he 
 cried. " Think of all it would do for us." 
 
 "But it is not ours, dear boy. Do not
 
 40 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 think of such a thing for an instant. It is a 
 dangerous thought, and might lead to sin. My 
 Hugh has surely not forgotten the Tenth Com- 
 mandment, that forbids us to covet anything 
 belonging to our neighbor?" 
 
 "Xo, mother, of course not," said the boy, 
 gently ; and laying the note aside, he con- 
 tinued his search amongst the papers. 
 
 "Here is something," he said presently. 
 "It is just possible that this may be the right 
 address," and he handed a little packet to his 
 mother. 
 
 Mrs. Brown took it from him ; and as she 
 examined it, her face flushed and her eyes 
 filled with tears. 
 
 "What is it, mother?" cried Hugh, throw- 
 ing his arms round her neck. "Why do you 
 weep ? " 
 
 "Look," she said, and opening the paper she 
 showed him what it contained : two little silken 
 curls, one dark, the other fair, tied together with 
 a faded blue ribbon ; outside the parcel were the 
 words: "Theoandher child, 18 ; 102 Hol- 
 land Park." 
 
 "It is very pretty hair, mother," said Hugh. 
 "But why should it make you cry?" 
 
 "Because, dear, I had once a sweet sister,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 41 
 
 called Theo. Her hair was dark, and grew in 
 soft curls like that. But she is dead dead 
 many years, now." 
 
 4 'Poor little mother. But I never knew 
 you had a sister," said the boy, in surprise. 
 "You never told me of her. I thought you 
 and father never had any brothers and sisters." 
 
 "I had one sister, Hugh ; and she was kind- 
 hearted and loving. But I never talked to 
 you about my family before. I displeased my 
 father when I was young, Hugh, and he cast 
 me off. Then I went to Australia, and never 
 saw any of them again. When I came back to 
 London all were dead father, mother, and 
 sister. Poor little Theo had married, but died 
 soon after. So they told me at my father's old 
 offices in the city. Their information was 
 scant, but enough for me. Since they were 
 dead I cared to hear no more, and so it hap- 
 pened that I never even heard who my sister 
 married." 
 
 "No," said Hugh, thoughtfully. "Well, do 
 you know, mother, I think that was a pity, 
 for he might have been a friend to us had you 
 found him out. He might have helped us for 
 the sake of his dead wife." 
 
 "So he might, dearest, and I shall make
 
 42 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 inquiries. It is just possible that he might 
 help you to something to earn your bread, 
 poor boy." 
 
 "Yes, wouldn't that be splendid? Why, 
 mother, I wonder you did not think of this 
 long ago." 
 
 "I did, dearest. But it seemed so hope- 
 less," said Mrs. Brown, with a sigh, as folding 
 up the little packet she replaced it in the pocket- 
 book. "And now, dear boy, let us consider 
 what it is best to do with this." 
 
 "I shall take it off at once to Holland Park," 
 said Hugh, decidedly. "It's contents are very 
 valuable, and I shall be glad to get rid of it." 
 
 "But you are tired, to-day, Hugh. Don't 
 you think you might wait till the morning?" 
 
 "No, mother; I think it would be better to 
 go at once. I am not at all tired, I assure you. 
 I am longing to give that poor gentleman his 
 precious book. I am sure he is in a terrible 
 way about it." 
 
 "Well, perhaps, it would be best to return 
 it at once ; but, Hugh, put on another suit and 
 make yourself neat." 
 
 "Of course, mother dear," said Hugh, gaily. 
 " You don't imagine that I'm going to introduce 
 myself as a crossing-sweeper at Holland Park !"
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 43 
 
 " I most sincerely hope not," said his mother, 
 gravely. "It would not be necessary to men- 
 tion the fact of your ever having done such 
 degrading work." 
 
 "Trust me, mother mine. I shall not forget 
 that my father is a gentleman, and that my 
 mother is well, fit to be a countess," and 
 giving her a loving kiss, he ran off to perform 
 his toilet. 
 
 And when the boy came down, about half an 
 hour later, dressed and ready for his walk, his 
 mother was well satisfied with his appearance ; 
 she felt that no one could take him for any- 
 thing but a little gentleman. 
 
 Then she insisted on giving him his dinner, 
 before he started ; and so, though Hugh hur- 
 ried as much as possible, it was nearly six 
 o'clock before he left the house. 
 
 It is a long way from Tavistock Square to 
 Holland Park ; and as Hugh had walked many 
 miles that day, it would not have been aston- 
 ishing had he felt a little tired. But he was so 
 full of delight at the thoughts of the pleasure 
 he was about to give the owner of the pocket- 
 book, that he did not feel the slightest fatigue 
 as he pushed his way through the crowded 
 streets.
 
 44 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 The shops looked very tempting in the bril- 
 liant gas-light, and he stopped now and again 
 to gaze at the flaxen-haired dolls that hung in 
 the windows. 
 
 " Some day when I am rich, as rich as the 
 Lord Mayor, or maybe sooner, I'll buy one of 
 those for Susie. Won't she be proud and 
 pleased, poor little soul," he said. " But, I 
 really must shut my eyes to these pretty .things, 
 or I shan't reach Holland Park to-night." And 
 then he ran on whistling and singing, deter- 
 mined not to look at another shop till he was 
 on his way home again. 
 
 But when, at last he reached his destination, 
 a great fear came over him. The house looked 
 so large and splendid, that poor Hugh felt in- 
 clined to drop the pocket-book into the letter- 
 box and run away. 
 
 " But that would be cowardly," he said to 
 himself, " and the right gentleman might never 
 get his beautiful things ; for perhaps he does 
 not live here at all." 
 
 So, plucking up all the courage he could 
 muster, he walked slowly up to the hall-door 
 steps and rang the bell. 
 
 But no notice was taken of his gentle sum- 
 mons ; so, having waited patiently for several
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 45 
 
 minutes, he rang again. This time he was 
 more successful, and he heard the bell peal 
 loudly through the lower part of the house. 
 
 Footsteps were soon heard approaching, and 
 before Hugh had time to think of what he 
 should say, the massive door swung back on 
 its hinges, and a gorgeous being in plush and 
 powder stood in the doorway. 
 
 " Now, then, an' wat do you want?" he 
 asked, indignantly. "Small boys like you 
 have no business to ring the bell so loud." 
 
 " I want to see the gentleman of this house, 
 very particularly," said Hugh, drawing himself 
 up proudly, and speaking with much dignity. 
 " Will you please to tell him so?" 
 
 " I'll please to tell him nothink of the sort, 
 young gentleman. Give me your message and 
 I'll deliver it. My master never sees nobody 
 at night. He's at his dessert, an' must not be 
 disturbed." 
 
 "Oh, but please, I'm sure he will see me," 
 said Hugh, earnestly. " I have come a long 
 way and But please give him this packet 
 and see what he will say." 
 
 The man took the paper in which were 
 wrapped the silken curls, looked at the in- 
 scription, and, with a softened expression and
 
 46 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 manner, asked Hugh to walk in and sit 
 down. 
 
 Hugh entered the hall, and stood upon the 
 mat, wondering nervously what would happen 
 next, as he saw the servant disappear, carrying 
 the little packet on a salver. 
 
 But he was not kept long in suspense. In a 
 few seconds a door was quickly opened, and a 
 tall, gentlemanly looking man came forward 
 and laid his hand upon his shoulder. 
 
 " You are a welcome sight, my little man," he 
 said, " for by this packet, I know you must 
 have found my pocket-book." 
 
 " Yes, sir," said Hugh, drawing forth the 
 book, and handing it to him. " I found it on 
 the crossing at the end of the Strand, near 
 Trafalgar Square, yesterday. It is just as I 
 found it, except that I took out the packet. It 
 was upon it I saw the address." 
 
 " Yes," said the gentleman. " But are you 
 not afraid to give it to me? Are you quite 
 certain it belongs to me?" 
 
 " Oh, yes, sir ; I am sure I feel certain." 
 
 " Very well. But just to prove that it is 
 mine really, and lest you should have any 
 misgivings in the future, I will tell you a few 
 things that are in it. There is a diamond ring,
 
 A STOKY FOE BOYS. 47 
 
 with one stone missing, with the words till 
 death* engraved inside, and" 
 
 "Oh, yes; but, please, I know it is yours," 
 cried Hugh. " So please take please take it." 
 
 " Very well, my boy, since you are satisfied, 
 so am I. Allow me to thank you most sin- 
 cerely," said the gentleman, and he shook 
 Hugh warmly by the hand. " And now, what 
 is your name ? Mine is Sir Henry Randall." 
 
 " Hugh Brown, Sir Henry." 
 
 " A good, honest name. Well, now, Master 
 Hugh, come in and take a glass of wine with 
 me." 
 
 " Please, I don't drink wine," said Hugh, 
 
 <c J 
 
 " And quite right, too. Little lads, like 
 you, do not require it. But come in and have 
 a few minutes' talk with me. I want to go 
 over the contents of my pocket-book, just to 
 see that none of the papers have dropped out 
 I shall feel great pleasure in giving you the 
 reward." 
 
 " But I do not want a reward," said Hugh. 
 " I brought you back your pocket-book, as 
 soon as I knew the address, Sir Henry ; but I 
 never thought of a reward." 
 
 " Indeed," said Sir Henry, smiling. " But,
 
 48 PERCY'S REVEXGE : 
 
 come in, and tell me something about yourself. 
 You have done me a great service, and I can- 
 not allow you to run away in such a hurry." 
 
 So, Hugh was obliged to follow the master 
 of the house, and soon found himself seated 
 before a table covered with dainties, the like of 
 which he had never seen in his life before. 
 
 And, at a sign from Sir Henry, the magnifi- 
 cent being in plush and powder supplied him 
 with fruit and cake, waiting upon him as 
 gravely and politely as if he were the Prince of 
 Wales himself. At least, so thought simple 
 Hugh. 
 
 And as the boy was eating the delicacies 
 with which he had been provided, Sir Henry 
 stood at the mantle-piece in silence. He 
 emptied the pocket-book and examined care- 
 fully all the papers it contained. 
 
 " You can go, Thomas," he said, turning 
 round suddenly. And when the man had dis- 
 appeared, he went forward, and laid his hand 
 upon Hugh's curly head. 
 
 "You are a good, honest lad," he said; 
 " and I shall never be able to repay you for 
 what you have done for me. There are things 
 in this book that no money could ever replace 
 I did not remember about this note when I
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 49 
 
 offered the reward, or I should have been 
 obliged to offer more. Had a dishonest person 
 found it, I might never have seen it again. 
 Fortunately for me, it fell into your hands, and 
 so I have received it just as it was when I lost 
 it" 
 
 " But, please, I only did my duty, Sir 
 Henry," said Hugh, blushing. 
 
 " Yes, of course ; but here is your reward, 
 my boy. I would advise you to buy something 
 useful with it." And to Hugh's surprise the 
 crisp bank-note that he had shown to Susy was 
 laid before him. 
 
 Please, Sir Henry, I do not want it I 
 would rather not take it," said Hugh, shrinking 
 away from the note. 
 
 ** But, my dear lad.it is your own," said Sir 
 Henry, kindly. " And no one need be ashamed 
 to take what is his own. There are few boys 
 so rich, that they would not be glad to have a 
 little more money. Come, now, aren't there a 
 great many things, you would like to buy?" 
 
 " Oh, yes," stammered Hugh, " but " 
 
 "But what?" 
 
 ** I don't think mother would like me to take 
 the money," he answered, blushing violently. 
 " And so, please, I would rather not."
 
 50 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " Well, is there anything I can get for you, 
 Hugh ? Anything you would like as a present ? 
 For I must do something, to show that I am 
 not ungrateful for the service you have done 
 me. Speak, child, what can I do for you?" 
 
 " There is one thing, Sir Henry," said Hugh, 
 boldly. " I want to get some work to do, to 
 earn money and help my mother. If you 
 could help me to get that, I would be truly 
 thankful." 
 
 " My poor lad; but you are very small and 
 young to think of working. Wait till you are 
 a little older." 
 
 " But I can't wait," cried Hugh. " Father 
 is ill, and we want money so badly. Poor 
 mother frets so much about it. And, oh, I 
 would so love to help her." 
 
 " And so you shall, dear lad," said Sir 
 Henry, with emotion. " I have a large busi- 
 ness in the city, and want many boys in my 
 office. If you do not think that beneath you, 
 I am sure I shall be able to find you a place 
 there. Leave me your address and I will go 
 and see your mother about it." 
 
 " Oh, sir, sir, you are very good," cried 
 Hugh, his eyes dancing with joy, as he wrote 
 his address upon a piece of paper, and handed
 
 A STORY FOR BOTS. 51 
 
 it to Sir Henry. " I will work so hard so 
 hard." 
 
 " Yes, you must be sure to do that, little 
 man," said Sir Henry, smiling. " That is the 
 real way to get on. The pay will not be large 
 at first ; but, if you are clever and industrious, 
 you may sometime or other find yourself in a 
 good position. But, now, do not be proud. 
 Take your ten pounds ; they will help your 
 mother to get many things she must want for 
 your sick father." 
 
 " Yes, so they would. But but " 
 
 " Come, now, you must take them," said Sir 
 Henry ; and folding the note he slipped it into 
 the boy's pocket. "And now I want to in- 
 troduce you to my children. They will be 
 pleased to see you, when I tell them you have 
 brought back my precious pocket-book." 
 
 Then, taking Hugh by the hand, he led him 
 out of the dining-room, and down a large, well- 
 lighted hall. 
 
 And the whole place seemed so beautiful to 
 the simple boy, that he began to think he had 
 found his way suddenly into fairyland.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PERCY AT HOME. 
 
 " T T A ! Percy is in a good humor, I perceive. 
 I Well, so much the better," said Sir Henry 
 to himself, as, opening a side door, he walked 
 down the gayly-decorated passage, that led to 
 his son's apartment. 
 
 "These are my boy's flowers, Hugh," he 
 remarked. "Flowers and music are the de- 
 light of his life. Hark ! do you hear that 
 music? Well, that is my son. We always 
 know what his thoughts are, by the way he 
 plays. If he is gay, his music is gay ; if he 
 is sad, he brings forth the most melancholy 
 sounds possible. To-night, he seems to be in 
 a most amiable mood ; so we are lucky." 
 
 As Sir Henry spoke, the solemn tones of an 
 organ came swelling through the air, and Hugh 
 listened with delight to the harmonious sounds. 
 (52)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 53 
 
 "You are fond of music, my little man," 
 said his new friend. "I am glad of that. I 
 think it a good sign in any one. But coine in 
 softly. We must not disturb Percy whilst he 
 plays." 
 
 Then, raising a crimson curtain that hung 
 in the doorway, Sir Henry drew Hugh into a 
 large, handsomely furnished room. 
 
 Here our little friend stood spell-bound in 
 astonishment, touched to the heart by what he 
 saw. 
 
 At one end of the room was a magnificent 
 organ, and upon the high stool before it, sat a 
 quaint-looking boy of about eleven years old. 
 His face was pale and fair, with the delicate 
 complexion of a girl, whilst long, golden curls 
 fell in rich profusion over his velvet coat, veil- 
 ing, but, alas ! not concealing what was only 
 too visible, that the poor boy was completely 
 deformed. Hugh felt the tears rise quickly to 
 his eyes, as he gazed at the humped back, and 
 thought how sad it must be to be made in such 
 a manner, unable to run or jump as other boys 
 did. And in his heart he thanked God for 
 having made him straight and strong. 
 
 "Oh, papa dear, I am so glad that you have 
 come in at last," cried a sweet voice; and a
 
 54 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 pretty, dark-eyed girl ran forward to greet Sir 
 Henry. 
 
 "Hush, Theo. Wait till Percy has done 
 playing. You know we must not disturb him, 
 my child," whispered her father, laying his 
 hand caressingly upon her head. 
 
 "I wish he would stop playing, then," she 
 cried, peevishly. "I'm quite tired of his organ." 
 
 "Theo," exclaimed her father ; and he looked 
 so stern, that the little girl shook herself away 
 from him, and seated herself at the table. 
 Meanwhile, the boy at the organ seemed un- 
 conscious of their presence, so absorbed was 
 he in his music. 
 
 And as Hugh stood listening in silence he 
 looked around the room with mingled feelings 
 of wonder and delight. Never before had he 
 seen so many beautiful things things that 
 all boys love and admire. 
 
 There were books in rich bindings ; fishing- 
 rods, bats and balls, a gun, and a small pistol ; 
 at the furthest end of the room stood a full- 
 rigged yacht and a splendid telescope ; over 
 the mantlepiece was a wonderful arrangement 
 of swords of every shape and size, and the 
 walls were hung with pictures of famous horses 
 and dogs.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 55 
 
 ' ' How happy these children must be in such 
 a beautiful room," he thought. "What a lucky 
 boy he is to have and yet" And he sighed, 
 is his eyes rested once more upon the poor 
 little figure at the organ. 
 
 At last a loud, prolonged chord sounded 
 through the room, and the musician turned 
 round upon his seat. The peaceful look that 
 he had worn whilst playing had disappeared, 
 and an expression of discontent now marred 
 the beauty of his face. 
 
 But when he saw his father, he smiled 
 brightly, and slipped down quickly from his 
 perch on the music-stool. 
 
 " So you have come, at last, father?" he 
 said. " Theo was growing impatient. She 
 says the tea is quite spoiled." 
 
 " I could not come any sooner," said his 
 father, kissing him tenderly. " I had business 
 to attend to after dinner. But see, I have 
 brought you a visitor." 
 
 " Who is he?" whispered Percy, flushing, 
 and darting a look of keen inquiry at Hugh, 
 who stood shyly in the doorway. ' ' I never 
 saw him before." 
 
 " No ; he is a new friend of mine, Percy. 
 You and Theo must treat him very well. He
 
 56 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 is a fine fellow, and has just done me a great 
 service. Come, Hugh, come over here and 
 shake hands with these young people. That's 
 right. And now, Theo dear, let us have some 
 tea, and I shall tell you what this good boy 
 has done for me." 
 
 "What was it, papa?" cried Theo. "Do 
 tell us. I am just dying to hear something be- 
 sides that organ. My ears are ringing with it." 
 
 "It's better than your perpetual chatter, 
 any way," muttered Percy, with an angry look 
 at his sister. 
 
 " Oh, that doesn't trouble you mudi," replied 
 Theo. " You never listen to it." 
 
 "Not when I can help it certainly. But do 
 stop, Theo, and let us hear what papa has to 
 tell us," cried Percy. "You are a dreadful 
 chatterbox." 
 
 "Hush, children, do not quarrel, please," 
 said their father. " Take some cake, Hugh. 
 Well, Percy, I was going to tell you what this 
 little man has done for me. But you don't 
 seem inclined to listen. 
 
 "Yes, yes, father," cried Percy. "But 
 Theo will keep teasing me." 
 
 " Now, Percy, you know I did not begin. 
 It was all your fault."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 57 
 
 But, as Sir Henry took no notice of this 
 remark, the children subsided quietly. Percy 
 helped himself to cake, and turned his back on 
 his sister ; whilst she applied herself to pouring 
 out the tea, 
 
 " The other day, Percy," began Sir Henry, 
 "I told you, I think, that I had lost a 
 pocket-book, containing some valuable letters, 
 and" 
 
 " Yes, and poor mamma's hair," cried Percy, 
 now completely interested in the story. 
 
 " Yes ; my boy. Your dear mother's hair, 
 that I would not have lost for all the world. 
 And besides this, Percy, there was her ring 
 that wanted a little repairing ; a ten-pound 
 note which I had quite forgotten about, and 
 several other things, more or less valuable. 
 Had a rogue found the book I should have lost 
 everything. I only offered ten pounds' reward, 
 and that would never have tempted a thief to 
 give up so much." 
 
 " And did this little fellow find the book and 
 bring it back to you? " asked Percy, the bright 
 look coming into his face again. 
 
 " Yes, Percy ; he brought it back whole and 
 intact. Xever dreaming of touching a penny 
 of the money, at a time when a few pounds
 
 58 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 would be of great value to those he loves 
 dearly." 
 
 " Well, I am glad to see you," cried Percy, 
 shaking the boy once more by the hand. * ' But 
 when did you find the pocket-book? And how 
 did you know it was papa's ? " 
 
 " One question at a time, Percy lad," said 
 his father, laughing. " Now, Hugh, tell us all 
 about it please. How did you come to find the 
 pocket-book ? " 
 
 " I was standing at the crossing in Trafalgar 
 Square, Sir Henry, when you went past," said 
 Hugh, flushing, and longing to tell his new 
 friends what he had been doing there. They 
 all looked so kind that he felt sure they would 
 not be at all shocked, if he told them why he 
 had taken to such work. But he remembered 
 his mother's injunctions, and said nothing about 
 it. " You threw a bright sixpence to a little 
 crossing-sweeper and hurried on." 
 
 "Did I really? Why, you must have un- 
 commonly sharp eyes, Master Hugh," said Sir 
 Henry, looking up with a laugh. 
 
 " I have rather," said Hugh, laughing and 
 blushing. " Well, a minute after that, I saw 
 something lying in the mud. I picked it up 
 and rubbed it clean. It was the pocket-book."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 59 
 
 " It was a good thing the crossing-sweeper 
 didn't find it," cried Percy, "for it's very 
 likely he would have kept it. They are 
 terrible little ragamuffins, I believe." 
 
 " Not always," said Hugh, with a twinkle in 
 his eye. " However, I put the book in my 
 pocket and went home. There it lay till the 
 next morning, and then I spent hours trying 
 to open it, to find if there was any address 
 inside. But I could not manage it, and was 
 about to break the lock when, all at once, it 
 flew open in my hands." 
 
 "Well, that was funny," said Theo. "I 
 remember when papa bought that book, Percy 
 and I worked at it for ever so long, and it 
 never opened." 
 
 * * I suppose I touched some spring by 
 accident," said Hugh. "I had worked at it 
 for a good while, too, and had almost given 
 up in despair, when it suddenly opened, and 
 the beautiful ring rolled away into a corner." 
 
 "But I hope you found it again? "cried 
 Theo, quickly. 
 
 " Oh, yes ; in a minute. Susie crept after it 
 and wanted to keep it," said Hugh, laughing. 
 " But I soon got it back from her." 
 
 " But it was wicked to want to keep it, when
 
 60 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 it wasn't hers," remarked Theo, severely. 
 " Susie can't be a very honest person, I am 
 afraid." 
 
 "But she is only four years old," cried 
 Hugh. "The poor mite did not mean any 
 harm." 
 
 "Is Susie your little sister, Hugh ?" asked 
 Sir Henry, smiling. 
 
 " Yes, sir; my only sister. And she's such 
 a darling." 
 
 " I am sorry I said she wasn't honest, 
 Hugh," whispered Theo. " But she shall 
 have something far nicer than a ring. I am 
 sure she would like a big wax doll. Wouldn't 
 she now ? " 
 
 " I am sure she would, Miss Theo," an- 
 swered Hugh, brightly. " She has only 
 an old piece of wood, that I dressed up as a 
 doll for her. She would go wild at the sight of 
 a real wax one, I know." 
 
 " Then she shall have a beauty. I am too 
 old for dolls, now, and I have such a pretty 
 one upstairs. Papa, do you know, Aunt Ethel 
 thinks I'm a baby still, and keeps sending me 
 dolls every birthday. Isn't it too bad ? " 
 
 " Well, you can hardly expect Aunt Ethel 
 to know what a wise person you are, Theo,"
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 61 
 
 said her father, taking her on his knee, and 
 stroking her long hair. "Most girls of ten 
 like dolls. But do you know, Hugh, this 
 young lady cares only for books, and hates 
 dolls, toys, and, above all, music." 
 
 " Xo, no, papa," cried Theo, glancing quickly 
 at her brother. "I love music, but Percy 
 keeps on dinning." 
 
 " Well, never mind Percy, but run off and 
 get this wonderful doll for Susie," cried Sir 
 Henry, quickly. " It is getting late, and 
 Hugh has a long way to go. Haven't you, 
 my boy ? " 
 
 " Yes, Sir Henry ; to John Street, Tavistock 
 Square," said Hugh. " I think I must soon be 
 off, as my mother will be anxious." 
 
 " So she will," said Sir Henry. " So be 
 quick and get the doll, Theo." 
 
 "Yes, papa; I shall not be a minute," she 
 answered, gayly. And away she went out of 
 the room, and up the broad staircase, to her 
 own little chamber where she kept her treas- 
 ures. 
 
 " I am glad there is a doll for Miss Susie," 
 said Sir Henry. " It will make up to her for 
 the loss of the ring; eh, Percy?" 
 
 But Percy did not respond; he flushed
 
 62 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 slightly moved uneasily on his chair, and 
 began to crumble his cake upon his plate. 
 
 Very soon they heard Theo running down 
 the passage, and in a moment she burst into 
 the room again. Her cheeks were flushed, her 
 eyes flashing with anger, and darting up to 
 Percy she stamped her foot, exclaiming : " You 
 naughty boy ! How dare you go to my toy 
 cupboard? How dare you touch my things 
 and break " But words failed her and she 
 sobbed aloud. 
 
 Percy frowned, and a sulky look came into 
 his eyes. 
 
 " It was no use to you, Theo. You have 
 plenty of other dolls that you never touch. I 
 wanted to see what made that one speak," he 
 grumbled. " I wish you wouldn't make such a 
 fuss about nothing." 
 
 " Fuss about nothing is that what you call 
 nothing? " she sobbed out. " I wanted to give 
 that baby doll to Susie, and there I find it 
 all broken and destroyed. But, Kapes says, 
 hunchbacks are always mischievous, and" 
 
 At these words Percy sprang to his feet, 
 crimson with passion. Tie glared for an instant 
 at his sister, and seizing a plate hurled it 
 wildly at her head. Then turning deadly pale,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 63 
 
 uttered a cry of horror, and fell back in his 
 chair, trembling violently. 
 
 Fortunately, the girl saw the dangerous mis- 
 sile leave the boy's hand, and as she stepped 
 quickly aside, the plate went flying past her, 
 and was smashed to atoms against the wall. 
 Horrified at this outburst, she gazed at her 
 brother in surprise. Then, remembering that 
 it was her fault ; that her words had angered 
 him, she flung herself on her knees by his side. 
 
 " Percy, dear, I am so sorry; I will never 
 say such a thing again," she cried. " I did 
 not mean to vex you, indeed, I did not." 
 
 But Percy turned away, and deep groans 
 escaped his quivering lips. 
 
 " Theo," said Sir Henry, sternly, "you 
 are a most unfeeling girl. How could you say 
 such unkind things? Go to your room imme- 
 diately." 
 
 Theo rose up, sobbing bitterly, and was about 
 to hurry away, when Percy put out his hand 
 and drew her towards him. 
 
 " My sister, my dear little sister," he cried, 
 kissing her passionately. " I am very 
 wicked very wicked but, oh, you must 
 forgive me. Papa, you must forgive me, too 
 you must forgive us both, for we have no
 
 64 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 mother ! " and burying his face in his hand, 
 Percy burst into tears. 
 
 " My poor boy, my poor little man," cried 
 his father, laying his hand upon the bowed 
 head. " But do not take things so much to 
 heart. I am sorry that Theo and you should 
 be so violent. You must try to be more kind 
 and gentle to each other ; but do not fret. I 
 forgive you, of course. See, you have fright- 
 ened Hugh with your extraordinary behavior. 
 But come, my boy, cheer up. Hugh, I think 
 you had better say, good-night. You have a 
 long way to go and it is getting late." 
 
 Hugh dried up the tears that had begun 
 to flow at the sight of Percy's unhappiness ; 
 shook hands with the boy nervously, and taking 
 up his hat went quickly out of the room. He 
 looked about for Theo to wish her good-night, 
 but she had disappeared, and so he hurried 
 after Sir Henry. 
 
 " There is a cab at the door, Hugh," said his 
 kind friend, " and I wish you to go home in it. 
 It is too late for you to walk through the 
 streets alone. I shall not forget my promise 
 of work ; but will see about it at once. I shall 
 go down some day, soon, and talk over mat- 
 ters with your mother."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 65 
 
 " Oh, thank you, Sir Henry." 
 
 " I am only afraid that I shall not be able to 
 do much for you, as you are so small," said Sir 
 Henry, thoughtfully. " A boy of twelve can- 
 not do much. TVould you be content to run 
 messages ? " 
 
 "Yes; indeed, I would. I would do any- 
 thing at which I could earn a few shillings a 
 week, and so help mother a little, till my 
 father gets well again." 
 
 "And that you shall certainly do before 
 long. But, remember, Hugh, if I once give 
 you a start, the rest will depend upon your- 
 self. If you work hard, you may rise in time, 
 for you are a clever boy, I am sure. If you 
 care to work, you may be a rich man some 
 day." 
 
 Overcome with gratitude at so much kindness 
 and encouragement, Hugh was speechless. He 
 could not find words to express his feelings, so 
 seizing Sir Henry's hand, he covered it with 
 kisses, and darted out of the house. 
 
 Just as he was about to step into the cab, a 
 little figure with streaming ribbons, and tear- 
 stained face came flying down the hall. It 
 was Theo, and in her hand she carried a parcel. 
 
 "Hugh, Hugh," she called, running out
 
 66 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 upon the door-step, "take this and give it 
 to little Susie. It is a doll not a big one, 
 or half so pretty as the one Percy broke, but 
 still she will like it, I hope." 
 
 "Oh, Miss Theo, you are too good," cried 
 Hugh, as he took the parcel from her hand. 
 "You are so kind, so " 
 
 Then he turned and ran down the steps, as 
 fast as he could. He felt the tears rushing 
 back into his eyes, and he could say no more. 
 
 It was very late when Hugh reached home ; 
 and as he ran up stairs, his mother met him 
 with anxious looks and eager inquiries. 
 
 She listened joyfully to his happy tale, and 
 thanked God from her heart, for the good 
 fortune that had come to her boy. 
 
 "And did you not feel jealous of all the 
 beautiful things you saw around those children, 
 Hugh, darling?" 
 
 "Not a bit, mother dear," he answered, as 
 he flung his arms around her. "They are rich 
 but not as rich as I am ; for the poor things 
 have no mother."
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 SUSIE HAS A TREAT. 
 
 ' |p.fcLt, next morning Susie tripped into the 
 1 sitting room, with joyous steps and smil- 
 ing face. 
 
 Whilst dressing her, her mother had told her 
 that Hugh would take her for a walk, as he 
 was not going to work on the crossing any 
 more. This was good news for Susie, for the 
 greatest treat she could imagine, was to toddle 
 off through the streets with her big brother. 
 
 Everything was ready for breakfast, the room 
 all nice and tidy, and Susie looked round, ex- 
 pecting to see Hugh seated comfortably by the 
 fire, in his father's arm-chair. 
 
 He was nowhere to be seen, however; but 
 oh, joy ! in his place was a lovely doll, with 
 a pretty blue frock and a mop of golden 
 curls. 
 
 The little girl gave a cry of delight, and
 
 68 PERCY'S EEVENGE : 
 
 darting forward, caught the beautiful creature 
 in her arms. 
 
 "Ha, ha," laughed Hugh, running out from 
 the back of the chair; "ha, ha, Miss Susican, 
 that's something like a dolly, I think ! " 
 
 "Oh, Hoo, Hoo," she cried, kissing him 
 rapturously. " See is a booty see is a booty. 
 Did 'ou find her in the mud, too?" 
 
 "In the mud, Susie, I should rather think 
 not," and Hugh laughed so loudly at such an 
 idea, that he brought his mother in to see what 
 was going on. 
 
 "Do not make so much noise, dear boy," 
 she said ; " it disturbs poor father." 
 
 "Oh, mudder, mudder," cried Susie, with 
 eager delight, "look at the dolly Hoo binged 
 me. Isn't see lubly? Isn't see a booty ?" 
 
 " She is a beauty indeed, darling, and you 
 must taj^e great care of her. But, Hugh, I 
 want you both to be very quiet to-day. What 
 would you say to taking Susie to see the Lord 
 Mayor's show ? They say it will be very 
 fine." 
 
 " But we should have to go so far away, 
 mother, and you might want me." 
 
 " No, no, dear, I shan't want you at all. 
 Your father is much better, and seems inclined
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 69 
 
 to sleep ; so the best thing for him is to keep 
 the place as quiet as possible." 
 
 " Very well, mother ; but still " 
 
 ** No buts, dear," said his mother, smiling. 
 " I want you to have a happy day, Hugh. 
 You have been so good and worked so hard, 
 that you deserve a treat. So off you go for a 
 fine long run." 
 
 " "\Vell, I should like one, mammy, and I 
 dare say Susie will enjoy it too," he said, gayly. 
 " Give us some bread and butter in our pock- 
 ets, and we'll set off as soon as breakfast is 
 over." 
 
 " Oh, joy, joy," shouted Susie ; " and Dolly 
 sail go too see sail see sail." 
 
 But both her mother and Hugh objected to 
 this, as Dolly might get spoiled as they pushed 
 their way through the crowd. 
 
 Susie was in despair at the thoughts of not 
 taking her darling ; and it was some time be- 
 fore they could persuade her to go out and 
 leave her. 
 
 " I'll buy you a cake, Susie," said Hugh, 
 coaxiugly ; "and, who knows, perhaps we 
 might come home in an omnibus. Wouldn't 
 that be nice, little woman?" 
 
 " Hoo, Hoo, dat would be nice," cried the
 
 70 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 child ; and the doll was put to bed in a corner, 
 and away trotted Susie to get ready for her 
 walk. 
 
 And at last the two children started off, 
 Susie radiantly happy as she went along, her 
 hand in Hugh's. 
 
 But it was not altogether pleasant walking 
 through the streets, as they were very muddy 
 and slippery. 
 
 " I think I must carry you, dear, or you'll 
 be covered with mud," said her careful brother. 
 
 But just at this moment, his friend, " the 
 cabby," appeared, and taking them up on the 
 box beside him, drove them off to Trafalgar 
 Square. 
 
 This was a capital place for seeing the show 
 on its way to Westminster, and the little people 
 were in high glee as they stood waiting for the 
 great procession. 
 
 They had taken their stand in front of the 
 National Bank, and Hugh promised to lift 
 Susie on his shoulder, whenever he heard the 
 band approaching. 
 
 The windows of the Bank above were filled 
 with gayly dressed people, and Hugh began to 
 wish that he and Susie were there, away from 
 the mud and the crowd. Looking up suddenly,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 71 
 
 he was surprised to see a pretty, dark-eyed 
 girl smiling and bowing to him ; in a few min- 
 utes the heavy window was raised a little, and 
 Theo Randall called out to him to go up to her 
 at once. 
 
 But this was not an easy matter. When 
 Hugh presented himself at the door, and asked 
 leave to go up to the young lady, the porter 
 laughed at him, and asked him for his ticket. 
 The boy was obliged to confess that he had 
 none, but that a friend had beckoned to him, 
 and told him to go up to her. 
 
 " A very likely story, young 'un. But I'm 
 not so green as to be caught that way. Just 
 you sheer off with yourself," said the man, and 
 Hugh turned away without a word. 
 
 " Hugh, Hugh, come back," called a small 
 voice, imperiously; and looking up he saw 
 Theo standing at the top of the steps. 
 
 "He is my friend, and we have plenty of 
 room up stairs," she said, grandly; and the 
 man bowed and held the door open as Hugh 
 and Susie entered the hall. 
 
 " I am glad to see you again," said Theo. 
 " And is this Susie? What a deaj- little mite 
 she is. But come, Percy will be angry if we 
 stand here talking too long. Now, Susie, take
 
 72 PERCY'S BEVENGE : 
 
 my hand, and I'll help you up the stairs." But 
 the child held back nervously. She felt shy 
 and frightened at the sight of this smart young 
 lady in her velvet and fur. 
 
 " She's very shy, Miss Randall," said Hugh, 
 " for she's not accustomed to strangers." 
 
 "Oh, I've got a cure for shyness," said 
 Theo, and drawing a packet of chocolate 
 creams from her muff, she began to pop them 
 into Susie's mouth. 
 
 " Aren't they good, dear?" she asked, with 
 a smile. ^ 
 
 " Wery dood," answered Susie; and her 
 small heart was conquered at once. 
 
 When the three children entered the room 
 above, Percy was sitting at the window, look- 
 ing very cross. 
 
 " What a time you have been, Theo," he 
 cried, peevishly; "one would think it was a 
 mile to the door." 
 
 "Well, I couldn't help it, dear," answered 
 his sister, soothingly. " The porter would not 
 allow Hugh to come up to us ; but I made him, 
 and here he is. Come over here, Hugh." 
 
 "That's right, Theo," replied Percy, be- 
 coming quite amiable, and holding out his hand
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 73 
 
 to Hugh. " I am very glad to see you again. 
 I hope your father is better?" 
 
 " Yes, thank you; he is a good deal better 
 to-day." 
 
 "I am very glad to hear it. Is that your 
 little sister?" 
 
 "Yes. Come, Susie, and shake hands with 
 this young gentleman." 
 
 Susie went over slowly, gazing with wonder 
 at Percy's golden curls and fair delicate face. 
 
 The boy's expression had changed wonder- 
 fully, since the others had entered the room. 
 The cross look had disappeared, and his coun- 
 tenance was lighted up with a beautiful smile, 
 as he turned to speak to the little girl. This, 
 combined with his velvet suit, deep lace collar, 
 and long, fair hair, gave him a quaint, uncom- 
 mon appearance that impressed Susie greatly. 
 
 " Is hhii a boy, Hoo?" she whispered. " I 
 tink him's like a wax-work." 
 
 "Oh, Susie," cried Hugh, covered with 
 confusion. 
 
 But Percy was highly amused, and taking 
 the child on his knee, began to question her 
 about the wax-works, and when she had seen 
 them.
 
 74 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " But is 'ou a boy?" she repeated, " a weal 
 dood boy like my Hoo?" 
 
 " No, not a good boy, I'm afraid, Susie," he 
 answered, quickly. " Only a bad-tempered 
 boy, as Hugh can tell you." 
 
 The bright smile died away on his lips, and, 
 sighing heavily, he looked out into the street. 
 
 " Come with me, little Susie," said Theo, 
 and she drew her off with her to the other 
 window. 
 
 But Hugh remained with Percy, hoping to 
 cheer him up, and bring the happy smile back 
 to the pale face once more. He talked a great 
 deal, told funny stories, and did all he could to 
 make his friend look bright; but his efforts 
 were in vain. 
 
 Percy paid not the smallest attention, and 
 did not appear to hear what he was saying ; 
 he was quite absorbed in his own gloomy 
 thoughts. 
 
 " Hugh," he said, suddenly, " were you not 
 very much shocked last night at my dreadful 
 temper?" 
 
