diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357-0.txt | 2036 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357-0.zip | bin | 0 -> 42739 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357-8.txt | 2036 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 42612 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 45234 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357-h/7357-h.htm | 2371 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357.txt | 2036 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 7357.zip | bin | 0 -> 42593 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/7357-h.htm.2021-01-26 | 2370 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/8cole10.zip | bin | 0 -> 42727 bytes |
13 files changed, 10865 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/7357-0.txt b/7357-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..95a3e11 --- /dev/null +++ b/7357-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2036 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: J. Cole + +Author: Emma Gellibrand + + +Release Date: January, 2005 [EBook #7357] +This file was first posted on April 20, 2003 +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + + + + + + + + +J. COLE + +By Emma Gellibrand + + + + [Illustration: “'WHO ARE YOU, MY CHILD?' I SAID'--Page 3 +(_Frontispiece_)] + + + + +J. COLE. + +“HONNERD MADAM, + +“Wich i hav seed in the paper a page Boy wanted, and begs to say J. Cole +is over thertene, and I can clene plate, wich my brutther is under a +butler and lernd me, and I can wate, and no how to clene winders and +boots. J. Cole opes you will let me cum. I arsks 8 and all found. if you +do my washin I will take sevven. J. Cole will serve you well and opes to +giv sattisfaxshun. i can cum tomorrer. J. COLE. + +“P.S.--He is not verry torl but growin. My brutther is a verry good +hite. i am sharp and can rede and rite and can hadd figgers if you +like.” + + * * * * * * * + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +I had advertised for a page-boy, and having puzzled through some dozens +of answers, more or less illegible and impossible to understand, had +come to the last one of the packet, of which the above is an exact copy. + +The epistle was enclosed in a clumsy envelope, evidently home-made, +with the aid of scissors and gum, and was written on a half-sheet of +letter-paper, in a large hand, with many blots and smears, on pencilled +lines. + +There was something quaint and straightforward in the letter, in spite +of the utter ignorance of grammar and spelling; and while I smiled at +the evident pride in the “brutther” who was a “verry good hite,” and +the offer to take less wages if “I would do his washin,” I found myself +wondering what sort of waif upon the sea of life was this not very tall +person, over thirteen, who “would serve me well.” + +I had many letters to answer and several appointments to make, and +had scarcely made up my mind whether or not to trouble to write to my +accomplished correspondent, who was “sharp, and could rede and rite, and +hadd figgers,” when, a shadow falling on the ground by me as I sat by +the open window, I looked up, and saw, standing opposite my chair, a +boy,--the very smallest boy, with the very largest blue eyes I ever saw. +The clothes on his little limbs were evidently meant for somebody almost +double his size, but they were clean and tidy. + +In one hand he held a bundle, tied in a red handkerchief, and in the +other a bunch of wild-flowers that bore signs of having travelled far in +the heat of the sun, their blossoms hanging down, dusty and fading, and +their petals dropping one by one on the ground. + +“Who are you, my child?” I said, “and what do you want?” + +At my question the boy placed his flowers on my table, and, pulling off +his cap, made a queer movement with his feet, as though he were trying +to step backwards with both at once, and said, in a voice so deep that +it quite startled me, so strangely did it seem to belong to the size of +the clothes, and not the wearer,-- + +“Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to live with yer. I've brought +all my clothes, and every think.” + +For the moment I felt a little bewildered, so impossible did it seem +that the small specimen of humanity before me was actually intending to +enter anybody's service; he looked so childish and wistful, and yet with +a certain honesty of purpose shining out of those big, wide-open eyes, +that interested me in him, and made me want to know more of him. + +“You are very small to go into service,” I said, “and I am afraid you +could not do the work I should require; besides, you should have waited +to hear from me, and then have come to see me, if I wanted you to do +so.” + +“Yes, I know I'm not very big,” said the boy, nervously fidgeting with +his bundle; “leastways not in hite; but my arms is that long, they'll +reach ever so 'igh above my 'ed, and as for bein' strong, you should +jest see me lift my father's big market basket when it's loaded with +'taters, or wotever is for market, and I hope you'll not be angry +because I come to-day; but Dick--that's my brutther Dick--he says, 'You +foller my advice, Joe,' he says, 'and go arter this 'ere place, and +don't let no grass grow under your feet. I knows what it is goin' arter +places; there's such lots a fitin' after 'em, that if you lets so much +as a hour go afore yer looks 'em up, there's them as slips in fust gets +it; and wen yer goes to the door they opens it and sez, “It ain't no +use, boy, we're sooted;” and then where are yer, I'd like to know? 'So,' +sez he, 'Joe, you look sharp and go, and maybe you'll get it.' So I +come, mum, and please, that's all.” + +“But about your character, my boy,” I said. “You must have somebody to +speak for you, and say you are honest, and what you are able to do. I +always want a good character with my servants; the last page-boy I had +brought three years' good character from his former situation.” + +“Lor!” said Joe, with a serious look, “did he stay three years in a +place afore he came to you? Wotever did he leave them people for, where +he were so comfortable? If I stay with you three years, you won't catch +me a leavin' yer, and goin' somewheres else. Wot a muff that chap was!” + +I explained that it did not always depend on whether a servant wanted to +stay or not, but whether it suited the employers to keep him. + +“'Praps he did somethin', and they giv' 'im the sack,” murmured Joe; “he +was a flat!” + +“But about this character of yours,” I said; “if I decide to give you a +trial, although I am almost sure you are too small, and won't do, where +am I to go for your character? Will the people where your brother lives +speak for you?” + +“Oh, yes!” cried the little fellow, his cheeks flushing; “I know Dick'll +ask 'em to give me a caricter. Miss Edith, I often cleaned 'er boots. +Once she come 'ome in the mud, and was a-goin' out agin directly; and +they was lace-ups, and a orful bother to do up even; and she come into +the stable-yard with 'er dog, and sez: 'Dick, will you chain Tiger up, +and this little boy may clean my boots if he likes, on my feet?' So I +cleaned 'em, and she giv' me sixpence; and after that, when the boots +come down in the mornin', I got Dick always to let me clean them little +boots, and I kep 'em clean in the insides, like the lady's maid she told +me not to put my 'ands inside 'em if they was black. Miss Edith, she'll +giv me a caricter, if Dick asks 'er.” + +Just then the visitors' bell rang; and I sent my would-be page into the +kitchen to wait until I could speak to him again, and told him to ask +the cook to give him something to eat. + +“Here are your flowers,” I said; “take them with you.” + +He looked at me, and then, as if ashamed of having offered them, +gathered them up in his hands, and with the corner of the red +handkerchief wiped some few leaves and dust-marks off my table, then +saying in a low voice, “I didn't know you 'ad beauties of yer own, like +them in the glass pots, but I'll giv' 'em to the cook.” So saying, he +went away into the kitchen, and my visitors came in, and by and by some +more friends arrived. + +The weather was very warm, and we sat chattering and enjoying the +shade of the trees by the open French window. Presently, somebody being +thirsty, I suggested lemonade and ice, and I offered strawberries, +and (if possible) cream; though my mind misgave me as to the latter +delicacy, for we had several times been obliged to do without some of +our luxuries if they entailed “_fetching_,” as we had no boy to run +errands quickly on an emergency and be useful. However, I rang the +bell; and when the housemaid, whose temper, since she had been what is +curiously termed in servants'-hall language “single-handed,” was most +trying, entered, I said, “Make some lemonade, Mary, and ask cook to +gather some strawberries quickly, and bring them, with some cream.” + +Mary looked at me as who should say, “Well, I'm sure! and who's to do it +all? You'll have to wait a bit.” And I know we should have to wait, and +therefore resigned myself to do so patiently, keeping up the ball of +gossip, and wondering if a little music later on would perhaps while +away the time. + +Much to my amazement, in less than a quarter of an hour Mary entered +with the tray, all being prepared; and directly I looked at the +strawberry-bowl I detected a novel feature in the table decoration. A +practised hand had evidently been at work; but whose? Mary was far too +matter-of-fact a person. Food, plates, knives and forks, glasses, and a +cruet-stand were all she ever thought necessary; and even for a centre +vase of flowers I had to ask, and often to insist, during the time she +was single-handed. + +But here was my strawberry-bowl, a pretty one, even when unadorned, +with its pure white porcelain stem, intwined with a wreath of blue +convolvulus, and then a spray of white, the petals just peeping over +the edge of the bowl, and resting near the luscious red fruit; the +cream-jug, also white, had twining flowers of blue, and round the +lemonade-jug, of glass, was a wreath of yellow blossoms. + +“How exquisite!” exclaimed we all. “What fairy could have bestowed such +a treat to our eyes and delight to our sense of the beautiful?” + +I supposed some friend of the cook's or Mary's had been taking lessons +in the art of decoration, and had given us a specimen. + +Soon after, my friends having gone, I thought of J. Cole waiting to be +dismissed, and sent for him. + +Cook came in, and with a preliminary “Ahem!” which I knew of old meant, +“I have an idea of my own, and I mean to get it carried out,” said, +“Oh, if you please 'm, if I might be so bold, did you think serious of +engagin' the boy that's waitin' in the kitchen?” + +“Why do you ask, Cook?” I said. + +“Well, ma'am,” she replied, trying to hide a laugh, “of course it's not +for me to presume; but, if I might say a word for him, I think he's the +very handiest and the sharpest one we've ever had in this house, and +we've had a many, as you know. Why, if you'd only have seen him when +Mary come in in her tantrums at 'aving to get the tray single-handed, +and begun a-grumblin' and a-bangin' things about, as is her way, being +of a quick temper, though, as I tells her, too slow a-movin' of herself. +As I were a-sayin', you should have seen that boy. If he didn't up and +leave his bread and butter and mug of milk, as he was a-enjoyin' of as +'arty as you like, and, 'Look 'ere,' says he, 'giv' me the jug. I'll +make some fine drink with lemons. I see Dick do it often up at his +place. Giv' me the squeezer. Wait till I washes my 'ands. I won't be +a minnit.' Then in he rushes into the scullery, washes his hands, runs +back again in a jiffy. 'Got any snow sugar? I mean all done fine like +snow.' I gave it him; and, sure enough, his little hands moved that +quick, he had made the lemonade before Mary would have squeezed a lemon. +'Where do yer buy the cream?' he says next. 'I'll run and get it while +you picks the strawberries.' Perhaps it wasn't right, me a trustin' him, +being a stranger, but he was that quick I couldn't say no. Up he takes +the jug, and was off; and when I come in from the garden with the +strawberries, if he hadn't been and put all them flowers on the things. +He begs my pardon for interfering like, and says, 'I 'ope you'll excuse +me a-doin' of it, but the woman at the milk-shop said I might 'ave 'em; +and I see the butler where Dick lives wind the flowers about like that, +and 'ave 'elped 'im often; and, please, I paid for the cream, because +I'd got two bob of my own, Dick giv' me on my birthday. Oh, I do 'ope, +Mrs. Cook,' he says, 'that the lady'll take me; I 'll serve 'er well, I +will, indeed;' and then he begins to cry and tremble, poor little chap, +for he'd been running about a lot, and never eaten or drank what I +gave him, because he wanted to help, and it was hot in the kitchen, I +suppose, and he felt faint like, but there he is, crying; and just now, +when the bell rung, which was two great big boys after the place, he +says, 'Oh, please say “We're sooted,” and ask the lady if I may stay.' +So, I've taken the liberty, ma'am,” said Cook, “for somehow I like that +little chap, and there's a deal in him, I do believe.” + +So saying, Cook retired; and, in a moment, J. Cole was standing in her +place, the blue eyes brimming over with tears, and an eager anxiety as +to what his fate would be making his poor little hands clutch at his +coat-sleeves, and his feet shuffle about so nervously, that I had not +the courage to grieve him by a refusal. + +“Well, Joseph,” I said, “I have decided to give you a month's trial. I +shall write to the gentleman who employs your brother; and if he speaks +well of you, you may stay.” + +“And may I stay now, please?” he said. “May I stay before you gets any +answer to your letter to say I'm all right? I think you'd better let me; +there ain't no boy; and Mrs. Cook and Mary'll 'ave a lot to do. I can +stay in the stable, if you don't like to let me be in the house, afore +you writes the letter.” + +“No, Joe,” I replied: “you may not be a good, honest boy, but I think +you are; and you shall stay here. Now go back to Mrs. Wilson, and finish +your milk, and eat something more if you can, then have a good rest and +a wash; they will show you where you are to sleep, and at dinner, this +evening, I shall see if you can wait at table.” + +“Thank you very kindly,” said the boy, his whole face beaming with +delight, “and I'll be sure and do everythink I can for you.” Then he +went quickly out of the room; for I could see he was quite overcome, now +that the uncertainty was over. + +Alone once more, I reasoned with myself, and felt I was doing an unwise +thing. Just at that time my husband was away on business for some +months; and I had no one to advise me, and no one to say me nay either. +My conscience told me my husband would say, “We cannot tell who this boy +is, where he has lived, or who are his associates; he may be connected +with a gang of thieves for what we know to the contrary. Wait, and have +proper references before trusting him in the house.” + +And