 "I was startled, Master Percy, and a 
 little frightened ; for you might have killed 
 Miss Theo with that plate," said Hugh, blush- 
 ing.
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 75 
 
 "Yes, yes, I know. But I can't help it. 
 When I get into a passion like that I don't 
 know what I am doing. And oh, Hugh," he 
 whispered, "it is so dreadful to be a hunch- 
 back. I never can think why I was born, or 
 why I am allowed to live."' 
 
 " Oh, Master Percy," cried Hugh, horrified 
 at the boy's words. ** What would your father 
 do without you? He loves you so dearly." 
 
 " Yes, yes ; he loves me and pities me. But 
 of what use am I to him as a son, I, a poor, 
 miserable hunchback?" 
 
 "But why should that make any difference ?" 
 cried Hugh, quickly. "He does not want you 
 to work, and if you are good and clever" 
 
 Yes ; if I were good and clever," said 
 Percy, bitterly. "But I am not and every- 
 one hates me. The servants, my aunts, uncles, 
 and cousins all pity papa for having such a 
 son ; they say hunchbacks are always wicked, 
 and that makes me so unhappy." And leaning 
 his head against the window, the poor boy 
 burst into tears. 
 
 " They are wicked to say such a cruel thing," 
 cried Hugh, indignantly. "God made you a 
 hunchback, Master Percy, but He loves you 
 just us much as if you were straight."
 
 76 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Do you think so, Hugh? Do you really 
 think so?" 
 
 "Of course I do I know it," answered 
 Hugh, firmly. "And as for being wicked, 
 it all depends on ourselves. If we pray to 
 our Heavenly Father, He will always help us 
 to be good." 
 
 "Yes, but it is hard and then when people 
 don't like me, and say unkind things, it makes 
 me angry and ill-tempered." 
 
 "But I am sure you could make people love 
 you if you tried, Master Percy," said Hugh, 
 gently. "I don't want to say anything to vex 
 you ; but I think if you would be kind and 
 gentle to your friends, they would get to love 
 you. Mother says" 
 
 "Ah, you are a lucky boy to have your 
 mother to talk to you. When mamma was 
 alive it was quite diiferent. She used to help 
 me to be good. She talked to me of God 
 and, hunchback though I was still I was her 
 darling her own little son. But, oh, Hugh, 
 she died when I was six and I shall never 
 see her again." 
 
 "Oh, yes, Master Percy, you will surely 
 see her in heaven."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 77 
 
 " In heaven alas ! no ; for I am too wicked 
 to go there." 
 
 "No, no," said Hugh, earnestly. "You 
 must not say that. God is all mercy and 
 forgiveness, and if you try to be good, He will 
 be sure to help you." 
 
 "But I can never remember that when I feel 
 wicked. Xo one talks to me of God now. 
 Papa is too busy. Theo knows nothing about 
 such things, and and I never go to church." 
 
 "Never go to church. Oh, that is very 
 wrong. But why do you not go, Master 
 Percy?" 
 
 "Because," said Percy, flushing painfully, 
 "people stare at me, and I hear them whisper- 
 ing, ' Poor boy : what a pity,' and I can't bear 
 it. So I just stay at home with my organ. 
 That is the one thing that comforts me." 
 
 " But your mother would have liked you to 
 go to church, I'm sure," said Hugh, gravely. 
 " Don't you think so?" 
 
 " Yes, I know she would. She used always 
 to take me. I did not mind anything when she 
 was there. But it's very different now.'' 
 
 ""Well, Master Percy, I'd advise you to go 
 to church. You don't know what a comfort it 
 is when you are in trouble. And then," said
 
 78 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 Hugh, with a bright look, " if any one pities 
 you, just offer the pain you feel up to God 
 offer it to Jesus Christ, and think of His suffer- 
 ings. Once, when I was ill, mother told me 
 to do that, and, do you know, I did not mind 
 the pain half so much." 
 
 "You are a good boy, Hugh," cried Percy, 
 gazing with admiration at the lad's earnest 
 face. "If you will talk to me sometimes and 
 help me to be good, I am sure I shall soon 
 grow much better." 
 
 "But you must ask God to help you, Percy, 
 and do your best to be good. Here are two 
 lines of a hymn that will teach you to remember 
 how ready God is to do what we ask Him : 
 
 " Whatsoever ye ask in My Name I will do it, 
 Abide in My love, and be joyful in Me.'' 
 
 "I never heard those lines before," said 
 Percy, " but I will say them over and over to 
 myself." 
 
 "That is right," said Hugh, smiling, "and 
 now let us be joyful, as God tells us to be." 
 
 " Percy Hugh. Here comes the music 
 the band listen look !" cried Theo, dancing 
 up to their window. "See! the procession 
 will soon begin to pass," and back she went to 
 Susie.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 79 
 
 But this interruption put an end to the boys' 
 serious talk; and the sound of the dashing 
 music helped to cheer them, and soon blew 
 away the clouds from their brows. 
 
 There's papa there's papa," cried Theo, 
 as a handsome carriage passed under the win- 
 dow, and Sir Henry Randall was seen bowing 
 and smiling to his children. 
 
 "My father was once Lord Mayor," said 
 Percy. " It was when I was a very little boy, 
 and every one said mamma was the most beau- 
 tiful Lady Mayoress they had ever seen." 
 
 " That must have been amusing," said Hugh, 
 
 "Yes, mamma liked it, and Theo had a good 
 deal of fun, although she was only a tiny thing. 
 But I did not like it at all," said Percy, sadly. 
 "It was then papa was made Sir Henry; 
 grandpapa was very proud ; but mamma liked 
 Mr. Randall best." 
 
 "Did she ? Well, I think Sir Henry sounds 
 beautiful. But what is that noise, Percy? It 
 seems as if we were in the Zoological Gardens 
 instead of in the Strand." 
 
 "Oh, I know what it is. Papa told us all 
 about it," said Percy, laughing. "The Prince 
 of Wales brought a number of animals from
 
 80 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 India, and they are to make part of the show 
 to-day." 
 
 Here shouts of delight were heard from Theo 
 and Susie ; and the two boys went over to their 
 window, so that they might all enjoy the sight 
 together. 
 
 The stream of carriages passed quickly along, 
 and then a couple of gayly-caparisoned drom- 
 edaries trotted down the Strand, ridden by 
 black-faced men in gorgeous garments. 
 
 Susie clapped her hands with delight, but 
 when two huge elephants went roaring past, 
 she screamed with fright, and buried her face 
 in Hugh's sleeve. 
 
 "You poor little goosie," cried Theo, laugh- 
 ing. "How could they possibly touch you? 
 But see here, Susie, look at this funny thing. 
 It is called Cleopatra's Needle." 
 
 "A needle?" cried Susie, looking up once 
 more. "Oh, she must be a big woman to 
 use a needle like that and it don't look a 
 bit sharp." 
 
 "But it isn't a needle to use, dear," ex- 
 plained Theo. "It's only made to imitate a 
 big monument or obelisk that has been brought 
 to London, and is going to be put up some- 
 where I don't know where. It is made of
 
 A STOEY FOR BOYS. 81 
 
 stone, Susie, and is covered with figures and 
 hieroglyphics. This is only a paper aflair." 
 
 "Well, if s very silly to call it a needle, for 
 it isn't a bit like one," said Susie. 
 
 The children laughed heartily at this wise 
 remark, and even Percy joined hi the merri- 
 ment as the model of the famous obelisk 
 passed under the window, its paper sides 
 fluttering and flapping in the wind. 
 
 Then came some camels, and finally a mag- 
 nificent car, with gayly dressed figures carrying 
 banners and flags. 
 
 "That gorgeous dung represents History, 
 Peace and Plenty," said Percy, "and I must 
 say it is very well done." 
 
 "Very well, indeed," said Theo. "I never 
 saw such a good Lord Mayor's show. Those 
 animals made it quite amusing." 
 
 "But but I never saw a Lord Mayor at 
 all," cried Susie. "Was he on a big ele- 
 phant?" 
 
 "You funny child," said Theo, laughing. 
 "He was in the grand carriage with some of 
 his friends. 
 
 "Was he?" said Susie, in a disappointed 
 voice. "Then he was just like all the other 
 gempleman."
 
 82 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Well, yes, he had only one head," said 
 Theo, and" 
 
 "Theo, dear," remarked Percy, "as papa 
 is going to the banquet, I think we will have 
 dinner in my room. I want Hugh and Susie to 
 come home with us." 
 
 " That would be nice," cried Theo, clapping 
 her hands. " Come along quick. The car- 
 riage is at the door." 
 
 " But we cannot go with you, Miss Theo," 
 said Hugh. " We cannot, indeed." 
 
 " Not come ? But why not ? " 
 
 " Because my mother would be uneasy about 
 us. She would " 
 
 " We can soon put that right," cried Percy. 
 " Come along, my boy. We will drive to Mrs. 
 Brown's and ask her permission." 
 
 So, into the comfortable landau the children 
 were obliged to get ; and with the air of a 
 young lady accustomed to command, Theo 
 ordered the footman to go to 16 John's Street, 
 Tavistock Square. 
 
 Susie was speechless with delight. Never 
 before had she sat in a carriage ; and she was 
 afraid to breathe, lest she should wake up and 
 find it all a dream. 
 
 When the handsome equipage entered the
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 83 
 
 narrow street where the Browns lived, many 
 were the looks of astonishment cast upon it by 
 young and old. 
 
 Children shouted and cheered, as they recog- 
 nized their friends, Hugh and Susie ; and the 
 old people smiled at the grave dignity of the 
 tiny maiden ; and nodded pleasantly to the lad, 
 who was a favorite with all. 
 
 Hugh sprang up the stairs to the little parlor, 
 and flinging his arms round his mother's neck, 
 told her of the invitation he had received. 
 
 " It will be very nice, dear," said Mrs. 
 Brown, and scarcely realizing what she was 
 doing, she granted the desired permission. 
 
 ** Thank you, mother thank you," cried 
 Hugh ; and away he went. 
 
 So, before Mrs. Brown had time to recover 
 from her astonishment, or understand thor- 
 oughly what was going on, the carriage had left 
 her door and was far away on its journey 
 westwards.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 PERCY HEARS SOME NEWS. 
 
 THE children spent a pleasant evening in 
 Percy's pretty room. 
 
 Theo was enchanted with Susie, and did all 
 she could to amuse her. And she was so com- 
 pletely absorbed in her new plaything, that she 
 did not quarrel once with her brother. 
 
 The boys had many tastes in common, and 
 Percy had never felt so happy in the company 
 of any child before. Hugh was good tempered, 
 bright, and brave, and his very presence 
 seemed to calm the nervous, irritable Percy. 
 
 " How I wish you were my brother, or even 
 my cousin, Hugh," said Percy. " Wouldn't it 
 be jolly if you were my cousin?" 
 
 "Yes," said Hugh, laughing, " I daresay it 
 would. But as I never had a cousin, I can't 
 exactly say." 
 
 " Oh, I have plenty of them but the3 r 're 
 
 (84)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 85 
 
 all such queer chaps. I find it very hard to 
 get on with any of them. Now, if you were 
 my cousin, I'd like to have you always with me." 
 
 ** That would be very kind of you," an- 
 swered Hugh. " But supposing I wouldn't 
 stay?" 
 
 " Oh, I'd chain you up, and make you. But 
 come along and play me a game of Bezique." 
 
 So the time passed very happily ; and it was 
 a real sorrow for the young Randalls when, 
 early next morning, Hugh and Susie took then- 
 departure. 
 
 They did all they could to make them stay 
 till the afternoon, at least. But Hugh was 
 determined to go home. He was anxious to 
 know how his father was, and nothing that his 
 friends could do, or say, would make him 
 change his mind. 
 
 Susie was very angry with her brother, and 
 wept bitterly. She implored him to stay till 
 after luncheon, and then go home in the car- 
 riage. But Hugh was firm. He knew he was 
 right, and neither storms nor prayers would 
 make him yield. So taking his little sister by 
 the hand he bade good-by to his young friends, 
 and hurried away. 
 
 Percy was wild at what he called " Hugh's
 
 86 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 disgraceful conduct," and as the boy disap- 
 peared, his good resolutions vanished, and he 
 went off in a whirl of passion to his room. 
 
 Frightened at the look of fierce anger in her 
 brother's face, Theo crept away to her books 
 and toys. She knew by experience that it was 
 best to leave him alone till the storm should 
 have subsided. 
 
 Percy shut himself in his room, and walked 
 restlessly up and down. He was in a feverish 
 state of rage and indignation. His will had 
 been thwarted, his wishes treated lightly 
 without respect ; and this by Hugh, whom he 
 had liked so much, and to whom he had been 
 so kind. Percy was not accustomed to such 
 treatment, and he felt injured and insulted. 
 
 For some time all was silent. Theo took 
 her luncheon, and went out with her governess ; 
 and still the boy remained in solitary confine- 
 ment. 
 
 But at last, wild stormy peals from the organ 
 filled the hall and passages, then fell by degrees 
 into sad solemn tones, and finally faded away 
 into sweet melodies, known and loved by 
 Percy from his infancy. These his mother had 
 sung to him as a child, with these she had 
 soothed him in many an hour of bitter sorrow.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 87 
 
 And now as they come forth from his touch, 
 the form that he loved so passionately rose be- 
 fore him, and the dear face, saddened by his 
 wickedness, seemed to rebuke him as he sat. 
 His hands fell motionless by his side, his white 
 lips quivered, and with an agonized cry of 
 " mother, mother," he burst into tears. Long 
 and bitterly he wept, till at last, tired and ex- 
 hausted, he crept over to the fire, and laying 
 his head against the sofa fell fast asleep. 
 
 It was late when he awoke, and shivering 
 with cold groped his way to the door. It 
 had grown quite dark, and as the fire had 
 gone out whilst he slept, he had great diffi- 
 culty in knowing which way to turn. At 
 length, he reached the door, and drawing 
 back the bolt passed out into the hall. 
 
 He was giddy and faint, for he had eaten 
 nothing since his breakfast ; but he felt ashamed 
 to ask the servants for food at that hour, and 
 resolved to wait till his father's dinner at eight 
 o'clock. 
 
 Stealing quietly along through the hall, lest 
 any one should hear him, he opened the library 
 door and went in. 
 
 It was a large, handsome room; the walls 
 were lined with rich paintings, the book-cases
 
 88 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 filled with valuable books ; shaded lamps stood 
 about on the tables, and a cheerful fire burnt 
 in the grate. 
 
 Shutting the door softly, Percy looked cau- 
 tiously around ; then approaching the fire, he 
 spread out his numbed fingers and gazed lov- 
 ingly at a portrait of his mother that hung over 
 the mantle-piece. 
 
 "Yes, mother," he whispered, "I have been 
 wicked again very wicked. But, oh ! you 
 know how much I have to bear, and how 
 hard it is for me to be good. Mother, mother, 
 when shall I grow patient and good-tempered ? 
 When shall I conquer this passion and anger, 
 and become what your son ought to be ? " And 
 the tears ran down the boy's cheeks ; for his 
 mother's face seemed sad to him just then. 
 
 "What; all alone, Percy?" cried his father, 
 entering the room at this moment. "Where 
 isTheo?" 
 
 "I don't know where she is papa, but I" 
 
 "Hullo, my little man, what's this? Crying 
 again, I declare? Now, Percy, this won't do; 
 you must really try to be happy. At your 
 age, and with so many pleasant things about 
 you, you should be as contented as possible." 
 
 "Yes, papa, I know I should; but I have
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 89 
 
 been angry and wicked to-day, and that always 
 makes me unhappy." 
 
 " Angry and wicked, Percy? Why that 
 sounds very dreadful," said his father, draw- 
 ing the boy upon his knee. " Why have you 
 been naughty? Has Theo been tormenting 
 you?" 
 
 "Xo, no, papa ; Theo has been very good; 
 but you see I was angry with Hugh, and" 
 
 ' Angry with Hugh? Why, you seemed 
 quite fond of him this morning. Surely he 
 did not do anything to annoy you?" 
 
 "Well, you see, papa, he would go home," 
 said Percy, sadly, "and I wanted him to stay 
 and help me to be good, and he wouldn't, 
 and" 
 
 "And then you got cross, I suppose?" said 
 his father gravely. " But Hugh was right to 
 go. I am sure his mother wanted him ; and, 
 now, Percy, it seems to me you make too much 
 fuss about being good. You want to be good, 
 only in your own way, and I don't think that 
 is right." 
 
 "No, papa ; Fm afraid ifs not." 
 
 "And I cannot understand how Hugh could 
 help you. He's only a little boy, and" 
 
 "But he's so good, papa, and talks so beau-
 
 90 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 tifully about God and heaven. And I do so 
 want to be good and go to heaven to mamma 
 I do so want to go to her," cried Percy in a 
 choking voice. "Hugh says I shall, if if" 
 
 "Hush, Percy, dear," said Sir Henry, with 
 tears in his eyes, as he raised them from his 
 weeping child to the face of his dead wife. 
 
 "You are good, and you shall go to her, of 
 course ; but not just yet, darling. I could 
 not spare my little son I should be very 
 lonely without him." 
 
 ** Would you really be sorry to lose me, 
 papa? My cousins always say you would 
 be glad to get rid of your hunchback son. 
 Charlie Torrens says you wanted to adopt 
 him." 
 
 "My poor lad. Did they really say such 
 cruel things to you? But do not believe them, 
 Percy; I would not give one curl of your 
 golden hair for the whole lot of them. I did 
 speak of adopting Charlie, but only in a 
 business way only with a view to his own 
 interests. I thought of taking him into the 
 office, and if he turned out well, of giving him 
 a partnership. Then I wanted him to live 
 here, and be a companion to you. He is 
 your cousin, and I"
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 91 
 
 "He could never be a companion for me, 
 papa," cried Percy, vehemently. "He hates 
 me, and loves to make me miserable. But, 
 papa dear, Hugh is quite different. Hugh is 
 good and gentle, and oh, please, please 
 adopt Hugh and make him my brother," 
 and, turning round with a sudden jerk, Percy 
 flung his arms round his father's neck. 
 
 'Your brother, Percy ?" asked Sir Henry, 
 smiling. " Would a cousin not be near 
 enough, do you think?" 
 
 "Yes, yes," cried Percy; "cousin or 
 brother, I don't much care which, so long as 
 I can have him with me as much as I like." 
 
 " I am glad you like Hugh," said Sir Henry, 
 " for he is, I think, a noble fellow. It is truly 
 wonderful how he came to find that pocket- 
 book." 
 
 " Still some one had to find it, papa." 
 
 " Yes, of course. But still it was extraor- 
 dinary I should happen to drop it just where 
 Hugh stood, and that he, of all people, should 
 find it." 
 
 " Well, it was certainly very lucky, for that 
 poor little crossing sweeper might have picked 
 it up, and"
 
 92 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "But that's just what did happen, dear. 
 Hugh was the crossing sweeper, and he " 
 
 "Oh, papa; why I thought Hugh was a 
 gentleman ? " 
 
 " And so he is, dear, as true a little gentle- 
 man as ever was born," said Sir Henry, 
 warmly. "And, now Percy, in order to 
 explain matters to you, I must tell you a 
 story." 
 
 " About Hugh, papa?" 
 
 " Yes, partly about Hugh. But first about 
 his parents." 
 
 " I shall be so glad to hear it, papa. Did 
 you go to see Mrs. Brown to-day?" 
 
 " Yes, I went to see Mrs. Brown, Percy, 
 and from her lips I heard the story I will now 
 tell you. Some fifteen years ago she married 
 Philip Brown and went to Australia. Her 
 father was seriously displeased at her conduct, 
 and cast her off completely. For some time 
 the husband and wife lived happily enough in 
 the bush ; but at last Philip grew tired of the 
 life there, sold his farm and went to Melbourne. 
 But he was not long satisfied there either, so 
 he made another change, and carried his family 
 off to London. Longing for news of her 
 father and sister (for her mother had died
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 93 
 
 before her marriage), Mrs. Brown went to her 
 father's office in the city, hoping and praying 
 that time had softened his heart and lessened 
 his anger. But she found that he was dead 
 had been dead for some years. And his 
 daughter? Could they tell her any news of 
 his daughter, she asked. Yes ; she had 
 married but was since dead.' When I heard 
 that my dear Theo was gone, I asked no 
 more,' said Mrs. Brown, and" 
 
 ' J Theo," cried Percy. " Why, that was 
 mamma's name." 
 
 " Yes, Percy, so it was ; and so I told Mrs. 
 Brown, when she mentioned her sister's name." 
 
 " ' Yes, I thought so,' she replied. When 
 I saw the little packet of hair with the name 
 and date, I felt certain that it belonged to the 
 owner's dead wife. But, may I ask, Sir Henry, 
 what was your wife's family name ? ' " 
 
 " Certainly," I answered ; " my wife's name 
 was Winter." 
 
 " And my father,' she said, trembling with 
 emotion, ' my father was Hugh Winter, of 
 Mincing Lane.' " 
 
 " 'Then, my dear Mrs. Brown,' I cried, I 
 am your brother-in-law, for my wife was Theo 
 Winter, youngest daughter of Hugh Winter,
 
 94 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 of Mincing Lane. You must be the sister 
 whom she loved so well, and whose loss she 
 mourned so long.' " 
 
 " ' Yes, I feel certain that I am your wife's 
 sister. This is the likeness of my sweet Theo 
 is it at all like your dear wife ? ' and she 
 handed me a pretty miniature which was, in- 
 deed, a true portrait of your mother." 
 
 "Why, then, papa, Hugh and I are really 
 cousins?" cried Percy, with dancing eyes. 
 
 "Really cousins, my boy. So you see you 
 have got your heart's desire." 
 
 "And I cannot tell you how glad I am. 
 Dear, dear Hugh. How happy we shall be 
 together. It is certainly strange how we came 
 to find it all out. Now, I understand why you 
 thought it wonderful that Hugh should pick up 
 your pocket-book, papa." 
 
 " Yes, I thought you would," replied his 
 father. " To me it seems the most extraor- 
 dinary coincidence, that I should drop my 
 valuable book at the feet of my wife's nephew, 
 of whose existence I had not the faintest notion." 
 
 " It certainly was," said Percy, thoughtfully. 
 " But is my aunt so very poor that she was 
 obliged to send her son out to sweep a cross- 
 ing? That is horrid work for a boy to do."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 95 
 
 "So it is, and he shall never do it again," 
 answered Sir Henry. "But his father had 
 been a long time without earning anything. 
 The expense of his illness had exhausted the 
 small sum that his wife had managed to save or 
 earn, and my poor sister-in-law was in despair. 
 They were literally without a penny and had 
 not a friend to go to. Then little Hugh came 
 to the rescue, and rushing off to the Strand, 
 was lucky enough to pick up a few shillings at 
 the crossing." 
 
 " Poor boy, it must have been disagreeable 
 work," said Percy, with a shudder. " But, 
 papa, we must never allow them to be so poor 
 again. They are our own dear relations ; and 
 we have a right to help them." 
 
 "Most certainly we have, dear boy. I saw 
 poor Philip and had a long talk with him. I 
 told him that from this day he must look upon 
 me as his brother. If he gets well, I shall get 
 him as good a post in the city as he is capable 
 of filling. If he dies, his wife and children 
 shall become my special charge, and shall 
 never want for anything." 
 
 "Oh, papa, I am so glad you told him so," 
 cried Percy. "But will my poor uncle die, do 
 you think ?"
 
 96 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "It is hard to say, Percy. But he seemed 
 very weak. That accident, that he met with 
 in the street, has shaken him terribly. Then 
 his heart is seriously involved. In fact, the 
 doctors do not give any hope of his recovery." 
 
 " I am so sorry, for it will be a sad trouble 
 for Hugh. He loves his father very dearly, 
 and thinks him wonderfully clever." 
 
 " Poor fellow, perhaps he may be," said Sir 
 Henry, sadly. " But, from what I have heard, 
 he lacks perseverance and steadfastness of pur- 
 pose. Without these virtues it is impossible 
 for any man to get on, be he ever so talented." 
 
 " Poor man," said Percy. " But, oh, papa, 
 wouldn't mamma have been glad to have seen 
 my aunt and Hugh and Susie ? Just think how 
 happy it would have made her." 
 
 " Yes, indeed, it would, for she so often 
 fretted over her absent sister. That thought 
 would make us kind to them, even if we did 
 not feel anxious to be so, for their own sakes." 
 
 " I should just think it would," cried Percy, 
 eagerly. ' ' But, papa, no one could know Hugh 
 and Susie, without loving them at once. Oh, 
 won't Theo be glad? Why, she was w T ild about 
 Susie. I must run off now and tell her the 
 <rood news."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 97 
 
 As Percy ran out of the room calling for his 
 sister, Sir Henry sighed, and leaning his arms 
 upon the mantle-piece gazed earnestly at the 
 portrait of his wife. 
 
 " My darling Theo," he murmured softly, 
 ' would that you had been here to welcome 
 your sister and her children. How happy 
 such a meeting would have made you. But I 
 promise to do what I can to help them and 
 make them comfortable. Hugh will be a com- 
 panion for our poor afflicted son. He is frank 
 and straightforward ; his sunny temper will 
 help our Percy to be bright and " 
 
 " Papa, papa, here is Hugh come back, just 
 when we wanted him," cried Percy, breaking 
 in suddenly upon his father's reflections. 
 
 Sir Henry turned in surprise, and there stood 
 Hugh, looking pale and anxious. 
 
 " And Hugh, did you hear that we are 
 cousins after all?" cried Percy. "And you 
 can come here as often as you like, and we 
 shall have such fun ; but, goodness, what is 
 the matter? Why are you crying?" 
 
 "Oh, Percy, my" and Hugh sobbed 
 aloud. 
 
 " My dear boy, why do you weep?" asked 
 Sir Henry. " Is anything wrong ?"
 
 98 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " Oh, Sir Henry," sobbed Hugh, " my father 
 is very ill he is dying." 
 
 " Dying ! " cried Sir Henry ; "this is, indeed, 
 bad news." 
 
 " Hugh, Hugh, I am so sorry," cried Percy. 
 " Just when I found out we were cousins, and 
 wanted to be so happy." 
 
 " Mother felt sure my father was getting 
 well again, he seemed so bright after your 
 visit, Sir Henry," said Hugh, in a choking 
 voice. "But he is much worse this evening, 
 and he is so anxious to see you again before he 
 dies. I was sure you would come, so I ran off 
 at once to to " 
 
 And poor Hugh broke down, weeping bit- 
 terly at the thoughts of losing his dear father 
 so soon. 
 
 " This is a great trouble for you, dear 
 Hugh," said Sir Henry, gently. " It is always 
 hard to lose those we love. But do not de- 
 spair ; whilst there is life there is always hope. 
 But, if your father should die, you must be 
 brave and bear up for your mother's sake." 
 
 "Yes, I will do my best," said Hugh. 
 " But, oh, what is to become of her and Susie? 
 I am only a little boy, and cannot earn money 
 enough to support them."
 
 A STOBY FOE BOYS. 99 
 
 " But you are our cousins now," cried Percy ; 
 " and you know we have plenty of money, 
 Hugh." 
 
 " Yes, Hugh, I am your uncle," said Sir 
 Henry, putting his arm around the weeping 
 boy, and drawing him towards him. " And as 
 long as I live, neither you nor your mother 
 shall be allowed to want. If your father dies 
 I shall be a second father to you, and look 
 after your interests, as if you were my own 
 son." 
 
 "You are good so good," cried Hugh, 
 " and God was truly merciful to send you to us. 
 But, please, uncle, do not delay any longer. 
 Let us hurry away, for my poor father was so 
 anxious to see you." 
 
 " I will go with you now, at once, dear 
 boy," answered Sir Henry, starting to his feet. 
 " Percy, you had better have something to 
 eat, and go to bed. I may be very late, so do 
 not think of waiting up for me." 
 
 " I will do whatever you wish, my own dear 
 fjither," cried Percy, clinging to Sir Henry, 
 and kissing him tenderly. " Good-night, 
 Hugh dear cousin Hugh. I do hope* my 
 uncle may get well again, for then we shall be 
 all happy together."
 
 100 
 
 PERCY S REVENGE 
 
 Poor Hugh sobbed out a few words of thanks 
 to his new cousin, bade him a tearful good- 
 night, and followed Sir Henry out of the room. 
 
 Percy took his father's advice, ate a hasty 
 repast, and retired to bed. He was worn out 
 with weeping and excitement, and soon dropped 
 off into a deep refreshing sleep.
 
 CHAPTER VIT. 
 
 GREAT CHANGES FOR ALL. 
 
 F^HILIP BROWN died next day, a happy, 
 peaceful death. The poor man was recon- 
 ciled to his fate, and quite content to go. He 
 knew that his wife and children were in good 
 hands, and he died blessing God for having 
 sent them such a true friend as Sir Henry 
 Randall. This was a sorrowful time for Hugh 
 and his mother ; but their grief was greatly 
 softened by the kindness of their benefactor, 
 and his warm-hearted children. Long and 
 earnest were the consultations between Mrs. 
 Brown and her brother-in-law, as to what was 
 best to be done for the little family in the 
 future. 
 
 Sir Henry most generously undertook their 
 entire support, and settled a comfortable in- 
 come upon Mrs. Brown for her life. Touched 
 
 (101)
 
 102 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 to the heart by so much kindness the good lady 
 tried to thank him, and, with tears in her eyes, 
 bade God bless him for his noble conduct. But 
 Sir Henry only smiled, and assured her that he 
 was but doing his duty. 
 
 "Your father was a wealthy man, dear 
 friend," he said, "and, had you been living at 
 home at his death, you would have received 
 at least half the fortune that was left to my 
 wife." 
 
 "Yes. That is, if I had never displeased 
 him," she cried. "But, Henry, you know he 
 died without forgiving me." 
 
 "Had you been near, I feel sure that for- 
 giveness would have been yours, Lucy," he 
 answered, gravely. "But, thank God, I have 
 found you, and am able to restore the money 
 that should have been yours many years ago." 
 
 "You are a noble fellow, Henry," cried the 
 widow. "My children and I shall pray for 
 you night and day." 
 
 "Thanks, dear sister; but do not let the 
 thoughts of this money oppress you. Take 
 it as your own, and do not praise me too 
 loudly for doing my duty." 
 
 "I shall do as you wish," she answered, 
 pressing his hand. "But you cannot prevent
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 103 
 
 me having my own thoughts about your good- 
 ness." 
 
 "No, I suppose not," he said laughing. 
 "But, now, when are you going to leave this 
 lodging and come to Holland Park? There 
 is plenty of room for you all." 
 
 "Many thanks, Henry; but, for various 
 reasons, I would rather stay where I am for 
 the present. I am not accustomed to such an 
 establishment as yours, and I would rather be 
 quiet for some months to come." 
 
 "I can quite understand that, dear," said Sir 
 Henry; "but poor Percy will be so terribly 
 disappointed. He is most anxious to have 
 Hugh with him. In fact, he would like to 
 have him to live with him, study with him, 
 and"* 
 
 "And would you like that arrangement?" 
 
 "Most certainly I would. It would be 
 splendid for Percy," said Sir Henry, earnestly. 
 "If you could bring yourself to spare Hugh, 
 it is what I should like above all things." 
 
 " Then, I see no reason why he should not 
 go to you. He can come to see me very 
 often, and it will make me happy to think 
 that I have been able to do you the smallest 
 service."
 
 104 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 And so it was arranged, that after the first 
 few weeks of mourning, Hugh was to take up 
 his abode at Holland Park, whilst Susie and 
 his mother remained in their lodgings till a 
 pretty house could be taken and furnished for 
 them in the neighborhood of Richmond. 
 
 Thus everything was comfortably settled, 
 and, about a month after his father's death, 
 Hugh went off with a light heart to begin a 
 new life in his uncle's house. 
 
 The young Randalls were delighted at the 
 thoughts of having their cousin always with 
 them, and they did all they could to make his 
 room look nice and pretty, 
 
 " I am so sorry he cannot have a room near 
 mine," said Percy; " but as there is none, of 
 course, he must go upstairs." 
 
 " The blue room looks very snug, now that 
 we have put books and things about on the 
 tables," replied Theo, "and I am sure Hugh 
 will like it very much ; but, do you know, 
 Percy, I am afraid the servants will not be 
 very polite to him. Just fancy Ivapes wonder- 
 ing that we would give such a handsome room 
 to a poor relation. Wasn't it impudent of 
 her?" 
 
 " A poor relation, indeed ! " cried Percy, in-
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 105 
 
 dignantly. " How does she know whether he 
 is poor or not ? " 
 
 " Oh, Kapes knows everything," said Theo. 
 " She asks so many questions and listens to our 
 talks." 
 
 " Well, you are very silly to answer her 
 questions. I don't think it's at all nice for a 
 young lady to gossip so much with a servant. 
 I wouldn't do it if I were you." 
 
 " But Kapes has been here so long. It 
 seems quite natural to tell her everything, 
 Percy." 
 
 "I think she has been here too long then; 
 and if she doesn't take care, and mind her own 
 business, papa will soon send her spinning." 
 
 " She doesn't believe that papa would ever 
 send her away," said Theo, shaking her head. 
 " She is a good servant, and has been here for 
 so many years. But, oh, Percy, do you know 
 what she has done ? She wrote and told Aunt 
 Lydia all about Hugh and Aunt Lucy. Won't 
 she be in a rage ? " 
 
 " Well, what if she is?" said Percy fiercely. 
 " Aunt Lydia has no right to say a word. She 
 ought to be glad that dear mamma's sister has 
 been found again. And as for Hugh, I suppose 
 papa can do what he likes in his own house !
 
 106 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 He may ask who he likes to come here with- 
 out her permission, I should think." 
 
 "Yes, of course, he can; but then Aunt 
 Lydia makes such a fuss, and I know she 
 makes papa unhappy with things she says. 
 She wanted him to adopt Charlie, and now she 
 will be angry when she hears about Hugh." 
 
 "I'm sure I hope she may," said Percy, 
 laughing. " Perhaps it will keep the whole 
 family from coming here to stay, and that 
 would be a blessing. But, listen, Theo, don't 
 you hear a cab? I'm sure I heard one stop. 
 Yes so I did. Hurra, hurra, I'm sure it's 
 Hugh. I shall go out and meet him." 
 
 As Percy ran down the hall, a ring was 
 heard at the bell, and in a few minutes the 
 door was flung open, and Hugh entered the 
 house. 
 
 He was slightly flushed, and his voice 
 trembled nervously, as he asked the footman 
 to carry in his trunk. 
 
 " Hurra, hurra, there you are, my boy," 
 cried Percy. " Welcome home, welcome 
 home." 
 
 And, at his cousin's cheery tones, Hugh's 
 embarrassment vanished, and he became his 
 own bright self again.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 107 
 
 " Take that trunk up stairs, John," said 
 Percy. " The blue room is to be Master 
 Hugh's." 
 
 "Yes, Master Percy," answered the foot- 
 man, respectfully, and shouldering the box he 
 disappeared up the back-stairs. 
 
 " And now come along and see Theo. She 
 thought it more dignified to receive you in 
 state." And laughing merrily, Percy put his 
 arm round Hugh, and led him away to his room. 
 
 There Theo awaited them, and running for- 
 ward, she, too, welcomed Hugh with eager de- 
 light. 
 
 "You know this room, my boy," said Percy. 
 " This is my own special sanctum, and it's a 
 great favor to be allowed in here, I can tell 
 you. Theo is sometimes bolted out of it for 
 days ; but that is when we fight ; you and I 
 will never fight, Hugh." 
 
 " I hope not," answered Hugh, gravely. 
 
 " I was sorry not to have you sleeping near 
 me ; but there was no room. I always sleep 
 in this little nest," said Percy, and raising a 
 crimson curtain he displayed a large alcove 
 fitted up as a bedroom. " Papa likes me to 
 stay here. He thinks it more convenient for 
 me than running up and down stairs."
 
 108 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 " Yes, I am sure it is," said Hugh. " And 
 it all looks nice and comfortable." 
 
 " So it is, as snug as possible. Papa took 
 great pains to get me every thing I wanted. 
 He put up a bath, you see, quite close. Then, 
 that thick curtain instead of a door, and that 
 passage, which he always keeps filled with 
 flowers, cuts me off from the rest of the house. 
 I can lock the door at the end if I choose, and 
 then no one can come near me." 
 
 " It is a regular little house all to yourself," 
 said Hugh, smiling. " But what is this door?" 
 
 "That goes up the back-stairs, in case I 
 wanted to run up quickly to papa's room at 
 any time. I have a key for that, too ; but come 
 and let us have our tea, Hugh. You know this 
 part of the world pretty well now. By-and-by 
 I will show you your own little den." 
 
 The table was spread for tea, and the little 
 Randalls were anxious to make their visitor 
 partake of all the good things that they had set 
 out in his honor. But Hugh was excited and 
 strange, and had little appetite for anything. 
 
 " TTas Susie sorry to part with you, Hugh?" 
 asked Theo. " Did she want to come with 
 you?" 
 
 "Yes, she was very sorry, poor darling,"
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 109 
 
 said Hugh, his eyes filling with tears. '* But 
 I promised to ask cousin Theo to have her to 
 spend a day with her soon." 
 
 "Of course I will, the pet," cried Theo. 
 " I wish aunt and she had come with you." 
 
 " Mamma did not care to do that for some 
 time yet," and Hugh's tears fell fast. 
 
 " Oh, well, you must not fret, Hugh, dear," 
 said Percy, kindly. " You will often see 
 them both. When aunt is at Richmond we 
 shall drive down to see her constantly; and 
 after awhile she will come here." 
 
 " Yes, I know I know," said Hugh, in a 
 low voice. " But I never was away from my 
 mother and sister before, and" 
 
 " I am sure it is hard to leave them," cried 
 Percy ; " but still you must not be unhappy 
 about it. They are not very far off, and you 
 are with cousins who love you dearly. Come 
 along and I will show you your room." 
 
 " It is quite ready," said Theo, " and I hope 
 you will like it, Hugh. Percy and I arranged 
 it ourselves this morning." 
 
 * ' You are both very good," answered Hugh. 
 " I never thought you would be so good and 
 kind." 
 
 " Don't praise us too much, Hugh," said
 
 110 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 Percy, gayly. " Just wait a little before you 
 decide about our goodness. You need not 
 imagine that we are always as amiable as this. 
 We shall torment you finely before you are 
 very long with us, or I am greatly mistaken. 
 But come up stairs with me now." 
 
 Hugh was in raptures with his room. He 
 had never seen such a beautiful one before, and 
 pinched himself several times to make sure that 
 he was not dreaming. 
 
 The dainty pale blue hangings and pretty 
 curtained bed were far too pretty, he thought ; 
 and he shouted with joy when he saw the 
 bookcase full of choice books the writing- 
 desk with its exquisite contents. 
 
 Here he felt, no matter what occurred, no 
 matter who was unkind to him, he could make 
 himself perfectly happy. 
 
 Percy was much pleased with his cousin's 
 evident delight, and told him that all the room 
 contained was his own, to do exactly what he 
 liked with. 
 
 Hugh thanked him again and again, and was 
 so much overcome with gratitude and aston- 
 ishment, that Percy thought it best to leave 
 him to recover himself at his leisure. 
 
 " You will soon get accustomed to your
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. Ill 
 
 room and to us, Hugh, and you will find 
 that we are not half so pleasant as we look. 
 But good-night. Sleep well We are to 
 begin our lessons to-morrow with Mr. Barker, 
 so you must be up early," and kissing his hand, 
 Percy shut the door, and ran down stairs. 
 
 In a very short time Hugh became quite 
 happy in his new home. He had every com- 
 fort that money could buy ; was treated with 
 great kindness by his uncle and cousins ; and 
 managed to spend many days and nights with 
 his darling mother and little sister. 
 
 Percy was rather hard to deal with at times ; 
 but then he was always so sorry when he had 
 behaved badly, so penitent after a fit of pas- 
 sion, that Hugh could not feel vexed with him 
 long, and soon learned to love his poor de- 
 formed cousin with a strong affection. 
 
 Sir Henry had provided the boys with a 
 clever tutor, and they worked at their studies 
 with great eagerness and attention. Hugh was 
 far in advance of Percy, and was able to help 
 him to prepare his lessons. They both made 
 rapid progress, and Mr. Barker was well 
 pleased with his pupils. 
 
 Theo grew very fond of Hugh, and often 
 wondered what he had done to make Percy so
 
 112 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 nice and good-tempered ; whilst Sir Henry was 
 truly thankful to him for bringing so much 
 sunshine into his little son's life. 
 
 "It is really wonderful, Hugh, how the time 
 passes now," said Percy, one day. "It used 
 to creep over so slowly that a week seemed a 
 long, tiresome time to go through." 
 
 "Ah, that was because you were idle," said 
 Hugh, with a smile. "Now we have so much 
 to do that the days pass quite quickly." 
 
 " I should just think they did," said Percy, 
 laughing. " Why, I declare, I have hardly 
 time to call my soul my own, between you and 
 Mr. Barker. And do you know, Hugh, I have 
 not been in a rage for a whole fortnight." 
 
 " So much the better," answered Hugh, 
 gayly. "But I've got some good news for 
 you. Mr. Barker is not coming this after- 
 noon, so we can go where we like." 
 
 "How jolly," cried Percy. "Shall w r e go 
 and see Aunt Lucy, and take Susie some 
 chocolate creams?" 
 
 "No, thanks. I am going to see them on 
 Sunday, and I saw them yesterday, so I think 
 we might go somewhere else to-day." 
 
 " Where shall it be, then?" 
 
 " Well," said Hugh, gravely, " I should like
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 113 
 
 to go to the Children's Hospital, in Great 
 Ormond Street." 
 
 "Oh, but" said Percy, flushing, "there 
 are so many strangers there I" 
 
 " You don't like strangers, I know," replied 
 Hugh, gently. " But still, Percy, they are 
 only poor, suffering little children. A boy I 
 used to know is there, and I want to take him 
 something. He broke his leg, poor chap, and 
 has a good deal of pain to bear. Mother goes 
 to see him very often, and he told her he was 
 sure I would be too proud to visit him now." 
 
 "Too proud to visit whom, Hugh?" asked 
 Theo, coming in at this moment 
 
 " Too proud to visit no one, fair cousin," 
 said Hugh, laughing. " But a fellow I know 
 has broken his leg, and been carried to the 
 hospital, and he thinks I am too grand now to 
 go to see him." 
 
 " But you are not," said Theo, decidedly. 
 " And I'm not. Let us all three go some 
 day." 
 
 " I want to go to-day now but Percy" 
 
 " Oh, Percy will come ; it will be charming," 
 cried Theo. " TTe'll take some oranges and 
 cakes for the little ones. Say you'll come." 
 
 But Percy was lost in thought. It was
 
 ] 14 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 always an effort for him to meet strangers, so 
 conscious was he of his sad deformity. 
 
 " Hugh," he said, after a few moments' 
 reflection, "is it a good thing to visit these 
 sick children ? Does does God like us to 
 go?" 
 
 "Yes, indeed, He does, Percy. It will please 
 God very much, and will do us a great deal of 
 good." 
 
 "Then I will go," said Percy, and he turned 
 to get his hat. 
 
 ' ' I must pack up a few things to take with 
 us," cried Theo, and off she flew to make her 
 preparations. 
 
 A few hours later the three children pre- 
 sented themselves at the door of the hospital 
 and were speedily admitted. They asked to 
 be taken to the accident ward, and were led 
 into a large room around which were ranged 
 a great many little beds. 
 
 The place looked bright and pleasant, and a 
 number of small heads were popped up from 
 the pillows to gaze at the visitors. 
 
 Hugh's friend was a boy of eight years old, 
 who had managed to break his leg a few weeks 
 before. But it was now almost mended, and 
 he was going home very soon.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 115 
 
 "I T m sorry to go, for ifs like heaven to be 
 here," he said to Hugh, with a sigh. "Bat 
 mother wants me badly to help her wid the 
 young r uns." 
 
 Percy wandered up and down, looking sad 
 and perplexed. He glanced with pity at the 
 little pale faces, but did not dare to speak to 
 any one, and shrank away as though in pain, 
 when a nurse passed him by. 
 
 But Theo was quite at home amongst the 
 children, and set them all laughing about her, 
 as she plied them with questions and good 
 things. 
 
 "Percy," she cried, "come over here and 
 look at this little fellow. See how cheerful 
 and happy he is." 
 
 Percy went somewhat closer, and looked 
 curiously at the boy, who had a pinched, thin 
 face and a crooked, twisted back. 
 
 "He says his father was a Punch and Judy 
 man," said Theo, "and that he used to go 
 about with him and collect pennies after each 
 performance. But he fell down stairs and 
 broke his back, and the doctors say he will 
 never be able to walk straight again." 
 
 "Poor little man," said Percy, softly, "and 
 yet he can smile and look happy."
 
 116 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Oh, yes; he says he doesn't mind much 
 now. His father has promised to make him 
 a cobbler a man that mends shoes, you 
 know." 
 
 "A pleasant look-out certainly," said Percy. 
 "I can't think how he can look so cheerful 
 but he doesn't understand he doesn't feel; 
 he's only a baby." 
 
 "I'm not a baby," said the mite, in a shrill 
 voice. "I'm six years old and I know very 
 well but I don't mean to fret ; for nurse says 
 it was God let me fall; and He will always 
 love me an' take care of me, an' mother says 
 it will maybe keep me from wicked ways." 
 
 "You are a good little boy, and I'm sure 
 God loves you very dearly," said Theo, and 
 giving him a double supply of cakes she passed 
 on to the next bed. 
 
 But this little one, a girl of nine, was 
 frightened at her approach, and hid her head 
 under the bed-clothes. 
 
 "She won't speak to me," said Theo to the 
 nurse. "What is the matter with her?" 
 
 "Poor child, she is afraid of every one," 
 answered the nurse. "She had a drunken 
 father who beat her so dreadfully that he 
 nearly frightened her out of her senses. She
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 117 
 
 broke her leg, and her mother brought her 
 here. Her father is dead since; so I hope 
 she will be happier when she goes home 
 again." 
 
 "I wish she would look up," said Theo. 
 "I like to see the little things smile at me." 
 
 "Yes," said the nurse; "but I think that 
 child has forgotten how to smile, she has had 
 so much sorrow." 
 
 "Poor little girl," said Theo softly. "Oh, 
 Percy, how happy we ought to be." 
 
 "Yes, I know; but come home, Theo. I 
 don't like this place. It makes me feel ashamed 
 to think how cross and discontented I am, and 
 how good they are." 
 
 "Rich children are apt to forget to be thank- 
 ful to God for all the good things He has 
 given them," said the nurse, gently. "They 
 grumble and complain about small trifles, and 
 never remember those who are in real sorrow 
 and distress." 
 
 "I will come again," said Theo, lingering to 
 take a last look at her little favorite with the 
 crooked back. " I will come again, for I love 
 to hear them talk." 
 
 But Percy was impatient to be off, and call- 
 ing to Hugh, he hurried him down stairs.
 
 118 
 
 PERCY S REVENGE 
 
 ' ' I feel as though I should have cried had I 
 stayed there any longer," he said to his cousin. 
 "But from this day I will try my best not to 
 complain because God has made me a hunch- 
 back." 
 
 ' ' That is right," said Hugh, brightly. ' ' For, 
 indeed, indeed, it does not matter one bit."
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR. 
 
 SIR Henry Randall was an affectionate father, 
 and desired nothing so much as the happi- 
 ness of his children. But he was much occupied 
 and greatly sought after, and so the little people 
 were left very much to themselves. Many of 
 his friends advised him to marry again, for he 
 was young, handsome, and rich ; but he loved 
 the memory of his dead wife too dearly ever to 
 think of putting another in her place. Others 
 said he should have an elderly lady to look 
 after his household and keep his children in 
 order. This, again, was an idea that neither 
 he nor his little ones approved of, and so they 
 went on leading an independent life that shocked 
 their friends and relations. 
 
 Sir Henry was the most indulgent of men. 
 He rarely found fault with his children, and 
 allowed them upon every occasion to do ex- 
 actly as they pleased. 
 
 (119)
 
 120 PERCY'S KEVENGE : 
 
 In this he was wrong, however. He loved 
 his little ones and desired to see them happy ; 
 but he forgot that it is only by learning young 
 to correct our faults and overcome our passions 
 that we can ever hope for happiness in this 
 world. Lessons in patience and self-denial are 
 more precious than all the pleasures that wealth 
 can buy. By them alone we are enabled to 
 bear the troubles and afflictions that must come 
 to each one of us in due time. 
 
 The truth of this, Percy and his father 
 learned to their cost when the hour of temp- 
 tation came round. 
 
 Meanwhile, things went on pleasantly, the 
 children had their own way, were delighted with 
 their new companion, and were extremely happy . 
 
 But the time of trial was at hand, although 
 they knew it not. 
 
 One evening, about a week after the visit to 
 the hospital, Hugh sat alone in Percy's room. 
 The other children had gone to have a chat 
 with their father, and he gladly took advantage 
 of the quiet to enjoy a little reading. 
 
 But his peaceful enjoyment was of short 
 duration, for very soon the curtain was plucked 
 aside, and Percy and his sister came bounding 
 across the room.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 121 
 
 " Hugh, my old student," cried Percy 
 ** papa has just gone off to a dinner party, so 
 wake up from your book, and let us have some 
 fun." 
 
 " What shall we do?" asked Hugh, spring- 
 ing to his feet. " Shall we act charades? I've 
 thought of such a splendid word." 
 
 '* Xo, no, there are too few for charades to- 
 night Ifs better to have them when papa is 
 here as audience." 
 
 " Poor Uncle Henry," said Hugh, laughing. 
 " It's too bad to ask him to listen to our non- 
 sense. It must bore him greatly." 
 
 Not at all," said Percy. " So long as we 
 are happy he is quite pleased." 
 
 I know what -we'll do," cried Theo. "Boys, 
 it will be capital." 
 
 " What?" asked the boys. 
 
 " Let us turn out the gas all through the 
 house and play Dark Forty.'" 
 
 "Splendid," cried Percy. "I'll hide my 
 eyes, and you two run off. Turn out the 
 gas as you go along. Here goes for this 
 room." And in an instant they were all in the 
 dark. 
 
 Away went Theo and Hugh racing and 
 laughing. Out went the gas in passages and
 
 122 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 on stairs, arid in a few minutes the big house 
 was in complete darkness. 
 
 Then came Percy, groping his way up and 
 down, till at last Theo was caught, and had to 
 take her turn at counting forty, till the others 
 were hidden. 
 
 What fun they had. Up the stairs and down 
 again; into rooms and up on beds; banging 
 doors and opening others stealthily. Such 
 shrieks of laughter, such racing and jumping, 
 till at last, hot and exhausted, they returned 
 to Percy's room. 
 
 " I don't know when I enjoyed anything so 
 much," said Percy, flinging himself on the sofa. 
 " But I am hot." 
 
 " I should just think so," cried Hugh. " But 
 I think a little light would be pleasant," and 
 he sprang to turn up the gas. 
 
 " Let us rest ourselves now," said Theo, 
 giving the fire a poke. " It will be very nice 
 to have a long chat and a rest." 
 
 " Yes, jolly," said Percy; "but, I say, are 
 you two aware that it's near Christmas ? " 
 
 " Yes, in three weeks' time we'll have Christ- 
 mas Day," said Hugh. 
 
 " We shall have such a pleasant one this
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 123 
 
 year," said Percy. " Just ourselves and a few 
 friends of papa's." 
 
 " But I'm sure Charlie and Cecil will expect 
 to be asked during the holidays," said Theo. 
 " They always were before." 
 
 " They're a pair of cads," said Percy, " and 
 I hate them both." 
 
 " Hush, Percy, you must not say that," said 
 Hugh. " It's very wrong." 
 
 " Besides, they are your own cousins," said 
 Theo. "They're not very nice, I must say; 
 but still they are gentlemen." 
 
 " Not they," cried Percy. " They have been 
 to Eton, and they dress well, but they swagger 
 about too much to be gentlemen." 
 
 " Why, Percy, that was Charlie's favorite 
 word, ' swagger.' Everything was 'swagger' 
 with him. I wonder you say it when you 
 think so little of him." 
 
 " Yes, but I always think of it when I men- 
 tion his name. But you have no idea how 
 disagreeable those fellows are, Hugh. The last 
 time they were here they killed my dear old bat." 
 
 "Killed a bat," cried Hugh. "Why, I 
 thought " 
 
 " Perhaps you never, saw one," said Percy ; * 
 * See White's "Natural History of Selborne.'
 
 124 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " but I had a tame, long-eared bat for a long 
 time. It used to eat flies out of my hand, and 
 I was very fond of it. Those cruel fellows 
 killed it." 
 
 " Well, I wasn't sorry for that, Percy," said 
 Theo. " It was a disgusting creature. I used 
 to hate to see it hanging up there by its 
 heels." 
 
 "Heels! By its hind claws," cried Percy. 
 "But you were very foolish not to like it. 
 It was such a queer thing that I loved it." 
 
 " A great deal too queer for my taste," said 
 Hugh, laughing. " There were numbers of 
 them flying about our street, in the summer 
 time, and we were dreadfully afraid of them. 
 The chaps used to imitate their cry by scrap- 
 ing two keys together during school hours." 
 
 " That was capital," said Theo. " But I am 
 sure the master was very angry." 
 
 " Well, no ; because he never knew who did 
 it. He thought the bats were behaving badly. 
 The poor man used to look up at the ceiling, 
 and into all the corners of the room. But, of 
 course, he never saw any bats." 
 
 " I shall try and get another next summer," 
 said Percy. "I love .queer things. They 
 comfort me some way."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 125 
 
 Theo and Hugh both laughed heartily at 
 this, declaring he was a " very queer thing " 
 himself. Upon this, Percy flung the cushion 
 at Hugh's head. Hugh returned it with a 
 merry laugh, and a scrimmage ensued, as a 
 matter of course. Flushed and excited, his 
 face lighted up with a radiant smile, Percy 
 stood upon the sofa, the velvet cushion raised 
 above his head, when suddenly the visitors' 
 bell pealed loudly through the house. 
 
 " Some one for papa," he remarked, and 
 sent the pillow flying at Hugh's merry face. 
 
 " Hush, Hugh Percy, listen," cried Theo. 
 ** There is some fuss going on. Who can be 
 calling at such an hour ? " 
 
 " It is a woman's voice," cried Hugh, quickly. 
 " Could it be my mother? Can any thing have 
 happened ? " 
 
 " Nonsense, Hugh, old man. "What could 
 have happened?" said Percy, soothingly; 
 " but, Theo, Theo how dreadful ! It is Aunt 
 Lydia, I am sure." 
 
 "Aunt Lydia, Percy? Oh, I hope not. 
 What in the world would bring her here 
 now?" 
 
 " Well, Aunt Lydia it is, any way," said 
 Percy. " Don't you hear that little brute,
 
 126 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 Spark, barking? And listen, there is Mary 
 Ann's shrill, squeaking voice." 
 
 " Oh, dear, oh, dear," sighed Theo. " Why 
 does she come here now ? Just when we are all 
 so happy together. What shall we do? What 
 shall we do?" 
 
 " Hide," cried Percy. " Oh, how I wish I 
 had locked the door. Hugh Theo here 
 she comes. Run under the sofa, Theo. Hugh 
 and I will creep into my bed," and, lifting the 
 curtain, Percy disappeared into the alcove, 
 dragging Hugh along with him. 
 
 But Theo remained standing in the middle of 
 the room. She did not care to double herself 
 up in an uncomfortable position for dear knows 
 how long, and was meditating a flight up the 
 back stairs, when she felt herself seized by the 
 arm and turned suddenly round to face the 
 angry looks of her indignant aunt. 
 
 " Well, upon my word, this is a nice way to 
 receive a visitor, and your own father's sister," 
 cried the angry lady. "The whole house in 
 darkness, and not a fire anywhere, till I find 
 my way into this den." 
 
 "But we did not expect you, Aunt Lydia. 
 We were playing ' Dark Forty,' and so we 
 turned out the gas all over the place," and
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 127 
 
 Theo wriggled away from her aunt as fast as 
 she could. 
 
 " Dear me, what a rude child you are," she 
 cried, sinking down on the sofa; " and is this 
 the way you behave yourselves in the even- 
 ings? Making a common play-ground of your 
 father's beautiful house." 
 
 " Yes, of course," said Theo, tossing her 
 head. " Papa does not mind. He lets us do 
 exactly what we like." 
 
 " Humph, does he, indeed? Then, more 
 fool he," and the lady gave a grunt of extreme 
 dissatisfaction. 
 
 Mrs. Torrens was a tall, straight woman, 
 with a thin, sharp face, pale complexion, and 
 small but piercing gray eyes ; her hair, of a 
 dui! drab, fell in thick ringlets on her shoulders, 
 giving her the appearance of an antiquated old 
 maid. Her figure, however, was very com- 
 manding ; her dress rich and fashionably made. 
 
 This unwelcome visitor was Sir Henry Ran- 
 dall's only sister, and his senior by five years. 
 She was one of those persons who like to man- 
 age everything and every one in her own par- 
 ticular way. And so, from time to time, she 
 was in the habit of invading her brother's house, 
 and trying to lay down the law for him and his
 
 128 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 children. For so far she had met with but 
 little success, and had managed to make her- 
 self disliked by the whole household. 
 
 " Where is your brother, Theo?" she asked, 
 sharply. " This is his room. Why isn't he 
 visible, I'd like to know? The servants told 
 me he was here." 
 
 "Percy has gone to bed, aunt," said Theo, 
 trying hard to keep from laughing. "You 
 see he did not know you were coming to-night." 
 
 "Neither did I, Miss Pert," snapped Mrs. 
 Torrens, opening her eyes in a jerky manner. 
 " But when I heard what was going on, I had 
 to come to put a stop to it at once." 
 
 " Going on ? " said Theo, in surprise. "Why 
 there is nothing going on here, Aunt Lydia, I 
 assure you." 
 
 " Nothing going on, indeed," replied her 
 aunt, indignantly. "Then what does my 
 brother mean by bringing in a beggar boy to 
 live with his sou and daughter? Do you call 
 it nothing, that a low-born creature like that 
 should pass his days with you and your 
 brother ? " 
 
 " But Hugh is not low-born, Aunt Lydia. 
 He is our cousin, and " 
 
 " Cousin, indeed," sneered the lady. " You
 
 A STOBY FOR BOYS. 129 
 
 are not going to make me believe that story. 
 It was easy for such adventurers to say, ' we 
 are your relations' for the mother to say her 
 name was Winter. But that my brother should 
 believe it all is what astonishes and angers me. 
 As for the boy " 
 
 " How dare you come here to insult my aunt 
 and cousin, Aunt Lydia? How dare you find 
 fault with my father's behavior?" cried Percy, 
 as, pale and trembling with rage, he stood be- 
 fore Mrs. Torrens. 
 
 " Ho, ho ! So you are not in bed after all, 
 my most polite young nephew ? Hiding behind 
 curtains and listening to what is being said. 
 That is what comes of having low companions." 
 
 "Leave my room, if you please," cried 
 Percy, choking with passion. ** I do not want 
 you here I " 
 
 But Hugh's hand was kid upon his mouth, 
 and Hugh's voice whispered in his ear : 
 
 " Hush, Percy. Do not be rude, dear boy. 
 It is not right to speak so to a lady." 
 
 " Dear, dear. So there you are," cried Mrs. 
 Torrens, with a sneer. The clever adven- 
 turer who has made his way into this most 
 trusting family, taken my Charlie's place, and 
 robbed my boy of " _
 
 130 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " No, no, Lydia," said Sir Henry, who en- 
 tered the room at this moment. "Your son 
 has been wronged by no one but himself. He 
 proved himself idle and conceited, and so I did 
 not care to have him. He wished to become 
 rich, but without any trouble or hard work. 
 As for Hugh, you are very wrong to think him 
 an adventurer. I have had proof ample 
 proof that his mother is my dear wife's sister, 
 and he her nephew. He is a good, truthful 
 boy, and for that reason I am glad that Percy 
 should have such a cousin to be his friend and 
 companion." 
 
 "A very fine speech, upon my word, 
 Henry," she cried. "But I am not so con- 
 fiding as you are, and cannot believe in such 
 a wild story. Why you should go out of 
 your way to hunt for your wife's relations 
 when you have plenty of your own, I can't 
 imagine." 
 
 "I did not go out of my way, Lydia ; but I 
 am very thankful that I found Hugh and his 
 dear mother before it was too late. I will 
 tell you the whole story, show you the many 
 proofs I possess, and" 
 
 "Oh, I have heard the wonderful story, 
 thank you, and on very good authority too."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 131 
 
 "Kapes," whispered Theo to Percy, "she's 
 at the bottom of all this." 
 
 "Well, then, I must ask you to say no more, 
 Lydia," said Sir Henry, sternly. "Mary Ann 
 says your room is ready, so I must ask you to 
 leave the children to themselves." 
 
 "Oh, very well. I will say no more for the 
 present," and picking up her little snarling pug, 
 she sailed out of the room. 
 
 "And now, my friends, you had better go 
 to bed," said Sir Henry to the children. "Be 
 patient for a few days, and then your aunt 
 will go away." 
 
 "I'll take good care she doesn't stay long," 
 grumbled Percy. "I will make her as uncom- 
 fortable as ever I can. See if I don't. Why 
 couldn't she have stayed at home?" 
 
 "Come, now, Percy lad, don't take her visit 
 so much to heart," said his father, soothingly. 
 " Go to bed, and forget that she is here." 
 
 "That's easier said than done, papa," cried 
 Percy. "But I'll do my best to forget her, 
 never fear; and I do hope she'll stay out of 
 my room." 
 
 " We must try and make her do that, dear," 
 replied Sir Henry. "But I don't think she
 
 13:2 PEBCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 will be likely to trouble you. She will have 
 no business down here." 
 
 But she'll make some," said Percy. " There 
 never was such a person for poking as my re- 
 spected aunt, Mrs. Torrens." 
 
 AYell . dear, you must bear with her for a 
 time," said Sir Henry, and kissing his children, 
 he bade them good-night. 
 
 "But, indeed, I wish Lydia had stayed at 
 home," he said, as he shut himself into his 
 room. " Percy and she could never agree. 
 The poor fellow was getting so happy, and 
 now I'm afraid she will make us all discon- 
 tented whilst she remains amongst us. How 
 terribly jealous she is about Hugh. Just as 
 if her Charlie could ever have found the place 
 in our hearts that that dear lad has taken. 
 Well, I do hope her visit may be a short one. 
 I cannot ask my own sister to go ; but when 
 she does, I shall not be sorry."
 
 CHAPTER EX. 
 
 AU>~T LTDIA SEES A GHOST. 
 
 THE angel of peace seemed to have flown 
 away at Aunt Lydia's approach, and all 
 Percy's good resolutions had taken their de- 
 parture with him. 
 
 Between the boy and his aunt there was 
 continual warfare ; for Percy, hot and passion- 
 ate as he was, could not listen quietly to her 
 ill-natured remarks about his cousin. The very 
 sight of her going about the house, the mere 
 sound of her harsh voice, seemed to rouse all 
 that was bad in his sadly undisciplined nature. 
 
 To Theo, who was pretty and graceful, Mrs. 
 Torrens was kind and attentive. But to Percy 
 and the " little adventurer," as she insisted on 
 calling Hugh, her manner was most insulting. 
 
 Sir Henry and his sister were never alto- 
 gether happy in each other's company, for they 
 had but few interests in common. So seeing 
 (133)
 
 134 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 that her visit was likely to be a long one, he 
 suddenly found it necessary to go off to the 
 country on business. Percy was in despair at 
 his father's departure, and felt certain that Mrs. 
 Torrens would annoy him more than ever, 
 since there was now no one by to protect him 
 from her wrath. 
 
 But in this he was mistaken, and to his sur- 
 prise Hugh and he were left to their own de- 
 vices. 
 
 Mrs. Torrens was delighted when her brother 
 went away; and taking advantage of his 
 absence sent out invitations to her friends. 
 After this, she seemed to forget the boys' ex- 
 istence, and troubled them little, so long as 
 they remained in their own part of the house. 
 This, they took care to do, and so the battles 
 between nephew and aunt became less, fre- 
 quent, as they seldom met. 
 
 Theo, too, they saw only at rare intervals. 
 Her light little head seemed completely 
 turned ; and in the midst of the gayeties that 
 were going on, she scarcely ever found time to 
 visit Percy's room. 
 
 At first, the boys were much pleased at the 
 new state of affairs, and between their lessons 
 and games the days passed pleasantly enough.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 135 
 
 But as time went on, and his father did not 
 return, Percy began to mope about in a miser- 
 able way. By degrees his bad spirits developed 
 into bad temper, and he became so cross and 
 irritable, that Hugh had a hard time of it, and 
 found it impossible to please him, in anything 
 he did or said. 
 
 Then very soon everything went wrong, and 
 even Hugh's bright face became clouded ; he 
 could not make his friend happy, and so he 
 grew depressed and wretched himself. 
 
 At lesson time, Percy became wild and un- 
 manageable, would learn nothing, and pre- 
 vented his companions from doing their work, 
 by his noisy, restless interference. 
 
 Their tutor was a quiet, amiable man, and 
 did all he could to soothe the boy, but without 
 effect, and at last stung by his insolent manner, 
 he flung down the books and left the house, 
 declaring that he w r ould have no more to do 
 with such an unruly pupil. 
 
 " Percy, Percy, what have you done?" cried 
 Hugh ; " do please let me call Mr. Barker back 
 again. He will soon forgive you, if you say 
 you are sorry." 
 
 " Nonsense, Hugh," replied Percy, angrily. 
 " Call him back again, indeed ; no fear of that,
 
 136 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 old boy ; I'm only too glad to see him disap- 
 pear, I can tell you." 
 
 " But, Percy, you behaved very badly and 
 vexed him greatly. He says he will never 
 come back to teach us. I did not think you 
 could have treated him like that, for he has 
 always been so kind and " 
 
 " Can't you leave a fellow in peace, Hugh? 
 You're a perfect worry, and if you go on 
 preaching at me, I'll shy this ink-pot at your 
 head. But don't you fret. Old Barker will 
 come back, never fear ; and I'm jolly glad to 
 get rid of his jaw r ing for this evening." 
 
 " Jawing, indeed," cried Hugh, indignantly. 
 " His lessons are most interesting." 
 
 " Yes, when a fellow's in the humor for 
 them. But those evening lessons were all your 
 doing, and I am sick of them. A chap can't 
 go on working forever. And I can tell you, 
 Barker was fine and cross to-night. I never 
 saw the like of him." 
 
 " You do well to talk about crossness," said 
 Hugh, hotly. " You were as insolent as ever 
 you could be ; and I hope you will beg his 
 pardon if he does come to-morrow." 
 
 " Well, if you won't stop when you're told," 
 cried Percy, with crimson cheeks and flashing
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 137 
 
 eye, " take that," and seizing a large cut-glass 
 ink-bottle, he hurled it at Hugh's head. 
 
 But, fortunately, the boy saw it coming, and 
 stooping quickly, escaped the blow which would 
 have felled him to the ground had he not man- 
 aged to avoid it. 
 
 Just behind Hugh stood a rare old cabinet, 
 filled with curiosities, that had belonged to 
 Percy's mother, and so ranked amongst hid 
 most sacred treasures. And now this bottle, 
 aimed by his own hand, went crashing over his 
 cousin's head, straight through the thick glass 
 doors ; and to his horror he saw the ink stream- 
 ing over the crimson velvet shelves, spoiling 
 the treasures that nothing could replace. 
 
 " Oh, Percy, Percy, they are all destroyed," 
 cried Hugh, forgetting his own danger in his 
 anxiety for the beautiful things. " Get the 
 sponge quickly, and I'll try to soak up the ink, 
 before it does much harm." 
 
 But Percy made no reply. The hot, red 
 color of passion died away, leaving him deathly 
 pale, as he gazed at the sad wreck of his be- 
 loved cabinet. 
 
 " Never mind, old man," said Hugh, gently. 
 'It is not as bad as it looks. The glass is 
 broken ; but there are lots of things that we
 
 138 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 can wash, and they'll look all right again. 
 The velvet can be replaced and the glass too ; 
 so don't fret about it there' a good fellow." 
 
 " Oh, Hugh, Hugh," whispered Percy, " I'm 
 so bad so wicked ; God ought to strike nie 
 dead. He ought to " 
 
 " Hush, Percy; don't say that. God is too 
 merciful to strike you when you are in a fit 
 of passion ; but, oh, tell Him you are sorry 
 beg Him to forgive you." 
 
 " But, Hugh, Hugh, if that bottle had killed 
 you, what should I have done ; and if it had 
 hit you oh, I dare not think of it. That is 
 twice, Hugh, twice in such a short time, that I 
 have been so passionate so wicked. Oh, 
 what shall I do? What shall I do?" cried 
 Percy, shuddering; and, bowing his head, he 
 wept bitterly. 
 
 " Thank God, it did not touch me, Percy. 
 But do not give way to despair. You are pas- 
 sionate, and sometimes do dreadful things ; but 
 you will be able to get over all that, if you 
 just fight against your temper like a man, and 
 pray hard hard. But, cheer up now T , old 
 man, and let us see what we can do to make 
 these things look nice again." 
 
 Springing to his feet, Hugh hurried into
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 139 
 
 Percy's alcove, and coming back armed with a 
 sponge and some water, began to soak up the 
 ink with great care. 
 
 But Percy would not cheer up, as his cousin 
 advised him to do, and sat upon the floor look- 
 ing gloomy and miserable. He was so much 
 overcome with grief and contrition, that even 
 the thought of saving his treasures had not the 
 power to move him. 
 
 Meanwhile, Hugh worked steadily on, and 
 was rejoicing to himself that so many of the 
 curious things were quite untouched, when the 
 crimson curtain was suddenly raised, and Theo, 
 radiant in all the glory of a pale blue ball dress, 
 came bounding into the room. 
 
 " Xow, then, you two poor hermits," she 
 cried, gayly, turning herself round to be ad- 
 mired. " What do you think of my ? But, 
 what can have happened? Hugh tell me 
 what oh ! what smashed poor mamma's cabi- 
 net?" 
 
 But Hugh only flushed hotly at her questions, 
 not knowing what to answer; he loved the 
 truth, and yet would gladly have screened poor 
 Percy. 
 
 "Oh, dear it is such a pity," said Theo, with 
 tears hi her eyes. "Poor mamma's cabinet,
 
 140 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 that we all loved so dearly. I wonder you 
 are not ashamed of yourself, Percy. For, of 
 course, you must have done it in one of your 
 tantrums. It's quite true what Aunt Lydia 
 says : you are a very ill-tempered, bad boy, 
 and" 
 
 This was too much for Percy, so, jumping 
 up, he seized her roughly by the arm, dragged 
 her across the room, down the passage, and 
 into the hall. Then, with a bang that re- 
 echoed through the house, he slammed the 
 door, locked it, and flinging the key upon 
 a table, sank with a groan into a corner of 
 the sofa. 
 
 "You are a cross, rude boy," cried Theo, 
 through the key-hole. "That's the thanks I 
 get for dressing early, and coining to tell you 
 about the ball to-night. The rooms and hall 
 look lovely, and I wanted you and Hugh to 
 come and see them. But you are so disagree- 
 able and horrid ; but, there, I shan't talk to 
 you any more." And she ran lightly away to 
 the drawing-room. 
 
 With great patience Hugh worked on at the 
 cabinet, and, at last, succeeded in washing the 
 ink stains off nearly all the valuable articles 
 that it contained. But when he turned in
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 141 
 
 triumph to show his handiwork to Percy, he 
 would not deign to look at it, and did not 
 reward him with a word of thanks. 
 
 The evening passed over in silence, and at 
 last, feeling sad and dispirited, Hugh bade 
 good-night to his cousin and went up stairs to 
 his own room. 
 
 Percy did not seem to notice his departure, 
 and sat staring into the fire, the look of gloom 
 growing deeper and deeper as time went on. 
 
 Suddenly, the sound of a beautiful waltz 
 comes floating through the room, and Percy 
 listens eagerly, straining every nerve, so that 
 he may catch each note of the music. 
 
 Forgetting all his misery, in his delight in 
 the melodious sounds, he springs to his feet, 
 smoothes his hair, pulls straight the lace collar 
 at his neck, and seizing the keys that he had 
 thrown aside in anger, walks quickly down the 
 passage that leads to the large front hall. 
 
 The music has ceased ere he reaches the 
 door ; but he opens it a little, and peeps out 
 to see what is going on. 
 
 The hall is filled with gayly dressed people, 
 laughing and chatting as they walk up and 
 down. One couple, a bright-looking girl and 
 a tall, dark man, saunter up close to where
 
 142 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 Percy stands concealed, and, unconscious of 
 his presence, continue their conversation. 
 
 "What a pretty child Theo Randall is," 
 remarks the young lady. And from his hid- 
 ing place Percy sees his sister flitting about 
 amongst the company. 
 
 "Yes ; she is very pretty a charming little 
 girl," answers the gentleman, smiling. "But 
 has not Sir Henry Randall a son ? Why is he 
 not here to-night?" 
 
 "Yes; he has a son," and the girl lowers 
 her voice to a whisper. * ' But he is deformed 
 a regular hunchback I hear." Poor Percy 
 shudders ; the words cut him like a knife. 
 "Mrs. Torrens says he is a frightful creature 
 quite too hideous to be produced." 
 
 "That is not true, and Mrs. Torrens is most 
 unkind. Look at me and tell me that it is not 
 true," cries Percy, as, quivering with rage, he 
 flings open the door, and stands, with flashing 
 eyes before his astonished auditors. 
 > The gentleman starts round, eyes the boy 
 curiously, and murmuring, "Poor little fel- 
 low," turns away with a sigh. 
 
 The young girl draws back for an instant, 
 frightened at this sudden attack ; but one 
 glance at the white face, the golden hair, and
 
 A STOBY FOR BOYS. 143 
 
 beautiful eyes, tells her how wronged he has 
 been, how unhappy her foolish words have 
 made him ; and stepping forward she gently 
 kisses him on the forehead. 
 
 " It is, indeed, untrue, dear boy," she 
 whispers. "But forgive my unkind speech. 
 I did not know what I was talking about. 
 But why are you not at the ball? Why are 
 you hiding away by yourself down here ? " 
 
 " Because I am not wanted," said Percy, 
 bitterly. "Because because," then feeling 
 the tears coming into his eyes, he shook him- 
 self away from her, and rushed down the pas- 
 sage to his room. The kind-hearted girl would 
 have followed him, but the door was shut in 
 her face; so, feeling very sad, she took her 
 partner's arm, and returned with him to the 
 dancing room. 
 
 "Oh, how cruel Aunt Lydia is to say such 
 things of me," cried Percy, in a whirl of 
 passion, flinging his things here and there 
 about the place. " Could she not leave me 
 alone ? Why should she talk of me in such a 
 way to strangers ? Oh, if papa only knew, he 
 would be so angry he would. Why should 
 she make my deformity a subject of conver- 
 sation ? But I'll be revenged. I'll pay her off.
 
 144 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 She shall have no peace of her life till she 
 leaves this house ; and that will be very soon, 
 if I can manage it. I'll do something to get 
 rid of her. I'll frighten her out of her senses 
 this very night, too. I'll be revenged ; I 
 must I will." 
 
 The clock on the mantle-piece struck twelve, 
 then one ; and still Percy sat on, brooding over 
 his unhappy fate and cruel treatment. ' ' I'll 
 do it I'll do it," he cried, suddenly; and, 
 seizing a candle, lighted it, and crept stealthily 
 on to the back stairs, and passed silently up 
 through the house. 
 
 The ball is over, the dancing at an end, and 
 as the last carriage rolls away from the door, 
 Mrs. Torrens seeks her chamber for the night. 
 
 The entertainment has been a success ; and 
 many compliments have been paid to the 
 hostess by the departing guests. But even 
 this has failed to make her happy, and a heavy 
 cloud seems to hang over her, as she flings her- 
 self into an arm-chair by the fire. Her thin 
 lips are set in hard lines, her brow wrinkled 
 with some angry thought, and her voice sounds 
 harsh and grating, as she orders her maid to 
 leave her at once. 
 
 Very quickly Mary Ann removes the rich
 
 A STOBT FOR BOYS. 145 
 
 ball dress, and places a warm dressing-gown 
 round the lady's shoulders. Then taking the 
 flashing jewels from her neck and arms, she 
 packs them carefully away hi their cases, and 
 hurries from the room. 
 
 With a sigh of relief at finding herself alone 
 at last, Mrs. Torrens draws forth a letter, and 
 the look of anger deepens hi her eyes, as she 
 reads the short note over and over again. 
 
 But presently the letter drops from her 
 fingers, and she falls into a restless sleep. 
 
 Suddenly, she awakes with a start, and looks 
 nervously round the room. The fire has gone 
 out, the candles have burnt low, and she 
 shivers and draws her dressing-gown more 
 closely about her, as she nestles back amongst 
 the velvet cushions. 
 