he would be right to say so to me, but not every one listens to +conscience when it points the opposite way to inclination. Well, J. Cole +remained; and when I entered the dining-room, to my solitary dinner, he +was there, with a face shining from soap and water, his curls evidently +soaped too, to make them go tidily on his forehead. The former page +having left his livery jacket and trousers, Mary had let Joe dress in +them, at his earnest request. + +She told me afterwards that he had sewn up the clothes in the neatest +manner wherever they could be made smaller; and the effect of the +jacket, which he had stuffed out in the chest with hay, as we discovered +by the perfume, was very droll. He had a great love of bright colors, +and the trousers being large, showed bright red socks; the jacket +sleeves being much too short for the long arms, of which he was so +proud, allowed the wristbands of a vivid blue flannel shirt to be seen. + +I was alone, so could put up with this droll figure at my elbow; but +the seriousness of his face was such a contrast to the comicality of the +rest of him, that I found myself beginning to smile every now and then, +but directly I saw the serious eyes on me, I felt obliged to become +grave at once. + +The waiting at table I could not exactly pronounce a success; for, +although Joe's quick eyes detected in an instant if I wanted anything, +his anxiety to be “first in the field,” and give Mary no chance of +instructing him in his duties, made him collide against her more than +once in his hasty rushes to the sideboard and back to my elbow with the +dishes, which he generally handed to me long before he reached me, his +long arms enabling him to reach me with his hands while he was yet some +distance from me, and often on the wrong side. I also noticed when I +wanted water he lifted the water-bottle on high, and poured as though +it was something requiring a “head.” Mary nearly caused a catastrophe +at that moment by frowning at him, and saying, sotto voce, “Whatever are +you doing? Is that the way to pour out water? It ain't hale, stoopid!” + +Joe's face became scarlet; and to hide his confusion he seized a +dish-cover, and hastily went out of the room with it, returning in a +moment pale and serious as became one who at heart was every inch a +family butler with immense responsibilities. + +Joe was quiet and sharp, quick and intelligent; but I could see he was +quite new to waiting at table. To remove a dish was, I could see, his +greatest dread; and it amused me to see the cleverness with which he +managed that Mary should do that part of the duty. + +When only my plate and a dish remained to be cleared away, he would +slowly get nearer as I got towards the last morsel, and before Mary had +time, would take my plate, and go quite slowly to the sideboard with it, +leisurely remove the knife and fork, watching meanwhile in the mirror +if Mary was about to take the dish away; if not he would take something +outside, or bring a decanter, and ask if I wanted wine. + +I was, however, pleased to find him no more awkward, as I feared he +would have been, and when, having swept the grate and placed my solitary +wineglass and dessert-plate on the table, he retired, softly closing the +door after him, I felt I should make something of J. Cole, and hoped his +character would be good. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +The next morning a tastefully arranged vase of flowers in the centre of +the breakfast-table, and one magnificent rose and bud by my plate, were +silent but eloquent appeals to my interest on behalf of my would-be +page; and when Joe himself appeared, fresh from an hour's self-imposed +work in my garden, I saw he had become quite one of the family; for +Bogie, my little terrier, usually very snappish to strangers, and who +considered all boys as his natural enemies, was leaping about his +feet, evidently asking for more games, and our old magpie was perched +familiarly on his shoulder. + +“Good-morning, Joe,” I said. “You are an early riser, I can see, by the +work you have already done in the garden.” + +“Why, yes,” replied Joe, blushing, and touching an imaginary cap; “I'm +used to bein' up. There was ever so much to do of a mornin' at 'ome; and +I 'ad to 'elp father afore I could go to be with Dick, and I was with +Dick a'most every mornin' by seven, and a good mile and a arf to walk to +'is place. Shall I bring in the breakfust, mum? Mary's told me what to +do.” + +Having given permission, Joe set to work to get through his duties, this +time without any help, and I actually trembled when I saw him enter with +a tray containing all things necessary for my morning meal, he looked so +over-weighted; but he was quite equal to it as far as landing the tray +safely on the sideboard. But, alas! then came the ordeal; not one thing +did poor Joe know where to place, and stood with the coffeepot in his +hand, undecided whether it went before me, or at the end of the table, +or whether he was to pour out my coffee for me. + +I saw he was getting very nervous, so took it from him, and in order to +put him at his ease, I remarked,-- + +“I think, perhaps, I had better show you, Joe, just for once, how I like +my breakfast served, for every one has little ways of their own, you +know; and you will try to do it my way when you know how I like it, +won't you?” + +Thereupon I arranged the dishes, etc., for him, and his big eyes +followed my every movement. The blinds wanted pulling down a little +presently, and then I began to realize one of the drawbacks in having +such a very small boy as page. Joe saw the sun's rays were nearly +blinding me, and wanted to shut them out; but on attempting to reach the +tassel attached to the cord, it was hopelessly beyond his reach. In vain +were the long arms stretched to their utmost, till the sleeves of the +ex-page's jacket retreated almost to Joe's elbows, but no use. + +I watched, curious to see what he would do. + +“Please 'm, might I fetch an 'all chair?” said Joe; “I'm afraid I'm +not big enuf to reach the tossle, but I won't pull 'em up so 'igh +to-morrow.” + +I gave permission, and carefully the chair was steered among my tables +and china pots. Then Joe mounted, and by means of rising on the tips of +his toes he was able to accomplish the task of lowering the blinds. + +I noticed at that time that Joe wore bright red socks, and I little +thought what a shock those bright-colored hose were to give me later on +under different circumstances. + +That evening I had satisfactory letters regarding Joe's character, and +by degrees he became used to his new home, and we to him. His quaint +sayings and wonderful love of the truth, added to extreme cleanliness, +made him welcome in the somewhat exclusive circle in which my +housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, reigned supreme. + +Many a hearty burst of laughter came to me from the open kitchen-window +across the garden in the leisure hour, when, the servants' tea being +over, they sat at work, while Joe amused them with his stories and +reminiscences of the sayings and doings of his wonderful brother Dick. + +This same Dick was evidently the one being Joe worshipped on earth, and +to keep his promises to Dick was a sacred duty. + +“You don't know our Dick, Mrs. Wilson,” said Joe, to the old +housekeeper; “if you did, you'd understand why I no more dare go agen +wot Dick told me, than I dare put my 'and in that 'ere fire. When I were +quite a little chap, I took some big yaller plums once, out of one of +the punnits father was a-packin' for market, and I eat 'em. I don't know +to this hour wot made me take them plums; but I remember they were such +prime big uns, big as eggs they was, and like lumps of gold, with a sort +of blue shade over 'em. Father were very partikler about not 'avin' the +fruit 'andled and takin' the bloom off, and told me to cover 'em well +with leaves. It was a broilin' 'ot day, and I was tired, 'avin' been +stoopin' over the baskits since four in the morning, and as I put the +leaves over the plums I touched 'em; they felt so lovely and cool, and +looked so juicy-like, I felt I must eat one, and I did; there was just +six on 'em, and when I'd bin and eat one, there seemed such a empty +place left in the punnit, that I knew father'd be sure to see it, so I +eat 'em all, and then threw the punnit to one side. Just then, father +comes up and says, “Count them punnits, Dick! there ought to be forty +on 'em. Twenty picked large for Mr. Moses, and twenty usuals for +Marts!”--two of our best customers they was. Well, Dick, he counts 'em, +and soon misses one. 'Thirty-eight, thirty-nine,' he sez, and no more; +'but 'ere's a empty punnit,' he sez. I was standing near, feelin' awful, +and wished I'd said I'd eat the plums afore Dick begun to count 'em, but +I didn't, and after that I couldn't. 'Joe!' sez Dick, 'I wants yer! 'Ow +come this empty punnit 'ere, along of the others? there's plums bin +in it, I can see, 'cos it's not new. Speak up, youngster!' I looked +at Dick's face, Mrs. Wilson, and his eyes seemed to go right into my +throat, and draw the truth out of me. 'Speak up,' he sez, a-gettin' +cross; 'if you've prigged 'em, say so, and you'll get a good hidin' +from me, for a-doin' of it; but if you tells me a lie, you'll get such a +hidin' for that as 'll make you remember it all your life; so speak up, +say you did it, and take your hidin' like a brick, and if you didn't +prig 'em, say who did, 'cos you must 'av' seen 'em go.' + +“I couldn't do nothin', Mrs. Wilson, but keep my 'ed down, and blubber +out, 'Please, Dick, I eat 'em.' + +“'Oh, you did, yer young greedy, did yer,' he sez; 'I'm glad yer didn't +tell me a lie. I've got to giv' yer a hidin', Joe; but giv' us yer 'and, +old chap, first, and mind wot I sez to yer: “_Own up to it, wotever you +do_,” and take your punishment; it's 'ard to bear, but when the smart +on it's over yer forgets it; but if yer tells a lie to save yerself, yer +feels the smart of _that_ always; yer feels ashamed of yerself whenever +yer thinks of it.' And then Dick give me a thrashin', he did, but I +never 'ollered or made a row, tho' he hit pretty 'ard. And, Mrs. Wilson, +I never could look in Dick's face if I told a lie, and I never shall +tell one, I 'ope, as long as ever I live. You should just see Dick, Mrs. +Wilson, he is a one-er, he is.” + +“Lor' bless the boy,” said Mary, the housemaid; “why, if he isn't +a-cryin' now. Whatever's the matter? One minnit you're makin' us larf +fit to kill ourselves, and then you're nearly makin' us cry with your +Dick, and your great eyes runnin' over like that. Now get away, and take +the dogs their supper, and see if you can't get a bit of color in your +cheeks before you come back.” + +So off Joe went, and soon the frantic barking in the stable-yard showed +he had begun feeding his four-footed pets. + +Time went on; it was a very quiet household just then--my husband away +in America, and my friends most of them enjoying their summer abroad, +or at some seaside place--all scattered here and there until autumn was +over, and then we were to move to town, and spend the winter season at +our house there. I hoped my dear sister and her girls would then +join us, and, best of all, my dear husband be home to make our circle +complete. + +Day by day Joe progressed in favor with everybody; his size was always a +trouble, but his extreme good nature made everybody willing to help +him over his difficulties. He invented all sorts of curious tools for +reaching up to high places; and the marvels he would perform with a long +stick and a sort of claw at the end of it were quite astonishing. + +I noticed whenever I spoke of going to town Joe did not seem to look +forward to the change with any pleasure, although he had never been to +London, he told me; but Dick had been once with his father, and had +seen lots of strange things; among others a sad one, that made a great +impression on Dick, and he had told the tale to Joe, so as to have +almost as great an effect on him. + +It appeared that one night Dick and his father were crossing Waterloo +Bridge, and had seen a young girl running quickly along, crying +bitterly. Dick tried to keep up with her, and asked her what was the +matter. She told him to let her alone, that she meant to drown herself, +for she had nothing to live for, and was sick of her life. Dick +persuaded her to tell him her grief, and heard from her that her mother +and father had both been drowned in a steamer, and she was left with a +little brother to take care of; he had been a great trouble to her, and +had been led away by bad companions until he became thoroughly wicked. +She had been a milliner, and had a room of her own, and paid extra for a +little place where her brother could sleep. She fed and clothed him out +of her earnings, although he was idle, and cruel enough to scold and +abuse her when she tried to reason with him, and refused to let him +bring his bad companions to her home. At last he stole nearly all +she had, and pawned it; and among other things, some bonnets and caps +belonging to the people who employed her, given as patterns for her +to copy. These she had to pay for, and lost her situation besides. By +degrees all her clothes, her home, and all she had, went for food; and +then this wicked boy left her, and the next thing she knew was that he +had been taken up with a gang of burglars concerned in a jewel robbery. +That day she had seen him in prison, and he was to be transported for +seven years; so the poor creature, mad with grief, was about to end her +life. Dick and his father would not leave her until she was quiet, and +promised them she would go and get a bed and supper with the money they +gave her, and they promised to see her again the next day at a place +she named. The next morning they went to the address, and found a crowd +round the house. Somebody said a young woman had thrown herself out of +a window, and had been taken up dead. It was too true; and the girl was +the wretched, heart-broken sister they had helped over night. Her grief +had been too much for her, and, poor thing, she awoke to the light of +another day, and could not face it alone and destitute; so, despairing, +she had ended her life. They went to the hospital, and were allowed to +see all that remained of the poor creature; and Dick's description of it +all, and his opinion that the brother “might have been just such another +little chap at first as Joe,” and “What would that brother feel,” said +Dick, “when he knew what he had done? for he done it,” said Dick; “he +done that girl to death, the same as if he'd shov'd her out of that +winder hisself.” + +“And,” said Joe, “I wonder if them chaps is goin' about London now wot +led her brother wrong? I don't like London; and I wish we could stop +'ere.” + +I assured Joe that in London there was no danger of meeting such people +if he kept to himself, and made no friends of strangers. + +Joe was also much afraid of having to wait at table when there were +guests. In spite of all I could do, he was hopelessly nervous and +confused when he had to wait on more than two or three people; and as I +expected to entertain a good deal when we were in town, I could not help +fearing Joe would be unequal to the duties. + +I could not bear the idea of parting with the little fellow, for, +added to his good disposition, Joe, in his dark brown livery, with gilt +buttons, his neat little ties, and clean hands; his carefully brushed +curls, by this time trained into better order, and shining like +burnished gold in the sun; his tiny feet, with the favorite red socks, +which he could and did darn very neatly himself when they began to wear +out (and when he bought new ones they were always bright red),--Joe, let +me tell you, was quite an ornament in our establishment, and the envy +of several boys living in families round about, who tried in vain to +get acquainted with him, but he would not be friends, although he always +refused their advances with civil words. + +Sometimes a boy would linger when bringing a note or message for me, and +try to draw Joe into conversation. In a few minutes I would hear Joe's +deep voice say, “I think you had better go on now. I've got my work to +do, and I reckon you've got yours a-waiting for yer at your place.” Then +the side-door would shut, and Joe was bustling about his work. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +In the beginning of October we arrived in London. There had been much +packing up, and much extra work for everybody, and Joe was in his +element. + +What those long arms, and that willing heart, and those quick little +hands got through, nobody but those he helped and worked for could tell. +Whatever was wanted Joe knew where to find it. Joe's knife was ready to +cut a stubborn knot; Joe's shoulders ready to be loaded with as heavy +a weight as any man could carry. More than once I met him coming +down-stairs with large boxes he himself could almost have been packed +in, and he declared he did not find them too heavy. + +“You see, Missis,” he said, “I'm that strong now since I've been here, +with all the good food I gets, and bein' so happy like, that I feel +almost up to carryin' anythink. I do believe I could lift that there +pianner, if somebody would just give it a hoist, and let me get hold of +it easy.” + +Yes, Joe was strong and well, and I am sure, happy, and I had never had +a single misgiving about him since he stood with his fading flowers and +shabby clothes at my window that summer day. + +At last we were settled in town, and the winter season beginning. Our +house was situated in the West End of London, a little beyond Bayswater. +One of a row of detached houses, facing another row exactly similar in +every way, except that the backs of those we lived in had small gardens, +with each its own stable wall at the end, with coachman's rooms above, +the front of the stable facing the mews, and having the entrance from +there; the mews ran all along the backs of these houses. On the opposite +side the houses facing ours had their gardens and back windows facing +the high-road, and no stables. There was a private road belonging to +this, Holling Park as it was called, and a watchman to keep intruders +out, and to stop organ-grinders, beggars, and such invaders of the peace +from disturbing us. + +Somehow I was never as comfortable as in my snug cottage in the country. +Rich, fashionable people lived about us, and all day long kept up the +round of “society life.” + +In the morning the large handsome houses would seem asleep, nothing +moving inside or out, except a tradesman's cart, calling for orders, +or workmen putting up or taking down awnings, at some house where there +would be, or had been, a ball or entertainment of some kind. About +eleven a carriage or two would be driven round from the mews, and stop +before a house to take some one for a morning drive; but very seldom +was anybody on foot seen about. In the afternoon it was +different,--carriages rolled along incessantly, and streams of afternoon +callers were going and coming from the houses when the mistress was +“at home;” and at my door, too, soon began the usual din of bell and +knocker. Joe was quite equal to the occasion, and enjoyed Friday, the +day I received. Dressed in his very best, and with a collar that kept +his chin in what seemed to me a fearful state of torture, but added to +his height by at least half an inch, Joe stood behind the hall-door, +ready to open it directly the knocker was released. He ushered in the +guests as though “to the manner born,” giving out the names correctly, +and with all the ease of an experienced groom of the chambers. + +The conservatory leading out of the drawing-room was Joe's especial +pride; it was his great pleasure to syringe the hanging baskets, a + were spent in little surprises for me in the form of pots of musk, +maiden-hair, or anything he could buy; his wages were all sent home, and +he only kept for his own whatever he had given to him, and sometimes a +guest would “tip” him more generously than I liked, for his bright eyes +and ready hands were always at everybody's service. + +After my husband's return home, who from the first became Joe's especial +care, as to boots, brushing of clothes, etc., it became necessary to +give two or three dinner-parties, and I must confess I felt nervous as +to how Joe would acquit himself. + +In our dining-room was a very large bear-skin rug, and the floor being +polished oak, it was dangerous to step on this rug, for it would slip +away from the feet on the smooth surface, and even the dogs avoided it, +so many falls had they met with upon it. + +The first day of my husband's arrival we had my sister and a friend to +dine, and had been talking about Joe in the few moments before dinner. + +My husband had been laughing at the size of my page, and scolding me a +little, or rather pretending to do so, for taking a written character. + +“Little woman,” he said, “don't be surprised if one night a few country +burglars make us a visit, and renew their acquaintance with Mr. J. +Cole.” + +“You don't know Joe,” I replied, “or you would never say that.” + +“Do you know him so well, little wife?” said my dear sensible husband; +“remember he has only been in our service six months. In the country he +had very little of value in his hands, but here, it seems to me, he +has too much. All the plate, and indeed everything of value, is in his +pantry, and he is a very young boy to trust. One of the women servants +should take charge of the plate-chest, I think. Where does this paragon +sleep?” + +“Down-stairs,” I said, “next to the kitchen, at the back of the +house; and you should see how carefully every night he looks to the +plate-basket, counts everything, and then asks Mrs. Wilson to see it is +right, locks it up, and gives her the key to take care of. No one can +either open or carry away an iron safe easily, and there is nothing else +worth taking; besides, I know Joe is honest, I feel it.” + +“Well, I hope so, dear,” was my husband's reply, but I could see he was +not quite comfortable about it. + +At dinner that day Joe had an accident; he was dreadfully nervous, as +usual, and when waiting, he forgot to attend to my guests first, but +always came to me. The parlor-maid, a new one, and not a great favorite +with Joe, made matters worse by correcting him in an audible voice; and +once, when somebody wanted oyster-sauce, she told Joe to hand it. The +poor boy, wishing to obey quickly, forgot to give the bear-skin a wide +berth, slipped on it, and in a moment had fallen full length, having in +his fall deposited the contents of the sauce-tureen partly into a blue +leather armchair, and the rest onto my sister's back. + +The boy's consternation was dreadful. I could see he was completely +overcome with fright and sorrow for what he had done. He got up, and all +his trembling lips could say was, “Oh, please, I'm so sorry; it was the +bear as tripped me up. I am so very sorry.” + +Even my husband could scarcely keep from smiling, the sorrow was so +genuine, the sense of shame so true. + +“There, never mind, Joe,” he said kindly; “you must be more careful. Now +run and get a sponge, and do the best you can with it.” + +After that Joe had the greatest terror of that treacherous skin, and I +heard him telling the parlor-maid about it. + +“You mind,” he said, “or that bear'll ketch 'old of yer. I shan't forget +how he ketched 'old of my leg that day and knocked me over; so you'd +better take care, and not go nigher than you can 'elp. He's always +a-lookin' out to ketch yer, but he won't 'ave me no more, I can tell +him.” + +This fall of Joe's made him still more nervous of waiting at table, and +at last, when he had made some very serious mistakes, I had to speak to +him and tell him I was afraid, if he did not soon learn to wait better, +I must send him away, for his master was annoyed at the mistakes he +made, such as pouring port instead of sherry, giving cold plates when +hot ones were required, handing dishes on the wrong side, etc. + +My little lecture was listened to quietly and humbly, and Joe had turned +to go away, when, to my surprise and distress, he suddenly burst into a +perfect passion of tears and sobs. + +“I will try and learn myself,” he said, as well as his sobs would let +him, “indeed, I will. I know I'm stoopid. I sez to myself every +time company comes, 'I'll mind wot I'm about, and remember dishes +left-'anded, pour-in's out right, sherry wine's yeller, and port wine +afterwards with the nuts, grapes, and things; and the cruits when +there's fish, and begin with the strangerest lady next to master's side, +and 'elp missus last.' I knows it all, but when they're all sittin' +down, and everybody wantin' somethin', I don't know if Jane's a-goin' +to giv' it 'em, or I am; and I gets stoopid, and my 'ands shakes, and +somehow I can't do nothin'; but please don't send me away. I do like you +and the master. I'll ask Jane to learn me better. You see if I don't. +Oh, please'm, say you'll try me!” + +What could I say but “yes,” and for a day or two Joe did better, but +we were a small party, and the waiting was easy; but shortly we were to +have a large dinner-party, and as the time drew near, Joe became quite +pale and anxious. + +About this time, too, I had been awakened at night by curious +sounds down-stairs, as of somebody moving about, and once I heard an +unmistakable fall of some heavy article. + +My husband assured me it was nothing alarming, and he went down-stairs, +but could neither hear or see anything unusual. All was quiet. + +Another night I felt sure I heard sounds down-stairs; and in spite of +my husband's advice to remain still, I called Mrs. Wilson, and entreated +her to come down to the kitchen-floor with me. It was so very easy, I +knew, for anybody to enter the house from the back, and there being +a deep area all round, they could work away with their tools at the +ground-floor back windows unseen. Any one could get on the top of +the stable from the mews, drop into the garden, and be safe; for the +watchman and policeman were on duty in the front of the house only, the +back was quite unprotected. True, there were iron bars to Joe's window +and the kitchen, but iron bars could be sawed through, and I lived in +dread of burglars. + +This night Mrs. Wilson and I went softly down, and as we neared the +kitchen stairs, I heard a voice say in a whisper, “Make haste!” + +“There, Mrs. Wilson, did you hear that?” I said. “Was that imagination?” + +“No, ma'am,” she replied; “there's somebody talking, and I believe it's +in Joe's room. Let us go up and fetch the master.” + +So we returned up-stairs, and soon my husband stood with us at the door +of Joe's room. + +“Open the door, Joe!” cried my husband. “Who have you got there?” + +“Nobody, please, sir,” said a trembling voice. + +“Open the door at once!” said the master, and in a moment it was opened. +Joe stood there very pale, but with no sort of fear in his face. +There was nobody in the room, and as Joe had certainly been in bed, we +concluded he must have talked in his sleep, and, perhaps, walked about +also, for what we knew. + +The day before the dinner-party, Cook came and told me she felt sure +there was something wrong with Joe. He was so changed from what he used +to be; there was no getting him to wake in the morning, and he seemed so +heavy with sleep, as if he had no rest at night. Also Cook had proofs +of his having been in her kitchen after he was supposed to have gone to +bed; chairs were moved, and several things not where she had left them. +She had asked Joe, and he replied he did go into the kitchen, but would +not say what for. + +I did not like to talk to Joe that day, so decided to wait till after +the dinner, and I would then insist on the mystery being cleared up. +I knew Joe would tell the truth; my trust was unshaken, although +circumstances seemed against him. + +That night Mrs. Wilson came to my door, and said she was sure Joe was at +his nightwork again, for she could see from her bedroom window a light +reflected on the stable wall, which must be in his room. + +“How can we find out,” I said, “what he is doing?” + +“That is easily done,” said my husband. “We can go out at the +garden-door, and down the steps leading from the garden into the area; +they are opposite his window. We can look through the Venetian blinds, +if they are down, and see for ourselves. He won't be able to see us.” + +Accordingly, having first wrapped up in our furs, we went down, and were +soon at Joe's window, standing in the area that surrounded the house. +The laths of the blind were some of them open, and between them we saw +distinctly all over the room. + +At first we could not understand the strange sight that met our gaze. + +In the middle of Joe's room was a table, spread with a cloth, and on +it saucers from flower-pots, placed at intervals down each side; before +each saucer a chair was placed, and in the centre of the table a high +basket, from which a Stilton cheese had been unpacked that morning,-this +was evidently to represent a tall _épergne_. On Joe's wash-stand were +several bottles, a jug, and by each flower-pot saucer two vessels of +some kind--by one, two jam-pots of different sizes; by another, a broken +specimen glass and a teacup--and so on; and from chair to chair moved +Joe, softly but quickly, on tiptoe, now with bottles which contained +water. We could see his lips move, and concluded he was saying something +to imaginary persons, for he would put a jampot on his tray, and pour +into it from the bottle, and then replace it. Sometimes he would go +quickly to his bed, which we saw represented the dinner-wagon, or +sideboard, and bring imaginary dishes from there and hand them. Then he +would go quickly from chair to chair, always correcting himself if he +went to the wrong side, and talking all the time softly to himself. So +here was the solution of the mystery; here melted into air the visions +of Joe in league with midnight burglars. + +The poor boy, evidently alarmed at the prospect of the dinner-party, and +feeling that he must try to improve in waiting at table before that time +somehow, had stolen all those hours nightly from his rest, to practise +with whatever substitutes