 A rustling noise in a distant corner once 
 more disturbs her, and fills her with alarm ; 
 then, again, all is quiet, and she closes her eyes 
 with a sigh. 
 
 " How nervous I am," she murmurs. " It is 
 only the wind. I feel strangely frightened, 
 and yet, why should I? There is nothing to 
 fear." 
 
 But, even as she speaks, the door of the 
 large wardrobe opens slowly, and a tall, white
 
 146 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 figure glides across the floor to where she sits 
 pale and terrified. 
 
 She starts quickly to her feet, but the room 
 seems to whirl round, and the cold perspiration 
 stands in great drops upon her brow, as this 
 strange visitor comes silently towards her. 
 
 Raising her hand, Mrs. Torrens tries to 
 ward off the coming danger ; she strives to 
 speak, but her voice is thick and muffled, her 
 tongue dry and parched ; and still the awful 
 figure moves slowly, but surely, in her direc- 
 tion. 
 
 Making a frantic effort, the frightened woman 
 rushes towards the door ; but ere she can reach 
 it, the mysterious visitor glides before it, and 
 with one uplifted arm seems to forbid her ap- 
 proach. 
 
 Then the poor lady's strength and courage 
 fail her, and with a wild shriek she falls sense- 
 less to the ground. 
 
 " Oh, she is dead ! She is dead ! I did not 
 mean to kill her," cries the ghost ; and letting 
 the white sheet in which he had enveloped him- 
 self, drop from his face and head, Percy Ran- 
 dall runs screaming from the room.
 
 w 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 'HEX Hugh said good-night to Percy, he 
 went sadly up stairs to his own little 
 room. He felt very unhappy, and a great 
 longing came over him to run away from his 
 troublesome cousin, and return to his darling 
 mother. 
 
 He remembered with regret the peaceful, 
 pleasant days he had spent in their humble 
 lodging, and he felt inclined to go off, late 
 and all as it was, and throw himself into his 
 mother's loving arms. But then, he thought of 
 his uncle's kindness, of poor Percy's affection, 
 and his own great happiness before this cloud 
 had come down upon them ; and he resolved to 
 be brave, bear his trials as patiently as possible, 
 and do all he could to help his cousin to re- 
 cover his good spirits. 
 
 Then, kneeling by his bedside, he prayed 
 (1*0
 
 148 PERCY'S REVENGE : . 
 
 long and fervently. He implored God to make 
 him good and patient, and asked him to help 
 Percy to conquer his dreadful passion, which 
 was the cause of so much misery to them all. 
 
 After this he went to bed ; but, alas, not to 
 sleep. The whole house was filled with gay 
 music from the ball-room, and the poor boy lay 
 tossing about from side to side, wishing he 
 could shut out the happy sounds which were 
 so little in accordance with his own miserable 
 thoughts. 
 
 All things have an end, however, even balls ; 
 and, to Hugh's delight, the last waltz was 
 played, the last good-night was spoken ; and, 
 with a sigh of relief, he turned once more upon 
 his pillow, and fell asleep. 
 
 But his rest was light and broken. Strange 
 dreams haunted and troubled him, filling him 
 with terror, and causing him to start up and 
 gaze wildly into the dark corners of his room. 
 
 In all these dreams he found himself with 
 Percy, exposed to some terrible danger, from 
 which he struggled with all his strength to 
 rescue his cousin, who clung to him, implor- 
 ing him to help him to to save him. 
 
 "Yes, Percy, I will I will," he cried, start- 
 ing up and looking around him in alarm.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 149 
 
 "Help me, Hugh; pray help me and tell 
 me what I shall do," whispered a voice in his 
 ear, and there stood Percy, with a white, 
 scared look upon his face. 
 
 "Yes but why? What is the matter?" 
 asked Hugh, now thoroughly awake. "Why 
 do you look so strange and frightened, Percy ?" 
 
 "Oh, Hugh, I have killed her," said his 
 cousin, in a hoarse, choking voice. "She is 
 dead dropped in an instant at my feet. I 
 am a murderer I hated her and I wanted 
 to frighten her; but but I never meant to 
 kill her." 
 
 "Never meant to kill who, Percy? Are 
 you dreaming, dear, that you talk so wildly?" 
 cried Hugh, seizing his cousin's hands, which 
 were as cold as ice. 
 
 "I am not dreaming I am wide awake. 
 And, oh, Hugh, she is dead." 
 . "Who is dead? What am I to do ? Speak, 
 and tell me. Who is it that is dead?" 
 
 "Aunt Lydia Aunt Lydia," gasped Percy. 
 " Be quick, and go to her room, and see. I 
 wanted to make her nervous, and and I 
 dressed up as a ghost ; and then when she 
 saw me she fell dead and" 
 
 But Hugh was gone ; and soon Percy heard
 
 150 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 him calling and shouting to Mary Ann, to get 
 up and come to her mistress at once. 
 
 Doors opened and shut violently ; lights 
 appeared here and there through the house ; 
 voices were heard whispering at every corner, 
 as the terrified servants came hurrying from 
 their chambers. 
 
 Down on the floor in Hugh's room crouched 
 Percy, his thin hands clasped tightly together 
 in a perfect agony of despair. 
 
 But suddenly a sound fell upon his ear that 
 caused his heart to beat wildly, and drove *the 
 unhappy look from his face. A sound that had 
 once been the most hated he could hear, but 
 which seemed to him now as sweet music, for 
 it brought back hope to his mind, and drove 
 away the maddening horror that had taken 
 possession of his soul. 
 
 It was the sharp voice of his aunt that came 
 ringing across the corridor, and filled him with 
 joy, for it told him that she was alive, and that 
 he was no murderer. 
 
 "Poor Percy, poor Percy," said Hugh, steal- 
 ing back into his room, and putting his arm 
 around his unhappy cousin. "Mrs. Torrens 
 had only fainted, and she is quite well now ; 
 but how could you play such a cruel trick ? "
 
 A 8TOKY FOE BOYS. 151 
 
 "I know it was wrong and wicked," sobbed 
 Percy ; " but I wanted to be revenged, and" 
 
 "Hash, hush," cried Hugh; "you should 
 never try to be revenged on any one. We 
 must leave that to God, Percy, and bear our 
 troubles manfully ; but come down now, and 
 go to bed. You are trembling with cold, and 
 I am afraid you will be ill to-morrow. And 
 now you must really try and forgive Aunt 
 Lydia, more than ever after to-night. She is 
 very angry with you ; but you must try and 
 be patient, no matter what she says, for yon 
 have acted shamefully towards her. You ex- 
 pect God to love you, and forgive you your 
 sins, and yet you cannot forgive her, for say- 
 ing harsh things to you." 
 
 * And cruel things of me. Oh, if you had 
 heard what I did to-night, you would know 
 why I hate and detest her." And he told 
 Hugh the conversation he had overheard be- 
 tween the young lady and her partner. 
 
 " Well, it was very hard to bear, Percy, I 
 confess ; but remember, listeners never hear 
 good of themselves," said Hugh, "and now, 
 you have put yourself in the wrong, by be- 
 having so wickedly to Mrs. Torrens. If you 
 are not prepared to be quiet and gentle with
 
 152 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 her when you meet, I do not know what may 
 happen." 
 
 ' I know I have been wicked," said Percy, 
 tearfully, " and I will try to forgive her ; but, 
 oh, it is hard very hard." 
 
 The poor boy was completely worn out with 
 cold and excitement, so Hugh hurried him off 
 down stairs. He tucked him snugly up in bed, 
 bade him a kind good-night, and returned to 
 his own room, where, tired and exhausted, he 
 soon slept the deep, refreshing sleep of child- 
 hood. 
 
 Next morning both the boys looked pale and 
 weary, after the miserable experiences of the 
 night before. 
 
 Percy was sad and downcast, yet strangely 
 agitated and uneasy. Every time the door 
 opened, he trembled lest his aunt should appear 
 before him to upbraid him for his wicked con- 
 duct. He felt he had merited her wrath ; but 
 he dreaded the coming storm, and shuddered 
 as he thought of the bitter things she would 
 probably say to him. 
 
 Hugh noticed the anxious glances, the quick, 
 nervous manner, and guessing what was wrong, 
 resolved to save the poor boy for at least a few 
 hours longer.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 153 
 
 " I tell you what, Percy," he said, trying to 
 speak cheerfully, " it seems to me that we are 
 both very miserable ; so what do you say to 
 our taking the pony carriage and going off 
 somewhere ? Mr. Barker does not seem to be 
 coming to-day." 
 
 No ; I suppose he is too much offended to 
 come after last night," said Percy, dolefully. 
 
 " Well, then, let us take advantage of our 
 holiday and go somewhere." 
 
 " Yery well, if you care to ; but" 
 
 " Oh, never mind buts, old man," cried 
 Hugh, briskly. " See, there is a lovely frost. 
 The ponies were roughed yesterday I know, so 
 we'll go off somewhere for a drive. It will be 
 very jolly and pleasant. Cheer up, my boy, 
 and come along." 
 
 "Well, let us go to see Aunt Lucy and 
 Susie. I have not seen them for such a long 
 time ; it is a capital drive to Richmond." 
 
 " By all means, let us visit Mrs. Brown in 
 her new house," said Hugh, gayly. "I'm 
 rather anxious to see how the furnishing is 
 getting on." 
 
 " So am I," cried Percy, brightening. " I 
 will ring and order the carriage at once." 
 
 It was just eleven o'clock, as the two boys
 
 154 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 got into the pretty phaeton that Percy's kind 
 father had provided for his little son's special 
 use. Aunt Lydia had not yet appeared, and 
 they drove off, feeling thankful at having 
 escaped so well, and very joyful at leaving her 
 and her hard words behind, even though it 
 were only for a short time. 
 
 The day was cold and frosty, but the sun 
 shone out bravely for December, and, as they 
 were warmly rolled up in fur rugs, the sharp 
 air touching their pale cheeks only made them 
 glow and tingle, bringing brightness to their 
 eyes and smiles to their lips. 
 
 Hugh was soon in high spirits, and the 
 misery of the night faded quickly from his 
 memory. He chatted away so merrily that 
 even Percy grew more cheerful as he listened 
 to his stories. And, at last, the fresh air and 
 pleasant society did their work, and he became 
 as lively as his cousin, joining heartily in his 
 fun and laughter. 
 
 When the phaeton stopped at " Ivy Cot- 
 ,tage," Mrs. Brown was sitting at the dining- 
 room window sewing. She looked up at the 
 sound of wheels upon the gravel, and, uttering 
 a cry of joy, ran out to the door, and clasped 
 her son in her arms.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 155 
 
 " Here's an unexpected treat for you, 
 mother," cried Hugh. " Percy and I were 
 tired of town, so we thought we would just 
 pop down and see how you are getting on." 
 
 44 Yon are dear, good boys to think of me, 
 and I am very glad to see you both," said Mrs. 
 Brown, and she turned to kiss her little 
 nephew. "I hope you are well, Percy; but 
 why did Theo not come with you? " 
 
 " Oh, Theo was in bed when we came out, I 
 believe," said Hugh, laughing. " The young 
 lady was at a ball last night." 
 
 " A ball? " said his mother. << She is rather 
 young for balls, surely ! " 
 
 *' It was at home," said Percy, frowning. 
 Papa was away, and my aunt, Mrs. Ton-ens, 
 gave a ball." 
 
 Indeed, I was not aware that she was at 
 Holland Park still," said Mrs. Brown, gravely. 
 " But, Hugh, dear, Susie will be sorry not to 
 see you." 
 
 " Not see us, mother? Why shouldn't she, 
 the darling? Where is she?" 
 
 " She has gone into the park to see the skat- 
 ing. Some little friends, with their nurse, 
 called for her, and I don't expect her back for 
 a long time."
 
 156 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " But we are going to spend the whole day 
 with you, mother ; that is, if you don't mind. 
 We have a holiday, and thought we should like 
 to give you the pleasure of our company." 
 
 " My dear Hugh, I am delighted. I have 
 many little things to show you ; and then Susie 
 will see you, poor pet." 
 
 " All right, mother mine. We'll start off to 
 the park and bring her home. But first give 
 us some bread and cheese, for we are as hungry 
 as hawks. Eh, Percy?" 
 
 " More hungry than I could ever tell you," 
 answered Percy, laughing. " I think I could 
 eat paving stones." 
 
 " Oh, mother won't ask you to do that," said 
 Hugh, brightly, as the servant entered, bearing 
 the luncheon tray. "Why, I declare, things 
 go like clock-work in your little home," he 
 cried, laughing. " I suggest bread and cheese, 
 imd, presto, it is here." 
 
 " Well, you see, Mary was bringing it in for 
 me," replied his mother, with a smile, " and 
 seeing visitors, she added a few things." 
 
 " Mary is a wise girl," said Hugh. " Come, 
 Percy lad, come and. refresh yourself. Here is 
 some excellent bread, and some delicious milk, 
 just to keep you going till dinner-time."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 157 
 
 " What time would you like dinner, Hugh? " 
 asked his mother. 
 
 " About four, I think ; for we must get back 
 at a reasonable hour this evening." 
 
 " Very well, then. I must go and order a 
 few good things for you. I " 
 
 " Muver, muver, open de door. Quit 
 quit. Tommy White says Hoo's here. Let me 
 in quit, quit," cried a sweet, childish voice ; and 
 as the door was thrown open, little Susie came 
 bounding into the room. 
 
 Flinging her arms round her brother's neck, 
 she kissed and hugged him, till at length, 
 laughing and breathless, the boy cried for 
 mercy. Then she darted across to Percy, 
 whom she knew very little, but loved dearly, 
 because he was her darling Hugh's best 
 friend. 
 
 "Cousin Percy, I love you I love you," 
 she cried, her face radiant with smiles. " You 
 brought my own Hoo to see us, and, indeed, 
 indeed, you is a wegy dood boy. Muver says 
 we ought to love you, and I do indeed I do." 
 
 "You sweet little thing," exclaimed Percy, 
 taking her up on his knee, and covering her 
 with kisses. " What a lucky chap you are to 
 have such a dear, good-hearted sister."
 
 158 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Yes, indeed," said Hugh, laughing. 
 " She's not a bad mite, and she loves her 
 brother dearly. Eh, old lady? But some 
 folks would think Theo Randall more of a 
 sister to be proud of than poor wee Susie 
 Brown," and he tossed the small child high in 
 the air. 
 
 " Oh, Theo is well enough to look at," said 
 Percy. ' ' I believe most people think her very 
 pretty and all that kind of thing. But she 
 doesn't care for any one at least she doesn't 
 love me as " 
 
 " Now, Percy, that's not true," cried Hugh. 
 " Theo loves you dearly, you know right well ; 
 but you " 
 
 " Of course it's 
 me," cried Percy, witbBister by the hancl 
 you, Theo is cross aiL-Hine, his 
 get the way she spoke 
 she cares no more for me thmior for " 
 
 " Now, Percy, that is not true," said Hugh, 
 quickly. " You were very rude to her yester- 
 day evening, when she came in so kindly to 
 tell us about the ball. Theo is loving and 
 good, and I think you should really be 
 ashamed to speak in such a way about your 
 sister. I'm very glad my mother has left the
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 159 
 
 room. I should not like her to hear you say 
 such things." 
 
 " What a lot of rubbish you can talk, to be 
 sure. Perhaps if you knew Theo as well as I 
 do, you " 
 
 " And so I do. Just as well as you do, and 
 much better," cried Hugh, warmly. " She is 
 kind and loving, sweet-tempered and gentle. 
 You give way to your passionate fits, and then 
 you sulk over them till you think every one 
 as cross as you are yourself." 
 
 " Thank you," said Percy, bitterly. " You 
 are very kind. I am very fortunate " 
 
 " No, I am not kind at all. But I think you 
 ought to be just. You ought to remember " 
 
 "HeliacKall. I don't want to be preached 
 isvho are always so ge ' a list of Theo's virtues 
 either. 1 - no. I am ^gnt to come and torment 
 me last night, wneu I was in a rage, so you 
 need not preach." 
 
 " I'm not going to preach, Percy, but I must 
 say I " 
 
 " Hugh, Hugh, come and see the skating," 
 cried Susie, pulling him by the jacket. "It is 
 lovely out in the park. And I am sure you 
 and Percy would like it so much. Do come 
 like good boys."
 
 160 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "What do you say, Percy?" asked Hugh. 
 " Shall we go with the little one or not? It 
 would do you good to go on the ice and see 
 the fun. I brought a couple of pairs of skates, 
 and I could teach you." 
 
 "Thank you," answered Percy, coldly. "I 
 have no wish to learn. A fine sight it would 
 be for you and your friends to see the poor 
 hunchback " 
 
 "Percy, Percy, what do you mean?" cried 
 Hugh, in a tone of horror. " Don't talk like 
 that please don't." 
 
 " Can't you go out of that, Hugh, and leave 
 me alone," shouted Percy. "I'm tired and 
 cold, and you only worry and torment me." 
 And he turned his back on his couah. 
 
 Hugh took his little ^ster by the hand. 
 and went out into the sunshine, his face ^flushed 
 and burning, his heart very sad. He longed 
 to make Percy go with him into the park, but 
 he was afraid to say any more, lest he should 
 make matters worse between them. 
 
 Mrs. Brown had gone to the kitchen to give 
 orders about the dinner, and was in close con- 
 fabulation with the cook, when she heard the 
 hall-door shut with a bang. Taking it for 
 granted that the children had all gone oif
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 161 
 
 to see the skating, she went up to her own 
 room, where she found many things to occupy 
 her during their absence. 
 
 But as the dinner-hour drew near, she went 
 down to the dining-room to see to the arrange- 
 ment of her table. There, to her surprise, she 
 found Percy alone, sobbing and crying on the 
 sofa. 
 
 " Why, my dear Percy, what is the matter?" 
 she asked. "I thought you had gone out 
 hours ago to see the skating. It was very 
 wrong of Hugh to leave you. He " 
 
 "Do not blame Hugh, Aunt Lucy," said 
 Percy, in a sorrowful voice. " He wanted me 
 to go but I wouldn't, and " 
 
 " He had no right to leave you alone. You, 
 who are always so good so " 
 
 " Oh, no, I am not good at all," cried the 
 boy. "I made Hugh angry because be- 
 cause it was all my fault all my wicked 
 temper." 
 
 " But, my dear boy, why should you 
 make yourself so unhappy?" said his aunt, 
 sitting down on the couch, and drawing him 
 gently towards her. " You, who have every- 
 thing you could wish for. You, to whom 
 God has been so good so "
 
 162 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 "Why do you say that, Aunt Lucy? Why 
 do you say that?" cried Percy, springing to 
 his feet. "How can you look at me and tell 
 me that God has been good to me? How can 
 you think of my misery my longing for love, 
 that only my darling mother could give to me ? 
 For, oh, I am unhappy and miserable un- 
 happy and miserable ; " and flinging himself 
 once more upon the sofa, he sobbed aloud. 
 
 " Poor little Percy," said Mrs. Brown, softly, 
 and putting her arm around him she kissed him 
 lovingly. "It is indeed hard to have lost your 
 dear mother; and God has given you many 
 troubles to bear, I know, which would have 
 seemed as nothing had she been spared to 
 you. But just think for a moment of all the 
 blessings he has given } r ou. Think of your 
 good, kind father how he loves you how 
 he supplies your every wish. Think of your 
 loving, gentle sister your happy home 
 your" 
 
 "But it isn't happy," cried Percy, quickly. 
 "It is wretched and miserable and, oh, dear, 
 I wish I was dead I wish I was dead." 
 
 " Come, Percy, you must not say that, dear," 
 said his aunt, gently. "You must surely feel 
 that you are not fit to die just now. And only
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 163 
 
 think how terrible it would be, if God were to 
 take you at your word, and hurry you off in 
 your sins. "Would it not be dreadful to be cut 
 off separated from your dear mother forever? " 
 
 "Yes, yes; I know it would be terrible. 
 But you see I can't be good. I only grow 
 worse and worse every day. It is so wretched 
 at home so" 
 
 "Why, Hugh told me you were as happy 
 as possible together. He said you were all 
 so good and kind, and that everything was so 
 pleasant." 
 
 "Yes; so it was until Aunt Lydia came 
 and papa went away to the country. She has 
 made me cross and wicked, just when I was 
 getting good. Xow I have made Hugh angry, 
 and he will hate me too. I don't know what 
 I shall do. I can't grow good ; there's no use 
 trying any more so I just wish I was dead." 7 
 
 "Our lives are in God's hands, dear lad," 
 said his aunt, gravely. "And it is wrong to 
 wish for death unless in His good time. But 
 now try and cheer up, and do not brood so 
 much over your troubles. Hugh will not be 
 long angry with you, I am sure. My boy 
 would not hate any one for the whole world. 
 He is too anxious to please God to bear malice
 
 164 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 even to his enemy ; and he loves you dearly 
 I know. And as for Mrs. Torrens, I cannot 
 really see how she can make you so unhappy. 
 She is a great lady and fond of compan} r , I 
 hear. But" 
 
 "That is because you don't know her, Aunt 
 Lucy," answered Percy. "She torments me 
 more than any one I ever knew." And then 
 he told her all that happened within the last 
 few weeks. 
 
 The kind lady's heart was touched by his 
 story ; for, in spite of his many faults, that 
 were only too apparent, she saw much that 
 was good in her poor little nephew. And in 
 his rich home, surrounded by all that wealth 
 could give him, he was unhappy she saw, 
 simply because he would not bear patiently 
 the small trials sent to him by God. 
 
 Mrs. Brown was deeply grieved at this, and 
 prayed in her heart that Hugh might be able 
 to understand this strange boy, and help him 
 to conquer his violent temper. 
 
 "Well, my dear Percy," she said, after a 
 moment's reflection, "I see that God has sent 
 you many troubles. But what of that? If you 
 bear them patiently, think how great will be 
 your reward. The first thing you must do,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 165 
 
 then, is to pray fervently to God. You must 
 ask him to help you to be gentle and kind." 
 
 "But I did I did. And after Hugh came 
 I got on so well. Then when Aunt Lydia 
 appeared I grew worse and " 
 
 " And then you stopped praying and grew 
 cross and sulky, because something happened 
 to make your life a little less agreeable." 
 
 " But she made my life horrible, and I 
 couldn't pray any more. It seemed quite use- 
 less." 
 
 " My dear boy, that is not the right way to 
 talk of prayer," said his aunt. " The more you 
 are tempted and tried, the more you must 
 pray. And, now, I hope you will turn over a 
 new leaf, and do your best to be polite and 
 nice to your Aunt Lydia. As far as I can see, 
 from what you tell me, you have been very 
 rude to her. Then your conduct last night 
 was extremely wicked and cowardly. So now, 
 to show your sorrow for such behavior, you 
 must bear patiently whatever she may do or 
 say." 
 
 " I will try," sobbed Percy, " I will try." 
 " And then, consider, dear boy, that although 
 your troubles seem great to you, they are as 
 nothing compared with those suffered by Jesus
 
 166 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 Christ whilst he was on earth. Think of the 
 patience with which he carried his cross, and 
 yours will seem light indeed. He went all 
 along the road to Calvary, bearing a heavy 
 cross upon his shoulders, without a murmur or 
 complaint. Upon your shoulders he places 
 another cross, which he tells you to carry for 
 his sake. Will you refuse to do so, or carry 
 it, grumbling and complaining as }-ou go ? " 
 
 " Oh, I will try to carry it bravely ! I will, 
 indeed," said Percy. "But you can't think 
 how hard it is." 
 
 "Yes, yes; I know it is very hard, dear 
 child ; but, then, where would be the merit if 
 it were easy?" and Mrs. Brown laid her hand 
 gently on the golden head. "I know it is hard, 
 Percy, and I feel for you deeply ; but there is 
 one thing that will help you greatly, dear, 
 and that is cheerfulness. When you do wrong, 
 do not fret and chafe about it, or try to put 
 the blame on any one else. Turn to God, tell 
 him you are sorry, and then be as bright as 
 possible ; for in giving way to gloom and de- 
 spair, you may offend your heavenly Father 
 still more." 
 
 "But that is just what I can't do. I can't be 
 cheerful," cried Percy. " When I do wrong,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 167 
 
 I feel sorry at least, angry at myself for hav- 
 ing done it. Then I get sulky and ill-tem- 
 pered; so that I go on getting worse and 
 worse ; and then I'm wretched and miserable." 
 
 " Of course, you are, dear child ; but if 
 you will just bear each little trouble, as it 
 comes, for God, you will soon find how much 
 lighter it will grow. Try to be bright, good- 
 tempered, and patient, and all will be well. 
 Be respectful to your Aunt Lydia when you 
 see her, and I am sure she will be kind to you." 
 
 "I will do the best I can," said Percy, "and 
 I will try hard to pray. Will you let me come 
 to see you often, Aunt Lucy, and let me talk 
 to you about myself? " 
 
 " Certainly, dear. Come as often as you 
 can," said his aunt kindly. "You are my dar- 
 ling sister's child, and it will be a great happi- 
 ness for me if I can help you a little. But, 
 indeed, Percy dear, if you knew the troubles 
 some people have to bear, you would not think 
 much of your own." 
 
 " I wouldn't mind anything half so much, 
 aunt," said Percy, flushing painfully, "if if 
 my back was straight like other boys; but 
 people hate hunchbacks and and that will 
 always keep me unhappy."
 
 168 PEECY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "My dear, dear lad," cried Mrs. Brown, 
 greatly distressed at this speech, " that is a 
 cruel thought and a false one, I am sure. Why 
 should any one hate you because of that? You 
 are as God made you, and he has good reasons 
 for all he does. Whoever told you that was 
 cruelly wicked and wrong. Be good and gentle 
 and every one will love you, every one will 
 respect you, no matter how you are made." 
 
 " Ah, yes, if I were good," said Percy, 
 sadly; "but it seems to me, aunt, that ever 
 since my mother's death I have been under a 
 cloud, which year after year grows heavier 
 and heavier, making life harder to bear every 
 day that I live." 
 
 " That is, very likely, quite true, dear boy. 
 But I am afraid it is because you have not 
 taken the right way to free yourself from that 
 cloud. You have always wanted to have your 
 own way in everything, and have not tried to 
 bear your troubles with patience." 
 
 " I find it so hard to be patient," said Percy, 
 sighing. " But I will begin to try very hard 
 from to-day." 
 
 " That is right," she answered, with a kiss. 
 " Where there is a will there's a way. But 
 don't expect to grow patient all at once, dear
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 169 
 
 boy. That would be impossible. It takes 
 us many years to conquer one small fault, 
 thoroughly. But if we straggle hard, and 
 pray fervently, God will help us, and then all 
 will go right. But run upstairs and make 
 yourself fresh and tidy. Here comes Mary to 
 lay the cloth ; and, I declare, Hugh and Susie 
 are coming in at the gate." 
 
 As they all sat round the table at dinner, 
 little Susie was very lively, and chattered away 
 at a wonderful rate. 
 
 The ice had been so thick and strong ; the 
 ladies so bright and beautiful ; everything in 
 the Park enchanting. Then, Hugh whirled her 
 along so fast; they had seen so many "jolly 
 falls " ; and Susie's sweet laugh rang out mer- 
 rily through the room, as she told them of all 
 these delightful things. 
 
 She looked at Hugh, and he laughed gayly 
 at her stories. She looked at Percy and her 
 mother, but they seemed so serious that the 
 child wondered greatly. 
 
 " Oh, why," she thought, " are they so sad 
 when everything is so gay and pleasant?" 
 Then, remembering some funny incident that 
 had occurred upon the ice, Susie burst into a 
 fresh peal of laughter.
 
 170 PERCY'S EEVENGE : 
 
 Such childish gayety is very contagious, and, 
 at last, even Percy joined in the fun. Greatly 
 amused by one of the little girl's quaint 
 speeches, he smiled upon her, and began to 
 talk. And so, for the piesent, the clouds were 
 cleared away. 
 
 And when dinner was over, Percy slipped 
 his hand into Hugh's, and asked him to forgive 
 him for his cross, ill-natured words. 
 
 " Of course 1 do, old chap," was Hugh's 
 reply. " I am really sorry that I went to the 
 Park without you ; for it was jolly there." 
 
 ' ' I don't mind about that ; but I am going 
 to be so good, Hugh. And mind, you must 
 help me." 
 
 " To be sure I will. Come now and have a 
 game of blind-man's-buff with Susie." But as 
 the short winter's day drew to a close, and the 
 ponies were heard jingling their bells at the 
 gate, the romps were brought to a speedy con- 
 clusion, and the boys had to get ready for their 
 drive. 
 
 Poor Susie's face clouded, and her blue eyes 
 filled with tears, as she hung around Hugh, 
 begging him not to go away, but just to stay, 
 and live with them at the cottage. 
 
 " My darling wee sister," said Hugh, with a
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 171 
 
 loving kiss, " I couldn't do that. But we shall 
 come another day soon. Eh, Percy?" 
 
 " Yes, indeed, we will ; that is, if Aunt Lucy 
 will have us." 
 
 " My dear boy, you will always be most wel- 
 come," said Mrs. Brown, smiling. " Will you 
 come on Saturday and bring Theo with you?" 
 
 "That will be delightful," cried Percy. 
 " Thank you, so much, dear aunt." 
 
 " Well, good-by till then, mother," said 
 Hugh, with a hug. " Take care of yourself 
 and my darling Susie." 
 
 " I am quite sure to do that, dear child," 
 she said, pressing him to her heart. " Good- 
 by, and God bless you, my brave, true son." 
 
 Then the boys kissed tiny Susie over and 
 over again, and promised to bring all kinds 
 of good things with them on Saturday. This 
 comforted the little girl, and drying her tears 
 she smiled and kissed her hand gayly, as she 
 stood watching them get into the phaeton. 
 
 "Our Hoo's a dood, dood boy, muver," she 
 said, as her mother tucked her up in bed for 
 the night. 
 
 "A good lad, indeed, Susie," answered Mrs. 
 Brown, earnestly. "But we must ask God to 
 keep him good always, dear. He will have
 
 172 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 many trials and temptations, as he goes through 
 life." 
 
 "But, muver, dear, God is sure to take care 
 of him ; for every morning I say, ' God bless 
 Hoo, and make him a dood boy, and don't let 
 any harm come to him.' And you know God 
 is sure to do what we ask him." 
 
 And having uttered this act of faith in the 
 goodness of God, Susie kissed her mother, 
 and fell asleep.
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 BURGLARS IN THE HOUSE. 
 
 " TJUGH," said Percy, as 
 1J "I have been having 
 
 they drove along, 
 a talk with Aunt 
 Lucy, and she has given me some very good 
 advice." 
 
 "Dear old mother! Doesn't she talk beau- 
 tifully?" cried Hugh, his eyes shining with 
 love. 
 
 "Yes, indeed, she does. And I tell you 
 what, Hugh, I have been thinking over all 
 she said to me about being civil to Aunt Lydia. 
 So I am sure the best thing for me to do, is to 
 go straight up to her room and beg her pardon 
 for the way I frightened her last night." 
 
 " I think it would certainly be a good thing. 
 
 But do you feel as if you could do it properly T 
 
 asked Hugh, doubtfully ; for he could not im- 
 
 agine that the boy's passionate nature would 
 
 (173)
 
 174 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 allow him to beg his aunt's pardon in a suffi- 
 ciently humble manner. "You see she will 
 be very angry, old fellow, and" 
 
 "Yes, yes, I know. But I feel, some way, 
 as if it would be easier to be polite after I had 
 begged her pardon. She can't help forgiving 
 me when I tell her how sorry I am." 
 
 ."No; I think not; but why I declare, 
 there is the carriage at the door," cried Hugh, 
 as they turned into Holland Park. "You can 
 just speak to her in the hall for a minute. I 
 suppose she is off to a dinner party." 
 
 "So it would seem," said Percy, his heart 
 sinking within him, as he thought of the dis- 
 agreeable task he had to perform. " Keep as 
 close to me as possible, Hugh," he whispered, 
 as he jumped out of the phaeton. "I feel 
 horribly nervous, and would love to run away." 
 
 The groom drove off with the ponies, and the 
 two boys walked slowly into the hall. 
 
 The butler and footmen were all there, wait- 
 ing about till Mrs. Torrens should descend 
 from her room, and go forth in state, to keep 
 one of her many dinner engagements. 
 
 " Don't speak to her now, Percy. Wait 
 till to-morrow morning to beg her pardon,'' 
 whispered Hugh. "I don't like you to do it
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 175 
 
 before the servants. Wait till to-morrow and 
 you can do it quietly in the dining-room." 
 
 " But, my dear Hugh, I must. I feel as if 
 it must be done now, or never," he answered. 
 " The men won't mind ; they shan't hear what 
 I am saying, and, if they do, what matter?" 
 
 Just as he spoke the rustle of silken gar- 
 ments was heard, and Mrs. Torrens, in rich 
 evening dress, swept down the stairs into the 
 hall, Theo running gayly behind, carrying her 
 fan, lace handkerchief, and scent bottle. 
 
 As she turned to take these things from the 
 little girl, the lady's face looked kind and 
 pleasant ; but when her eyes fell upon Percy 
 and his cousin, an angry flush rose to her brow, 
 the smile faded from her lips, and with a 
 glance of hatred, she gathered up her trailing 
 skirts and walked quickly past them. 
 
 But Percy was so anxious to carry out his 
 good resolutions, so occupied with the thought 
 of begging her pardon, that he did not notice 
 her angry looks. So, instead of taking Hugh'* 
 advice and waiting till the next morning, he 
 dashed forward, and in the presence of the 
 servants, whispered that he was sorry, very 
 sorry, for his conduct of the night before. At 
 the sound of his voice, Mrs. Torrens turned.
 
 1 76 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 and without the slightest pity for the boy, 
 burst forth angrily : 
 
 "How dare you speak to me? How dare 
 you come near me? You cruel, bad boy. You 
 should be horse-whipped well for your conduct 
 last night." 
 
 " Indeed, Aunt Lydia " 
 
 " Do not call me Aunt Lydia, please. You 
 would kill me if you could, I am sure ; for, like 
 all other hunchbacks, you are bad-hearted and 
 cruel " 
 
 " No, indeed, I did not wish to kill you," 
 cried Percy, his eyes beginning to blaze. "I 
 only wanted to frighten you, and make you 
 think the house was haunted, and " 
 
 " And then you thought I would run away, 
 I suppose," she said, with a scornful laugh. 
 "But I will do no such thing; and if you 
 try it again I'll find some way to punish you. 
 But don't talk to me of forgiveness, you 
 wicked" 
 
 "Do not be so hard, Mrs. Torrens," cried 
 Hugh, coming forward and putting his arm 
 round Percy, as though to protect him from 
 her fury. 
 
 " Hard, indeed," she cried, glaring at him 
 fiercely. " Who are you, pray, that you
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 177 
 
 should dare to preach to me? The son of an 
 adventuress who has managed to pass herself 
 off on my brother as his wife's sister. A little 
 street boy brought in to teach these foolish 
 children all kinds of wicked tricks, and " 
 
 " Indeed, you wrong me, Mrs. Torrens," 
 cried Hugh ; I am Sir Henry's nephew, and 
 I never " 
 
 ** Do not interrupt me, sir. How dare you 
 deny it ? Right well I know it was you who 
 made this boy turn upon me as he did last 
 night. It was you put it into his head to 
 frighten me out of the house. It was yon who 
 carried him off to-day, that he might show the 
 disrespect he feels for me, that he might escape 
 the just punishment I had in store for him. 
 So now you may go, I have found you out. 
 My brother is absent, and I am mistress here. 
 Leave the house this instant. I will not allow 
 you two to pass another night together, to plot 
 and plan any further mischief. Sir Henry shall 
 hear of your conduct, and whether you are his 
 nephew or not he will surely approve of what I 
 have done. Away you go this minute ; I will 
 not stir from this till I see you out. I am in a 
 hurry, so I beg that you will not keep me
 
 178 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 waiting," and she tapped her foot impatiently 
 on the floor. 
 
 "He shall not go," cried Percy, starting 
 forward, his cheeks flaming, his whole body 
 quivering with passion. " You have no right 
 to send my cousin away. I am master in my 
 father's house, and he shall not go." 
 
 "But he shall and must," replied Mrs. 
 Torrens, pointing imperiously to the door. 
 "If he does not go at once, I will call a police- 
 man and hand him over to him, and then " 
 
 " Good-night, Percy dear, and don't fret 
 about me. It is best for me to go," whispered 
 Hugh. " When my uncle comes home you 
 can tell him all about it, and send for me to 
 come back," and, wringing his cousin's hand, 
 the boy took up his hat, rushed out of the 
 house, and away down the dark road that 
 led to Richmond. 
 
 "The carriage," called Mrs. Torrens, in an 
 awful voice, as Hugh disappeared. Then, 
 gathering her silken skirts once more around 
 her, she swept down the steps, without a 
 word of comfort to the unhappy Percy, who 
 stood pale and silent, gazing out into the 
 night, apparently unconscious of all that was 
 going on about him.
 
 A STOKY FOB BOYS. 179 
 
 "Percy dear, I am so sorry," whispered 
 Theo, as the door was closed, and the ser- 
 vants had withdrawn to the lower regions, to 
 talk and wonder over this strange aflair. 
 " Hugh will soon come back, never fear. 
 Papa won't believe that he's wicked, I know 
 quite well," and the girl's arms 'were thrown 
 lovingly round her brother's neck. 
 
 " Leave me alone," muttered Percy, shaking 
 her off roughly. * I want none of your pity. 
 How I hate you, Aunt Lydia oh, how I hate 
 you," he cried, grinding his teeth, and shaking 
 his fist at the spot where Mrs. Torrens had 
 stood last. ** I hate you, although you are my 
 fathers sister, for you make me feel so wicked 
 and horrible, just when " 
 
 Then, covering his face with his hands, he 
 rushed down the passage to his room, where he 
 flung himself on the floor in an agony of grief. 
 
 Theo's kind little heart was filled with com- 
 passion, and she would gladly have comforted 
 the unhappy boy if she could ; but when she 
 heard him lock his door, she knew he would 
 not speak to her again that night. She was 
 frightened at his words of passion and hatred, 
 and wept bitterly as she sat alone on the 
 stairs.
 
 180 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 At last a bright idea seemed to strike her ; 
 for, drying her eyes, she went quickly upstairs 
 to the school-room. Taking out her little 
 desk, she sat down by the fire and wrote a 
 few lines to her father, imploring him to come 
 home, as they were all very miserable without 
 him. 
 
 When this was done, Theo felt somewhat 
 happier, and went off to bed, fondly hoping 
 that everything would come right next morn- 
 ing. 
 
 At half-past eleven, the carriage came driv- 
 ing up to the door, bearing Mrs. Torrens 
 home from her dinner-party. Just as the foot- 
 man announced the lady's arrival by a violent 
 peal at the bell, a gentleman jumped out of 
 a "hansom," and Sir Henry Randall came 
 forward to greet his sister. 
 
 " Dear, dear, how you startled me," she 
 exclaimed. " I thought you were miles away. 
 What on earth brought you home in such a 
 hurry?" 
 
 "A longing to see the bairns," he said, 
 laughingly, as he helped her to alight. " I 
 felt a great desire to see their bonnie faces 
 once more. I came up by the mail ; but, as it 
 was late, I dined at the club. The chicks will
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 181 
 
 get a joyful surprise when I walk in to break- 
 fast in the morning. I hope they are all quite 
 well?" 
 
 " Yes, they are well," she answered grimly. 
 " But you can judge for yourself when you see 
 them. It is too late for any further conver- 
 sation. I am tired, so I will say good- 
 night." 
 
 And she went away to her room, leaving Sir 
 Henry standing alone in the hall. 
 
 " It is strange how little she cares for those 
 poor children," he murmured, as he looked 
 after her with a sad expression on his kindly 
 face. " And yet how happy she might make 
 them if but why should I think of such a 
 thing when they never could agree. Poor 
 Percy poor lad how your mother loved 
 and cherished you. How different your life 
 was while she was near you. I wonder what 
 they have all been about during my absence. 
 I wish I had come a little sooner and seen them 
 before they went to bed, for I feel as if some- 
 thing must be wrong Lydia looked so stern 
 and angry. But I must wait till the morning 
 for news. It is very late, so they are sure to 
 be all asleep. Turn out the gas, Grey, and 
 bolt the door," he said to the butler, who stood
 
 182 PERCY'S UEVENOE : 
 
 waiting for orders. "I want nothing more 
 to-night." 
 
 And then Sir Henry passed up the stairs, 
 walking very softly, lest he should wake the 
 sleeping children. 
 
 The great clock in the hall stuck one ; the 
 whole house was dark and silent, and yet Sir 
 Henry could not settle to rest. A vague feel- 
 ing of alarm was upon him ; and in spite of 
 the fatigue he felt, after his long journey from 
 Scotland, he could not bring himself to go to 
 bed, but paced his room from end to end, try- 
 ing in vain to shake off the anxious thoughts 
 that kept crowding in upon him. 
 
 At last he determined that, late as it was, he 
 would see Percy, and make sure that all was 
 well with him. So, taking up a candle, he 
 opened his door and passed out on to the 
 landing. 
 
 But as he went he thought how foolish he 
 was ; how unkind it would be to wake the 
 child for nothing, and he was about to return 
 to his room when an agonizing cry sounded 
 through the house. 
 
 "What is that? What is that? What can 
 have happened ? " cried Sir Henry. 
 
 But as he spoke Percy came running along
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 183 
 
 the hall below. A cloak was thrown over 
 his night-shirt, his hair was wild and tumbled, 
 and he had neither shoes nor stockings on his feet. 
 
 " Robbers ! burglars ! thieves ! " he screamed 
 with all his strength. "Help help. Oh, 
 come and help me come and help me ! " 
 
 At this sudden realization of his worst fears, 
 Sir Henry dropped his candle, and springing 
 down the dark staircase, caught the boy in his 
 arms. 
 
 Believing his father to be far away in Scot- 
 land, and not recognizing him in the obscure 
 light, Percy uttered a wild prayer for mercy, 
 and would have fallen fainting to the ground, 
 had it not been for the strong arm that was 
 round him. 
 
 Sir Henry raised the unconscious boy, and 
 bore him swiftly up the stairs to his own room. 
 Laying him gently on the bed he called for 
 Bridget, the children's old nurse, to come and 
 attend him as fast as she could. Then, with- 
 out waiting for his son to recover his senses, 
 he hurried away to see what had caused him 
 such serious alarm. 
 
 "What is the matter, Henry? What can 
 be the matter?" screamed Mrs. Torrens, in a 
 terrified voice, as he passed her door.
 
 184 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " Nothing that need alarm you, Lydia. Go 
 back to your bed. There is no fear of the 
 burglars coming up here now," he answered ; 
 then ran on quickly to the hall. 
 
 " Nothing to alarm me, indeed," she cried, 
 indignantly, "and you going shrieking and 
 shouting about the house in the middle of the 
 night. But, if there are burglars down there, 
 I shall take pretty good care they don't come 
 near me." And she withdrew to her chamber, 
 locking and bolting the door behind her. 
 
 Meanwhile, Sir Henry, Grey, and the two 
 footmen entered Percy's room cautiously and 
 silently. They peered about into every corner ; 
 shook every curtain, and opened every door. 
 But not a creature could be found ; and they 
 at last concluded that the robbers had escaped 
 when Percy had given the alarm to the house- 
 hold. 
 
 But everything within the room was in a 
 state of wild confusion. Silver forks and 
 spoons lay in heaps upon the table and floor ; 
 the precious treasures from the much-loved 
 cabinet were thrown here and there about the 
 place, and just outside the open window lay 
 a beautiful silver tea-pot, w T hich they had
 
 A STORY FOE BOYS. 185 
 
 probably tried to carry off, but had dropped 
 accidentally in their flight. 
 
 And when Sir Henry approached the little 
 alcove in which his son slept, he started back 
 with an exclamation of horror. 
 
 Sticking up out of the mattress was a huge 
 carving-knife, which must have been aimed at 
 the boy in hopes of killing him as he slept. 
 
 " Those rascals must be found," he cried. 
 " Call hi the watchman, that I may give him 
 the particulars of this murderous attack on my 
 son's life. It will, indeed, be a terrible thing 
 if we cannot trace these wicked wretches." 
 
 The policeman came and listened gravely to 
 the story. He advised them to search the 
 lower part of the premises, and if no one was 
 seen, to fasten up the doors and windows and 
 go to bed. 
 
 They did as he desired, but no further traces 
 of the burglars could be found. So the man 
 bade Sir Henry a respectful good-night, and 
 took his departure, promising to keep a sharp 
 look-out upon the house for the remainder of 
 the night. 
 
 The servants then set to work to put their 
 young master's room in order again. 
 
 They carried the spoons and forks back to
 
 186 PERCY'S IIEVENGE : 
 
 the safe in the library, and were much surprised 
 to find that this had not been broken open, as 
 they had supposed, but had been unlocked with 
 the key in the proper manner. 
 
 " Grey," said the master, in a stern voice, 
 "this key was in your charge during my 
 absence. How does it come that you left it 
 about for burglars to make use of?" 
 
 "I beg your pardon, Sir Henry, but I did 
 not leave it about," said Grey, respectfully. 
 " I locked up the silver, and placed the key in 
 the drawer in your bedroom, as I always do, at 
 half past nine this evening." 
 
 " Then I cannot understand how the thieves 
 can have found it. That drawer is hard to 
 open unless one knows the secret. But we 
 shall know more to-morrow. Go up, Thomas, 
 and see how Master Percy is. I think I will 
 not go near him again, lest I should startle 
 him. I will stay in his room for to-night. 
 
 The man went away, and returned in a few 
 minutes, saying that Percy was restless, and 
 called continually for his cousin. 
 
 " Poor lad, poor lad," said his father, " this 
 has been a great shock for him. Ask Master 
 Hugh to go to him. I wonder he has not been 
 down all this time, But boys do sleep so
 
 A STOliY FOIi BOYS. 187 
 
 soundly. I dare say he has not heard the 
 slightest noise. You might knock at his door, 
 Thomas, and tell him that Master Percy is not 
 well. He will go to him immediately, I am 
 sure." 
 
 "But if you please, Sir 'Enery," began 
 Thomas. 
 
 " "Well, what is the matter? Are you afraid 
 to go up stairs again alone?" 
 
 "No, Sir 'Enery; but Master 'TTgh, Sir 
 'Euery" 
 
 " "Well, what about Master Hugh? You are 
 not afraid to wake him, I suppose. It is a 
 pity, poor boy, but it can't be helped." 
 
 " I don't mind wakin' 'im, Sir 'Enery. But 
 please 'es gone. 'Es not in 'is room." 
 
 "Hugh not in his room? Hugh gone!" 
 cried his master in astonishment. " Where 
 has he gone? When did he go?" 
 
 "If you please, Sir Henry," said Grey, 
 bowing respectfully, "Master Hugh Brown 
 left the house this evening at a quarter to 
 eight, by orders of your sister, Mrs. Torrens."
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A STRANGE CONFESSION. 
 
 THE next morning Percy looked pale and 
 weary. He did not go downstairs to 
 breakfast, but took it alone in the old nursery, 
 which had long since become the special sanc- 
 tum of Nurse Bridget. This good woman 
 loved the boy dearly, and was sorely vexed 
 to see him- so ill. But she put it down to the 
 fright he had received the night before, and 
 talked to him about all manner of pleasant 
 things, hoping to cheer him up, and make him 
 forget the terrible midnight visitors. 
 
 But no matter what she did or said, Percy 
 remained sad and preoccupied ; and at last 
 Bridget turned away with a sigh, and taking 
 her knitting, sat down in silence by the fire. 
 
 "Nurse," said Percy, a few moments later, 
 "I want to ask you something." 
 (188)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 189 
 
 "Ask away, my son, I'll gladly tell you all 
 I know," she answered, smiling. 
 
 "Why wfiy did that robber put me into 
 papa's bed?" 
 
 "That robber that Dear, bless my 
 soul, Master Percy, I don't believe the rob- 
 bers came up the stairs at all. Leastways 
 they were very quiet if they did. But it seems 
 more likely to me that Mr. Grey left the key 
 of the safe ready waitin' in the lock. But, of 
 course, it's not for me to say. But, dear heart 
 alive, it was your own dear father caught you 
 in his arms as you were just goin' to fall sense- 
 less on" 
 
 "Was it really my father really?" 
 
 "Yes ; really and truly your own dear father 
 that carried you up and laid you on his own 
 bed." 
 
 "But I thought papa was in Scotland I 
 thought oh, dear, how shall I tell him? 
 How shall I ever look him in the face ? If 
 I had only known he was at home," and, to 
 Bridget's surprise, Percy began to cry. 
 
 "Poor lad, poor lad," she said kindly, and, 
 putting her arm around him, she led him to 
 the sofa and tried to make him lie down and 
 rest.
 
 190 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 But Percy started away from her, and fling- 
 ing himself on a chair declared that he should 
 never be able to speak to his father again ; that 
 he would run away ; that he would die ; and 
 made so many wild statements of this kind 
 that poor old nurse thought he must be going 
 quite mad. 
 
 "Dear, dear, I must go for Sir Henry I 
 must, indeed," she cried, going to the door. 
 
 "Nurse, nurse," called Percy, and she was 
 beside him in an instant. 
 
 "Tell me truly. Was it really my father 
 who caught me in his arms last night ? " 
 
 "Yes, it was indeed. But, if you do not 
 believe me, go down and ask Sir Henry. He 
 will tell you all about it." 
 
 "No, no; I can't do that," cried Percy, and 
 he covered his face with his hands. 
 
 As he now seemed to have grown somewhat 
 calmer, Bridget took up her knitting and sat 
 down, hoping every moment that he would 
 think better of what he had said and go down 
 stairs to his father. 
 
 But Percy remained where he was with a 
 weary look about him as though too tired to 
 speak or move. The least sound in the pas- 
 sage or on the stairs made him flush violently,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 191 
 
 and he trembled visibly when a door opened 
 or shut. 
 
 But, at last, a servant came with a message 
 from Sir Henry, saying that he would be glad 
 to see his son in the library as soon as possible. 
 
 "Tell him I can't go. Tell him I at 
 least no I will go directly," Percy said 
 nervously; then sank back upon his chair, 
 looking white and frightened. 
 
 ** Oh, I suppose I must go ; I suppose I 
 must; I am longing to see him and yet I 
 dread to meet him. Xever hi my life did I feel 
 so ashamed to ; but I must I must ; " and, 
 springing suddenly to his feet, he dashed out 
 of the room and down the stairs. 
 
 Terrified by this unexpected display of 
 strength, Bridget ran after him along the pas- 
 sage ; she was afraid he might fall fainting 
 once more, if there was no one near to help 
 him on his way. 
 
 But Percy was not so weak as he appeared, 
 and very soon vanished from her sight. Then, 
 presently she heard the library door open and 
 shut ; and, with a sigh of relief, she returned 
 to her own quarters. 
 
 When Percy entered the room Sir Henry 
 was standing by the fire, talking to Theo,
 
 192 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 whose face was radiant with joy at feeling her 
 dear father's arm around her once more. 
 
 " You must not go away without me again, 
 dear papa," she safd, rubbing her cheek against 
 his hand. " I have been so miserable whilst 
 you were away, and I was terrified when I 
 heard about the robbers last night. Why, if 
 you had not come home in time, they might 
 have killed us all ; and, as for poor Percy he 
 But here he comes to speak for himself at last," 
 and she sprang forward to kiss her brother. 
 
 " Percy ! Percy ! here is papa," she cried. 
 " Is it not glorious to have him home again? 
 Didn't those burglars give you a fright, poor 
 boy ; and isn't it lucky they didn't kill you 
 with that big knife ? " 
 
 " My dear Theo, what a stream of questions. 
 How can you expect any one to answer you, if 
 you ask so many things at once?" said Sir 
 Henry, laughing. " But why are you so pale, 
 Percy, dear lad?" and, taking his little son in 
 his arms, he kissed him tenderly. 
 
 " I don't feel very well, papa," replied Percy, 
 flushing. 
 
 " You are nervous, dear, after the shock you 
 received last night, and no wonder. But, cheer 
 up, my boy ; we shall soon discover those ras-
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 193 
 
 cals of robbers, and I shall make an example 
 of them, I promise you. And now, I want you 
 to tell me all you can what you saw ; what 
 the men were like ; and so on." 
 
 " No, no ; please no, papa ; don't ask me ; 
 I would rather not ; I there was nothing 
 taken and" 
 
 Xothing taken? How can you be sure of 
 that yet ? All the forks and spoons that were 
 over your room show very clearly that the fel- 
 lows knew what they were about. I am pretty 
 certain they took a great many things away with 
 them. Why, we even found a tear-pot on the 
 garden-wall. Whoever took that, took more, 
 you may be quite sure. I will ask Grey if he 
 has gone over the silver. We shall then have 
 an idea of how much has been stolen." 
 
 The bell was rung, and the butler appeared ; 
 but he declared that, having counted the silver, 
 as Sir Henry had desired, he found that there 
 was not so much as a teaspoon missing. 
 
 " Xow, father, aren't you quite satisfied," 
 cried Percy, eagerly. Let the men alone, 
 you" 
 
 " Indeed, I am not at all satisfied, Percy," 
 replied his father, hotly. "There must be 
 some way of tracing those ruffians who have
 
 194 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 entered my house and attempted my son's life ; 
 for, had you not escaped as you told Bridget 
 last night, by slipping down between the bed 
 and the wall you would surely have been 
 killed by that knife, which I found sticking in 
 your mattress ! " 
 
 " Yes, I know ; but how are you to trace 
 these robbers, papa?" said Percy, nervously. 
 " The light was so dim, that I should never 
 know the men again ; and then and then 
 you might blame some innocent person." 
 
 " There is no fear of that," cried a voice that 
 made Percy start and flush ; " I can give you 
 something to help you to find the thieves ; I 
 can give you a clue put you on the right 
 track," and, and with a look of triumph, Mrs. 
 Torrens flung two empty jewel cases upon the 
 table. "What do you say to that, Henry? 
 My diamond star and bracelet were stolen from 
 these last night; and I believe, and solemnly 
 declare, that Hugh Brown headed the band of 
 robbers that entered the house, and showed 
 them " 
 
 " That is a lie, and you know it is," cried 
 Percy, passionately. 
 
 " For shame, Percy," cried his father. 
 
 "You hear him, brother. I am very glad,"
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 195 
 
 said Mrs. Torrens. " Now, perhaps, you will 
 understand the contemptuous manner in which 
 your son always treats me. But we shall say 
 no more upon the subject for the present. I 
 must now set to work to find my jewels, and I 
 shall feel much obliged if you will kindly as-i.-t 
 me as far as you can. It will be a difficult 
 task, no doubt, but if you will help me, I shall 
 soon get them back, I am sure." 
 
 " Of course I will do all I possibly can to 
 assist you, Lydia," Sir Henry replied ; " but I 
 am deeply pained that you should bring such 
 an accusation against Hugh. It was cruel of 
 you to do so, and I sincerely hope that you 
 will recall your words when you have tune for 
 reflection." 
 
 " I am quite sure I shall do no such thing," 
 she answered, haughtily. " I have good reason 
 to think that I am right, and am certain to hear 
 nothing to induce me to change." 
 
 " But, my dear Lydia, the idea is most pre- 
 posterous. Hugh is my nephew, and a better 
 or more honest lad I never knew in my life." 
 
 " Yes ; and you know him for such a long 
 time. My dear Henry, even supposing the 
 boy were really your nephew, which I don't 
 believe, what do you know about him ?
 
 196 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 Brought up, as he has been, in the backwoods 
 of Australia, and then in a wretched lodging 
 in London, is it likely that he is the paragon 
 you wish to make him out? I, for one, never 
 had any faith in the youngster, and am not at 
 all astonished at what has happened. Some 
 one in the house helped those men last night." 
 
 "But Hugh was not in the house, aunt," 
 cried Theo ; "you sent him away." 
 
 " Of course, I know that, Miss Pert," replied 
 Mrs. Torrens ; " but what I mean is, that some 
 one who knew the house and its ways helped 
 the burglars ; some one who knew where my 
 room was, and where my jewels were kept; 
 some one who knew where the key of the 
 plate-chest was to be found ; and that some one 
 was no other than Hugh Brown, in spite of his 
 meek looks and quiet ways. I saw mischief in 
 his face as he left the hall yesterday evening. 
 He hated me, and, when I turned him out last 
 night, I felt sure that he would be revenged 
 upon me as soon as he could." 
 
 ' And why you treated the boy so shame- 
 fully I cannot understand," said Sir Henry. 
 "Had I been at home I would not have allowed 
 you to do so." 
 
 i< Had you heard my reason for turning him
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 197 
 
 out, perhaps you would not defend him so 
 warmly," she cried. 
 
 " I have heard the reason, and I cannot see 
 any justice in it," answered her brother, 
 warmly. " Percy played a wicked trick upon 
 you, and you wreak your anger on Hugh, who 
 had no more to do with it than he has had to 
 do with the stealing of your diamonds last 
 night." 
 
 " Indeed, so you think ! " she said, scorn- 
 fully. 
 
 " So I believe confidently," he replied. "I 
 am certain that Hugh had as little to do with it 
 as Percy or I." 
 
 " Far less, far less," cried Percy, twisting 
 his fingers nervously together; "far less, for 
 he was away in Richmond." 
 
 " Yes, I am sure he went home to his 
 mother," said Sir Henry. "I will go there 
 after lunch, Lydia, and question him closely. 
 It will not be difficult to learn the truth from 
 his frank, open countenance." 
 
 "Question him, indeed," cried Mrs. Torrens, 
 fiercely. "I shall send a policeman to arrest 
 him, and then we shall hear him questioned be- 
 fore a magistrate," and gathering up her jewel 
 cases she turned to leave the room.
 
 198 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 But Percy darted forward, and clutching 
 convulsively at her dress, implored her to 
 stay where she was for a few moments longer. 
 
 "I have something to tell you about last 
 night, Aunt Lydia," he said, in a hoarse whis- 
 per. " Pray listen to what I have to tell you." 
 
 "Bah, what can you have to tell me?" she 
 replied, angrily, and trying to shake him off. 
 "I know all you have to tell me. I have 
 heard your story over and over again from 
 Mary Ann. How you saw three great black- 
 looking men poking about your room ; how 
 one came and glared at you in your bed, and 
 how you saved yourself by slipping under- 
 neath. Oh, I know it all; but what do I 
 care ? I want my diamonds my " 
 
 " Yes, yes, I know," cried Percy, with quiv- 
 ering lip. "But I want to tell you to swear 
 to you that Hugh was not here last night." 
 
 "Nonsense, boy! Let me go. Why on 
 earth should you make such a fuss, because 
 I have proof that that wretched little adven- 
 turer is a thief. It is only w r hat you might 
 all have expected." 
 
 "But listen pray listen," insisted Percy. 
 "Father, do make her stay. She must not 
 arrest Hugh. She must not accuse him
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 199 
 
 falsely, my dear, good cousin. Speak to her, 
 father; beg her not to be so hard not to 
 go till she hears what I have to tell till " 
 
 ** She shall not, my dear boy," cried Sir 
 Henry, stroking the golden hair. " Lydia, I 
 must ask you to sit down for a few minutes, 
 as a personal favor. That is right. Now, 
 Percy, do not keep your aunt too long. Calm 
 yourself, and tell us quietly what you want 
 to say." 
 
 As Mrs. Torrens could not well refuse her 
 brother's request, she flung herself down upon 
 the sofa with an angry glare at Percy. 
 
 "Be quick with your story, please. My 
 tune is precious," she said, ungraciously; 
 "and I do not care to waste it listening to 
 your nonsense." 
 
 " What I have to say must be said before 
 the servants, papa," said Percy, growing white 
 to the lips. " TVill you ring, and ask them all 
 to come up?" 
 
 " Mighty theatrical, upon my word," sneered 
 Mrs. Torrens. 
 
 "My dear child," cried his father, in sur- 
 prise, " what can the servants have to do with 
 it? You are too much agitated; you are ill. 
 Come and lie down. You can tell us this
 
 200 PERCY'S KEVENGE : 
 
 secret later on. Your aunt will listen to you 
 this evening, I am sure." 
 
 " For Hugh's sake it must be done at once," 
 answered Percy, with a gasp. "Don't touch 
 me, father ; don't look at me kindly till you 
 have heard my story and and forgiven me. 
 But please do as I ask you. Ring the bell and 
 ask the servants to come up." 
 
 Seeing that the boy was really in earnest, Sir 
 Henry rang the bell and requested the butler to 
 collect the servants and bring them to speak to 
 him in the library. 
 
 Greatly alarmed at such an unexpected sum- 
 mons the numerous domestics came hurrying 
 in, and ranged themselves in silence along the 
 furthest end of the room. 
 
 "Now, Percy, my lad, let us hear this 
 wonderful tale of yours," cried Sir Henry, as 
 cheerfully as possible ; for he wished to help 
 the child, whose extreme agitation gave him 
 great anxiety. 
 
 Percy stood "by the table, pule as death ; and 
 as his father spoke he grasped the back of a 
 chair, as though to steady himself, ere he be- 
 gan. He trembled so much that little Theo 
 thought he must surely fall, and she whispered 
 to him to sit down and rest for a moment.
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 201 
 
 But Percy did not hear her, and casting his 
 ej es upon the ground, he said, faintly : 
 
 " Father, there were no robbers in the house 
 last night." 
 
 ' ' Xo robbers ? My dear boy, you are you 
 must be dreaming." 
 
 " Xo, father, I am not dreaming," said 
 Percy, his voice growing stronger as he spoke. 
 " What I say is true. There were no burglars 
 in the house nor in my room. I threw open 
 the window ; I threw the silver about the floor 
 and then ran out shouting for help as I " 
 
 " Percy, why did you do such a monstrous 
 thing?" cried Sir Henry. " What could have 
 possessed you to act such a lie ? I really cannot 
 believe it possible." 
 
 " But you must believe me, father. I did it 
 because I wanted to be revenged because I 
 wanted to frighten Aunt Lydia, and make her 
 leave the house. I " 
 
 " A very creditable confession, upon my 
 word," exclaimed Mrs. Torrens, indignantly ; 
 " and now, perhaps you will tell me where my 
 jewels are ; and how you managed to enter my 
 room unseen last night after I was in bed. I 
 wore the star and bracelet at the dinner party,
 
 202 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "About your jewels I know nothing," an- 
 swered Percy, quickly. " I did not touch a 
 single thing except the silver, and I never went 
 near your room. I did not go up stairs till I 
 ran up shouting for help. Then my father 
 caught me in his arms and carried me to his 
 bedroom. I was terrified when I saw him, for 
 I did not recognize him, and thought some 
 burglars had really got in that he was one 
 and would kill me and " 
 
 "You tell a story well, my charming 
 nephew," said Mrs. Torrens, with a scornful 
 laugh. " But I tell you plainly that I do not 
 believe one word of it. The whole thing is a 
 make-up a wicked lie, told to screen that 
 young adventurer whom you call your cousin, 
 Hugh Brown." 
 
 "Indeed indeed, it is every word true. 
 Hugh was not here Hugh " 
 
 " I would not believe a word you say, Percy 
 Randall," she answered, contemptuously, " not 
 if you were to swear it." 
 
 " But I tell you it is true, and you 
 must believe me," cried Percy, passionately. 
 " Father, tell her it is true. Ask her to 
 believe me and spare Hugh," and he turned
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 203 
 
 imploringly to Sir Henry who stood stern and 
 silent by the fire. 
 
 " I cannot believe you, either, Percy." he 
 replied, in a tone of deep pain. " A boy who 
 could act as you have done, would be so mean, 
 so wretched, that I could not bear to think of 
 him as my son. You have told a story that is to 
 me perfectly incredible. If you have played 
 this trick, you have acted a series of lies, of 
 which I could never believe you capable. And 
 if you have told this tale hoping to screen 
 Hugh, say so ; and although I shall feel grieved 
 beyond measure to think that you could tell 
 such a lie, still, as it has been told in a good 
 cause, with a kind intention, I may forgive you 
 in time. But if this account of last night's 
 work be true if you have acted the coward's 
 part that you describe " 
 
 ' ' Father father I did I did ; but for- 
 give me forgive me," cried Percy, wildly; 
 and he flung himself at Sir Henry's feet. 
 
 " I cannot forgive you," said his father, 
 sternly, and he turned away from the kneeling 
 boy. " You have acted as only a wicked, 
 revengeful creature could do. I am ashamed 
 of you, and cannot bear to think that my son 
 ceuld be guilty of such conduct. Go retire
 
 204 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 to your room, and, think over your wickedness 
 in silence and alone. I will not hear another 
 word from you at present. Go." 
 
 Never before had Percy heard his father's 
 voice so hard and stern ; never before had he 
 spoken to him in such a determined manner. 
 
 So, without daring to utter another prayer 
 for pardon, without a murmur at his harshness, 
 he rose to his feet and crept out of the library. 
 
 Almost blind with terror, he groped his way 
 along the passage to his room, there to weep 
 bitter tears of mingled grief and rage over his 
 miserable conduct and cruel treatment. 

 
 CHAPTER XIH. 
 
 PEBCY GIVES WAT TO DESPAIR. 
 
 THE time dragged wearily on, and Percy 
 remained alone in his room, miserable and 
 unhappy. 
 
 The house was strangely silent all through 
 the day, and as evening closed in, the boy 
 began to long for the sight of a friendly face. 
 
 His door had been locked since morning, and 
 no one had sought leave to enter except the 
 servant, whom his father had sent with his 
 luncheon. But Percy was too wretched to 
 think of eating, and took no notice of the 
 man's knock for admission. 
 
 " Poor little genelman, Vll come out maybe, 
 and take it in if I just leave it 'ere," said 
 Thomas to himself, and depositing the tray on 
 a table near the door, he went away. 
 
 And as time passed over and no one came to 
 (205)
 
 206 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 comfort him, Percy became more and more 
 unhappy. 
 
 He had wept so long and bitterly that his 
 eyes were swelled and burning, his lips hot, 
 his throat dry and parched. 
 
 "Oh, father, father, if you could only forgive 
 me," he cried, raising his aching head for a 
 moment, then letting it fall again upon his out- 
 stretched arms. "Forgive me, father forgive 
 your poor little son." 
 
 But his father could not hear his prayer, and 
 did not understand the depth of the boy's 
 misery. He had not shown much sorrow 
 when telling his story in the library, and was 
 boldly defiant in his manner, so Sir Henry 
 thought it best to leave him alone, hoping that 
 a few hours' solitude would bring him to a 
 proper state of good feeling and subjection. 
 
 And thus it was that the poor boy was 
 deserted at a time when a loving word might 
 have touched and softened his heart. 
 
 Had his mother been alive she would have 
 understood this well, and would have saved 
 her child from the sad consequences of this day 
 of loneliness and neglect. 
 
 But, alas, she was not near, and Percy was 
 left alone, with no companions but his own
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 207 
 
 proud, angry thoughts, which he had never 
 been taught to curb or subdue. 
 
 Over and over again he went through the 
 scene in the library, and each time it seemed 
 more and more impossible that he should ever 
 obtain his father's forgiveness. 
 
 " And yet I felt sure he would forgive me at 
 once when he saw how much it pained me to 
 tell it to them all," he said, bitterly. "But, 
 oh, how cruel he was. How hard and stern. 
 And only for Hugh for the love I have for 
 him I would never have told. I never meant 
 to tell ; and if papa had just remained a little 
 longer in Scotland, it would all have gone off 
 quietly enough. Aunt Lydia would have been 
 frightened, no robbers would have been found, 
 and that would have been the end of it. But 
 then when he came home, and the diamonds 
 were lost and Hugh accused, I had to tell. Oh, 
 dear, oh, dear, what an unfortunate boy I am. 
 How delighted Aunt Lydia was to see me 
 scorned before the servants; how happy it 
 made her to see me sent away in disgrace." 
 
 And at this thought Percy writhed with pain. 
 He stamped his feet and gnashed his teeth as 
 he remembered his aunf s delight at his cruel 
 humiliation.
 
 208 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " I can't bear to think of it," he cried, 
 fiercely. " I have been shamefully treated by 
 every one, and it is too bad. Papa should not 
 have said such things before Aunt Lydia ; if 
 he had told me quietly that it was wicked I 
 shouldn't have minded but to be scorned 
 and . But I can't stand it, and I won't. 
 Perhaps he may want me to beg her pardon, 
 and before the servants too. But I won't so 
 there. Aunt Lucy is good and kind Aunt 
 Lucy will not treat me as papa has treated me, 
 so I shall go to her and tell her all about it. 
 If my father wants me back again he can come 
 for me." 
 
 This seemed a delightful way of escaping 
 from further humiliation for the present at 
 least, and Percy grasped at it at once. So, 
 starting to his feet, he seized his hat and coat, 
 and began to put them on with great alacrity. 
 
 " But supposing my father should never for- 
 give me? Supposing he should never let me 
 come home again ? Supposing he were to send 
 me away to a horrid school to to punish 
 me? What should I do? How could I live 
 away from my home away from" and he 
 glanced round the room, gazing at all his treas- 
 ures with looks of loving regret.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 209 
 
 " But no, that is impossible. My father 
 loves me too well for that ; he will soon send 
 for me. He will be frightened when he finds 
 me gone. Then he will come to look for me ; 
 will see how cruel he has been ; and will forgive 
 me at once. Aunt Lydia will go away, I will 
 come back, and we shall be happy again to- 
 gether. But I could not bear to see my father 
 to-night, or even to-morrow I could not bear 
 to hear him speak to me in that stern voice 
 again. He does not love me at least not to- 
 day so I'll just go off to Aunt Lucy and 
 Hugh. They will never turn against me." 
 
 So, allowing himself to be blinded by pride, 
 Percy misjudged his loving father, and revolted 
 against his well-deserved punishment. 
 
 And yet, here, had he but thought of it, was 
 an excellent opportunity of putting in practice 
 the good resolutions he had made, and profiting 
 by the advice he had received from Mrs. Brown 
 only the day before. 
 
 But, alas ! all that was now forgotten ; he 
 thought no more of being patient and virtuous ; 
 he neglected to pray to his Heavenly Father 
 for help in this hour of temptation ; and in 
 trying to escape from suffering and humiliation, 
 he fell into a more terrible danger.
 
 210 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 Without giving himself time for further re- 
 flection, the foolish boy resolved to leave the 
 house and set out for Richmond at once. So, 
 snatching up a warm muffler, he tied it tightly 
 round his throat, pulled his hat over his brows, 
 and passed quickly down the long passage into 
 the hall. 
 
 Here he paused for an instant and listened 
 cautiously, lest any of the household should be 
 about and see him go out. 
 
 But no one was near, and he sped silently 
 past the library door, up the wide hall, and 
 out into the street. 
 
 It was now quite dark ; and as the keen 
 evening air chilled him to the heart, he began 
 to realize what a foolish thing he was doing ; 
 and, gulping down a big sob that rose in his 
 throat, he turned as though to enter the house 
 again. 
 
 But the door had closed behind him, and in 
 order to regain his room it would be necessary 
 to ring the bell and summon the servants ; then 
 his folly would be made known in an instant, 
 and lead to further trouble. 
 
 " It must be done now," he murmured sadly. 
 "I dare not return, so I must hurry on to 
 Richmond. Even if the cold were to kill me,
 
 A STOEY FOR BOYS. 211 
 
 I would not let Thomas see me, or guess what 
 I had wanted to do and couldn't." 
 
 So, buttoning his coat up tightly round his 
 throat, he dashed quickly along, intending to 
 take a cab whenever he found himself at some 
 distance from Holland Park. 
 
 Percy's ideas of money and its value were 
 rather vague, and he imagined that a few 
 pounds would be sufficient to keep him from 
 want for a very long time. 
 
 But, although he had not considered the 
 question of ways and means very deeply, still 
 he did know that in order to take a cab it was 
 necessary to have ready money with which to 
 pay his fare when he reached his destination. 
 So all at once he began to wonder how much 
 he really had in his possession. 
 
 His father had always kept him well supplied 
 with pocket-money, and his purse was gener- 
 ally pretty full. He remembered that only a 
 few days before, he had given him a five-pound 
 note, with which to buy a mechanical engine 
 that he had seen and admired. 
 
 " I shall not want that engine now," he said 
 with a groan, " for I know I feel that I shall 
 never care for anything again. A cab from 
 here to Richmond will cost a good deal ; silver
 
 212 PEECY'S REVENGE : 
 
 is what I want. I hope oh, dear, where is 
 my purse? I have dropped it it is not in my 
 pocket," and Percy stood transfixed with hor- 
 ror, as the full sense of his misfortune came 
 upon him. 
 
 "What shall I do? What shall I do ? Aunt 
 Lucy would pay the cabman, I am sure ; but I 
 could not I would not ask her. Oh, what a 
 fool I have been to leave home at such an 
 hour on such a night. I dare not go back 
 I dare not go back." 
 
 To return home would have been the most 
 natural and the shortest way out of his diffi- 
 culty ; but his foolish pride rose up stronger 
 than ever, and prevented him once more from 
 doing what was right. 
 
 So, heedless of the cutting wind he struggled 
 on, afraid to retrace his footsteps, and unable 
 to make up his mind to take a cab, since he 
 must ask Mrs. Brown to pay the fare. This 
 seemed an ignominious manner in which to 
 arrive at the cottage, and so Percy could not 
 prevail upon himself to do it. 
 
 It was now about seven o'clock, and the 
 evening was so cold, that in spite of his warm 
 coat and muffler, the boy shivered as he went 
 along through the badly-lighted streets.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 213 
 
 The day before, when he and Hugh had 
 driven to Richmond, the roads were hard and 
 clean ; but the morning had brought a thaw, 
 and, to add to the misery of this most wretched 
 night, the pavements were thick with mud. 
 
 And so Percy wandered sadly on, his feet 
 wet and cold, his head giddy from weakness 
 and want of food. 
 
 "I must take a cab and get Aunt Lucy to 
 pay the man for me," he cried, at last. " I do 
 not like to do it but I must. I can walk no 
 farther, and I dare not go home. Yes ; the 
 best thing to do is to take a hansom." 
 
 But now that he was willing to sacrifice him- 
 self and bear this degradation, there were no 
 cabs to be seen. A feeling of despair came 
 over him, and he grew so faint and weary that 
 he longed to lie down there and then to rest. 
 
 "Oh, my God!" he cried, and tears of 
 bitter sorrow rolled slowly down his cheeks, 
 " do not leave me here to die in the cold. 
 Send some one to help me. I am sorry now, 
 oh, so sorry for my wicked conduct. Give 
 me strength to return to my home, and I 
 will bear patiently any punishment or humilia- 
 tion that my father may think right to inflict 
 upon me. I cannot walk to Richmond : there
 
 214 PERCY'S KEVENGE : 
 
 are no cabs to be had ; and I now see what 
 a wicked boy I have been. Oh, why did I 
 leave my home ? Why did I leave my home ? " 
 
 Then, utterly humbled and subdued, the boy 
 turned and walked wearily back towards Hol- 
 land Park, hoping and praying that he might 
 have strength to reach his father's house ; for 
 every step seemed as though it must be his 
 last, and he trembled lest he should fall to the 
 ground and die on the roadside. He had eaten 
 nothing all day, and as he tottered along he 
 grew so giddy that he had to lean for sup- 
 port against a lamp-post. 
 
 " Is there no one to help me no one to 
 pity me," he moaned, gazing about him in 
 terror. " Am I to die here of cold and 
 hunger? My God, help me! help me!" 
 
 But there seemed little hope of his prayer 
 being heard. He was standing at a lonely 
 part of the road, and, although there were 
 houses on every side, yet not a creature passed 
 him by, and he had neither strength nor cour- 
 age to ring at one of the doors and ask for 
 assistance. 
 
 It had grown colder and colder, as the even- 
 ing advanced, and at last the snow came down 
 in thick, white flakes.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 215 
 
 Poor Percy became numb and frozen ; his 
 weak limbs refused to bear him any longer, 
 and, scarcely knowing what he did, he reeled 
 suddenly forward and fell to the ground. 
 
 But, just at this moment, a rumbling noise 
 was heard in the distance, and a covered cart 
 came down the road towards him. The driver, 
 a hale old fellow of about sixty, was carefully 
 wrapped up in a piece of sacking, in hopes of 
 keeping the snow from penetrating his clothes ; 
 for it beat fiercely in upon him as he sat up in 
 the front seat of his cart. 
 
 The horse seemed tired, and jogged slowly 
 along, although his master did all he could to 
 coax him into a fast trot. 
 
 As Percy heard the rattling of the wheels, 
 his heart gave a bound, and raising his head 
 with much difficulty, he called out in a weak 
 voice: 
 
 "Help! help! Do not oh, do not leave 
 me to die here in the cold ! " 
 
 At the sound of this piteous prayer, the 
 driver stopped his horse, and, springing from 
 his seat, caught the fainting boy in his arms. 
 
 Lifting him into the cart, he laid him ten- 
 derly on a bundle of straw, and gazed sadly at 
 the pale, pinched face, and draggled golden hair.
 
 216 PERCY'S KEVENGE : 
 
 Percy was now quite unconscious, and lay as 
 white and still as though he were dead. 
 