were at hand for the usual table requisites. + +Here every night, when those who had worked far less during the day were +soundly sleeping, had that anxious, striving little heart shaken off +fatigue, and the big blue eyes refused to yield to sleep, in order to +fight with the nervousness that alone prevented his willing hands acting +with their natural cleverness. I felt a choking in my throat, when I saw +the thin, pale little face, that should have been on the pillow hours +before, lighted up with triumph as the supposed guests departed; the +dumb show of folding the dinner napkins belonging to myself and the +master, and putting them in their respective rings, told us the ordeal +was over. What a weird scene it was,--the dim light, the silent house, +the spread table, and the empty chairs! One could imagine ghostly +revellers, visible only to that one fragile attendant, who ministered +so willingly to their numerous wants. The sort of nervous thrill that +heralds hysterical attacks was rapidly overcoming me, and I whispered +to my husband, “Let us go now;” but he lingered yet a few seconds, and +silently drew my attention again to the window. + +Joe was on his knees by his bedside, his face hidden in his hands. What +silent prayer was ascending to the Throne of Grace, who shall say? I +only know that it were well if many a kneeling worshipper in “purple +and fine linen” could feel as sure of being heard as Joe did when, +his victory won, he knelt, in his humble servant's garb, and said his +prayers that night in spite of the aching head and weary limbs that +needed so badly the few hours' rest that remained before six o'clock, +the time Joe always got up. + +Silently we stole away, and in my mind from that moment my faith in Joe +never wavered. Not once, in spite of sad events that came to pass later +on, when even I, his staunchest friend, had to recall to memory that +kneeling little form in the silence of the night, alone with his God, in +order to stifle the cruel doubts of his truth that were forced upon us +all by circumstances I must soon relate. + +The famous dinner passed off well. Joe was splendid; his midnight +practice had brought its reward, and he moved about so swiftly, and +anticipated everybody's wants so well, that some of my friends asked me +where I got such a treasure of a page; he must have had a good butler or +footman to teach him, they said; he is evidently used to waiting on many +guests. I was proud of Joe. + +The next day he came to me with more than a sovereign in silver, and +told me the gentlemen had been so very kind to him, “and a'most every +one had given him somethin', tho' he never arst, or waited about, as +some fellers did, as if they wouldn't lose sight of a gent till he paid +'em. But,” said Joe, “they would giv' it me; and one gent, he follered +me right up the passage, he did, and sez, 'Ere, you small boy,' he sez, +and he give me a whole 'arf-crown. Whatever for, I don't know.” + +But I knew that must have been Dr. Loring, a celebrated physician, +and my husband's dearest friend. We had told him about Joe's midnight +self-teaching, and he had been much interested in the story. + +You little thought, Joe, the hand that patted your curly head so kindly +that night would one day hold your small wrist, and count its feeble +life-pulse beating slowly and yet more slowly, while we, who loved you, +should watch the clever, handsome face, trying in vain to read there the +blessed word “Hope.” + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +And now I must confess to those--for surely there will be a few--who +have felt a little interest, so far, in the fortunes of J. Cole, that +a period in my story has arrived when I would fain lay down my pen, and +not awaken the sleeping past, to recall the sad trouble that befell him. + +I am almost an old woman now, and all this happened many years ago, when +my hair was golden instead of silver. I was younger in those days, and +now am peacefully and hopefully waiting God's good time for my summons. +Troubles have been my lot, many and hard to bear. Loss of husband, +children, dear, good friends, many by death, and some troubles harder +even than those, the loss of trust, and bitter awakening to the +ingratitude and worthlessness of those in whom I have trusted,--all +these I have endured. Yet time and trouble have not sufficiently +hardened my heart that I can write of what follows without pain. +Christmas was over, and my dear husband again away for some months. As +soon as I could really say, “Spring is here,” we were to leave London +for our country home; and Joe was constantly talking to Mrs. Wilson +about his various pets, left behind in the gardener's care. There was an +old jackdaw, an especial favorite of his, a miserable owl, too, who +had met with an accident, resulting in the loss of an eye; a more +evil-looking object than “Cyclops,” as my husband christened him, I +never saw. Sometimes on a dark night this one eye would gleam luridly +from out the shadowy recesses of the garden, and an unearthly cry of +“Hoo-oo-t,” fall on the ear, enough to give one the “creeps for a hour,” + as Mary, the housemaid, said. But Joe loved Cyclops, or rather “Cloppy,” + as he called him; and the bird hopped after Joe about the garden, as if +he quite returned the feeling. + +All our own dogs, and two or three maimed ones, and a cat or two, more +or less hideous, and indebted to Joe's mercy in rescuing them from +traps, snares, etc.,--all these creatures were Joe's delight. Each +week the gardener's boy wrote a few words to Joe of their health and +wonderful doings, and each week Joe faithfully sent a shilling, to be +laid out in food for them. Then there was Joe's especial garden, also +a sort of hospital, or convalescent home rather, where many blighted, +unhealthy-looking plants and shrubs, discarded by the gardener, and cast +aside to be burnt on the weed-heap, had been rescued by Joe, patiently +nursed and petted as it were into life again by constant care and +watching, and, after being kept in pots a while, till they showed, by +sending forth some tiny shoot or bud, that the sap of life was once more +circulating freely, were then planted in the sheltered corner he called +“his own.” + +What treasures awaited him in this small square of earth. What bunches +of violets he would gather for the Missis; and his longing to get back +to his various pets, and his garden, was the topic of conversation on +many a long evening between Joe and Mrs. Wilson. + +Little Bogie, the fox-terrier, was the only dog we had with us in town, +and Bogie hated London. After the quiet country life, the incessant +roll of carriages, tramping of horses, and callings of coachmen, shrill +cab-whistles, and all the noises of a fashionable neighborhood at night +during a London season, were most objectionable to Bogie; he could not +rest, and often Joe got out of bed in the night, and took him in his +arms, to prevent his waking all of us, with his shrill barking at the +unwonted sounds. + +As I have said before, I am very nervous, and the prospect of spending +several more weeks in the big London house, without my husband, was far +from pleasant; so I invited my widowed sister and her girls to stay with +me some time longer, and made up my mind to banish my fears, and +think of nothing but that the dark nights would be getting shorter and +shorter, and meanwhile our house was well protected, as far as good +strong bolts and chains could do so. + +One night I felt more nervous than usual. I had expected a letter from +America for some days past, and none had arrived. On this evening I +knew the mail was due, and I waited anxiously for the last ring of the +postman at ten o'clock; but I was doomed to listen in vain. There was +the sharp, loud ring next door, but not at ours; and I went to my room +earlier than the others, really to give way to a few tears that I could +not control. + +I sat by my bedroom fire, thinking, and, I am afraid, conjuring up all +sorts of terrible reasons for my dear husband's silence, until I +must have fallen asleep, for I awoke chilly and cramped from the +uncomfortable posture I had slept in. The fire was out, and the house +silent as the grave; not even a carriage passing to take up some late +guest. I looked at the clock, half-past three, and then from my window. +It was that “darkest hour before dawn,” and I hurried into bed, and +endeavored to sleep; but no, I was hopelessly wide awake. No amount of +counting, or mental exercise on the subject of “sheep going through a +hedge,” had any effect, and I found myself lying awake, listening. Yes, +I knew that I was _listening for something that I should hear before +long, but I did not know what._ + +“Hark! what was that?”--a sudden thud, as if something had fallen +somewhere in the house; then silence, except for the loud beating of my +heart, that threatened to suffocate me. “Nonsense,” I said to myself, “I +am foolishly nervous to-night. It is nothing here, or Bogie would bark;” + so I tried again to sleep. Hush! Surely that was a footstep going up or +down the stairs! I could not endure the agony of being alone any longer, +but would go to my sister's room, just across the landing, and get her +to come and stay the rest of the night with me. I put on my slippers and +dressing-gown, and opening my door, came face to face with my sister, +who was coming to me. + +“Let me come in,” she said, “and don't let us alarm the girls; but I +feel certain something is going on down-stairs. Bogie barked furiously +an hour ago, and then was suddenly silent.” + +“That must have been when I was asleep,” I replied; “but no doubt Joe +heard him, and has taken him in.” + +“That may be,” said my sister, “but I have kept on hearing queer noises +at the back of the house; they seemed in Joe's room at first. Come and +listen yourself on the stairs.” + +It is strange, but true, that many persons, horribly nervous at the +thought of danger, find all their presence of mind in full force when +actually called upon to face it. So it is with me, and so it was on that +night. I stood on the landing, and listened, and in a few moments heard +muffled sounds down-stairs, like persons moving about stealthily. + +“There is certainly somebody down there, Nelly,” I said to my sister, +“and they are down in the basement. If we could creep down quietly +and get into the drawing-room, we might open the window and call the +watchman or policeman; both are on duty until seven.” + +“But think,” said my sister, “of the fright of the girls if they hear +us, and find they are left alone. The servants, too, will scream, and +rush about, as they always do. Let us go down and make sure there are +thieves, and then see what is best to be done. The door at the top of +the kitchen stairs is locked, so they must be down there; and perhaps if +we could get the watchman to come in quietly, we might catch them in +a trap, by letting him through the drawing-room, and into the +conservatory. He could get into the garden from there, and as they must +have got in that way from the mews, over the stable wall, and through +the garden, they would try to escape the same way, and the watchman +would be waiting for them, and cut off their retreat.” + +I agreed, and we stole down-stairs into the drawing-room, where we +locked ourselves in, then very gently and carefully drew up one of +the side blinds of the bay window. The morning had begun to break, and +everything in the wide road was distinctly visible. In the distance I +could see the policeman on duty, but on the opposite side, and going +away from our house instead of towards it. He would turn the corner at +the top of the road, and go past the houses parallel with the backs of +our row, and then appear at the opposite end of the park, and come along +our side; there was no intermediate turning--nothing but an unbroken row +of about forty detached houses facing each other. + +What could we do? I dared not wait until the policeman came back; quite +twenty minutes must pass before then, and day being so near at hand, +the light was increasing every moment, and the burglars would surely +not leave without visiting the drawing-room and dining-room, and would +perhaps murder us to save themselves from detection. + +If I could only attract the policeman's attention, but how? + +My sister was close to the door listening, and every instant we dreaded +hearing them coming up the kitchen stairs. I could not understand Bogie +not barking, and Joe not waking, for where I was I could distinctly hear +the men moving about in the pantry and kitchen. + +“I wonder,” I said to my sister, “if I could put something across from +this balcony to the stonework by the front steps? It seems such a little +distance, and if I could step across, I could open the front gate in an +instant, and run after the policeman. I shall try.” + +“You will fall and kill yourself,” my sister said; “the space is much +wider than you think.” + +But I was determined to try; for if I let that policeman go out of +sight, what horrors might happen in the twenty minutes before he would +come back. + +The idea of one of the girls waking and calling out, or Joe waking and +being shot or stabbed, gave me a feeling of desperation, as though I +alone could and must save them. + +Luckily the house was splendidly built, every window-sash sliding +noiselessly and easily in its groove. I opened the one nearest to the +hall door steps, and saw that the stone ledge abutted to within about +two feet of the low balcony of the window; but I was too nervous to +trust myself to spring across even that distance. At that moment my +sister whispered:-- + +“I hear somebody coming up the kitchen stairs!” + +Desperately I cast my eyes round the room for something to bridge +the open space, that would bear my weight, if only for a moment. The +fender-stool caught my eye; that might do, it was strong, and more than +long enough. In an instant we had it across, and I was out of the window +and down the front steps. + + +As I turned the handle of the heavy iron gate, I looked down at the +front kitchen window. A man stood in the kitchen, and he looked up and +saw me--such a horrible-looking ruffian, too. Fear lent wings to my +feet, and I flew up the road. The watchman was just entering the park +from the opposite end; he saw me, and sounded his whistle; the policeman +turned and ran towards me. I was too exhausted to speak, and he caught +me, just as, having gasped “Thieves at 50!” (the number of our house), I +fell forward in a dead swoon. + +When I recovered, I was lying on my own bed, my sister, the scared +servants, and the policeman, all around me. From them I heard that +directly the man in the kitchen caught sight of me, he warned his +companion, who was busy forcing the lock of the door at the head of the +kitchen stairs, and my sister heard them both rushing across the garden, +where they had a ladder against the stable-wall. They must have pulled +this up after them, and tossed it into the next garden, where it +was found, to delay pursuit. The park-keeper had, after sounding his +whistle, rushed to our house, got in at the window, and