 " A poor little hunchback, and a gentleman's 
 son," remarked the old man, with a sigh. 
 ' But how comes he to be in such a plight ? 
 God grant that he may not be dead ; but he 
 looks very like it. Dear, dear, but it's a hard 
 night for a delicate lad like this to be out. 
 Truly we live in strange times ; " and, taking 
 his reins, he whipped up his horse to his fastest 
 possible speed. 
 
 In a short time the old man arew up at the 
 door of a wayside inn, and jumping down from 
 his seat lifted the still unconscious boy in his 
 arms ; and leaving the horse and cart to take 
 care of themselves, hurried into the house and 
 laid the frozen child in front of a blazing fire. 
 
 The landlady, a thin, sharp-nosed woman, 
 with a shrill voice, looked up in astonishment 
 and disgust, as the snow-covered man appeared 
 bearing his strange burden, which he deposited 
 without leave or license upon her clean, bright 
 carpet. 
 
 "What is that, Joe Bradley?" she ques- 
 tioned angrily. 
 
 " A little boy, ma'am, that I found nearly 
 dead upon the roadside."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 217 
 
 " Some miserable beggar, I suppose, who 
 was too proud to go to the House, or too lazy 
 to work!" 
 
 " No, ma'am, you are quite wrong," said Joe, 
 rubbing the boy's hands within his own. " He 
 is a gentleman's son, or I'm much mistaken." 
 
 " Well, gentleman or beggar, Joe Bradley, I 
 wish you had taken him to the kitchen," she 
 answered, sharply. "He's sopping with wet 
 and covered with snow and mud. But, of 
 course, you think it doesn't matter at all about 
 spoiling my new carpet." 
 
 " Get me some brandy, ma'am, quick, ma'am/' 
 cried the old driver, pulling off the boy's 
 muffler and coat as fast as his numb fingers 
 would allow him. "He may die if we don't 
 do something for him at once ; he's just alive, 
 poor chap, and no more. He's that cold and 
 stiff, that only his heart's beatin' the least bit in 
 the world, I'd say he was dead this minute." 
 
 "Xot he. He's only in a faint and will come 
 round fast enough. Lef s hope he'll pay for the 
 carpet he has spoiled," she cried, angrily ; and 
 she bounded out of the room. 
 " If I had not been so frightened," muttered 
 the old man, as he drew off Percy's wet boots 
 and stockings, " I'd have gone on with him to
 
 218 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 Richmond, where a true, kind-hearted woman 
 would have welcomed the poor lad and done 
 her best to bring him round. It's little this one 
 cares for but her carpets and her but, mercy 
 me, her bark's worse nor her bite, I see, 
 for here she comes with the brandy and a 
 nice warm blanket to wrap the poor fellow up 
 in." 
 
 The old driver knelt beside the unconscious 
 boy, and taking the brandy from the woman's 
 hand poured a few drops down his throat ; then 
 very gently rubbed his hands and bathed his 
 face and head. 
 
 And, at last, to his great joy, the white lips 
 quivered slightly, and, with a sigh, Percy 
 opened his eyes and looked about him in sur- 
 prise. But it was only for an instant ; the 
 brandy had done its work ; the weary eyelids 
 drooped and closed, and he fell fast asleep. 
 
 " Now he'll do ; and thank God for it," cried 
 honest Joe. " It would have broken my heart 
 if the poor child had died ; "and, in his delight, 
 he shook the landlady by the hand, thanking 
 her vehemently for having helped him to save 
 the little wanderer's life. 
 
 "You're a good man, Joe Bradley," she said, 
 softened in spite of herself by his kindly man-
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 219 
 
 ner ; and if you had not spoilt rny new car- 
 pet" 
 
 " Now, don't you fret about your carpet, 
 ma'am, for it isn't one bit the worse," cried 
 Joe, "and, dear bless you, you and I mustn't 
 quarrel over a carpet after so many long years 
 of friendship ; but where can I put the lad, so 
 that he may sleep in peace and quiet for the 
 rest of the night ? " 
 
 ' ' Roll him up in the blanket and put him on 
 the sofa, and I'll get a bed ready for him as 
 soon as I can," she said, more kindly. " I'll 
 make him comfortable for the sake of our old 
 friendship. You are a good Christian, and 
 you've taught me a lesson to-night." 
 
 The good-hearted old man was delighted to 
 hear her words, and thanked her warmly for 
 her kind assistance. 
 
 " You'll never have cause to regret this 
 night, ma'am," he said solemnly. " The Lord 
 will surely bless you, for taking in this poor 
 lad and saving his life." 
 
 " It's not much saving I'd have done, only 
 for you, Joe, I'm afraid. But now I must 
 go and look after his bed ; " and she hurried 
 away. 
 
 "Her bark is truly worse nor her bite,"
 
 220 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 thought Joe, with a smile. "An' thank God 
 that it is so ; but, indeed, there are many that 
 way but it's well to know it's well to 
 know." 
 
 Then rolling the warm blanket round the 
 sleeping boy, this good Samaritan laid him 
 gently on the sofa, lowered the gas, and went 
 out to the yard to look after his horse and make 
 him comfortable for the night.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 IX THE PARLOR OF THE RED LION INN. 
 
 PERCY slumbered peacefully on the sofa, 
 and when Joe came back from the stables 
 he felt sorry to disturb him. 
 
 '* The lad seems very comfortable," he said ; 
 " but still I would like to get him tucked up 
 in a bed for the night." 
 
 " Well, the bed won't be ready for awhile, 
 Joe," replied the landlady. * ; I told the girl 
 to air the sheets well and make everything 
 snug. But come along now and have a bit of 
 supper. You must be real hungry after your 
 long drive. The boy won't wake up for many 
 hours, so you need not be uneasy about him." 
 
 " I am very hungry, ma'am, and what is 
 more, I'm uncommon dry," replied Joe, with a 
 smile ; " an' if you think there'll be no one 
 comin' in to disturb the lad, I'll go with you 
 right willin'." 
 
 (221)
 
 222 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 ' ' Disturb him ? Law bless you ! there'll be 
 no one comin' in such a night as this. Folks 
 is only too glad to stop at home when the snow 
 comes down. But if a stray traveller did come 
 in he wouldn't eat the boy ; an' he's too sound 
 asleep to wake up easily. So come along and 
 take a pick." 
 
 " Very well, ma'am, since you are so good as 
 to ask me, I'll go with you if you'll just lead 
 the way," said Joe ; and, with a kindly glance 
 at the sleeping boy, he followed the landlady 
 out of the room. 
 
 Now the mistress of the Red Lion could be 
 very pleasant when she chose, and, what was 
 more to the purpose, her larder was always 
 well filled ; so honest Joe rarely fared so well 
 as when invited to join Mrs. Nipper at her cosy 
 table. 
 
 The hot stew, for which the Red Lion was 
 famous, tasted delicious after his cold drive 
 from town ; the beer was good and strong, the 
 room warm and snug ; and so, ere long the old 
 man grew drowsy, and, forgetting his little 
 charge upon the sofa, fell fast asleep in Mrs. 
 Nipper's comfortable arm-chair. 
 
 " Poor old fellow, he's fairly done out," said 
 the landlady, with a smile. " That's the best-
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 223 
 
 hearted man I know anywhere, so I'll just 
 leave him to enjoy his nap in peace," and away 
 she bustled to get the rooms ready for the 
 night. 
 
 Joe's sleep was long and undisturbed, Mrs. 
 Nipper's occupation of an interesting and 
 somewhat lengthy description ; so Percy was 
 left for many hours in peaceful possession of 
 the parlor. 
 
 But suddenly, as the clock struck eleven, 
 the lad was rudely wakened by loud shouting 
 outside, and a moment later three men pushed 
 their way into the room, shaking the snow 
 from their coats, and calling to the servant for 
 brandy. 
 
 . The girl implored them to go away to another 
 room, as this was the landlady's best parlor, 
 and that she would be angry at having her 
 carpet spoiled by their muddy boots. 
 
 But the men laughed at the idea, and told 
 her to be off and bring the brandy at once. 
 
 Too much frightened to urge them any more, 
 Peggy ran away, and soon returned with a 
 large bottle and some glasses ; these she placed 
 on the table, and fled off again, as fast as she 
 could. 
 
 Drawing their chairs to the fire, the men
 
 224 PERCY'S HEVENGE : 
 
 stuck their dirty boots against the shining 
 bars, and, laughing wildly, declared they would 
 soon make the old lady's grate nice and clean. 
 
 They were rough, uncouth-looking creatures, 
 and Percy trembled with fear as the door 
 closed upon Peggy, and he found himself alone 
 with them. 
 
 But they did not see him ; they sat with 
 their backs well turned to the sofa, and so 
 long as he kept quiet they were not likely to 
 find out that he was there. 
 
 As the brandy went round, they grew talka- 
 tive ; and Percy soon discovered, from the 
 stories they told, that they were men who 
 went about from place to place, stealing and 
 thieving whenever they could get the chance. 
 
 "It strikes me, Jimmy," said one of the 
 ruffians, "that you're ' looking a bit down in 
 the mouth. I w r as told yer were doin' a fine 
 business, but yer don't look like it." 
 
 " No more I do," said Jimmy, sadly, " for 
 I'm in a bad way. Times is very bad for men 
 of our perfession. Vot with all the new in- 
 ventions of locks and chains, an' the close 
 watching of them perlicemen, there's no gettin' 
 into a genelman's 'ouse where there's lots iv 
 silver an' jewillery."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 225 
 
 " Right yer are, Jimmy," answered one of 
 his friends, a big burly fellow, with flashing 
 black eyes and hooked nose. " But I had a 
 rare" piece of good luck this mornin' without 
 puttin' myself 'bout or givin' myself hany 
 trouble at all." 
 
 " Now, then, none o' yer long yarns, Moses, 
 but tell us right off wot yer got," cried the 
 others, impatiently. 
 
 ** Well, then, yer must know that I've found 
 a young 'oman wot's uncommon fond o' me," 
 he answered, stroking his chin complacently. 
 
 "An' who cares whether yer 'ave or not?" 
 cried Jimmy. " Leave the young 'oman alone 
 an' tell us wot yer got an' where you got it 
 from." 
 
 "Not so fast, my friend not so fast," 
 replied Moses, sipping his brandy. " If yer 
 won't let me tell my story my own way I 
 won't tell it at all, so " 
 
 "Well, go on then. But don't sit jawrin' 
 there all night," cried the others, for they were 
 all very curious to hear his tale. 
 
 "Well, then, as I said afore I've a young 
 'oman," continued Moses, "an' she's a rare 
 nice gal is my Mary Hann, an' wot's more she 
 lives with a rich lady wot's got lots o' diamonds
 
 226 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 and jewels an' my Mary Hann is from the 
 country, an' she's nice an' soft like an " 
 
 " Yer a lucky dawg, Moses," cried his friends ; 
 " for if she's nice an' soft she'll give yer a 
 helpin' an' then an' where there's diamonds 
 and" 
 
 " Don't hinterrupt me, genelmen, or I won't 
 tell you no more," answered Moses, " and I've 
 a rare good story to tell yer, if yer'll only 
 listen." 
 
 "Why, man, we're all hears so be quick 
 with yer story ; for that old warmint, Mrs. 
 Nipper, will be turnin' us hout in a few minutes, 
 I'll swaar." 
 
 " Eight yer are, Jimmy, so I'll come to the 
 pint in the twinklin' of a heye." And taking 
 another glass of brandy he smacked his lips, 
 and went on with his story. 
 
 " Well, yer must know that my Mary Hann 
 'as been stayin' with her missis for sometime 
 back, at Olland Park, and it's there I come to 
 know my pritty dear. Well, in that 'ouse lives 
 Sir Enery Eandall, a rich an' great genelman, 
 wot made 'eaps an' 'eaps of money in trade." 
 
 On hearing his father's name, Percy started 
 up, and straining every nerve, tried to catch 
 the man's words ; but this was not at all easy,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 227 
 
 as he dropped his voice from time to time 
 almost to a whisper. 
 
 " Xow 'is son," continued Moses, " a queer 
 'unchback of a chap, 'ates my Mary Hann's 
 lady, an' wants to frighten her hout of the 
 'oose, so wot do you think 'e does? Yerll 
 never guess. Why pretends that some genel- 
 men of our perfession got in by the winder, 'an 
 throws the siller about, an' " 
 
 **Oh, golly, wot a pity we 'adn't been 
 there ! " cried Jimmy and his comrade, in a 
 breath. 
 
 " Thaf s just wot I said to my Mary Hann ; 
 but listen. The young chap runs out screeehin' 
 through the 'ouse callin' murder an' thieves, 
 an' down comes 'is par an' the butler, with guns 
 an' pistols ; so we'd 'ave got it 'ot I'm thinkin' ! " 
 
 " Unless we'd got hout by the winder," sug- 
 gested Jimmy. 
 
 " Oh, yes, but yer might 'ave been nabbed," 
 said Moses. "But I've got far better nor 
 siller, without runnin' no risk or danger ; for in 
 the confusion an' hurry, my Mary Hann remem- 
 bered Moses, and when my lady ran hout of 
 her chamber to see wot was hup, she slipped in 
 by a little side-door, an' picked this little trifle 
 off her missis's dressing table," and far above
 
 228 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 his head he held a beautiful diamond star that 
 flashed and glittered as the light fell upon it. 
 
 With great difficulty the boy on the sofa 
 suppressed a scream, for there in the ruffian's 
 hand was the missing star, the loss of which, 
 together with her bracelet, had so enraged his 
 aunt, and caused her to accuse poor Hugh of 
 heading the band of robbers supposed to have 
 entered his father's house the night before. 
 
 "Oh," thought Percy to himself, "how 
 wicked ! how very wicked I have been ! For 
 had it not been for my wish to revenge myself 
 on Aunt Lydia, Mary Ann would never, never 
 have thought of stealing those diamonds." 
 
 The men by the fire were loud in their praise 
 of the brilliants, and gazed at them with 
 covetous eyes. Each one longed to have them 
 for his own, and would gladly have wrested 
 them from his comrade's hand had he dared to 
 do so. But Moses was a strong fellow, and 
 was pretty certain to have a knife or pistol 
 somewhere about him. So they were obliged 
 to content themselves with looking at the 
 precious stones from a distance, whilst the 
 lucky possessor went on with his tale. 
 
 "I'm glad to see yer can look at a thing 'o 
 that kind an' not go a cove tin' of it, my
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 229 
 
 friends," he remarked, with a chuckle; "an' 
 yer'll be glad to 'ear that no one in the 'ouse 
 hever thinks of suspectin' my Mary Hann, an 
 that the perlice is hafter quite a different party 
 altogether a young chap, called Hugh Brown, 
 a newly discovered poor relation of Sir 
 Enery's, wat he took in to be a companion to 
 his son. I'm goin' to pop this star straight into 
 pawn to-morrow mornin' and Mary Hann's to 
 slip the ticket in among the youngster's clothes 
 in 'is drawers, the minute 'e comes back to 
 'Olland Park ; then all the danger'll be over for 
 us, an' 'e'll be nabbed an' locked up straight 
 away." 
 
 " Yer a darned lucky chap," cried his 
 friends. "But don't forget yer pals when 
 yer get that 'ere money." 
 
 " No fear 'o that, my lads, an' if yer'll come 
 along to my diggin's to-morrow night, I'll give 
 yer as good a supper as ever yer 'card tell on." 
 
 " We'll be with yer sharp an' sure. But 
 will yer kindly let us know where ye're livin' 
 now?" said Jimmy, laughing. "Old Biddy 
 Carew told me she wouldn't let yer into 'er 
 'ouse no more." 
 
 " So she did, the old warmint ; cause I didn't 
 pay for one week. But she'll be right down
 
 230 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 sorry when she 'ears I'm growin' rich. But not 
 a penny she'll ever get for turnin' me hout." 
 
 "Ha, ha, ha," laughed the men. "That's 
 the way to treat them ; but tell us where's 
 your crib now ? " 
 
 "Well, for the present, I'm in a nice little 
 oest at 22 Great Egerton Street, an' if yer'll 
 come there to-morrow night, we'll 'ave some 
 sport. But let's be off on our tramp. I 'ear 
 voices comin' along the passage a man's 
 voice, too. Maybe the old lady's got in the 
 perlice," and, dashing off the remains of his 
 brandy, Moses rushed out of the room, and 
 was quickly followed by his two companions. 
 
 As the door closed behind them, Percy 
 jumped up, and began to button his jacket, 
 and look about for his boots. 
 
 All his pride and anger, his bitter thoughts 
 and wicked longings for revenge, were gone 
 now, and his one idea was to save Hugh from 
 the humiliation of an arrest. 
 
 But he was so weak and faint, that he was 
 obliged to lie down helplessly on the sofa ; 
 this pained him deeply, just when he wanted 
 to be up and away on his errand of mercy. 
 
 The tears rolled down his pale cheeks, as he 
 thought of the misery he was bringing upon
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 231 
 
 his dear cousin, and in an agony of grief he 
 prayed aloud, calling on God to help him, to 
 show him some way out of this strange place, 
 so that he might get to Richmond in time 
 to save Hugh. 
 
 As the three men went out of the inn, they 
 shut the front door with such a bang that Mrs. 
 Nipper came running down to see what was the 
 matter ; and Joe jumped out of his chair with 
 a bound, thinking the world must be coming to 
 an end. 
 
 " Has that young prodigal of yours been 
 running off with himself?" inquired the land- 
 lady, as she ran against the old man in the hall. 
 
 "Not he, indeed," cried Joe. "Why, he 
 hadn't the strength to crawl over the floor 
 let alone run off in the snow, poor lad." 
 
 " Well, there hasn't been a creature in this 
 house to-night, an' the door banged like 
 thunder. I mistrusted that boy from the first, 
 an' it's my belief he's after no good. Mr. 
 Jack, the policeman, was just tellin' Peggy at 
 the back door there, that there's some very bad 
 characters goin' about. There was a set of 
 burglars, he says, a friend told him about this 
 mornin', that got into a grand house in Hol- 
 land Park last night, and stole things right and
 
 232 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 left, frightened the life out of the gentleman's 
 son, and did all kinds of dreadful things." 
 
 " Indeed," said Joe, " that's very bad news ; 
 and if I was you I'd keep my front door 
 barred and bolted." 
 
 " Quite right, Joe, but just you go an' look 
 after that lad. I shouldn't at all wonder if he 
 was one of those robbers, and was only sham- 
 ming weakness to get into a decent house for 
 the night." 
 
 " Mrs. Nipper, ma'am, don't talk so much 
 nonsense," said the old man, severely. "I'm 
 surprised to hear it from a woman of your 
 years." 
 
 "Well," she said, firmly, "you'll soon find 
 I'm right. That boy's a bad lot, or my name's 
 not Susan Nipper." 
 
 But kind-hearted Joe did, not stay to argue the 
 subject, and hurried away to the parlor ; for, in 
 spite of his indignant words to the contrary, he 
 began to fear that the boy had, perhaps, rushed 
 out again into the night. He was quickly re- 
 assured, however, for before he opened the 
 door, the sound of Percy's sad voice fell upon 
 his ear ; the heavy sobbing and fervent prayers 
 touched the man to the heart, and filled him 
 with pity.
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 233 
 
 As he entered the room, the boy staggered 
 to his feet, and in broken accentc implored him 
 to take him on to Richmond at once. 
 
 "But, niy poor lad," said Joe, kindly, " it 
 is too late. It is now near twelve, and we 
 could not get to Richmond before half-past 
 one ; for my old horse is tired, and it is snow- 
 ing hard. And, indeed, you are too weak and 
 ill to go on." 
 
 " Never mind me," cried Percy. " If I die 
 to-morrow it matters very little. But I must 
 get on and save dear Hugh from prison." 
 
 " Save Hugh from prison ! Why, who is 
 Hugh? and who is going to put him in 
 prison?" asked the old man, humoring the boy, 
 but feeling sure that his mind was wandering. 
 
 " Hugh Brown is my cousin, my best and 
 dearest friend. And through my wicked con- 
 duct he will be arrested and put into prison, 
 if" 
 
 "Hugh Brown! Hugh Brown going to 
 prison ! Good little Hugh ! The best son and 
 kindest lad that ever breathed ; but, of course, 
 we do not mean the same Hugh ; that is not 
 likely. The one I know of, lives in Holland 
 Park with his cousin, a poor little humpbacked 
 gentleman. But I you " and Joe's hon-
 
 234 PERCY'S UEVENGK : 
 
 est face flushed, and his eyes grew sad, as he 
 gazed at the little figure before him. 
 
 ' ' Yes ; I am the poor little humpbacked 
 gentleman. I love my cousin, Hugh, dearly ; 
 and yet, because I tried to be revenged on a 
 person whom I dislike, he is to be arrested 
 and annoyed unless I arrive in time to prevent 
 it." 
 
 And then Percy proceeded to tell the old 
 man how his present misfortunes had come 
 about. He told him how he had pretended 
 that robbers had broken into his father's house ; 
 how his aunt had lost her jewels ; and how he 
 had overheard the man telling how and when 
 they had been stolen, and the plot that had 
 been laid for Hugh's ruin. 
 
 " I must warn Hugh," he cried, with tears 
 in his eyes, " and urge him to fly. I should 
 die of grief if he were put in prison, even for 
 an hour. So, please, old man, take me on to 
 Richmond before it is too late." 
 
 But Joe shook his head. 
 
 " My child, there would be no use going on 
 to Richmond now : it is too late already ; for 
 if, as you tell me, all this happened early to- 
 day, then, probably, your aunt sent to arrest 
 the boy at once."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 235 
 
 " No, no ; I am sure she would not do that. 
 Papa would not allow her." 
 
 " "Well, then, the best chance of saving 
 Master Hugh is to return home now and " 
 
 "Xo; that would be foolish and impos- 
 sible," cried Percy, wildly. "I could not go 
 home ; and it would be much better to warn 
 Hugh and let him run away. Those men said 
 the police would be sent after him soon. I 
 must tell him to fly." 
 
 " Master Hngh will never do that; he is a 
 brave lad and would rather face the danger 
 than run away from it. He is innocent we 
 know, and he knows himself, so why should he 
 behave like a coward?" 
 
 "But it would, be only for a day or two, 
 till things were explained," said Percy. 
 
 " I know he'd never run away," answered 
 the old man firmly. " And if you love him, 
 as you say you do, you must do what you can 
 to save him. There is only one thing to be 
 done, and that is, go back to your father's 
 house, tell him all you have heard and seen to- 
 night, and he will save Hugh, I am sure, for 
 I know he is a good and honorable gentleman." 
 
 To this Percy made no reply, but sat for 
 some moments in silence, his head buried in
 
 230 PERCY'S KEVENGE : 
 
 his hands, his whole body trembling with emo- 
 tion. 
 
 At last he raised his face, which was deadly 
 pale, and putting his hand into the old man's, 
 said huskily, 
 
 " You have been a true friend to me to- 
 night. You have saved me from certain death ; 
 and now, I believe you wish to save me from 
 never-ending remorse. I will go back to my 
 father ; if you can take me now, do, and God 
 bless you." 
 
 "That is right. That is brave and true," 
 cried Joe. " I'll take you back to Holland 
 Park as fast as I can ; for Master Hugh is a 
 great favorite of mine, and I'd dearly love to 
 save him from harm." 
 
 " Do you know Hugh long?" asked Percy. 
 
 " Not long if you reckon by months, for I 
 only know him about six. But since the even- 
 ing when I took home his poor father in a 
 faintin' condition I have loved that boy. Bless 
 his dear, good, warm little heart." 
 
 "Oh, are you the kind old man who carried 
 poor Uncle Philip home ? " cried Percy, eagerly. 
 " Hugh has often told me how good you were 
 to them all." 
 
 " Good, indeed !" he replied ; " it's but little
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 237 
 
 I could do for them then ; an' now that I have 
 some money they've found their rich friends, 
 and don't want my help. When I was ill an' 
 laid up with rheumatics, Mrs. "Brown was 
 that kind an' looked after me so that but 
 there, it makes me cry to think of it," and he 
 dashed his sleeve across his eyes. " Then, 
 when my son in North Carolina, sent me home 
 money, so that I needn't work no more, Mrs. 
 Brown had grown rich and didn't want nothing 
 from me." 
 
 "Have you come into a fortune, then?" 
 asked Percy, absently ; for his thoughts were 
 far away, and he took but little interest in the 
 old man's story. 
 
 " Well, not exactly a fortune, leastways not 
 to the likes of you or your father ; but a com- 
 fortable bit of money to an old fellow like me. 
 I used to drive a cart and deliver parcels for 
 Messrs. Toogood & Co. ; now I do it on my 
 own account. I bought my cart and my horse, 
 an' I fetch and carry for a few good customers 
 of my own. In this way I am my own master ; 
 and if I feel unwell and stay at home for a day, 
 or go to bed early, why nobody bothers me. 
 I was going on to Richmond with a lot of things 
 for Mrs. Brown, when I found you on the road,
 
 i * FHBCT*S 
 
 and pot op here for the right. Bat it seems 
 
 ta c Fre been Tamin* toa long about my own 
 aCurs, so left harry np and lie off. I'd give 
 an my money from Xoiih &rofina to find that 
 thief, and dear Marfer Bfcgk from each a 
 charge. M do it yet or my name's not Joe 
 Bradley;" and taming away abruptly, he hor- 
 riri . .- :'-;.: :: .... 
 
 With a heavy Ngh, Percy rose from the sofa 
 and ttegas to ptcyMC for hi=s joorney. His 
 aod he heart beat wildly as he 
 die angry raeeption he wotdd prolv 
 aMy nceire at he fr&ers house. He was stffl 
 30 faint and weak that it took him a long time 
 10 festen Mi boots, and he had only just fin- 
 iAed when Joe irlaiurnl to say that the cart 
 - .- ::-. : . 
 
 "Here is someddng to give you a little 
 sbogO,* fee Mid, awl placed a basin of hot 
 soup before the fsunitlied boy. 
 
 Percy drank it eagerly, and then looked up 
 with 2 grateful smBe. 
 
 " Too hare been wonderfolly good to me," he 
 coed, ** I fed better now, so pray kt 03 start 
 atoaee. If we are rery late my father may be 
 in bed; and I feel a great longing to speak to
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 239 
 
 " And so you shall, my boy. The cart and 
 horse are waiting at the door, and we can go 
 when you wish. Lean on me and I will help 
 you along. The horse is a little tired, but I'll 
 make him take us to Holland Park as fast as 
 he can. So, don't be uneasy, you'll see your 
 good father to-night," said Joe, cheerfully; 
 then, putting his arm round Percy, he almost 
 carried him from the room. 
 
 It was bitterly cold, and the poor lad shivered 
 as they passed out into the night. The old 
 driver lifted him gently into the cart, laid him 
 once more upon the straw, and covered him 
 up with the warm blanket that he had taken 
 from Mrs. Nipper's sofa. 
 
 Then clambering up to his seat in front of 
 the vehicle, he drove off briskly through the 
 snow and sleet.
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 SIR HENRY RECEIVES A SHOCK. 
 
 AS Percy fled from the library, his father 
 uttered a deep groan, and, sinking into 
 his chair, buried his face in his hands. He 
 was completely overcome with grief, and felt 
 strangely bewildered and perplexed. 
 
 At first the boy's story had seemed incredi- 
 ble ; and, although he was annoyed that a son 
 of his could stoop to tell a lie, even for the 
 purpose of saving his friend, yet he hoped that 
 Percy would see how wrong he was, acknowl- 
 edge his fault, and beg his aunt's pardon. 
 
 Of Hugh's innocence he had not the slightest 
 doubt. 
 
 But, when Percy persisted in declaring him- 
 self guilty of this wicked deceit; when he 
 almost swore that he alone had laid and carried 
 out this trick, in order to frighten Mrs. Tor- 
 rens and make her leave the house, Sir Henry's 
 anger and indignation knew no bounds, and he 
 (240)
 
 A STOUY FOR BOYS. 241 
 
 felt that no punishment would be too great for 
 a child who was capable of acting in such a 
 manner. 
 
 In the first flush of anger he did not re- 
 member how deeply Percy must have suffered 
 before he brought himself to confess his sin so 
 openly. He forgot the pale cheeks and quiver- 
 ing lips, the painful flushing and agonized look 
 in the blue eyes ; forgot everything, in fact, but 
 that this boy, his own son, had behaved so 
 shamefully, and, in a voice full of scorn, he 
 bade him quit his presence at once. 
 
 But, as Percy fled away without a word, 
 struck dumb with terror at his father's anger, 
 Sir Henry's heart sank low, and he yearned to 
 call the culprit back, ana forgive him there 
 and then. 
 
 But there stood Mrs. Torrens, cold and 
 stern, ready to upbraid and reproach him if he 
 should show any weakness in his dealings with 
 his boy ; there was Theo, the little sister, 
 shocked and horrified at her brother's conduct ; 
 and there were the servants, who had all heard 
 the story, and wondered at the strange confes- 
 sion. 
 
 And so the kind father did not dare to 
 pardon the lad, as he longed to do, but felt
 
 242 PERCY'S REVENGE : . 
 
 bound to punish him severely, if only to give 
 an example of his wisdom and justice. For 
 this reason, then, he let him go away alone to 
 his room, hoping, that in a few hours, he might 
 arrive at some fixed idea as to what was the 
 right kind of punishment to inflict upon him. 
 
 The servants returned to their work ; Mrs. 
 Torrens went off to pay a round of visits ; but 
 the unhappy father remained in the library 
 plunged in deep and anxious thought. 
 
 Little Theo sat beside her father all day, 
 afraid to speak, and yet longing to soothe and 
 comfort him. 
 
 Never before had she seen him so much 
 roused ; never before had he spoken so harshly 
 to Percy ; and now, as she saw him sad and 
 silent, she thought he must still be angry. So 
 she kept very quiet, weeping softly behind her 
 book, and wishing earnestly that she could find 
 some way of putting things right again. At 
 luncheon-time she hovered about him, tempting 
 him to eat by bringing his favorite dishes under 
 his notice. But all her efforts were in vain, 
 and the dainties were removed untouched. 
 
 The day closed in, evening came on, and still 
 the father and daughter sat together in the 
 library.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 243 
 
 Poor little Theo, worn out with weeping, 
 dropped off to sleep as the daylight waned ; 
 but Sir Henry's thoughts were too busy for 
 rest, and he sat gating into the fire, with an 
 anxious look on his face, quite unconscious of 
 the passing hours. 
 
 At last, they were roused by the sound of 
 the gong for dinner, and they started up and 
 went into the dining-room without a word. 
 
 Mrs. Torrens was dining out ; and Theo 
 sighed as she thought of the happy evening 
 they would have had together, had it not been 
 for Percy's strange conduct. So long as the 
 servants were in the room the child struggled 
 bravely with her orrief ; but when they with- 
 drew she broke down completely, and, leaning 
 her head against the table, sobbed as if her 
 heart would break. 
 
 Sir Henry had been so much occupied with 
 his own thoughts that he had scarcely noticed 
 poor Theo all day; but this sudden outburst 
 alarmed him greatly. 
 
 My darling child," he cried, "you must 
 not weep so. Percy has been wicked, but you 
 must not fret." 
 
 " Oh, forgive him, papa," she cried ; " for- 
 give him. Let him come now. I know he is
 
 244 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 very sorry ; Percy always is, directly he has 
 been wicked." 
 
 " But why doesn't he come and say so, Theo ? 
 I have never been cruel to him he cannot be 
 afraid of me." 
 
 "No, papa, no ; but you said you could not 
 bear to think of him as your son, and Percy 
 is proud." 
 
 "Proud poor lad poor Percy. Ay, so 
 he is ; proud and sensitive ; and I spoke so 
 strongly in my anger at his wild, wicked con- 
 duct. But now, Theo, I long to take him in 
 my arms, and tell him I forgive him, poor little 
 motherless, afflicted boy. And yet I must 
 punish him in some way, dear. Your aunt 
 will expect it ; she promised me not to send 
 the police after Hugh, on condition that I did 
 something. I know she thinks I should punish 
 him, whether his story is true or not ; and I 
 suppose she is right." 
 
 "But, papa, dear, he has been punished 
 enough, I am sure. Think of this long, weary 
 day, without a creature to speak to. Think of 
 him in his dark, lonely room, for no one has 
 been near him. I know I feel sure that he 
 is really sorry now." 
 
 " lie has certainly had a long, dreary day
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 245 
 
 of solitude ; and if I thought he was really 
 sorry, Theo " 
 
 " I am sure he is, papa ; let me go and see. 
 Let me tell him now that you have forgiven 
 him pray, pray do," and clasping her hands 
 round his neck, Theo raised her streaming eyes 
 imploringly to his face. 
 
 Deeply touched by the child's earnestness, 
 Sir Henry pressed her to his heart, and kissing 
 her lovingly, told "her to go and find her 
 brother. 
 
 Full of joy, Theo sprang from her father's 
 arms and ran down the hall to Percy's room. 
 
 " Percy, Percy," she called, knocking gently 
 at first, and then a little louder ; receiving no 
 answer she thought he must have fallen asleep, 
 and in hopes of awakening him rattled the 
 handle somewhat noisily. 
 
 But, to her surprise, she found the door un- 
 locked, so on she went down the passage and 
 in through the crimson curtains. It was very 
 dark, and she groped her way carefully along, 
 calling continually to her brother, and wonder- 
 ing greatly where he could be. 
 
 But no one answered ; and very much amazed 
 at his silence, Theo stepped out into the hall 
 again. Taking a candle (which had been set
 
 246 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 on the table ready for the night) , she lighted it, 
 and, walking on tip-toe, returned to Percy's 
 room, where she peered about cautiously, ex- 
 pecting to find him fast asleep in some-out-of- 
 the-way corner. 
 
 But Percy was nowhere to be seen. His bed 
 in the alcove was empty ; he was not on the 
 sofa, nor yet in the arm-chair, and Theo's heart 
 beat wildly as, holding the light first above her 
 head and then down upon the ground, she 
 gazed round her in every direction. 
 
 How very strange," she cried. ' ' Where can 
 he be? He would never, never go up-stairs 
 at least, I am sure he would not. He does not 
 know 'Aunt Lydia is out, and he would never 
 risk meeting her. He must be here some- 
 where," and she resumed her search, looking 
 anxiously about for some trace of the missing 
 boy. 
 
 At last a nameless dread, an awful terror 
 came over her, and dropping her candle she 
 flew away from the room, back into her father's 
 presence. 
 
 " He has gone, papa. Percy is not in his 
 room," she cried in a trembling voice. "I 
 cannot find him I cannot find him ; he has 
 gone."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 247 
 
 "Gone?" said her father, staring at her in 
 astonishment. " Gone? You must be dream- 
 ing, child. Where could he go to ? He must 
 be in his room." 
 
 " He is not in his room, papa. I have looked 
 everywhere, up and down. He must be gone 
 he must be gone." 
 
 " What a little goose you are, Theo. I sup- 
 pose he has gone up to the drawing-room, 
 or to Hugh's room. But I will go and help 
 you to find him." 
 
 " Yes, do come, papa, for I feel so fright- 
 ened ; I am sure Percy is not in the house I 
 am, indeed." 
 
 " Nonsense, child; don't be so foolish," said 
 her father, impatiently ; but then he added, 
 gently : " you are nervous, darling, after your 
 unhappy day. Come along with me and we 
 shall soon find out Percy's hiding-place." 
 
 But Theo was right. Percy was not in his 
 own room, nor in any other room in the house, 
 and the little girl wept bitterly at this strange 
 disappearance of her brother. 
 
 Sir Henry was filled with dismay, and could 
 not for some time believe that his son had 
 really fled from his home. 
 
 But when he was at last convinced that such
 
 248 PERCY'S KEVENGE : 
 
 was the case, his grief and anguish were too 
 terrible to describe. 
 
 "What can I do, Theo? Where can the 
 boy have gone to? Why was I so hard and 
 stern to my poor erring child ? Why did I not 
 go to him and talk to him kindly? Where can 
 the boy have gone? What will become of 
 him on such a night?" and the strong man 
 bent his head and wept. 
 
 " Papa, dear, do not fret so much," cried 
 Theo, terrified at the sight of his tears. ' ' Percy 
 will soon come home again. And oh, papa, 
 do you know what I think ? I am quite certain 
 Percy has gone off to Hugh." 
 
 "My darling, that is indeed a happy 
 thought," said her father, hopefully. " I will 
 send a telegram to the Cottage at once." 
 
 Handing over his little daughter to the 
 tender care of good old Bridget, Sir Henry 
 hastened off to the post-office himself, and sent 
 a message to Hugh Brown, at Richmond. 
 Then he went round the various police stations 
 in the neighborhood, and gave a full description 
 of the missing boy. It was late when he at 
 last returned to the house, and on the hall 
 table he found the answer to his telegram. 
 
 Seizing it eagerly, he tore it open, glanced
 
 A STOET FOE BOTS. 249 
 
 over its contents; then, letting it fall to the 
 ground, turned away with a quick, sharp gasp 
 of anguish. His lips quivered, his face grew 
 ashy pale, and, staggering into the library, he 
 sank upon the sofa, almost wild with anxiety 
 and grief. 
 
 His last hope for his boy's safety was now 
 gone ; and he dared not think what had 
 become of him on such a night. 
 
 Hugh's reply to the telegram was only too 
 clear. 
 
 "Have not seen Percy since yesterday 
 evening. Know nothing of his whereabouts, 5 * 
 it said; and the father's brain seemed all on 
 fire as he read the dreadful words. 
 
 " Where can the boy be? What in the name 
 of heaven can have tempted him to leave his 
 home ? n he murmured, over and over again. 
 " What will become of him without friends 
 for Percy never made a friend except Hugh. 
 Without money oh, God take care of my 
 misguided child." 
 
 And the poor man's heart grew sick within 
 him as his eyes fell on the little purse that had 
 been found on the floor in the boy's room. 
 The sight of this pretty toy caused him to start 
 and shudder, for it made him realize very
 
 250 PERCY'S HEVENGE : 
 
 clearly the awful position in which the poor 
 wanderer might be at that moment. 
 
 And so the night wore slowly on, and at one 
 o'clock the unhappy father still paced up and 
 down the library, seeking in vain to calm the 
 wild beating of his heart, and longing for the 
 morning, that he might resume his search for 
 his child. 
 
 Thoughtful for others, in the midst of his 
 troubles, Sir Henry told the servants to go to 
 bed, whenever his sister returned from her 
 party; and he warned them not to speak of 
 Percy's disappearance in her presence, for that 
 night at least. 
 
 His orders were strictly obeyed, and as Mrs. 
 Torrens swept up the staircase in her silken 
 robes, she knew nothing of the cruel anguish 
 that her kind-hearted brother was enduring 
 alone. 
 