ran to the door +at the top of the kitchen stairs, but it was quite impossible to open +it; the burglars had cleverly left something in the lock when disturbed, +and the key would not turn. He then went through the drawing-room into +the conservatory, where a glass door opened on the garden; but by the +time the heavy sliding glass panel was unfastened, and the inner door +unbolted, the men had disappeared. They took with them much less than +they hoped to have done, for there were parcels and packets of spoons, +forks, and a case of very handsome gold salt-cellars, a marriage gift, +always kept in a baize-lined chest in the pantry, the key of which I +retained, and which chest was supposed until now to be proof against +burglars; the lock had been burnt all round with some instrument, most +likely a poker heated in the gas, and then forced inwards from the burnt +woodwork. + +“How was it,” I asked, “Joe did not wake during all this, or Bogie +bark?” + +As I asked the question, I noticed that my sister turned away; and Mrs. +Wilson, after vainly endeavoring to look unconcerned, threw her apron +suddenly over her head, and burst out crying. + +“What is the matter?” I said, sitting up; “what are you all hiding from +me? Send Joe to me; I will learn the truth from him.” + +At this the policeman came forward, and then I heard that Joe was +missing, his room was in great disorder, and one of his shoes, evidently +dropped in his hurry, had been found in the garden, near some spoons +thrown down by the thieves; his clothes were gone, so he evidently had +dressed himself after pretending to go to bed as usual; his blankets and +sheets were taken away, used no doubt, the policeman said, to wrap up +the stolen things. + +“Is it possible,” I asked, “that you suspect Joe is in league with these +burglars?” + +“Well, mum,” said the man, “it looks queer, and very like it. He slept +down-stairs close to the very door where they got in; he never gives +no alarm, he must have been expecting something, or else why was he +dressed? And how did his shoe come in the garden? And what's more to the +point, if so be as he's innercent, where is he? These young rascals is +that artful, you'd be surprised to know the dodges they're up to.” + +“But,” I interrupted, “it is impossible, it is cruel to suspect him. +He is gone, true enough, but I'm sure he will come back. Perhaps he ran +after the men to try and catch them, and dropped his shoe then.” + +“That's not likely, mum,” said he, with a pitying smile at my ignorance +of circumstantial evidence; “he'd have called out to stop 'em, and it +'aint likely they'd have let him get up their ladder, afore chucking of +it into the next garden, if so be as he was a-chasing of 'em to get +'em took. No, mar'm; I'm very sorry, particular as you seem so kindly +disposed; but, in my humble opinion, he's a artful young dodger, and +this 'ere job has been planned ever so long, and he's connived at it, +and has hooked it along with his pals. I knows 'em, but we'll soon nab +him; and if so be as you'll be so kind as to let me take down in writin' +all you knows about 'J. Cole,' which is his name, I'm informed, where +you took him from, his character, and previous career, it will help +considerable in laying hands on him; and when he's found we'll soon find +his pals.” + +Of course, I told all I knew about Joe. I felt positive he would come +back, perhaps in a few minutes, to explain everything. Besides, there +was Bogie, too. Why should he take Bogie? The policeman suggested that +“perhaps the dawg foller'd him, and he had taken it along with him, to +prevent being traced by its means.” + +At length, all this questioning being over, the household settled down +into a sort of strange calm. It seemed to us days since we had said +“Good-night,” and sought our rooms on that night, and yet it was only +twenty-four hours ago; in that short time how much had taken place! On +going over all the plate, etc., we missed many more things; and Mrs. +Wilson, whose faith in Joe's honesty never wavered, began to think the +poor boy might have been frightened at having slept through the robbery; +and as he was so proud of having the plate used every day in his charge, +when he discovered it had been stolen, he might have feared we should +blame him so much for it, that he had run away home to his people in his +fright, meaning to ask his father, or his adored Dick, to return to me +and plead for him. I thought, too, this was possible, for I knew how +terribly he would reproach himself for letting anything in his care be +stolen. I therefore made up my mind to telegraph to his father at once; +but, not to alarm him, I said:-- + +“Is Joe with you? Have reason to think he has gone home. Answer back.” + +The answer came some hours after, for in those small villages +communication was difficult. The reply ran thus:-- + +“We have not seen Joe; if he comes to-night will write at once. Hoping +there is nothing wrong.” + +So that surmise was a mistake, for Joe had money, and would go by train +if he went home, and be there in two hours. + +All the household sat up nearly all that night, or rested uncomfortably +on sofas and armchairs; we felt too unsettled to go to bed, though worn +out with suspense, and the previous excitement and fright. Officials and +detectives came and went during the evening, and looked about for traces +of the robbers, and before night a description of the stolen things, and +a most minute one of Joe, were posted outside the police-stations, and +all round London for miles. A reward of twenty pounds was offered for +Joe, and my heart ached to know there was a hue and cry after him like a +common thief. + +What would the old parents think? and how would Dick feel?--Dick whose +good counsels and careful training had made Joe what I _knew_ he was, in +spite of every suspicion. + +The next day I still felt sure he would come, and I went down into the +room where he used to sleep, and saw Mrs. Wilson had put all in order, +and fresh blankets sheets were on the little bed, all ready for him. So +many things put me in mind of the loving, gentle disposition. A little +flower-vase I valued very much had been broken by Bogie romping with one +of my nieces, and knocking it down. It was broken in more than twenty +pieces; and after I had patiently tried to mend it myself, and my +nieces, with still greater patience, had had their turn at it, we had +given it up as a bad job, and thought it had long ago gone onto the +dust-heap. + +There were some shelves on the wall of Joe's room where his treasures +were kept; and on one of these shelves, covered with an old white +handkerchief, was a little tray containing the vase, a bottle of cement, +and a camel's-hair brush. The mending was finished, all but two or three +of the smallest pieces, and beautifully done; it must have taken time, +and an amount of patience that put my efforts and those of the girls to +shame; but Joe's was a labor of love, and did not weary him. He would +probably have put it in its usual place one morning, when mended, and +said nothing about it until I found it out, and then confessed, in his +own queer way, “Please, I knew you was sorry it was broke, and so I +mended it;” then he would have hurried away, flushed with pleasure at my +few words of thanks and praise. + +On the mantelpiece were more of Joe's treasures, four or five cheap +photographs, the subjects quite characteristic of Joe. One of them was a +religious subject, “The Shepherd with a little lamb on his shoulders.” + A silent prayer went up from my heart that somewhere that same Good +Shepherd was finding lost Joe, and bringing him safely back to us. + +There were some pebbles he had picked up during a memorable trip to +Margate with Dick, a year before I saw him; which pebbles he firmly +believed were real “aggits,” and had promised to have them polished +soon, and made into brooch and earrings for Mrs. Wilson. + +There was a very old-fashioned photograph of myself that I had torn +in half, and thrown into the waste-paper basket. I saw this had been +carefully joined together and enclosed in a cheap frame--the only one +that could boast of being so preserved. I suppose Joe could only afford +one frame, and his sense of the fitness of things made him choose the +Missis's picture to be first honored. + +How sad I felt looking round the room! People may smile at my feeling so +sad and concerned about a servant, a common, lowborn page-boy. Ay, smile +on, if you will, but tell me, my friend, can you say, if you were in +Joe's position at that time, with circumstantial evidence so strong +against you, poor and lowly as he was, are there four or five, or even +two or three of your friends who would believe in you, stand up for you, +and trust in you, in spite of all, as we did for Joe? + +I had gone up to my sitting-room, after telling Mary to light the fire +in poor Joe's room, and let it look warm and cosey; for I had some sort +of presentiment that I should see the poor boy again very soon--how, I +knew not, but I have all my life been subject to spiritual influences, +and have seldom been mistaken in them. + +We were all thinking of going early to rest, for since the robbery none +of us had had any real sleep. Suddenly the front door-bell rang timidly, +as if the visitor were not quite sure of its being right to pull the +handle. + +“Perhaps that's Joe,” said my sister. + +But I knew Joe would not ring that bell. + +We heard Mary open the door, and a man's voice ask if Mr. Aylmer lived +there. + +“Yes,” said Mary, “but he is abroad; but you can see Mrs. Aylmer.” Then +came a low murmuring of voices, and Mary came in, saying:-- + +“Oh, ma'am, it's Dick, Joe's brother; and he says may he see you?” + +“Send him in here at once,” I replied. + +And in a moment Dick stood before me--Dick, Joe's beau-ideal of all that +was good, noble, and to be admired. I must say the mind-picture I had +formed of Dick was totally unlike the reality. I had expected to see a +sunburnt, big fellow, with broad shoulders and expressive features. + +The real Dick was a thin, delicate-looking young man, with a pale face, +and black straight hair. He stood with his hat in his hand, looking down +as if afraid to speak. + +“Oh, pray come in,” I cried, going forward to meet him. “I know who +you are. Oh, have you brought me any news of poor Joe? We are all his +friends here, his true friends, and you must let us be yours too in this +trouble. Have you seen him?” + +At my words the bowed head was lifted up, and then I saw Dick's face as +it was. If ever truth, honor, and generosity looked out from the windows +of a soul, they looked out of those large blue eyes of Dick's--eyes so +exactly like Joe's in expression, that the black lashes instead of the +fair ones seemed wrong somehow. + +“God bless you, lady, for them words,” said Dick; and before I could +prevent it, he had knelt at my feet, caught my hand and pressed it to +his lips, while wild sobs broke from him. + +“Forgive me,” he said, rising to his feet, and leaning with one hand on +the back of a chair, his whole frame shaking with emotion. “Forgive me +for givin' way like this; but I've seen them papers about our Joe, and I +know what's being thought of him, and I've come here ashamed to see you, +thinkin' you believed as the rest do, that Joe robbed you after all your +goodness to him. Why, lady, I tell you, rather than I'd believe that of +my little lad, as I thrashed till my heart almost broke to hear him sob, +for the only lie as he ever told in all his life; if I could believe it, +I'd take father's old gun and end my life, for I'd be a beast, not fit +to live any longer. And I thought you doubted him too; but now I hear +you say you're his friend, and believes in him, and don't think he +robbed you, I know now there's good folks in the world, and there's +mercy and justice, and it ain't all wrong, as I'd come a'most to think +as it was, when I first know'd about this 'ere.” + +“Sit down, Dick,” I said, “and recover yourself, and let us see what can +be done. I will tell you all that has happened, and then perhaps you can +throw some light on Joe's conduct--you who know him so well.” + +Dick sat down, and shading his eyes with his hand that his tears might +not betray his weakness any more, he listened quietly while I went over +all the events of that dreadful night. + +When I had finished, Dick sat for some moments quite silent, then with +a weary gesture, passing his hand across his forehead, he remarked +sadly:-- + +“I can't make nothing of it; it's a thing beyond my understanding. I'm +that dazed like, I can't see nothin' straight. However, what I've got to +do is to find Joe, and that I mean to do; if he's alive I'll find him, +and then let him speak for hisself. I don't believe he's done nothing +wrong, but if he has done ever so little or ever so much, he'll '_own up +to it whatever it is_,' that's what Joe'll do. I told him to lay by them +words and hold to 'em, and I'll lay my life he'll do as I told him. +I've got a bed down Marylebone way, at my aunt's what's married to a +policeman; I'm to stay there, and I'll have a talk with 'em about this +and get some advice. I know Joe's innercent, and why don't he come and +say so? But I'll find him.” + +I inquired about the old people, and how they bore their trial. + +“Father's a'most beside hisself,” said Dick; “and only that he's got to +keep mother in the dark about this, he'd have come with me; but mother, +she's a-bed with rheumatics, and doctor told father her heart was +weak-like, and she mustn't be told, or it would p'raps kill her. She +thinks a deal of Joe, does mother, being the youngest, and always such a +sort of lovin' little chap he were.” And here Dick's voice broke again, +and I made him go down to Mrs. Wilson, and have some refreshment before +leaving, and he promised to see me again the first thing in the morning, +when he had talked to his friend, the policeman. + +Scarcely had Dick gone, when a loud, and this time firm ring, announced +another visitor, and in a cab, too, I could hear. Evidently there was no +going to rest early that night, as ten o'clock was then striking. + +Soon, to my surprise, I heard a well-known voice, and Mary announced Dr. +Loring, my husband's old friend, of whom I have already spoken. + +“Well, my dear,” he cried, in his pleasant, cheerful voice, that in +itself seemed to lift some of the heaviness from my heart, “are you not +astonished to see me at such an hour?” + +“Astonished, certainly,” I replied; “but very, very glad. You are always +welcome; and more than ever now, when we are in trouble and sorrow. Do +sit down, and stay with me awhile.” + +“Yes, I will, for an hour, gladly,” he said. “But there's something +outside that had better be brought in first. You know I've only just +arrived from Devonshire, and there are two barrels of Devonshire apples +on that cab, one for you, and one for the wife, that is why you see me +here; for I thought it would not be ten minutes out of my road to pass +by here, and leave them with you, and so save the trouble of sending +them by carrier to-morrow.” + +I rang for Mary, and the doctor suggested the apples being put somewhere +where the smell of them could not penetrate up-stairs; for, as he truly +remarked, “Though a fine ripe pippin is delicious to eat at breakfast or +luncheon, the smell of them shut up in a house is horrible.” + +“I dare say Mrs. Wilson will find a place in the basement,” I said; “for +we don't use half the room there is down there.” + +Having ordered the barrel to be stowed away, I soon settled my visitor +comfortably in an armchair by the fire, with a cup of his favorite cocoa +by his side. + +“And now, my dear,” said he, “tell me about this burglary that has taken +place, and which has made you look as if you wanted me to take care of +you a while, and bring back some color to your pale cheeks. And what +about this boy? Is it the same queer little fellow who chose midnight to +play his pranks in once before? I'm not often deceived in a face, and I +thought his was an honest one. I”-- + +“So it was,” I interrupted; “don't say a word until I've told you all, +and you will”-- + +I had scarcely begun speaking, when a succession of the most fearful +screams arose from down-stairs, each rising louder and louder, in the +extreme of terror. My sister, who had gone to her room, rushed down to +me; the girls, in their dressing-gowns, just as they were preparing +for bed, followed, calling out, “Auntie! O Auntie! what is it? Who is +screaming? What can be the matter?” Hardly were they in the room when +Mary rushed in, ghastly, her eyes staring, and in a voice hoarse with +terror, gasped out, “Come! come! he's found! he's murdered! I saw him. +He's lying in the cellar, with his throat cut. Oh, it's horrible!” Then +she began to scream again. + +The doctor tried to hold me back, but I broke from him, and ran +down-stairs, where I could find no one; all was dark in the kitchens, +but there was a light in the area, and I was soon there, followed by Dr. +Loring. + +By the open cellar-door stood Mrs. Wilson, and the cabman with her. +Directly she saw me, she called out, “Oh, dear mistress, don't you come +here; it's not a sight for you. Take her away, Dr. Loring, she musn't +see it.” + +“What is it?” I cried; “Mary says it's”--I could not say the words, but +seizing the candle from Mrs. Wilson's hand, I went into the cellar. + +The good doctor was close to me, with more light, by the aid of which +we beheld, in the far corner, facing us, what seemed to be a bundle of +blankets, from which protruded a head, a horrible red stream surrounding +it, and flowing, as it were, from the open mouth. One second brought me +close. It was Joe--Joe, with his poor limbs bound with cruel ropes, and +in his mouth for a gag they had forced one of those bright red socks +he would always wear. Thank God, it was only that red sock, and not the +horrible red stream I had feared. He was dead, of course; but not such a +fearful death as that. + +The doctor soon pulled the horrid gag from his mouth, and the +good-natured cabman, who evidently felt for us, helped to cut the ropes, +and lift up the poor cold little form. + +As they lifted him, something that was in the blankets fell heavily to +the ground. It was poor Bogie's dead body, stabbed in many places, each +wound enough to have let out the poor dumb creature's life. + +By this time help had arrived, and once more the police took possession +of us, as it were. + +Of course, _now_ everything was explained. The burglars had evidently +entered Joe's room, and Bogie, being in his arms, had barked, and +wakened him. A few blows had soon silenced poor Bogie, and a gag and +cords had done the same for Joe. + +When the man saw me from the kitchen window he must have known that help +would soon come, and to prevent Joe giving information too soon they had +hastily seized him, bed-clothes and all, and put him into that cellar, +to starve if he were not discovered. + +Perhaps they did not really mean to kill the poor child, and if we had +been in the habit of using that cellar we might have found him in a +few hours or less; but, unfortunately, it was a place we never used, +it reached far under the street, and was too large for our use. Our +coal-cellar was a much smaller one, inside the scullery; the door of +poor Joe's prison closed with a common latch. + +Had there been any doubt in the detective's mind as to Joe's guilt, he +might have taken more trouble, and searched for him, even there; but +from the first everybody but ourselves had been sure Joe had escaped +with the burglars, so the cellar remained unsearched. + +Mrs. Wilson, wishing to spare me the smell of the apples, thought that +cellar, being outside the house, a very suitable place for them, and on +opening the door had caught sight of something in the distant corner, +and sent Mary to see what it was. Then arose those fearful shrieks we +had heard, and Mary had rushed out of the cellar half mad with fright. + +In less time than it has taken me to relate this, Joe was laid on the +rug before the drawing-room fire, and I summoned courage to look on the +changed face. + +“Could that be Joe--so white, so drawn, so still?” + +Dr. Loring was kneeling by the little form, chafing and straightening +the poor stiffened arms, so bent with their cruel pinioning behind the +shoulders. + +“Doctor,” I said, “why do you do any more? Nothing can bring back the +poor fellow, murdered while doing his duty.” Then I, too, knelt down, +and took the poor cold hands in mine, + +“Oh, my poor child!” I cried, “my little brave heart; who dared say you +were false? Let those who doubted you look at you now, with dry eyes, if +they can.” + +“My dear,” said Dr. Loring suddenly, “have you always hot water in your +bathroom?” + +“Yes, doctor,” I said; “yes. Why do you ask? Do you mean--is it +possible--there is life?” And I took Joe's little head in my arms, and +forgot he was only a servant, only a poor, common little page-boy. +I only know I pressed him to my breast, and called him by all the +endearing names I used to call my own children in after years, when God +gave me some, and kissed his white forehead in my joy at the blessed ray +of hope. + +No want of willing arms to carry Joe up-stairs. Mrs. Wilson had the bath +filled before the doctor was in the room with his light burden. + +“A few drops of brandy, to moisten the lips, first of all,” said the +good doctor, “then the bath and gentle friction; there is certainly life +in him.” + +Now my good sister's clever nursing proved invaluable. All that night we +fought every inch of ground, as it were, with our grim enemy; the dear, +good doctor never relaxed in his efforts to bring back life to the +cramped limbs. The burglars had unknowingly helped to keep alight Joe's +feeble spark of life by wrapping the blankets round him; they had meant, +no doubt, to stifle any sound he might make; but by keeping him from +actual contact with the stone floor, and protecting him from the cold, +they had given him his little chance of life. + +Oh, how I blessed that kind thought of Dr. Loring's to bring me a barrel +of apples! Had there been no occasion to open the cellar-door, Joe +would have died before another morning had dawned, died! starved! What +a horrible death! And to know that within a few steps were food, warmth, +and kind hearts--hearts even then saddened by his absence, and grieving +for him. What hours of agony he must have passed in the cold and +darkness, hearing the footsteps of passers-by above his living tomb, and +feeling the pangs of hunger and thirst. What weeks those three days +must have seemed to him in their fearful darkness, until insensibility +mercifully came to his aid, and hushed his senses to oblivion. + +Morning was far advanced when, at last, Joe's eyelids began to flutter, +and his eyes opened a very little, to close again immediately; even the +subdued light we had let into the room being too much for him to bear +after so long a darkness; but in that brief glance he had recognized me, +and seeing his lips move, I bent my head close to them. + +Only a faint murmuring came, but I distinguished the words: + +“Missis, I couldn't 'elp it! Forgive me. Say 'Our Father.'” + +I knelt down, and as well as I could for the tears that almost choked +me, repeated that most simple, yet all-satisfying petition to the Throne +of Grace. + +Meanwhile the doctor held Joe's wrist, and my sister, at a sign from +him, put a few drops of nourishment between the pale lips. + +“My dear,” at length said the doctor, “did you say the boy's brother was +in London?” + +“Yes,” I replied, “but I have no address, as I expect him here this +morning.” + +“That is well; he may be in time.” + +“In time?” I repeated; “in time for what? Is he dying? Can nothing be +done?” + +The good doctor looked again with moistened eyes on the little white +face, and said sadly-- + +“I fear not, but the sight of this brother he seems to have such a +strong love for may rouse him for a while. As it is, he is sinking fast. +I can do no more, he is beyond human skill; but love and God's help may +yet save him. Poor little fellow, he has done his duty nobly, and even +to die doing _that_ is an enviable fate; but we want such boys as this +to live, and show others the way.” + +There was a slight sound at the room door, and on turning round I saw +Dick--Dick with wild, dumb entreaty in his eyes. + +I pointed to the bed, and with a whispered “Hush!” beckoned him to +enter. + +The shock of seeing his loved little lad so changed was too much for +even his man's courage, for, with a cry he in vain strove to smother, he +sunk on his knees with his face hidden in his hands. + +But only for a moment he let his grief overcome him; then, rising, he +took Joe's little form in his arms, and in a voice to which love gave +the softest and gentlest tones said:-- + +“Joe, lad! Joe, little chap! here's Dick. Look at poor old Dick. Don't +you know him? Don't go away without sayin' good-by to Dick wot loves +you.” + +Slowly a little fluttering smile parted the lips, and the blue eyes +unclosed once more. “Dick!” he gasped; “I wanted to tell you, Dick, +but--I--can't. I--ain't--forgot. 'Own--up--to--it--wotever'--I minded +it all. Kiss me--Dick. God--bless--missis. Dick--take +me--home--to--mother!” + +And with a gentle sigh, in the arms of the brother he loved, Joe fell +into a deep sleep, a sleep from which we all feared he would no more +awake on earth, and we watched him, fearing almost to move. + +Dick held him in his arms all that morning, and presently towards noon +the doctor took the little wrist, and found the pulse still feebly +beating; a smile lit up his good, kind face, and he whispered to me, +“There is hope.” + +“Thank God!” I whispered back, and ran away into my own room to sob out +grateful prayers of thanksgiving to Heaven for having spared the life so +nearly lost to us. + +When I went back, Joe had just begun to awaken, and was looking up into +his beloved Dick's face, murmuring: “Why, it's Dick. Are you a-crying +about _me_, Dick? Don't cry--I'm all right--I'm only so tired.” + +And having drank some wine the doctor had ordered should be given him, +he nestled close to Dick's breast, and again fell into a sweet sleep, +a better, life-giving sleep this time, for the faint color came to his +pale little lips, and presently Dick laid him down on the pillows, and +rested his own weary arms. He would not move from Joe's side for fear, +he might wake and miss him, but for many hours our little fellow slept +peacefully, and so gradually came back to life. + +We never quite knew the particulars of the robbery, for, when Joe was +well enough to talk, we avoided speaking of it. Dr. Loring said, “The +boy only partly remembers it, like a dream, and it is better he should +forget it altogether; he will do so when he gets stronger. Send him home +to his mother for a while; and if he returns to you, let it be to the +country house where there is nothing to remind him of all this.” + +Joe did get strong, and came back to us, but no longer as a page-boy; +he was under-gardener, and his time was spent among his favorite flowers +and pet animals, until one day Dick wrote to say his father had bought +more land to be laid out in gardens, and if Joe could be spared he +and Dick could work together, and in time set up for themselves in the +business. + +So Joe left us, but not to forget us, or be forgotten. On each +anniversary of my birthday I find a bunch of magnificent roses on my +breakfast table--“With J. and R. Cole's respectful duty,” and I know +the sender is a fine, strong young market-gardener; but sometimes I look +back a few years, and instead of the lovely roses, and the big, healthy +giver, I seem to see a faded dusty bunch of wild-flowers, held towards +me by the little hot hand of a tired child with large blue eyes, and I +hear a timid voice say, “Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to stay +with yer!” + +THE END. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + +***** This file should be named 7357-0.txt or 7357-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/3/5/7357/ + +Produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/7357-0.zip b/7357-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..89c780f --- /dev/null +++ b/7357-0.zip diff --git a/7357-8.txt b/7357-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e728423 --- /dev/null +++ b/7357-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2036 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: J. Cole + +Author: Emma Gellibrand + + +Release Date: January, 2005 [EBook #7357] +This file was first posted on April 20, 2003 +Last updated: May 2, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + + + + + + + + +J. COLE + +By Emma Gellibrand + + + + [Illustration: "'WHO ARE YOU, MY CHILD?' I SAID'--Page 3 +(_Frontispiece_)] + + + + +J. COLE. + +"HONNERD MADAM, + +"Wich i hav seed in the paper a page Boy wanted, and begs to say J. Cole +is over thertene, and I can clene plate, wich my brutther is under a +butler and lernd me, and I can wate, and no how to clene winders and +boots. J. Cole opes you will let me cum. I arsks 8 and all found. if you +do my washin I will take sevven. J. Cole will serve you well and opes to +giv sattisfaxshun. i can cum tomorrer. J. COLE. + +"P.S.