 The lights were all put out ; the doors and 
 windows had long since been bolted and 
 barred ; but still Sir Henry remained in the 
 library, brooding sadly over the strange events 
 of the day. 
 
 All had been quiet and silent for a long 
 time, when suddenly, the soft tinkling of a 
 bell made the weary watcher start and trem-
 
 A STOKT FOE BOYS. 251 
 
 ble. He listened nervously, bat heard no 
 more; so, sighing heavily, he resinned his 
 restless walk up and down the room. 
 
 But again the sound fell upon his ear ; this 
 time so loud that he could no longer he mis- 
 taken; Hie visitor's bell rang clearly and 
 distinctly through the house, and, uttering an 
 exclamation of surprise, Sir Henry went down 
 the hall and opened the door. 
 
 An old man, white with snow, stood on the 
 steps, and out on the road was a covered cart, 
 and a poor, tired-looking horse. 
 
 " I want to see Sir Henry Randall," said the 
 man, his teeth chattering with cold. 
 
 "I am Sir Henry Randall. What do yon 
 want? Why do you come ringing here at this 
 hour? 7 * he asked, with emotion ; for he hoped 
 and yet dared not indulge in the thought, that, 
 perhaps, this midnight visitor knew something 
 of the missing boy. 
 
 "You shall soon know what I want, Sir 
 Henry," said the old man, and turning, he 
 waved his arm towards the cart. 
 
 But ere Sir Henry had time to question him 
 further, a small figure was seen springing from 
 the vehicle, and Percy ran across the snow 
 to the hall-door. Throwing himself on the
 
 252 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 ground, he clasped his father round the knees, 
 and gazed at him with streaming eyes. 
 
 " Father, dear father, forgive me, "he cried ; 
 " punish me as you will ; but, in God's name, 
 forgive your unhappy son.'' 
 
 And his prayer was not made in vain. For- 
 getting his anger, his grief, and terrible suffer- 
 ings, Sir Henry threw his arms round his 
 child, and, whispering words of sweet forgive- 
 ness, pressed him to his heart.
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 REMORSE. 
 
 SIR Henry's happiness was indeed great, 
 when he saw his little son standing before 
 him safe and well. But for some moments he 
 could scarcely speak, and his voice was low 
 and husky as he assured the boy that he for- 
 gave him from his heart. 
 
 Percy was deeply touched by the tender 
 kindness of his father's manner, and felt that 
 in all his life he should never be able to repay 
 this love and affection that he deserved so 
 little. 
 
 Honest Joe melted into tears at the sight of 
 Sir Henry's emotion, and thanked God in his 
 own simple way that he had been allowed to 
 restore the young runaway to his father's 
 arms. 
 
 Seeing them so absorbed in each other he 
 turned away, and was going forth to seek a 
 (253)
 
 254* PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 lodging for himself and his horse ; but Percy 
 saw his movement, and, starting forward, seized 
 hold of him and would not let him go. 
 
 " You must not leave this house to-night. 
 Do not let him, papa ; he saved my life this 
 evening, so we must surely treat him well. 
 Only for him I should now be lying dead upon 
 the roadside." 
 
 " God bless you, my friend," cried Sir 
 Henry, grasping the old driver's hand. " I 
 am truly grateful to you, and know not how to 
 thank you for bringing my boy back to me. I 
 am sure that Percy will never forget you ; for 
 though he is wild and foolish he has, I believe, 
 a loving heart. You must stay here to-night ; 
 it would be quite impossible to get in any- 
 where so late." 
 
 " You are very kind, sir," said Joe, twisting 
 his hat nervously between his fingers; "but 
 you see I don't deserve any thanks. I only 
 did my duty when I brought the boy home. I 
 hope he'll never be so silly as to run away 
 again." ' 
 
 "Never again, Joe, never again," said Percy, 
 kissing his father's hand, and looking up lov- 
 ingly into his face. "I've been very wicked 
 and revengeful ; but I have suffered greatly. I
 
 A STORT FOR BOYS. 255 
 
 have learnt a lesson to-night that I don't think 
 I am likely to forget. n 
 
 "Poor lad, poor lad," cried his father, 
 clasping him once more to his heart. " You 
 have suffered bitterly, I am snre, and therefore 
 I cannot bear to scold you, though you have 
 caused me more anguish than you could ever 
 imagine ; but come, let us say no more about 
 that. You are both half frozen with cold, and 
 require to be warmed and taken care of. I 
 must ring the bell now, and wake up the ser- 
 vants." 
 
 Sir Henry hurried them off to the library, 
 and. making them sit down in comfortable 
 chairs by the fire, rang the bell loudly. 
 
 They heard it clang and echo through the 
 house, and, in a few minutes, the old butler 
 came running up to see what was the matter. 
 He started back in amazement, when his eyes 
 fell upon Percy, seated in happy security by 
 his father's side. This unexpected sight ex- 
 plained the violent ringing that had so startled 
 and alarmed him, and his kindly face beamed 
 with pleasure as he noted his master's look of 
 extreme happiness and peace. 
 
 At a word from Sir Henry he marched good 
 old Joe off to the servants* hall, where he did
 
 256 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 his best to make him comfortable, for he felt 
 grateful to him for saving little Percy, whom 
 he dearly loved, in spite of his many faults. 
 
 The coachman was roused from his slumbers, 
 and the poor horse was, at last, allowed to take 
 his rest in a snug stable, whilst the cart was 
 stowed away in the coach-house amongst the 
 carriages. 
 
 A tempting supper was soon brought up for 
 Percy, but he could not eat a morsel. He was 
 greatly excited, and hung about his father as if 
 he could not bear to leave him for an instant. 
 
 Sir Henry implored him to go to bed if he 
 was quite certain that he could not eat; but 
 the boy refused to do this, declaring that he 
 could not rest until he had told him all his 
 adventures. 
 
 "But don't you think they might keep till 
 morning, Percy, dear? You seem so tired and 
 weary." 
 
 " No, no, papa ; I could not rest until I have 
 told you everything," cried his son ; and then 
 he gave him a hurried account of all that had 
 occurred since the moment when he had left 
 the library in disgrace. 
 
 "It is the most extraordinary story I ever 
 heard," cried Sir Henry. " To think of the
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 257 
 
 rascal boasting of Mary Ann's wickedness. 
 But I am gkd we have a clew, for -we may now 
 be able to recover your Aunt Lydia's jewels for 
 her." 
 
 "I don't care a pin about that," cried Pewy ; 
 " but I am gkd that she can no longer blame 
 Hugh, and call him a thief." 
 
 " She would not do that now, any way," 
 answered Sir Henry. "At least, I think I 
 have persuaded her that she was wrong. She 
 wore the bracelet and star at a dinner-party, 
 and did not take them off till quite late long 
 after Hugh had left the house by her own 
 orders ; so, if she will only believe that there 
 were no robbers here that no stranger 
 entered the place, and that your story is true, 
 she must know " 
 
 " Father, father, do not remind me of my 
 wickedness," exclaimed Percy, flushing pain- 
 fully. " I hate to think of it." 
 
 " But you must think of it, my boy," replied 
 his cither, gravely. " You have sinned, and, 
 although I have forgiven you, I am greatly 
 afraid there is still much suffering in store for 
 you." 
 
 " But how? why?" asked Percy, in a quick, 
 startled tone.
 
 258 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "You have brought it all on yourself, my 
 poor child," said Sir Henry, sadly. " If we 
 arrest Mary Ann ; if we pursue this man and 
 get back the diamonds, you must, I feel certain, 
 appear in court as a witness ; you must state 
 the case and tell the story as you told it to 
 me." 
 
 " Oh, I could not do it; I could not do it. 
 Let them keep the jewels. Aunt Lydia can do 
 very well without them." 
 
 " No, no ; we must do no such thing. That 
 would be wrong and cowardly in the extreme," 
 said his father, sternly. "You must do all 
 you can to atone for your wicked conduct, and 
 help your aunt to recover the diamonds she 
 has lost. You must do what you can, Percy, 
 and do it like a man." 
 
 " But then every one will know how I tried 
 to be revenged, how badly I behaved to Aunt 
 Lydia," moaned Percy, rocking himself back- 
 wards and forwards on his chair. " I cannot 
 do it, father ; I'd rather die than do it." 
 
 " My boy, my dear boy, you must not talk 
 so wildly," cried Sir Henry, terrified at the 
 agonized despair in the child's voice. "It will 
 not be as terrible as you seem to suppose. Try 
 to think of this ordeal as a punishment for your
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 259 
 
 conduct, which you know was wicked, and 
 which you regret so much. Try to bear it 
 patiently and " 
 
 " I can't I can't I ,* and, quite sud- 
 denly, without any word of warning, Percy 
 fell, fainting, at his fathers feet. 
 
 "The poor lad is quite done out. How 
 stupid of me to let him talk so much, after such 
 a day of misery," exclaimed Sir Henry ; and, 
 raising him tenderly, he laid him on the sofa, 
 and bathed his head and face with cold water. 
 
 For some moments, and they seemed like 
 hours to the anxious watcher, Percy remained 
 unconscious ; but, at last, he opened his eyes, 
 and, with a heavy sigh, looked about the room 
 in a weary, uncertain manner. He seemed to 
 have forgotten where he was, and all the 
 strange incidents of that eventful day. 
 
 *' I feel tired, papa. Don't you think I 
 might go to bed ? ~ he asked, softly ; " but yon 
 must help me, for I feel so so that I 
 can't move I ," and his head dropped back, 
 helplessly, on his pillow. 
 
 Very much surprised at this sudden change, 
 Sir Henry carried him down to his room and 
 put him to bed. As he helped him to undress, 
 he noticed, 'with alarm, that his cheeks and
 
 260 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 hands were hot and burning ; but when the 
 weary eyes closed in peaceful sleep, he felt 
 certain that all was well. 
 
 Then, kissing the boy tenderly, upon lip and 
 brow, he stole away to his room to seek the 
 rest he required so much after his day of trouble 
 and anxiety. 
 
 The next morning, very early, before the 
 servants had begun their round of daily duties, 
 Hugh went briskly up to the front door and 
 rang the bell. It was speedily opened for him 
 by the maid, who was going forth to wash the 
 steps. 
 
 He bade her " good-morning," and questioned 
 her closely about Percy and his mysterious dis- 
 appearance. The girl told him of her young 
 master's return, and Hugh was filled with joy 
 at the good news. 
 
 There was no fear of meeting Mrs. Torrens 
 at that early hour, so Hugh entered the hall 
 and hurried along to Percy's room. He walked 
 very lightly lest he should wake the sleeping 
 boy, for he knew his cousin was a late riser, 
 and expected to find him still in bed. 
 
 But, as he approached the apartment, he was 
 surprised to hear loud shouting and talking 
 going on within. Full of wonder, he raised
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 261 
 
 the curtain, and was about to make some laugh- 
 ing remark, when he suddenly stopped short, 
 appalled by the sight that met his eyes. 
 
 Sir Henry knelt in silent despair by Percy's 
 bed, his arms thrown round the boy, who 
 shouted and screamed in the wildest manner. 
 His eyes were strangely bright ; his cheeks hot 
 and burning ; he tossed madly to and fro upon 
 his bed, and would sorely have flung himself 
 out upon the floor had not his father been near 
 to protect and restrain him. 
 
 Poor little Theo crouched in a distant cor- 
 ner, sobbing and moaning, calling earnestly to 
 God to have pity on them, and make her 
 brother well again. 
 
 " Theo, Theo, tell me what has happened? 
 What is the matter with Percy?" whispered 
 Hugh, creeping across the room to the weeping 
 girl. 
 
 " I am so glad you have come, Hugh ; I am 
 so glad you have come," she said, and she flung 
 herself into his arms with a cry of joy. 
 
 "But what is wrong, Theo? Why does 
 Percy throw himself about like that?" 
 
 " I don't know why," she sobbed. " Poor 
 fellow, he seems so strange ; he's mad, I think. 
 Papa says itfs fever; but, oh! I'm glad you
 
 262 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 have come. The poor boy has done nothing 
 but call for you all morning. We sent Grey 
 for you and the doctor ; but he hasn't had time 
 to get to Richmond yet, and and it was very 
 good of you to come off so fast." 
 
 " I was very anxious to hear about Percy," 
 whispered Hugh. " I was so frightened when 
 I got uncle's telegram last night, and I came to 
 see if he had come home, as soon as ever I 
 could." 
 
 "Yes, he has come home, as you see ; but 
 but I don't know when or how he came ; for 
 it must have been after I went to bed. This 
 morning early, Rapes told me he was here and 
 very ill. I ran down to see him, and he has 
 been like that ever since I came in. Poor papa 
 doesn't know what to do." 
 
 " Save me ! save me ! " cried Percy, clutch- 
 ing wildly at the bedclothes; " those men 
 look at their glaring eyes, ah ! they are com- 
 ing ; they are coming. Don't tell Aunt Lydia 
 the diamonds Hugh, Hugh. He is good; 
 he's good-; don't send him away ; he's my 
 cousin; my best friend; he'll hear of my 
 wickedness, my lies, my but I'll be re- 
 venged; I'll make her'' And then, with a 
 sigh, he fell back, exhausted, on his pillow.
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 263 
 
 " What pain, what pain," he murmured, 
 presently, turning his head, restlessly, from 
 one side to the other. "What fearful pain, 
 and ifs all because I was cruel, and no, no ; 
 ifs Aunt Lydia's fault; why did she treat 
 Hugh so badly? She shall not get her jewels, 
 ha! ha! Fm glad, but, oh! the sorrow 
 of it all. Papa says I must tell ; and they'll 
 laugh and point. Oh ! I couldn't do it. Xo, 
 no, Fd rather die ; but, no ; for I should never 
 see my dear mother then. God have pity, 
 mercy, forgive," and, closing his eyes, he sank 
 into a stupor. 
 
 Dreadfully shocked at his cousin's unhappy 
 condition, Hugh remained standing in silence 
 in the middle of the room, his arm thrown 
 round Theo, who started and trembled at every 
 word her brother uttered. 
 
 Sir Henry was wild with grief; and in his 
 extreme agitation scarcely knew what to do. 
 He had sent for the doctor some time before, 
 bnl he had not arrived, and the poor man was 
 sadly troubled at this delay. 
 
 When, at last, he observed Hugh, he signed 
 to him to approach, and, as he held out his 
 hand to draw him to his side, the boy seized it 
 and covered it with kisses.
 
 264 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 Touched by this token of affectionate sym- 
 pathy, Sir Henry put his arm around him and 
 pressed his lips to his forehead. 
 
 " My dear lad," he said, in a husky voice, 
 "it was very good of you to come. You 
 have been injured and insulted, and I am very 
 sorry that you were treated so shamefully ; but 
 I can see that you bear no ill-will ; that you 
 have forgiven Mrs. Torrens." 
 
 " Oh, yes," answered Hugh, quickly. "She 
 thought I had prompted Percy to play a wicked 
 trick ; and, had I done so, she would have been 
 quite right to send me home as she did ; but I 
 did not, uncle ; indeed, I did not." 
 
 "No, my boy, I am quite sure you did not. 
 You are good and forgiving, Hugh : would that 
 poor Percy had been the same. His aunt 
 affronted him, was unkind and insulting ; and 
 he could not bear it, as you have done. He 
 tried to frighten her, to be revenged, and see 
 what his passionate desires have brought him 
 to. He is dying, I know I feel sure, and 
 his whole soul is torn with the anguish of 
 remorse." 
 
 " No, no, he cannot he must not die. Let 
 us pra} r that he may not die. God will not 
 take him away till he truly repents till he is
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 265 
 
 really sorry for his wicked conduct," cried 
 Hugh, earnestly; and he fell on his knees 
 weeping and praying. 
 
 The heartbroken father tried to follow the 
 boy's simple prayer for mercy, as he knelt 
 close to his suffering child, whose frequent 
 groans and cries of pain filled his heart with 
 sorrow ; and Theo's little voice joined Hugh's 
 in his fervent supplications, her sobs growing 
 fainter as she repeated the holy words. 
 
 At last it seemed as though God had, indeed, 
 listened to their entreaties, for Percy grew 
 quieter, and after some time fell asleep. 
 
 This happy change in his little son was a 
 great relief to Sir Henry, and made him more 
 hopeful of his recovery. Kaising Hugh from 
 his knees, he pressed his hands warmly within 
 his own, saying : 
 
 " God bless you, dear boy. You have been 
 a great comfort to me, and your prayers have 
 done poor Percy good. Stay beside him now, 
 whilst I go in search of Bridget." 
 
 "My mother would come, uncle pray send 
 for her," cried Hugh. " She is such a good 
 nurse so gentle and kind, and I know she 
 would be so <rlad to come." 
 
 " That would be a blessing for my boy ; he
 
 266 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 loves his Aunt Lucy dearly," said Sir Henry, 
 smiling. "Yes, I will send and ask her to 
 corne. She can bring Susie with her Theo 
 will be glad to have her." 
 
 "Yes, indeed I would," said Theo; "and, 
 oh, how delightful to have Aunt Lucy in the 
 house." 
 
 " Delightful for us, but a trial for her," said 
 her father. " And now, Hugh, I shall leave 
 you with Percy for a minute or two. He is 
 quiet and peaceful, thank God, so there is 
 no fear. If he wakes, ring, and I will come at 
 once. Come, Theo, you must not stay here. 
 I cannot have my daughter ill, too." And, 
 taking the little girl by the hand, he went 
 away, leaving Hugh in charge of the sleeping 
 boy. 
 
 But Percy's sleep was of short duration, and 
 to Hugh's horror he started up suddenly and 
 gazed at him wildly, not knowing in the least 
 who he was. 
 
 "I want Hugh," he shrieked. "I must 
 speak to Hugh I must tell him to fly. But 
 don't let Aunt Lydia know, or she'll put him 
 in prison. Call Hugh, I say. When I see 
 him my head will be cooler and oh, how it 
 burns how it burns."
 
 A STOBY FOR BOYS. 267 
 
 " Percy, dear, I am here beside you," said 
 Hugh, gently, laying his hand upon Percy's as 
 he spoke. 
 
 "Who are you? You are not Hugh. Go 
 away, I know who you are you are the 
 wretch that stole the diamonds ; but the police 
 will soon get you ! ha, ha, ha ! But give me 
 that star give it to me I say, or Fll 111 
 make you," and, springing to the side of the 
 bed, he seized Hugh by the throat. 
 
 Terrified at this sudden attack, Hugh did his 
 best to free himself gently from the frenzied 
 grasp, for he was afraid that he should excite 
 the patient still more if he threw him off too 
 roughly. 
 
 But very soon the fingers relaxed their hold, 
 and Percy fell back panting for breath. 
 
 Hugh burst into tears as he watched the 
 suffering child, and he trembled to think that 
 if another paroxysm came on, he might not 
 have strength to keep him in his bed. 
 
 At last, to his intense relief, the door opened, 
 and Sir Henry entered the room with the 
 doctor. 
 
 The latter approached the bed, and placing 
 his hand upon the burning brow, uttered an 
 exclamation of surprise and disgust. Seizing
 
 268 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 a pair of scissors that lay on the table near, he 
 raised Percy's golden curls, and cut them all 
 off, close to his head. 
 
 Sir Henry started, and made a movement as 
 though to stop the cruel hands ; but the doctor 
 looked at him quietly over his spectacles, and 
 proceeded calmly with his work. 
 
 "That is well done," he remarked, with 
 satisfaction, as the last long tress fell from his 
 fingers to the ground. "It is worth any 
 money to be rid of that load, though we 
 shall have to shave him by and by." 
 
 " Was it quite necessary to cut off all his 
 beautiful hair?" asked Sir Henry, regretfully ; 
 " the poor boy liked it." 
 
 " Necessary ! " cried the doctor. " My dear 
 Sir Henry, your son is suffering from an attack 
 of brain fever. We must keep his head as 
 cool as possible." 
 
 He then gave many directions as to how the 
 patient was to be treated, advised them to 
 watch him constantly ; not to allow too many 
 persons in the room at once ; and, above all, 
 let nothing be said or done that could excite or 
 agitate him. The good doctor then hurried 
 away, promising to return in a few hours. 
 
 That day was a terrible one for all who
 
 A STORY FOR BOTS. 269 
 
 loTed the fever-stricken child. One moment 
 he was wildly delirious, the next he lay back 
 on his pillow, in an almost death-like still- 
 
 When Mrs. Brown received her brother-in- 
 law's telegram, announcing Percy's illness, she 
 packed up a few necessary articles, handed 
 Susie over to the care of her little maid, and 
 set out for Holland Park. 
 
 Arrived there, she took her place at once in 
 the sick room ; and it was a great comfort to 
 Sir Henry to see how tenderly she nursed the 
 boy, and how well she seemed to understand 
 all that was required. 
 
 Hugh sat in silence at the foot of the bed, 
 slipping away, when Percy grew quiet, to 
 carry a word of comfort to the little sister, 
 who was not allowed to go near the patient. 
 
 When Mrs. Torrens heard that Percy was 
 fll, she was deeply grieved. She did not love 
 the boy, for he had been a thorn in her side 
 for many years; but Sir Henry had always 
 been good and affectionate, and for his sake 
 she was really sorry. She offered to go to his 
 room and nurse him ; but knowing how much 
 Percy disliked her, his father would not allow 
 her to think of such a thing. He refused her
 
 270 PERCY'S REVENGE i 
 
 offer, therefore, gently but firmly, thanking 
 her sincerely for her kind intentions. 
 
 She then said she was going to Brighton for 
 a time, and would be very glad to take Theo 
 with her. 
 
 To this Sir Henry would readily have given 
 his consent, as it pained him to see his little 
 daughter wandering so sadly through the 
 house ; but she implored him to allow her to 
 stay at home and comfort him, and take care 
 of Percy when he began to get better. 
 
 She looked so sweet and tender as she made 
 her request, that her father caught her in his 
 arms, and said she should do exactly as she 
 liked. 
 
 " Then I shall certainly stay at home, papa 
 dear. I should be so unhappy away from you 
 all." 
 
 Very angry at the child's decision, Mrs. 
 Torrens flounced out of the library, and went 
 off to make her preparations for her journey. 
 
 She went away that afternoon, and no one 
 was much grieved at her departure. 
 
 In his anxiety about his son, Sir Henry quite 
 forgot to tell his sister the strange story that 
 Percy had overheard in the parlor of the Red
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 
 
 271 
 
 Lion Inn ; and so it happened that Mary Ann, 
 the dishonest maid, remained with her mis- 
 tress, and accompanied her on her sudden trip 
 to Brighton. 

 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 CONVALESCENCE. 
 
 PR six weary days, Percy remained in the 
 same alarming condition ; at one time 
 quiet and exhausted, at another raving in the 
 wild delirium of fever. 
 
 On the seventh day, however, he grew 
 gradually calmer, and at last fell into a deep 
 sleep. 
 
 Sir Henry and Hugh were rejoiced at the 
 sight, and sat for a long time in silence by his bed. 
 
 But fatigued as they were by watching and 
 anxiety, they soon followed the invalid's ex- 
 ample, and slumbered peacefully in their arm- 
 chairs. 
 
 Percy slept for several hours, and, when he 
 opened his eyes, he looked curiously round the 
 room. He called for Hugh, as he had so often 
 done before, and in an instant his cousin was 
 by his side. 
 
 (272)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 273 
 
 " Here I am, Percy dear," cried Hugh, de- 
 lighted at the quiet sound of the patienfs 
 voice. " How do you feel?" 
 
 " I feel weak, so weak, Hugh ; but the pain 
 has gone. I am glad you have come, for I 
 wanted to talk to you. Do you know what I 
 did?" 
 
 " Yes ; I have heard ; but you must not talk 
 so much ; you are to be kept very quiet. The 
 doctor says talking is bad for you." 
 
 " Have I been ill? " asked Percy, languidly. 
 "I feel so strange and I have been having 
 such bad dreams. I am so glad they are over, 
 for they made my head ache and burn so." 
 
 " You have been ill, Percy, very ill," said 
 Hugh, gravely ; ** but you are better now ; 
 drink a little of this and try to go to sleep 
 again." 
 
 ** That is very nice," he murmured, as Hugh 
 put some iced lemonade to his lips. " It is so 
 good of you to stay with me, Hugh, when I 
 have been so cross and disagreeable to you ; 
 but, please, do not leave me ; I get so fright- 
 ened when I am left alone." 
 
 "You have not been alone for an instant, 
 Percy ; some one was always with you ; only 
 you did not know us."
 
 274 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "I knew you all quite well," answered 
 Percy ; ' ' but I was so taken up with those 
 horrid dreams, that I could not speak to you. I 
 thought I was in court, Hugh, swearing about 
 those dreadful men and the diamond star, and 
 as I told my story every one laughed at me, 
 and pointed their fingers at me, and there were 
 great red tongues, with ' liar ' written on them, 
 stuck out at me from all the corners. Oh, it 
 was terrible terrible," and the boy shuddered 
 at the recollection. 
 
 Hugh was alarmed to see Percy growing 
 excited again, and did what he could to soothe 
 him. 
 
 "Try and forget those dreams, dear," he 
 whispered; " think of something pleasant and 
 go to sleep again." 
 
 "Very well, I will," said Percy, smiling 
 faintly; "I'll think of you, Hugh, for you are 
 the pleasantest thing I know." 
 
 " So long as you are happy I don't care 
 what you think about," answered Hugh, and 
 he shook up his cousin's pillows, and gave him 
 another refreshing drink. 
 
 And as Percy was very weak, and felt ex- 
 hausted with the effort he had made, he gladly 
 took Hugh's advice ; closing his eyes he turned
 
 A STOBY FOB BOYS. l7 r 
 
 away his head, and soon dropped off to sleep 
 again. 
 
 Sir Henry was overjoyed to hear his son 
 talk so sensibly to Hugh, and he longed to run 
 forward and clasp him to his heart; bat the 
 doctor had warned them not to excite him 
 when he first awoke; so, the loving father 
 restrained himself and kept quietly out of sight 
 whilst the above conversation was carried on 
 between the two boys. 
 
 All danger was now at an end, and from that 
 day Percy began to get well. 
 
 But it was "difficult to regain the strength he 
 had lost, and for many months Sir Henry 
 watched his child with renewed tenderness and 
 care. 
 
 And Percy was deeply touched by his father's 
 kind forgiveness, and did all he could to show 
 him how grateful he felt, and how dearly he 
 loved him. 
 
 But yet the lad did not regain his happiness 
 with his health, slowly as it came. 
 
 There are certain sins, dear children, that, 
 no matter how generously they are forgiven by 
 those around us, always bring their own 
 punishment. And this was what Percy felt 
 keenly, as he looked back upon the past.
 
 276 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 His father had forgiven him, Hugh and Theo 
 were more loving and attentive than ever, and 
 yet he could not forgive himself; his heart was 
 full of remorse. 
 
 During the long weeks of his convalescence 
 he had pondered deeply over all the actions of 
 his life, and especially over his conduct towards 
 Mrs. Torrens. Hugh and he had talked about 
 it, time after time, and his great desire was to 
 atone for his shameful behavior, and obtain his 
 aunt's forgiveness. 
 
 But this was difficult to- accomplish. Mrs. 
 Torrens considered that she had been badly 
 treated by her brother and his son, and vowed 
 that she would never enter the house again. 
 
 Had she made that resolution some months 
 before no one would have tempted her to break 
 it ; but now Percy was seized with a great 
 longing to have her back, that he might prove 
 how truly he repented his wicked conduct. 
 
 And anxious as he always was to please his 
 boy in every way, Sir Henry wrote to his 
 sister, asking her to come to them, if only for 
 a week. 
 
 But she could not be persuaded to change 
 her mind, and wrote a long tirade against 
 Percy and his wickedness. The story of the
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 277 
 
 star and the men at the Bed Lion Inn she de- 
 clared to be a pore invention; that nothing 
 would induce her to believe a word that such a 
 boy said ; and that, until she had better proof 
 of Mary Ann's dishonesty, she intended keep- 
 ing her in her service. 
 
 This letter was handed to Sir Henry, one 
 evening, as he sat by the sofa in his son s room. 
 Glancing over its contents, he crushed it be- 
 tween his fingers, and thrust it hurriedly into 
 his pocket. The cruel words had wounded 
 him deeply, and he wished to save Percy as 
 much as possible from any annoyance ; but the 
 boy noticed the look of pain upon his father s 
 face, and guessed directly what it was that 
 troubled him. 
 
 << Papa, dear," he said, holding out his little 
 thin hand, " give me that letter, please. It is 
 from Aunt Lydia, I am sure, and 1 want to see 
 what she says about me." 
 
 " It would only pain you to read it, Percy ; 
 and you are too weak to bear vexation just yet ; 
 so do not ask to see this to-day." 
 
 "Father," said Percy, gravely, "you wish 
 to spare me all trouble, I know ; but I am not 
 sure that yon are right. A little suffering is 
 good for us hi this world. Those who have
 
 278 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 something to bear, and bear it well, are always 
 the best and most lovable." 
 
 ' ' My dear boy ! " 
 
 "Yes, father; I am certain they are. I have 
 learned many things lately from the good 
 people who have come to visit me ; and that is 
 one. Look at Aunt Lucy, how sweet and 
 good she is ! Look at Hugh, whose childhood 
 was passed in poverty and trouble ! and then 
 look at me, who have had everything I wanted, 
 and always tried to get away from the least 
 little thing that was disagreeable. See how 
 different we are." 
 
 " Yes ; perhaps you are. But still I do not 
 see why you should give yourself unnecessary 
 pain, dear child." 
 
 "But it is not unnecessary, papa," urged 
 Percy. " I have sinned deeply, and it is only 
 right that T should bear the consequences. 
 Therefore, you must let me see Aunt Lydia's 
 letter, so that I may know her true opinion of 
 me." 
 
 " Well, Percy, if you really wish it, here 
 it is, "replied his father, sadly. "I am sorry 
 for your sake and her own, that she cannot be 
 more kind and forgiving." And with great 
 reluctance he handed the letter to his son.
 
 A STORY FOR BOFS. '27 ' 
 
 Percy smoothed out the crumpled paper, and 
 shading his face with his hand, began to read 
 it slowly and attentively : and as he read, and 
 the full meaning of his aunt's words grew upon 
 him, his pale cheeks flushed, and the tears 
 started to his eyes. 
 
 " She is Tery cruel," he cried at last, 4 * very, 
 very cruel; but, alas, dear father, I deserve 
 every word she says." 
 
 " She was wrong to write in such a manner," 
 ex. laiined Sir Henry, angrily. '* I told her 
 all you have suffered, how sorry yon are, and 
 she should have forgiven you at once." And 
 taking up the letter he flung it into the fire. 
 
 " Oh, papa, yon should not have done that, 9 
 said Percy. "It would have been better to 
 have kept it, until I could have proved to her 
 that I am not quite so bad as she believes me 
 to be ; then I could have burned it joyfully." 
 
 I have no patience with her, and I cannot 
 understand her hard cruelty. 9 
 
 " But, really, papa dear, it is no wonder she 
 is angry, for I did behave very badly," said 
 Percy, putting his arm round his lather's neck. 
 " you know how difficult you found it to for- 
 give me at first you who love me so dearly. 
 And then you must not forget that she blames
 
 280 TEKCY'S HEVENGE : 
 
 me for the loss of her diamonds ; and, unfortu- 
 nately, she is right ; for if I had not made up 
 that horrible story about the robbers, Mary 
 Ann would never have dared to touch either 
 star or bracelet." 
 
 "That is all quite true, dear; but why 
 doesn't she believe what I tell her? Why 
 doesn't she watch Mary Ann, search her 
 boxes, and dismiss her?" 
 
 "Yes; I wish she would before it is too 
 late. She gave the star to that man ; but 
 then, what did she do with the bracelet, I 
 wonder? If Aunt Lydia would only take 
 some trouble, she might find out all about it, 
 and, perhaps, get her diamonds back again." 
 
 " She is shamefully hard on you, dear boy, 
 and I feel grieved beyond measure at her con- 
 duct," said Sir Henry. " No matter what she 
 lost, she had no right to speak of you as she 
 has done. But, my dear lad, I do hope this 
 will be a great lesson to you, and that you now 
 see how terrible a thing it is to give way to a 
 revengeful spirit. Just see what sorrow it has 
 brought into your life." 
 
 "Yes, papa; indeed I do," cried Percy, 
 earnestly. 
 
 "You acted a lie a series of lies and
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 281 
 
 now nothing that I can say will persuade your 
 aimt that you are not a thorough liar and story- 
 teller. It will be very hard to make her 
 change her opinion very hard." 
 
 " Yes, I am afraid it will," sighed Percy. 
 * But the worst of it is, that I deserve that she 
 should despise and think ill of me. How can 
 she know that my illness has changed me? 
 How can she know that I hare truly repented, 
 and that if she came here again I would treat 
 her with every respect? " 
 
 " She might give you the chance, anyway, 
 my dear child." 
 
 ** Tes : I wish she would. It would make 
 me so happy to show her how different I am 
 now. But about the star, papa? Did you 
 send to the right place? To the street I heard 
 the fellow mention?" 
 
 " I sent to the very street you told me of, 
 Percy ; but no such person was to be heard of 
 in that locality. The detectives have been on 
 the look-out ever since, but have never seen 
 any one at all like the man you described." 
 
 " That is too bad," cried ^ercy. " For 
 until I find the diamonds, Aunt Lydia will 
 never forgive me, I am sure. If I could get 
 them she might come back, and then I could
 
 282 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 show her how sorry I am for my past wicked- 
 ness, and prove to her that I am not a liar, as 
 she seems to think," and the boy's lips began to 
 quiver, and his eyes were wet and shining. 
 
 " Xo trouble shall be spared no stone shall 
 be left unturned till the diamonds are found," 
 said Sir Henry, firmly. " But are you willing 
 to do your part, Percy? Will you be ready, 
 if necessary, toappear before a crowded court, 
 if we can lay our hands on this ruffian ? " 
 
 " Father, I am ready to do what is right. 
 Hugh and I have talked it over many times, 
 and he has managed to make me think of doing 
 so, without that awful fear of it that I used to 
 have." 
 
 " Hugh is a good, brave lad," said Sir Henry, 
 warmly. 
 
 " That he is: good, brave, and clever; just 
 the sort of a son you should have, papa, instead 
 of a wretched creature like me," said Percy, in 
 a choking voice. 
 
 " My dear, dear child, you must not speak 
 like that, and give way to such morbid fancies," 
 replied his father, laying his hand gently on 
 his head. " You are more dear to me than 
 fifty Hughs. You are my own little son ; and, 
 in spite of your faults, Percy, I love you most
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 283 
 
 tenderly. Your gentle patience during this 
 long illness ; your keen anxiety to repair the 
 mischief you have done, fill me with happiness, 
 and make me certain that you will be very dif- 
 ferent in the future to what you have been in 
 the past. I love Hugh. I think him a good, 
 clever lad, and he is my nephew; but he is 
 as nothing to me when compared with you, 
 and the great love I bear you. Now, are you 
 satisfied?" 
 
 " Yes, papa; indeed I am more than sat- 
 isfied. Your words have made me very happy," 
 and, springing from his couch, Percy flung 
 himself into his father's arms and kissed him 
 long and lovingly. 
 
 " That is right ; and now, my boy, you must 
 lie down again, or we shall have you quite ill, 
 and unable to go for your drive to-morrow. 
 If you do not keep very quiet I shall go for 
 your Aunt Lucy." 
 
 " No, no, papa; let poor Aunt Lucy rest 
 for awhile. She looked so tired this afternoon. 
 I'll be very good." 
 
 ' ' Then I shall leave Aunt Lucy in peace ; 
 but it would be a shocking thing if I allowed 
 you to talk too much and you got ill again." 
 
 " No fear of that," cried Percy, gayly. " I
 
 284 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 feel ten times stronger for having had such a 
 cheering conversation ; but, oh, father, if we 
 could only find those diamonds, I would go 
 to Aunt Lydia with them myself, and then she 
 would be obliged to forgive me." 
 
 "You shall win that forgiveness, my dear 
 lad, if I can possibly manage it ; but you must 
 have patience, and not expect everything to be 
 found out at once." 
 
 Here the sound of footsteps was heard ap- 
 proaching the room, and Sir Henry made a 
 movement as though to prevent the intruders 
 from coming in. 
 
 " You cannot be disturbed now, Percy ; you 
 are quite too tired." 
 
 " No, no, papa; indeed I am not," said the 
 boy, eagerly ; " pray, let my visitors come in." 
 
 " Well, if you wish it," said Sir Henry, and 
 he returned to his seat by the sofa. 
 
 " May I come in, Percy?" asked a cheery 
 voice, and Hugh's bright face appeared in the 
 doorway. 
 
 " Come in? I should just think so," cried 
 Percy. " Why, Hugh, you are as welcome as 
 the flowers in May." 
 
 "That's good news," said Hugh, laughing. 
 "You seem very lively, Cousin Percy; but,
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 285 
 
 oh, please, Uncle Henry, Joe Bradley is in the 
 passage. He doesn't like to come in until you 
 ask him to do so." 
 
 "Not like to come in? What nonsense!" 
 cried Sir Henry. Then going into the passage 
 he shook the old man warmly by the hand. 
 " My dear Mr. Bradley, pray come in. My 
 son is much better and most anxious to see 
 you." 
 
 "Is it really Joe ? Dear old Joe ? " shouted 
 Percy, jumping up off the sofa. "Have you 
 any news for me, Joe? Have you news of the 
 diamonds ? " 
 
 " Lie down, Percy, or I shall not allow you 
 to ask another question," cried his father. 
 
 "Very well, papa," replied the boy; and 
 he lay back at once upon his cushions. " Now, 
 Joe, tell me quick; for I know I feel sure 
 by the twinkle of your eye, that you have 
 something important to tell me. And Hugh, 
 there, looks so knowing. Oh, please be quick 
 and tell me all about it ! " 
 
 "Yes, Master Percy," said the old man; 
 and he took a chair and seated himself by the 
 boy's side. "You are quite' right; I have 
 news a wonderful piece of news to tell you."
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 JOE BRADLEY'S STORY. 
 
 " T KNEW I was right," cried Percy, gayly ; 
 "so out with the news, Joe out with 
 the news.". 
 
 ""Well, now, Master Percy, I've a story to 
 tell," said the old man ; " but you must just let 
 me tell it in my own way, quietly and peace- 
 fully ; for if you don't, I'll take Sir Henry 
 away and tell him alone in his library." 
 
 " No, no ; pray don't do that," cried Percy. 
 " I promise not to hurry or interrupt you, so 
 please stay where you arc." 
 
 " Well, then, you all know that ever since 
 I met you that night, Master Percy, and heard 
 that Mrs. Torrens had lost her diamonds, I've 
 been in a terrible way to find them. Not 
 that I cared much for the lady, but because it 
 had been whispered that Master Hugh here 
 had something to do with the stealin' of them. 
 (286)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 287 
 
 So, for the sake of his dear mother, who has 
 been so good to me, I vowed that I'd never rest 
 till I found out who took them even if it 
 took all the money that I got from Xorth Caro- 
 lina to do it. An' so I made up my mind 
 that I'd keep my eye on Mary Ann, the lady's 
 maid ; for I believed Master Percy's story 
 about the man and the star." 
 
 ** Thank you, Joe, old friend," whispered 
 Percy, with a grateful smile. 
 
 " Well, as I believed that story, I thought 
 it best to keep my eye on Mary Ann, as I said 
 before ; and as she was in Brighton, I went to 
 Brighton, for, on account of the money from 
 Xorth Carolina, I'm pretty well my own master. 
 I took my old horse and cart with me ; and, 
 thanks to some introductions from my friend, 
 Mrs. Xipper, I got some work to do, that kept 
 my pot a boilin'. An" then I set to watch the 
 young woman as well as I could. When she 
 went out of an evenin', I went out, an' so on. 
 But I saw nothin' for a long time, an' at last I 
 grew rather tired an' did not go near her for 
 two or three days. Then, this afternoon, I 
 went up to the hotel where she an' her Missis 
 were stayin', an' asked the man at the door if 
 M; Mary Ann Jenkins was within.
 
 288 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "'Oh, she's gone,' says he; 'she an' her 
 lady had a fight, an' she's gone ; she left here 
 about half-an-hour ago, an' I believe she's off to 
 to London this very day.'" 
 
 " To London? Then Aunt Lydia has sent 
 her away at last," cried Percy; " did she find 
 out that she'd taken the diamonds, after all?" 
 
 "I think not, sir," said Joe, dryly; "but 
 no interruption, please, or" 
 
 " All right, Joe," laughed Percy; " but go 
 on, please, your story grows extremely inter- 
 esting." 
 
 " Well, when I heard that my brave Mary 
 Ann was off to London, says I, ' Joe, you'd 
 better go to London too ; this is Saturday 
 evenin', an' you won't have any work to do till 
 Monday ; an' there's many a friend will be 
 right glad to see your old face at their table on 
 Sunday.' " 
 
 "I should just think so," cried Hugh ; "why, 
 you're looked upon as a regular good fairy 
 down where you used to live." 
 
 "Aye, aye, Master Hugh," said the old 
 fellow smiling; "the old folks is wonderful 
 grateful for any little bit of kindness. But to 
 return to my story ; off I went to the station ; 
 took my ticket; looked up an' down, but no
 
 A STOKY FOR BOYS. 
 
 Mary Ann was to be seen ; 'never mind/ says I, 
 * you're took your ticket, Joe, so go to London 
 you must. 1 " 
 
 *' And a very good tiling yon did," remarked 
 Hugh ; " for if you hadn't' 
 
 " No interruption, Master Hugh. Well, Sir 
 Henry, I went to the train; stepped into at 
 third-class carriage, an' lo ! an' behold ! there 
 was Miss Mary Ann sittin' waitin' for me as it 
 were." 
 
 'How do you do, Miss Jenkins?' said I, 
 nice and civil like, 'an' where are yon off to?' 
 
 " ' Fm Miss Jenkins no longer,' she cried, 
 " Fin Mrs. Samuel Moses ; Fm off to America 
 with my husband to-morrow.' 
 
 " ' Indeed, ma'am/ says I ; an' then I thought 
 sadly : * you're done for, Joe, you're done for ; 
 what about the diamonds now?*" 
 
 " Why, Moses was the name of the man that 
 had the star," cried Percy ; " why didn't yon 
 ask Mary Ann about the bracelet?" 
 
 " Why didn't I ask her if she had it in her 
 pocket, is it, Master Percy ? " said Joe, laugh- 
 ing. "Well, I don't think there would have 
 been much use in that sort of a question, least- 
 ways, if you expected a truthful answer : how- 
 ever, I didn't ask it, but sat an' talked quite
 
 290 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 friendly-like, as the train whirled us along on 
 our way to London ; an' then we got precious 
 thick, an' she told me how angry Mrs. Torrens 
 was, when she found she was married on the 
 sly, an' how she gave her notice to go at once ; 
 an' how it suited her very well to leave as she 
 was goin' off anyway, as her husband had 
 made all preparations to start for America. 
 Then by degrees we came round to the night 
 when the diamonds were stolen. 
 
 " ' It was wonderfully, cleverly done,' she 
 said ; ' an' no one has an idea of who did it, 
 an' I'm thinkin' they'll never find out.' 
 
 " 'Indeed it was cleverly done,' I replied; 
 'but there's mighty smart detectives goin' 
 about in London, an' Sir Henry has any 
 amount watch in' for the guilty parties.' 
 
 " ' Do you say so, now?' she cried, and I 
 I thought she grew a trifle paler ; ' but it's not 
 likely they'd stay in the country.' 
 
 " ' No,' says I, ' they're sure to go to America.' 
 
 " ' Dear, dear, do you think so,' she said, as 
 quietly as possible, but her mouth twitched a 
 bit ; and she moved uneasily about on her seat. 
 
 "'Yes,' says I, 'an' isn't it a pity you 
 wouldn't just give me a helpin' hand, Mary 
 Ann?'
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 291 
 
 " * Me,' she cried, growin' as red as a peony. 
 
 * What do I know about them?' 
 
 " * Well, maybe not much,' said I, carelessly. 
 
 * But yon know this much you know that 
 Master Hugh Brown never touched them dia- 
 monds.' 
 
 " Of course he didn't. Master Hugh's a 
 gentleman, every inch of him ; besides he wasn't 
 in the house.' 
 
 "'Xo,' said I, * of course he wasn't; but 
 there's others that was, an' if you happen to 
 have an idea of who they are, if you'd just drop 
 them a hint, that supposin' they'd pawned the 
 jewels, it would be a good thing for them to 
 send the tickets to Sir Henry Randall, or even 
 to me ; for,' says I, givin' her a wink * I've my 
 ideas strong upon the subject, an' think I know 
 who the parties are. If those tickets were sent 
 to him some day, Sir Henry would let the 
 robbers go, I'm perfectly sure and certain, for 
 the sake of his invalid son, who would have to 
 give evidence in the case, and might be injured 
 thereby. But if it so happens that the thieves 
 go on board, without havin' given up the 
 tickets or the diamonds, they'll find the detec- 
 tives looking through their boxes, an' that 
 might be awkward, to say the least of it.'
 
 292 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " ' So it might,' she said, growin' very 
 fidgety, an' openin' an' shuttin' a little bag she 
 held in her hand. ' But it isn't likely they'll 
 have either diamonds or tickets in their boxes. 
 Thieves is generally pretty sharp. Ah, my 
 goodness save us all. What is that?' 
 
 " An' before I had time to answer a word, 
 there came a great bump, a terrific shock, an' 
 Mary Ann was sent flyin' to one side of the 
 carriage, an' I was sent flyin' to the other. For 
 a minute, I was stunned like. But then I 
 gathered myself up, an' went over to poor 
 Mary Ann, who was lyin' all in a heap, her 
 head against the seat. 
 
 "'Any one hurt in here?' asked a guard, 
 lookin' in at the window. 
 
 "'This poor woman is in a faintin' fit,' I 
 answered. ' Has there been an accident?' 
 
 "'Oh, nothin' much,' says he, gayly. 
 ' There's nobody really the worse. We're close 
 to the station, but the line's blocked, so we 
 may be here for half-an-hour or so. If your 
 friend is hurt may be it would be better to take 
 her home in a cab.' 
 
 " ' She wants air anyway, I think, so I'll just 
 get her out of this for awhile,' said I, for I 
 thought I'd like to keep Mary Ann, an' look
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 293 
 
 after her a bit if she was hurt. The guard gave 
 me a helpin' hand for she was quite insensible, 
 an' carryin' her on to the side of the road we 
 laid her down. In a few minutes she opened 
 her eyes, and stared about her in surprise. 
 
 "'Where am I,' she cried, 'where am I? 
 Old man, what have you brought me here for?' 
 
 " ' Just for a little air,' I said. * There was 
 an accident, an' you fainted. The train cannot 
 go on for some time, so I thought it better to 
 bring you out here. We're close to Victoria, 
 an' ' 
 
 "'An accident the train late good gra- 
 cious, I'll miss him,' she cried, starting to her 
 feet. ' But I'm very weak,' and puttin' her 
 hand to her head she sat down again. 'Mr. 
 Bradley,' she said, faintly, will you go back 
 to tne train, and look for my band-box that's 
 under the seat, ifs very valuable, and ' 
 
 " ' Yes, yes, I'll get it for you,' I cried 
 thinkin' maybe there was somethin' real pre- 
 cious in it." 
 
 "The bracelet, perhaps?" suggested Percy. 
 
 " No, no ; I wasn't quite so green as that, 
 Master Percy. However, whatever, I thought, 
 on* I started, found our carriage after some 
 huntin' up an' down, an' looked under every
 
 294 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 seat an' in every corner, but there was no band- 
 box to be found, nothin' but a greasy-lookin' 
 envelope, with a big red seal on it. 
 
 " 'The poor creature will be disappointed,' I 
 said, ' for may be her best bonnet was in that 
 box it must have tumbled out of the train, 
 or been picked up by ' 
 
 " ' Halloa,' cried the guard ; ' here's a glass 
 of water for your friend. Is she in the train 
 again ? ' 
 
 "'Not she,' said I, 'she was too weak to 
 move. She's lyin' over there, where we put 
 her just now.' 
 
 "'Not a bit of her. She's gone,' he an- 
 swered. ' I took the water over for her, but 
 she was not there to drink it.' 
 
 " ' Not there, not there,' I cried, an' off I 
 ran to look for her. 
 
 " But he was quite right ; Mary Ann had dis- 
 appeared ; not a trace of her was to be seen." 
 
 " What a pity," cried Percy. " Could you 
 not have run after her?" 
 
 "I'm not much of a runner, Master Percy, 
 an' if I was, I did not know where to run. So 
 I just stood scratchin' my head, an' not knowin' 
 what to do except to call myself names, an' 
 that I did pretty smartly."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 295 
 
 "But the greasy envelope with the red 
 seal ? " said Sir Henry. " What about that?" 
 
 " Ah," said Joe, smiling, and bringing out a 
 packet from his coat pocket. "There was 
 somethin' in that to console me for the loss of 
 my Mary Ann. The band-box was a rose, Sir 
 Henry, to get me out of sight ; but the poor 
 creature had taken my hint and left me this 
 or may be she had dropped it in mistake." 
 
 "But what is in it, Joe?" cried Percy. 
 " What is in it?" 
 
 "Nothing more nor less than the two pawn- 
 tickets, Master Percy, an* there they are ! " 
 
 '* That is capital," said Sir Henry, taking 
 them from the old man's hand. "And I am 
 very grateful to you for all the trouble you 
 have taken. You have done more for us than 
 all my paid detectives." 
 
 " Because my heart was in it, Sir Henry, 
 because my heart was in it," cried Joe. " But 
 what will you do now ? Will you try to stop 
 the thieves on their way to America, or will 
 you be content with gettin' back the diamonds?" 
 
 "I shall let them go," said Sir Henry, 
 promptly. " To prosecute them would cause 
 us all too much pain. I will redeem the dia- 
 monds at once."
 
 29 ti PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Redeem the diamonds? What do you 
 mean?" cried Percy. "Please, please, tell 
 me what you mean ? " 
 
 " My dear boy," said his father, "these little 
 bits of pasteboard are pawn-tickets, given to 
 the persons who pawned your aunt's jewels. 
 By presenting these, and paying a certain sum 
 of money, how much I cannot tell, we can buy 
 the diamonds back, and take them away when 
 we like." 
 
 "Really, really ! Oh, Joe, you are a brick," 
 and in a whirl of excitement, Percy sprang 
 from the sofa, and threw his arms round the 
 old man's neck. 
 
 " I'm right glad to have served you, Master 
 Percy. I'd do anything for you an' your dear 
 father, for you've been good an' lovin' to them 
 that was good to me. It was the thought of 
 clearin' Master Hugh, an' pleasin' his dear 
 mother, that drove me on to watch Mary Ann. 
 Still, I'm glad to have served you. An' now, 
 Sir Henry, what about the diamonds? Will 
 you go about them yourself, or send some 
 one?" 
 
 "I will go myself this very night, Joe,'' 
 cried Sir Henry. "Pawn-shops keep open 
 late, I know, so I'll go off at once. The
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 297 
 
 bracelet, I see, has been disposed of in the 
 Strand the star somewhere in the East End. 
 I will get them, if possible, this evening, and 
 take them to my sister immediately." 
 
 "Oh, papa, papa, let me go to Brighton 
 with you," cried Percy. "Let me take back 
 the diamonds to Aunt Lydia." 
 
 " Yes, Percy, most certainly you may. But 
 do you think you could go to Brighton to- 
 morrow ? It is a long journey, remember." 
 
 ** Not so very long only an hour," cried 
 the boy, eagerly. "I feel so well to-night; 
 joy has given me fresh strength." 
 
 " I am glad to hear that," said his father, 
 kissing him. " But I am afraid, when the 
 excitement is over, you will feel knocked 
 up." T 
 
 " No, no, papa indeed, I shan't." 
 
 " Well, I'll teU you what I shall do, Percy. 
 I will go off now and look after these jewels ; 
 then, on Monday, I will take them to Brighton. 
 You may come with me, but on one condi- 
 tion." 
 
 "What is it, papa?" 
 
 " That you keep very quiet all day to-mor- 
 row, and do not excite yourself in anyway." 
 
 " Very well, I promise," cried Percy, gayly.
 
 298 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " Hugh and I will go to church together, and 
 we shall thank God for His great goodness to 
 us all." 
 
 "Yes, Percy; but will that not be too 
 fatiguing for you?" asked Hugh. 
 
 " No, dear, it will do me good," answered 
 Percy, gravely. " I have many blessings to 
 thank God for now." 
 
 " Yes, indeed, you have," said Hugh. ' And 
 if my mother thinks you strong enough " 
 
 " Aunt Lucy said she thought I might safely 
 go to-morrow ; and I am going to have such a 
 happy day. Little Susie is coming to see me, 
 and you must all have afternoon tea in my 
 room. Then, on Monday, Hugh, we shall start 
 for Brighton. How delightful ! You must 
 come, too, you know ; because Aunt Lydia 
 must forgive us together. She must forgive 
 me for being so wicked and you well, for 
 being so good and charming," and Percy 
 laughed merrily. 
 
 ** Now, my dear boy, if you think of going 
 to church to-morrow, and to Brighton on 
 Monday," said his father, seriously, " you 
 must really lie down and rest. I am quite 
 nervous about you, you seem so feverish and 
 excited."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 299 
 
 " But, papa dear, it is only because I am so 
 happy," cried Percy, with glowing cheeks. 
 
 " I am glad to hear that, my child. But 
 you must try and rest. I will get Theo to 
 come and sit beside you, whilst Hugh and I 
 go off with Joe to see about the diamonds." 
 
 "Yes, that will be nice. But here comes 
 Theo, just in the nick of time. Oh, what fun ! 
 She has not heard a word, so I shall be able to 
 tell her the whole story myself. Come along, 
 Theo, dear, and we'll have such a jolly talk." 
 
 " Papa," said the little girl, as she tripped 
 up to her father, holding an orange-colored 
 envelope in her hand, " here is a telegram for 
 you. I wonder if it's anything about the dia- 
 monds." 
 
 " Mary Ann telegraphing to send us her 
 address, perhaps," said Hugh, laughing. 
 
 " Very likely, you old stupid," cried Perc} r , 
 giving his cousin a push. w But away you go, 
 and get the bracelet and star for me." 
 
 " My dear Percy," said Sir Henry, sadly, as 
 he glanced over the telegram, " we need not go 
 to Brighton ; your Aunt Lydia has gone to the 
 Xorth. Mr. Torrens has had some kind of a 
 stroke, and she has gone off to take care of 
 him."
 
 300 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 " I am very sorry to hear it," said Percy. 
 " Poor old man, I hope he will soon get better ; 
 but what shalt we do about the diamonds, 
 papa?" 
 
 " We must send them after her, dear. That 
 is all we can do now. It would be impossible 
 to go North with them. I could not leave 
 home at present." 
 
 " What a pity? Now I shall not be able to 
 beg her pardon properly," said Percy. " I 
 had planned it all so nicely." 
 
 " Well, it can't be helped, dear," replied his 
 father. " You must write her a little note, and 
 send it with the diamonds. The sight of them 
 will, probably, soften her heart towards you." 
 
 " Did the policeman catch the thieves, 
 papa ? " asked Theo. ' ' Are they locked up 
 in prison?" 
 
 "No, dear; we have not been able to catch 
 the thieves," said Sir Henry. " They are 
 gone ; but we shall soon get the diamonds ; so, 
 I am quite satisfied. Tell Theo the story, 
 Percy, for I must go off with Joe and try and 
 find where these pawn shops are. Good-night. 
 You must not sit up too late. But I may trust 
 your Aunt Lucy to send you to bed in good 
 time. Good-night."
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 301 
 
 " Good-night, papa ; good-night Joe," cried 
 Percy and Theo in a breath. 
 
 " Good-night, dear children," said the old 
 man. " May God keep and protect you," and 
 then he torned away and followed Sir Henry 
 from the room. 
 
 * Isn't he a splendid old chap?" asked 
 Percy, as the door closed upon his friend. " He 
 would go through fire and water to do a good 
 turn for any one, I believe." 
 
 " Would he?" said Theo, doubtfully ; " but 
 please, Percy, tell me what he has done ; you 
 all seem greatly excited about something, but 
 I haven't the faintest idea what it is." 
 
 " So much the better, my dear girl, and if 
 you have a little patience you shall soon hear 
 all particulars. Pm so glad you were not in 
 the room when the old soul told us the story ; 
 for then I should not have the fun of telling it 
 to you." 
 
 And, delighted at having such an eager 
 listener, Percy poured forth the whole ac- 
 count of Joe Bradley's journey from Brighton, 
 and the strange manner in which he had found 
 the pawn tickc
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 FORGIVEN. 
 
 AND so, at last, the diamonds were re- 
 covered, and, to Percy's delight, were 
 packed off to his Aunt Lydia, accompanied by 
 a note, in which he made a most humble 
 apology for his past conduct, and implored her 
 to write, and tell him that he was forgiven. 
 
 But Mrs. Torrens took not the slightest 
 notice of this appeal, and merely acknowledged 
 the receipt of the jewels in a short letter to her 
 brother. 
 
 Percy was in despair at this cruel treatment, 
 and in a burst of rage against his aunt, de- 
 clared that he was sorry he had ever begged 
 her pardon at all ; and if he had known she 
 was going to be so disagreeable, he would 
 never have taken the trouble to hunt for her 
 diamonds as he had done. 
 
 " But, Percy dear," said Hugh, gently ; " I 
 
 (302)
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 303 
 
 thought \*ou were anxious to repair the mis- 
 chief that you had done. I thought you 
 were sorry for your conduct, and wished to 
 atone for it, not so much because it annoyed 
 your Aunt Lydia, as because it was wicked, 
 and offended God, who has been so good to 
 you." 
 
 " Oh, yes, yes, Hugh ; but how hard it is to 
 remember that always. You are right, though ; 
 I am sorry for acting those lies because my 
 conduct offended God; and I know I feel 
 that I well deserve some punishment ; papa has 
 been too good to me, too gentle and forgiving, 
 and I have grown to expect every one to be the 
 same." 
 
 " And as there are very few so kind and 
 true, you must not hope that they will treat 
 you as he has done. And, now, Percy, I am 
 going to give you a little advice." 
 
 " What, more advice?" cried Percy, laugh- 
 ing. " It seems to me you keep an unlimited 
 supply of that commodity about you ; but it is 
 generally good, I must confess. So let me 
 hear what it is, please." 
 
 " I am sorry if I have given you too much," 
 replied Hugh, gravely. " But if you will only 
 follow my advice now, Percy, old man, I pro-
 
 304 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 mise that I shall not give you any more for a 
 very long time." 
 
 "Well, then, what is this extraordinary 
 piece of wisdom, most sage adviser? I am 
 impatient to know what I am to do. Am I to 
 don sackcloth and ashes and do penance for 
 my sins, until Aunt Lydia deigns to forgive 
 me?" 
 
 "Not at all quite the contrary. What I 
 would advise you to do is this : Cultivate 
 cheerfulness; forget Aunt Lydia; forget the 
 diamonds ; forget yourself ; and try to be as 
 happy as you possibly can." 
 
 " But, my dear Hugh" 
 
 " But, my dear Percy," said Hugh, kindly, 
 " believe me, that is the right thing to do. 
 You mope too much. You nurse your sorrow 
 and grievances; and, by doing so, you make 
 your father unhappy." 
 
 "Oh, Hugh!" 
 
 "Yes, it is true. He watches you night, 
 noon, and morning, and when he sees you 
 moping about and hears you sighing, he is 
 most unhappy and" 
 
 "Hugh, I will take your advice. I would 
 do anything to please my father ; for oh, how
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 305 
 
 good, how tender he has been to me. For his 
 sake, then, I will try to be cheerful." 
 
 "That is right, Percy; and now I tell you 
 what we shall do. We will say a little prayer 
 every day, that Mrs. Torrens may soon forgive 
 you. But, except for that, we shall forget all 
 about her, and be as happy as possible." 
 
 "Yes, Hugh; and I will say that prayer 
 from the bottom of my heart. And oh, if you 
 only knew how grateful I am to God, for hav- 
 ing sent me a friend like you. He alone knows 
 how much you have helped me, and how you 
 will still help me to overcome my wicked 
 temper and bad" 
 
 "Hush, Percy; you have helped yourself, 
 dear. God knows how difficult it is for you to 
 be good. But He saw you were trying hard 
 to serve Him well, and so He helped you to 
 become good and gentle." 
 
 "Yes, I think He has helped me, and I 
 thank Him for doing so. But, Hugh, one of 
 the helps God sent me was you yourself, my 
 little friend." 
 
 "Very well; perhaps He did send me 
 indeed I am sure He did. And oh, Percy, 
 what would have become of my mother of
 
 306 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 wee Susie, if I had not found Uncle Henry's 
 pocket-book?" 
 
 " God alone knows that, Hugh, dear. But 
 I am so glad, so glad that you did." 
 
 * ' And I thank God on my knees every day 
 for His wonderful goodness in allowing me to 
 find it." 
 
 "How solemn you look, to be sure," cried 
 Sir Henry, coming into the room at this mo- 
 ment. "I never saw a pair of boys look so 
 serious." 
 
 "Do we really, papa?" said Percy, looking 
 up brightly into his father's face. "And yet 
 we have just been saying how happy we are, 
 and how jolly we are going to be from this day 
 forward. I am going to get strong and" 
 
 "I wish you could, dear lad," replied Sir 
 Henry, with a sigh. "And now, Percy, I 
 have come to tell you something. The doctor 
 says you must have change of air ; so I have 
 taken a house for a couple of months down at 
 Maidenhead. Would you like that, do you 
 think?" 
 
 "Like it! I'd love it, papa; and I'm sure 
 the change would do me good." 
 
 ' ' I trust it may ; but I am glad you like the 
 idea. The house will be ready next week, and
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 307 
 
 your Aunt Lucy has promised to come and 
 stay with us, and bring Susie with her. So we 
 must be off as soon as we can." 
 
 ** The very minute we can get into our new 
 abode," said Percy, gayly. " Dear father, how 
 good and kind you are. I wish I could do 
 something to show you how truly grateful I 
 am." 
 
 " Get strong, well and happy, Percy. That 
 is all the gratitude I want or expect." 
 
 " And that you shall soon have, dear father. 
 From this day I will do my best to grow strong 
 and happy." 
 
 "And when you are that, then I shall be 
 perfectly content, dear boy," said his father, 
 with a loving kiss. ** But I must leave you 
 for the present. I have letters to write in 
 time for the post," and he went away to the 
 library. 
 
 And Percy kept his promise. He tried hard 
 to put Hugh's advice in practice, and was so far 
 successful, that hi a short time, every one re- 
 marked the change that had taken place in his 
 health and spirits. 
 
 Theo said it was all due to the fresh country 
 air that they enjoyed, since they had taken up 
 their abode in the beautiful house by the river.
 
 308 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 And in this Sir Henry agreed with her ; for it 
 seemed to him that the boy had visibly im- 
 proved from the very hour that they had left 
 Holland Park, and all its unpleasant associa- 
 tions. 
 
 But Hugh knew that change of air, though 
 it had done much for Percy, was not the only 
 thing that had made him so good and bright. 
 He knew how the boy had fought and strug- 
 gled ; he knew how fervently he had prayed ; 
 and he thanked God for the grace He had 
 bestowed on his cousin, and begged Him to 
 give him strength to persevere. 
 
 Nevertheless, the change from London to the 
 country had done Percy and his companions a 
 great deal of good, and the long summer days 
 flew rapidly by in the quiet seclusion of beauti- 
 ful Fernside. 
 
 Mr. Barker, who had long since forgiven 
 Percy his insolence, came down from town 
 every day, and the boys worked well and 
 steadily at their lessons all the morning. 
 Then, when he had taken his departure, the 
 afternoons were given up to boating and tennis, 
 which occupations they all found most enter- 
 taining. 
 
 " I don't think I was ever so happy in my
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 309 
 
 life before," cried Theo, one day, as she and 
 the two boys strolled up the lawn, and seated 
 themselves upon the grass. " This place is so 
 lovely ; the weather is so fine, and everybody 
 so kind, that it is positively enchanting. Are 
 these your sentiments, my friends?" 
 
 " Yes ; they are mine, most certainly," 
 answered Hugh, readily. "It is a delightful 
 time and a charming abode. Don't you agree, 
 Percy?" 
 
 Yes I do," said Percy, slowly ; " but 
 I 
 
 " Now, no buts, dear boy," cried Theo, 
 gayly. "I am sure you have been very 
 happy since we came here just six weeks 
 to-day. And you have been so good and 
 gentle." 
 
 " Thank you, Theo dear. I'm glad you 
 think that; and I am happy very happy. 
 It was stupid of me to use the word but, if it 
 made you think that I meant to say I was not ; 
 for I am extremely so, and much stronger than 
 I ever was in my life before far happier than 
 I deserve to be. You are all so good far too 
 good to me." 
 
 " Now, I call that rubbish, Percy. No one 
 could be too good to you," cried Theo. " I
 
 310 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 know you have been happy for a long time, 
 for it is easily seen ; but I just wanted to hear 
 you acknowledge it. And now, I tell you 
 what I'll do. It would be lovely to have our 
 tea out here, so I'll run in and ask Grey to 
 bring it out to us. Won't that be capital ? " 
 
 ** Delightful," cried Hugh. " But let me go 
 and give Grey your message, Theo." 
 
 " No, no ; you just stay where you are. I 
 want to put on my tennis shoes. We'll have a 
 splendid game after tea, Hugh, and you'll see 
 what a beating I'll give you." And, kissing 
 her hand the little girl tripped off, singing 
 merrily as she went. 
 
 " Hugh," said Percy, gravely, as Theo dis- 
 appeared, " have I managed to put your last 
 piece of advice in practice, do you think?" 
 
 " Yes, indeed, you have, Percy. I never 
 saw any one change so much as you have done 
 within the last two months. My mother was 
 delighted with you. She said you would grow 
 up to be as good as Uncle Henry." 
 
 "Oh, Hugh, "cried Percy, blushing brightly. 
 
 " She did, indeed. She is so fond of you. 
 But I tell you what, Percy, you have surely 
 had your reward for any trouble you may have 
 had. Just think how happy dear Uncle Henry
 
 A STORY FOE BOYS. 311 
 
 is. Why, I declare he seems to grow younger 
 every day." 
 
 " Dear old father ! I am glad I have man- 
 aged to cheer up a bit for his sake, more than 
 anything else. But, Hugh " 
 
 "Yes, Percy." 
 
 " I have been saying that little prayer every 
 day, and yet Aunt Lydia has never shown the 
 slightest sign of forgiving me. I never thought 
 she could have held out so long." 
 
 "But, Mr. Ton-ens has been ill, old chap, 
 and" 
 
 " Yes ; that is true. But still, oh, I wonder 
 if that prayer will ever be granted, Hugh. I 
 feel so sorry for Aunt Lydia now, and I'd like 
 to tell her so." 
 
 "I am quite certain your prayer will be 
 granted some day, Percy. All prayers are. 
 Perhaps it may not come just yet ; but you 
 must be patient and pray every day." 
 
 "Yes, indeed, I will," said Percy, earnestly. 
 " But, Hugh, isn't that papa coming down the 
 steps? Oh, dear, and he has a strange lady 
 with him. How provoking ! Now our. nice 
 little tea will be spoiled. I wonder where Theo 
 is? She's very long giving her orders." 
 
 " Percy," cried Hugh, laying his hand upon
 
 312 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 his cousin's arm. ' f Prepare yourself, dear boy. 
 That lady is is " 
 
 * * Who ? " said Percy looking up ?sharply at 
 the approaching visitor. "I declare it is, can 
 it be? Yes, it is, really Aunt Lydia;" and 
 flushing hotly he hurried across the lawn to 
 meet Mrs. Torrens, who at that moment came 
 down the steps into the garden. 
 
 "Aunt Lydia, I am very sorry," he cried, 
 nervously. "I hope you will forgive me for 
 my wicked conduct. Oh, have you conie to 
 say you have forgiven me ? " 
 
 " Yes, dear, dear boy," she answered softly, 
 and putting her arm round him she kissed him 
 on the forehead. "I have forgiven you, and 
 you must forgive me, Percy, for any unkind- 
 ness that I may have shown to you ; from this 
 day you and I shall be friends." 
 
 " Oh, Aunt Lydia," was all Percy could say ; 
 but he looked up with a smile into his father's 
 face. 
 
 "The poor lad has pined for your for- 
 giveness, Lydia," said Sir Henry. " And he 
 found it hard to make himself happy without 
 it." 
 
 " I forgave you long ago, Percy ; but I was 
 so much taken up with my poor husband
 
 A STORY FOB BOYS. 313 
 
 that I could not manage to come to you any 
 sooner. I thought it better to come than to 
 write." 
 
 "Yes; so it was," said her nephew. "I 
 hope uncle is quite well, now." 
 
 " Xo ; he is not quite well yet, Percy," she 
 said, with a sigh ; " and I fear it will be a long 
 time before he is. We are starting for Mel- 
 bourne in a few days. The doctors say a long 
 sea voyage is the only chance for him." 
 
 " What a dreadful way to go, right off to 
 Australia, Aunt Lydia," cried Theo, running 
 up to greet the visitor. " Won't you be very 
 sea-sick?" 
 
 " I dare say I shall, Theo, dear; but stfll if 
 the voyage does my poor invalid good, I shall 
 not complain. He is very hopeful himself, and 
 quite anxious to be off." 
 
 " But won't you stay with us for a little 
 while, Aunt Lydia?" said Percy. " Do stay, 
 please, as long as you can ! " 
 
 " Thank you, Percy. I will stay for a few 
 days, if you care to have me. My sister-in-law 
 is with your uncle, so I am not uneasy about 
 him at present. But is that your cousin Hugh 
 over there?" 
 
 Yes, that is Hugh ; the best boy that ever
 
 314 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 lived," cried Percy. "And oh, Aunt Lydia, 
 please speak kindly to him." 
 
 "Of course I will," she answered; " for I 
 am afraid I treated him very badly. You are 
 surprised to hear me speak so gently, Henry," 
 she said, glancing at her brother with a smile. 
 " But these last two months in my husband's 
 sick room have taught me much, and made me 
 grieve over many things that I have said and 
 done during my life. Bring Hugh here, Percy." 
 
 "My dear Lydia," said Sir Henry, as his 
 son went in search of his cousin, who had 
 wandered away by himself, " your words and 
 manner make me very happy and deeply 
 grateful." 
 
 " Indeed? Then I am thankful that I came 
 here to-day," she said, softly ; " for I owe you 
 much, dear brother more than I can ever 
 repay you ; " and there were tears in her eyes 
 as she spoke. 
 
 " Nonsense, Lydia," he answered hastily. 
 " I only did what every brother ought to do 
 helped my sister when she wanted a little help. 
 I only did my duty." 
 
 " Nevertheless, dear brother, you did it 
 nobly, generously ; and your conduct has 
 touched and softened me, Henry, and made
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 315 
 
 me ashamed of my pride and harshness in 
 dealing with your son." 
 
 " All that is forgotten and forgiven now," 
 he said, as he pressed her hand affectionately. 
 " Do not mention it again." 
 
 Then Hugh was brought forward, blushing 
 and trembling; but Mrs. Torrens looked at 
 him so kindly, and spoke so gently, that she 
 put him at his ease immediately. 
 
 " I treated you badly, Hugh, and I apolo- 
 gize. I thought my brother was too quick in 
 acknowledging you as his nephew, and I felt 
 certain he had been imposed upon. Now I 
 know he was perfectly right, and had good 
 reasons for all he did. I should very much 
 like to meet your mother." 
 
 ** You are very kind," said Hugh. " My 
 mother is at Richmond." 
 
 " But she is coming to spend Sunday here," 
 said Percy ; " so then you shall see her. Aunt 
 Lucy is the sweetest, kindest of aunties ; and 
 as for Susie well, she is a darling." 
 
 "I should be really glad that you should 
 meet Lucy," said Sir Henry. " She has suf- 
 fered much during her life, but now she is 
 peaceful and happy. She has been a great 
 comfort to us all during Percy's long illness."
 
 316 PERCY'S REVENGE : 
 
 "Yes; so I heard," said Mrs. Torrens. 
 " And now, Hugh, I hope you have forgiven 
 me." 
 
 "Oh, Mrs. Torrens," cried Hugh, "I 
 had nothing to forgive." 
 
 " Yes, you had. I accused you of theft 
 most wickedly and unjustly. But I really 
 believed that Mary Ann was a trustworthy 
 servant; and as Percy said there were no 
 robbers, I thought some one who knew the 
 house must have taken the diamonds, and I 
 fancied it was you. However, I am glad I was 
 wrong. I am sure it is pleasant for Percy to 
 have such a bright companion, and that you 
 will always be good to him, and grateful to 
 your kind benefactor and uncle." 
 
 " Most certainly I shall always," said 
 Hugh, firmly. " There is not much danger of 
 my failing in either love or gratitude to my 
 dear cousin and uncle." 
 
 " That is right. And now, Henry, I must 
 tell you that Mary Ann and her wretched hus- 
 band the man who had the star at the inn, 
 Percy were caught in Liverpool the very day 
 they were to have sailed for America, and have 
 been sentenced to several years' penal serv- 
 itude for some theft, committed I know not
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 317 
 
 when nor how. But I am very glad ; for it 
 would have been terrible to think of such 
 wicked creatures getting off without punish- 
 ment." 
 
 "Yes; it certainly would," said Sir Henry. 
 " Yet, I could not bring myself to prosecute 
 them on account of the diamonds. It would 
 have been very painful for us all, but especially 
 for Percy." 
 
 " So it would," answered Mrs. Torrens, 
 gently ; " but I trust that Percy has had a les- 
 son ; and that no matter how disagreeable a 
 person may be to him, he will never again try 
 to be revenged." 
 
 " Xever, indeed, aunt, never," said Percy, 
 earnestly ; " I have suffered too much in every 
 way ever to think of doing such a thing again." 
 
 "lam quite sure of that," remarked his 
 father; "my little lad has grown brave and 
 good within the last few months; he now 
 knows what it means to bear and forbear." 
 
 " Yes, father, I hope I do," whispered 
 Percy ; " but please don't praise me too much." 
 
 " I will not, dear boy ; and now, my friends, 
 let us talk of something else ; let this conver- 
 sation be the very last we shall ever hear of 
 Percy's revenge."
 
 318 PERCY'S REVENGE: 
 
 "Very well, papa dear; so it shall," cried 
 Theo, gayly ; " so come along to tea ; Grey has 
 set it out so nicely in the little arbor down by 
 the river." 
 
 "That will be charming, dear," replied Sir 
 Henry ; and offering his arm to his sister he 
 led her away. 
 
 " Are there any more buts now to your 
 happiness, Master Percy ? " asked Theo, saucily. 
 
 "Not one, you old darling," he answered, 
 brightly ; " I feel as if I could never, never be 
 unhappy again ; " and throwing his arms around 
 the little girl's neck he gave her a loving kiss. 
 
 " Come, Hugh, dear friend, "he said, turning 
 to his cousin, " let us join the tea-party in the 
 arbor, and let us be as merry as merry can be." 
 
 Then with one hand in Theo's and the other 
 in Hugh's, Percy danced down the garden after 
 his father and aunt. 
 
 Mrs. Torrens remained at Fernside for a 
 week ; and, during that time, Percy did all he 
 could to show her how much he had changed 
 since her last visit to Holland Park. And, in- 
 deed, the children vied with each other in mak- 
 ing her happy during her stay amongst them. 
 
 This delighted Mrs. Torrens, and she told
 
 A STORY FOR BOYS. 319 
 
 Sir Henry that they were the nicest Kttle 
 creatures she had ever known ; that the week 
 of quiet happiness spent in their society had 
 done her good, and strengthened her for her 
 sea journey. 
 
 And when at last she took her departure, the 
 farewells were long and affectionate; for the 
 children, whose enemy she had been hi former 
 times, had learned to love her, and were sorry 
 to see her go. 
 
 And so this visit did a great deal of good ; 
 and when it was over, Percy returned to his 
 various occupations, feeling more content than 
 he had ever done in his life. 
 
 And thus we leave our young friends as 
 happy as it is possible for children to be; 
 surrounded by every luxury, yet not carried 
 away by an undue love of the good things of 
 this world ; deeply impressed by the goodness 
 of God towards them, and determined to work 
 bravely, and become truly virtuous. 
 
 And to those of my readers who are inter- 
 ested in the future of these little people I will 
 say, that as time went on their efforts were 
 crowned with success. 
 
 Percy grew up to be a noble fellow, full of 
 talent and generosity; whilst Hugh distin-
 
 PERCY S REVENGE : 
 
 guished himself in every way, and became the 
 pride of his kind benefactor and uncle, a true 
 blessing to his widowed mother and little 
 sister. 
 
 And Theo? Well, Theo grew to be what it 
 should be the aim and object of every girl to 
 become, a gentle, kind-hearted woman.
 
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