--He is not verry torl but growin. My brutther is a verry good +hite. i am sharp and can rede and rite and can hadd figgers if you +like." + + * * * * * * * + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +I had advertised for a page-boy, and having puzzled through some dozens +of answers, more or less illegible and impossible to understand, had +come to the last one of the packet, of which the above is an exact copy. + +The epistle was enclosed in a clumsy envelope, evidently home-made, +with the aid of scissors and gum, and was written on a half-sheet of +letter-paper, in a large hand, with many blots and smears, on pencilled +lines. + +There was something quaint and straightforward in the letter, in spite +of the utter ignorance of grammar and spelling; and while I smiled at +the evident pride in the "brutther" who was a "verry good hite," and +the offer to take less wages if "I would do his washin," I found myself +wondering what sort of waif upon the sea of life was this not very tall +person, over thirteen, who "would serve me well." + +I had many letters to answer and several appointments to make, and +had scarcely made up my mind whether or not to trouble to write to my +accomplished correspondent, who was "sharp, and could rede and rite, and +hadd figgers," when, a shadow falling on the ground by me as I sat by +the open window, I looked up, and saw, standing opposite my chair, a +boy,--the very smallest boy, with the very largest blue eyes I ever saw. +The clothes on his little limbs were evidently meant for somebody almost +double his size, but they were clean and tidy. + +In one hand he held a bundle, tied in a red handkerchief, and in the +other a bunch of wild-flowers that bore signs of having travelled far in +the heat of the sun, their blossoms hanging down, dusty and fading, and +their petals dropping one by one on the ground. + +"Who are you, my child?" I said, "and what do you want?" + +At my question the boy placed his flowers on my table, and, pulling off +his cap, made a queer movement with his feet, as though he were trying +to step backwards with both at once, and said, in a voice so deep that +it quite startled me, so strangely did it seem to belong to the size of +the clothes, and not the wearer,-- + +"Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to live with yer. I've brought +all my clothes, and every think." + +For the moment I felt a little bewildered, so impossible did it seem +that the small specimen of humanity before me was actually intending to +enter anybody's service; he looked so childish and wistful, and yet with +a certain honesty of purpose shining out of those big, wide-open eyes, +that interested me in him, and made me want to know more of him. + +"You are very small to go into service," I said, "and I am afraid you +could not do the work I should require; besides, you should have waited +to hear from me, and then have come to see me, if I wanted you to do +so." + +"Yes, I know I'm not very big," said the boy, nervously fidgeting with +his bundle; "leastways not in hite; but my arms is that long, they'll +reach ever so 'igh above my 'ed, and as for bein' strong, you should +jest see me lift my father's big market basket when it's loaded with +'taters, or wotever is for market, and I hope you'll not be angry +because I come to-day; but Dick--that's my brutther Dick--he says, 'You +foller my advice, Joe,' he says, 'and go arter this 'ere place, and +don't let no grass grow under your feet. I knows what it is goin' arter +places; there's such lots a fitin' after 'em, that if you lets so much +as a hour go afore yer looks 'em up, there's them as slips in fust gets +it; and wen yer goes to the door they opens it and sez, "It ain't no +use, boy, we're sooted;" and then where are yer, I'd like to know? 'So,' +sez he, 'Joe, you look sharp and go, and maybe you'll get it.' So I +come, mum, and please, that's all." + +"But about your character, my boy," I said. "You must have somebody to +speak for you, and say you are honest, and what you are able to do. I +always want a good character with my servants; the last page-boy I had +brought three years' good character from his former situation." + +"Lor!" said Joe, with a serious look, "did he stay three years in a +place afore he came to you? Wotever did he leave them people for, where +he were so comfortable? If I stay with you three years, you won't catch +me a leavin' yer, and goin' somewheres else. Wot a muff that chap was!" + +I explained that it did not always depend on whether a servant wanted to +stay or not, but whether it suited the employers to keep him. + +"'Praps he did somethin', and they giv' 'im the sack," murmured Joe; "he +was a flat!" + +"But about this character of yours," I said; "if I decide to give you a +trial, although I am almost sure you are too small, and won't do, where +am I to go for your character? Will the people where your brother lives +speak for you?" + +"Oh, yes!" cried the little fellow, his cheeks flushing; "I know Dick'll +ask 'em to give me a caricter. Miss Edith, I often cleaned 'er boots. +Once she come 'ome in the mud, and was a-goin' out agin directly; and +they was lace-ups, and a orful bother to do up even; and she come into +the stable-yard with 'er dog, and sez: 'Dick, will you chain Tiger up, +and this little boy may clean my boots if he likes, on my feet?' So I +cleaned 'em, and she giv' me sixpence; and after that, when the boots +come down in the mornin', I got Dick always to let me clean them little +boots, and I kep 'em clean in the insides, like the lady's maid she told +me not to put my 'ands inside 'em if they was black. Miss Edith, she'll +giv me a caricter, if Dick asks 'er." + +Just then the visitors' bell rang; and I sent my would-be page into the +kitchen to wait until I could speak to him again, and told him to ask +the cook to give him something to eat. + +"Here are your flowers," I said; "take them with you." + +He looked at me, and then, as if ashamed of having offered them, +gathered them up in his hands, and with the corner of the red +handkerchief wiped some few leaves and dust-marks off my table, then +saying in a low voice, "I didn't know you 'ad beauties of yer own, like +them in the glass pots, but I'll giv' 'em to the cook." So saying, he +went away into the kitchen, and my visitors came in, and by and by some +more friends arrived. + +The weather was very warm, and we sat chattering and enjoying the +shade of the trees by the open French window. Presently, somebody being +thirsty, I suggested lemonade and ice, and I offered strawberries, +and (if possible) cream; though my mind misgave me as to the latter +delicacy, for we had several times been obliged to do without some of +our luxuries if they entailed "_fetching_," as we had no boy to run +errands quickly on an emergency and be useful. However, I rang the +bell; and when the housemaid, whose temper, since she had been what is +curiously termed in servants'-hall language "single-handed," was most +trying, entered, I said, "Make some lemonade, Mary, and ask cook to +gather some strawberries quickly, and bring them, with some cream." + +Mary looked at me as who should say, "Well, I'm sure! and who's to do it +all? You'll have to wait a bit." And I know we should have to wait, and +therefore resigned myself to do so patiently, keeping up the ball of +gossip, and wondering if a little music later on would perhaps while +away the time. + +Much to my amazement, in less than a quarter of an hour Mary entered +with the tray, all being prepared; and directly I looked at the +strawberry-bowl I detected a novel feature in the table decoration. A +practised hand had evidently been at work; but whose? Mary was far too +matter-of-fact a person. Food, plates, knives and forks, glasses, and a +cruet-stand were all she ever thought necessary; and even for a centre +vase of flowers I had to ask, and often to insist, during the time she +was single-handed. + +But here was my strawberry-bowl, a pretty one, even when unadorned, +with its pure white porcelain stem, intwined with a wreath of blue +convolvulus, and then a spray of white, the petals just peeping over +the edge of the bowl, and resting near the luscious red fruit; the +cream-jug, also white, had twining flowers of blue, and round the +lemonade-jug, of glass, was a wreath of yellow blossoms. + +"How exquisite!" exclaimed we all. "What fairy could have bestowed such +a treat to our eyes and delight to our sense of the beautiful?" + +I supposed some friend of the cook's or Mary's had been taking lessons +in the art of decoration, and had given us a specimen. + +Soon after, my friends having gone, I thought of J. Cole waiting to be +dismissed, and sent for him. + +Cook came in, and with a preliminary "Ahem!" which I knew of old meant, +"I have an idea of my own, and I mean to get it carried out," said, +"Oh, if you please 'm, if I might be so bold, did you think serious of +engagin' the boy that's waitin' in the kitchen?" + +"Why do you ask, Cook?" I said. + +"Well, ma'am," she replied, trying to hide a laugh, "of course it's not +for me to presume; but, if I might say a word for him, I think he's the +very handiest and the sharpest one we've ever had in this house, and +we've had a many, as you know. Why, if you'd only have seen him when +Mary come in in her tantrums at 'aving to get the tray single-handed, +and begun a-grumblin' and a-bangin' things about, as is her way, being +of a quick temper, though, as I tells her, too slow a-movin' of herself. +As I were a-sayin', you should have seen that boy. If he didn't up and +leave his bread and butter and mug of milk, as he was a-enjoyin' of as +'arty as you like, and, 'Look 'ere,' says he, 'giv' me the jug. I'll +make some fine drink with lemons. I see Dick do it often up at his +place. Giv' me the squeezer. Wait till I washes my 'ands. I won't be +a minnit.' Then in he rushes into the scullery, washes his hands, runs +back again in a jiffy. 'Got any snow sugar? I mean all done fine like +snow.' I gave it him; and, sure enough, his little hands moved that +quick, he had made the lemonade before Mary would have squeezed a lemon. +'Where do yer buy the cream?' he says next. 'I'll run and get it while +you picks the strawberries.' Perhaps it wasn't right, me a trustin' him, +being a stranger, but he was that quick I couldn't say no. Up he takes +the jug, and was off; and when I come in from the garden with the +strawberries, if he hadn't been and put all them flowers on the things. +He begs my pardon for interfering like, and says, 'I 'ope you'll excuse +me a-doin' of it, but the woman at the milk-shop said I might 'ave 'em; +and I see the butler where Dick lives wind the flowers about like that, +and 'ave 'elped 'im often; and, please, I paid for the cream, because +I'd got two bob of my own, Dick giv' me on my birthday. Oh, I do 'ope, +Mrs. Cook,' he says, 'that the lady'll take me; I 'll serve 'er well, I +will, indeed;' and then he begins to cry and tremble, poor little chap, +for he'd been running about a lot, and never eaten or drank what I +gave him, because he wanted to help, and it was hot in the kitchen, I +suppose, and he felt faint like, but there he is, crying; and just now, +when the bell rung, which was two great big boys after the place, he +says, 'Oh, please say "We're sooted," and ask the lady if I may stay.' +So, I've taken the liberty, ma'am," said Cook, "for somehow I like that +little chap, and there's a deal in him, I do believe." + +So saying, Cook retired; and, in a moment, J. Cole was standing in her +place, the blue eyes brimming over with tears, and an eager anxiety as +to what his fate would be making his poor little hands clutch at his +coat-sleeves, and his feet shuffle about so nervously, that I had not +the courage to grieve him by a refusal. + +"Well, Joseph," I said, "I have decided to give you a month's trial. I +shall write to the gentleman who employs your brother; and if he speaks +well of you, you may stay." + +"And may I stay now, please?" he said. "May I stay before you gets any +answer to your letter to say I'm all right? I think you'd better let me; +there ain't no boy; and Mrs. Cook and Mary'll 'ave a lot to do. I can +stay in the stable, if you don't like to let me be in the house, afore +you writes the letter." + +"No, Joe," I replied: "you may not be a good, honest boy, but I think +you are; and you shall stay here. Now go back to Mrs. Wilson, and finish +your milk, and eat something more if you can, then have a good rest and +a wash; they will show you where you are to sleep, and at dinner, this +evening, I shall see if you can wait at table." + +"Thank you very kindly," said the boy, his whole face beaming with +delight, "and I'll be sure and do everythink I can for you." Then he +went quickly out of the room; for I could see he was quite overcome, now +that the uncertainty was over. + +Alone once more, I reasoned with myself, and felt I was doing an unwise +thing. Just at that time my husband was away on business for some +months; and I had no one to advise me, and no one to say me nay either. +My conscience told me my husband would say, "We cannot tell who this boy +is, where he has lived, or who are his associates; he may be connected +with a gang of thieves for what we know to the contrary. Wait, and have +proper references before trusting him in the house." + +And he would be right to say so to me, but not every one listens to +conscience when it points the opposite way to inclination. Well, J. Cole +remained; and when I entered the dining-room, to my solitary dinner, he +was there, with a face shining from soap and water, his curls evidently +soaped too, to make them go tidily on his forehead. The former page +having left his livery jacket and trousers, Mary had let Joe dress in +them, at his earnest request. + +She told me afterwards that he had sewn up the clothes in the neatest +manner wherever they could be made smaller; and the effect of the +jacket, which he had stuffed out in the chest with hay, as we discovered +by the perfume, was very droll. He had a great love of bright colors, +and the trousers being large, showed bright red socks; the jacket +sleeves being much too short for the long arms, of which he was so +proud, allowed the wristbands of a vivid blue flannel shirt to be seen. + +I was alone, so could put up with this droll figure at my elbow; but +the seriousness of his face was such a contrast to the comicality of the +rest of him, that I found myself beginning to smile every now and then, +but directly I saw the serious eyes on me, I felt obliged to become +grave at once. + +The waiting at table I could not exactly pronounce a success; for, +although Joe's quick eyes detected in an instant if I wanted anything, +his anxiety to be "first in the field," and give Mary no chance of +instructing him in his duties, made him collide against her more than +once in his hasty rushes to the sideboard and back to my elbow with the +dishes, which he generally handed to me long before he reached me, his +long arms enabling him to reach me with his hands while he was yet some +distance from me, and often on the wrong side. I also noticed when I +wanted water he lifted the water-bottle on high, and poured as though +it was something requiring a "head." Mary nearly caused a catastrophe +at that moment by frowning at him, and saying, sotto voce, "Whatever are +you doing? Is that the way to pour out water? It ain't hale, stoopid!" + +Joe's face became scarlet; and to hide his confusion he seized a +dish-cover, and hastily went out of the room with it, returning in a +moment pale and serious as became one who at heart was every inch a +family butler with immense responsibilities. + +Joe was quiet and sharp, quick and intelligent; but I could see he was +quite new to waiting at table. To remove a dish was, I could see, his +greatest dread; and it amused me to see the cleverness with which he +managed that Mary should do that part of the duty. + +When only my plate and a dish remained to be cleared away, he would +slowly get nearer as I got towards the last morsel, and before Mary had +time, would take my plate, and go quite slowly to the sideboard with it, +leisurely remove the knife and fork, watching meanwhile in the mirror +if Mary was about to take the dish away; if not he would take something +outside, or bring a decanter, and ask if I wanted wine. + +I was, however, pleased to find him no more awkward, as I feared he +would have been, and when, having swept the grate and placed my solitary +wineglass and dessert-plate on the table, he retired, softly closing the +door after him, I felt I should make something of J. Cole, and hoped his +character would be good. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +The next morning a tastefully arranged vase of flowers in the centre of +the breakfast-table, and one magnificent rose and bud by my plate, were +silent but eloquent appeals to my interest on behalf of my would-be +page; and when Joe himself appeared, fresh from an hour's self-imposed +work in my garden, I saw he had become quite one of the family; for +Bogie, my little terrier, usually very snappish to strangers, and who +considered all boys as his natural enemies, was leaping about his +feet, evidently asking for more games, and our old magpie was perched +familiarly on his shoulder. + +"Good-morning, Joe," I said. "You are an early riser, I can see, by the +work you have already done in the garden." + +"Why, yes," replied Joe, blushing, and touching an imaginary cap; "I'm +used to bein' up. There was ever so much to do of a mornin' at 'ome; and +I 'ad to 'elp father afore I could go to be with Dick, and I was with +Dick a'most every mornin' by seven, and a good mile and a arf to walk to +'is place. Shall I bring in the breakfust, mum? Mary's told me what to +do." + +Having given permission, Joe set to work to get through his duties, this +time without any help, and I actually trembled when I saw him enter with +a tray containing all things necessary for my morning meal, he looked so +over-weighted; but he was quite equal to it as far as landing the tray +safely on the sideboard. But, alas! then came the ordeal; not one thing +did poor Joe know where to place, and stood with the coffeepot in his +hand, undecided whether it went before me, or at the end of the table, +or whether he was to pour out my coffee for me. + +I saw he was getting very nervous, so took it from him, and in order to +put him at his ease, I remarked,-- + +"I think, perhaps, I had better show you, Joe, just for once, how I like +my breakfast served, for every one has little ways of their own, you +know; and you will try to do it my way when you know how I like it, +won't you?" + +Thereupon I arranged the dishes, etc., for him, and his big eyes +followed my every movement. The blinds wanted pulling down a little +presently, and then I began to realize one of the drawbacks in having +such a very small boy as page. Joe saw the sun's rays were nearly +blinding me, and wanted to shut them out; but on attempting to reach the +tassel attached to the cord, it was hopelessly beyond his reach. In vain +were the long arms stretched to their utmost, till the sleeves of the +ex-page's jacket retreated almost to Joe's elbows, but no use. + +I watched, curious to see what he would do. + +"Please 'm, might I fetch an 'all chair?" said Joe; "I'm afraid I'm +not big enuf to reach the tossle, but I won't pull 'em up so 'igh +to-morrow." + +I gave permission, and carefully the chair was steered among my tables +and china pots. Then Joe mounted, and by means of rising on the tips of +his toes he was able to accomplish the task of lowering the blinds. + +I noticed at that time that Joe wore bright red socks, and I little +thought what a shock those bright-colored hose were to give me later on +under different circumstances. + +That evening I had satisfactory letters regarding Joe's character, and +by degrees he became used to his new home, and we to him. His quaint +sayings and wonderful love of the truth, added to extreme cleanliness, +made him welcome in the somewhat exclusive circle in which my +housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, reigned supreme. + +Many a hearty burst of laughter came to me from the open kitchen-window +across the garden in the leisure hour, when, the servants' tea being +over, they sat at work, while Joe amused them with his stories and +reminiscences of the sayings and doings of his wonderful brother Dick. + +This same Dick was evidently the one being Joe worshipped on earth, and +to keep his promises to Dick was a sacred duty. + +"You don't know our Dick, Mrs. Wilson," said Joe, to the old +housekeeper; "if you did, you'd understand why I no more dare go agen +wot Dick told me, than I dare put my 'and in that 'ere fire. When I were +quite a little chap, I took some big yaller plums once, out of one of +the punnits father was a-packin' for market, and I eat 'em. I don't know +to this hour wot made me take them plums; but I remember they were such +prime big uns, big as eggs they was, and like lumps of gold, with a sort +of blue shade over 'em. Father were very partikler about not 'avin' the +fruit 'andled and takin' the bloom off, and told me to cover 'em well +with leaves. It was a broilin' 'ot day, and I was tired, 'avin' been +stoopin' over the baskits since four in the morning, and as I put the +leaves over the plums I touched 'em; they felt so lovely and cool, and +looked so juicy-like, I felt I must eat one, and I did; there was just +six on 'em, and when I'd bin and eat one, there seemed such a empty +place left in the punnit, that I knew father'd be sure to see it, so I +eat 'em all, and then threw the punnit to one side. Just then, father +comes up and says, "Count them punnits, Dick! there ought to be forty +on 'em. Twenty picked large for Mr. Moses, and twenty usuals for +Marts!"--two of our best customers they was. Well, Dick, he counts 'em, +and soon misses one. 'Thirty-eight, thirty-nine,' he sez, and no more; +'but 'ere's a empty punnit,' he sez. I was standing near, feelin' awful, +and wished I'd said I'd eat the plums afore Dick begun to count 'em, but +I didn't, and after that I couldn't. 'Joe!' sez Dick, 'I wants yer! 'Ow +come this empty punnit 'ere, along of the others? there's plums bin +in it, I can see, 'cos it's not new. Speak up, youngster!' I looked +at Dick's face, Mrs. Wilson, and his eyes seemed to go right into my +throat, and draw the truth out of me. 'Speak up,' he sez, a-gettin' +cross; 'if you've prigged 'em, say so, and you'll get a good hidin' +from me, for a-doin' of it; but if you tells me a lie, you'll get such a +hidin' for that as 'll make you remember it all your life; so speak up, +say you did it, and take your hidin' like a brick, and if you didn't +prig 'em, say who did, 'cos you must 'av' seen 'em go.' + +"I couldn't do nothin', Mrs. Wilson, but keep my 'ed down, and blubber +out, 'Please, Dick, I eat 'em.' + +"'Oh, you did, yer young greedy, did yer,' he sez; 'I'm glad yer didn't +tell me a lie. I've got to giv' yer a hidin', Joe; but giv' us yer 'and, +old chap, first, and mind wot I sez to yer: "_Own up to it, wotever you +do_," and take your punishment; it's 'ard to bear, but when the smart +on it's over yer forgets it; but if yer tells a lie to save yerself, yer +feels the smart of _that_ always; yer feels ashamed of yerself whenever +yer thinks of it.' And then Dick give me a thrashin', he did, but I +never 'ollered or made a row, tho' he hit pretty 'ard. And, Mrs. Wilson, +I never could look in Dick's face if I told a lie, and I never shall +tell one, I 'ope, as long as ever I live. You should just see Dick, Mrs. +Wilson, he is a one-er, he is." + +"Lor' bless the boy," said Mary, the housemaid; "why, if he isn't +a-cryin' now. Whatever's the matter? One minnit you're makin' us larf +fit to kill ourselves, and then you're nearly makin' us cry with your +Dick, and your great eyes runnin' over like that. Now get away, and take +the dogs their supper, and see if you can't get a bit of color in your +cheeks before you come back." + +So off Joe went, and soon the frantic barking in the stable-yard showed +he had begun feeding his four-footed pets. + +Time went on; it was a very quiet household just then--my husband away +in America, and my friends most of them enjoying their summer abroad, +or at some seaside place--all scattered here and there until autumn was +over, and then we were to move to town, and spend the winter season at +our house there. I hoped my dear sister and her girls would then +join us, and, best of all, my dear husband be home to make our circle +complete. + +Day by day Joe progressed in favor with everybody; his size was always a +trouble, but his extreme good nature made everybody willing to help +him over his difficulties. He invented all sorts of curious tools for +reaching up to high places; and the marvels he would perform with a long +stick and a sort of claw at the end of it were quite astonishing. + +I noticed whenever I spoke of going to town Joe did not seem to look +forward to the change with any pleasure, although he had never been to +London, he told me; but Dick had been once with his father, and had +seen lots of strange things; among others a sad one, that made a great +impression on Dick, and he had told the tale to Joe, so as to have +almost as great an effect on him. + +It appeared that one night Dick and his father were crossing Waterloo +Bridge, and had seen a young girl running quickly along, crying +bitterly. Dick tried to keep up with her, and asked her what was the +matter. She told him to let her alone, that she meant to drown herself, +for she had nothing to live for, and was sick of her life. Dick +persuaded her to tell him her grief, and heard from her that her mother +and father had both been drowned in a steamer, and she was left with a +little brother to take care of; he had been a great trouble to her, and +had been led away by bad companions until he became thoroughly wicked. +She had been a milliner, and had a room of her own, and paid extra for a +little place where her brother could sleep. She fed and clothed him out +of her earnings, although he was idle, and cruel enough to scold and +abuse her when she tried to reason with him, and refused to let him +bring his bad companions to her home. At last he stole nearly all +she had, and pawned it; and among other things, some bonnets and caps +belonging to the people who employed her, given as patterns for her +to copy. These she had to pay for, and lost her situation besides. By +degrees all her clothes, her home, and all she had, went for food; and +then this wicked boy left her, and the next thing she knew was that he +had been taken up with a gang of burglars concerned in a jewel robbery. +That day she had seen him in prison, and he was to be transported for +seven years; so the poor creature, mad with grief, was about to end her +life. Dick and his father would not leave her until she was quiet, and +promised them she would go and get a bed and supper with the money they +gave her, and they promised to see her again the next day at a place +she named. The next morning they went to the address, and found a crowd +round the house. Somebody said a young woman had thrown herself out of +a window, and had been taken up dead. It was too true; and the girl was +the wretched, heart-broken sister they had helped over night. Her grief +had been too much for her, and, poor thing, she awoke to the light of +another day, and could not face it alone and destitute; so, despairing, +she had ended her life. They went to the hospital, and were allowed to +see all that remained of the poor creature; and Dick's description of it +all, and his opinion that the brother "might have been just such another +little chap at first as Joe," and "What would that brother feel," said +Dick, "when he knew what he had done? for he done it," said Dick; "he +done that girl to death, the same as if he'd shov'd her out of that +winder hisself." + +"And," said Joe, "I wonder if them chaps is goin' about London now wot +led her brother wrong? I don't like London; and I wish we could stop +'ere." + +I assured Joe that in London there was no danger of meeting such people +if he kept to himself, and made no friends of strangers. + +Joe was also much afraid of having to wait at table when there were +guests. In spite of all I could do, he was hopelessly nervous and +confused when he had to wait on more than two or three people; and as I +expected to entertain a good deal when we were in town, I could not help +fearing Joe would be unequal to the duties. + +I could not bear the idea of parting with the little fellow, for, +added to his good disposition, Joe, in his dark brown livery, with gilt +buttons, his neat little ties, and clean hands; his carefully brushed +curls, by this time trained into better order, and shining like +burnished gold in the sun; his tiny feet, with the favorite red socks, +which he could and did darn very neatly himself when they began to wear +out (and when he bought new ones they were always bright red),--Joe, let +me tell you, was quite an ornament in our establishment, and the envy +of several boys living in families round about, who tried in vain to +get acquainted with him, but he would not be friends, although he always +refused their advances with civil words. + +Sometimes a boy would linger when bringing a note or message for me, and +try to draw Joe into conversation. In a few minutes I would hear Joe's +deep voice say, "I think you had better go on now. I've got my work to +do, and I reckon you've got yours a-waiting for yer at your place." Then +the side-door would shut, and Joe was bustling about his work. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +In the beginning of October we arrived in London. There had been much +packing up, and much extra work for everybody, and Joe was in his +element. + +What those long arms, and that willing heart, and those quick little +hands got through, nobody but those he helped and worked for could tell. +Whatever was wanted Joe knew where to find it. Joe's knife was ready to +cut a stubborn knot; Joe's shoulders ready to be loaded with as heavy +a weight as any man could carry. More than once I met him coming +down-stairs with large boxes he himself could almost have been packed +in, and he declared he did not find them too heavy. + +"You see, Missis," he said, "I'm that strong now since I've been here, +with all the good food I gets, and bein' so happy like, that I feel +almost up to carryin' anythink. I do believe I could lift that there +pianner, if somebody would just give it a hoist, and let me get hold of +it easy." + +Yes, Joe was strong and well, and I am sure, happy, and I had never had +a single misgiving about him since he stood with his fading flowers and +shabby clothes at my window that summer day. + +At last we were settled in town, and the winter season beginning. Our +house was situated in the West End of London, a little beyond Bayswater. +One of a row of detached houses, facing another row exactly similar in +every way, except that the backs of those we lived in had small gardens, +with each its own stable wall at the end, with coachman's rooms above, +the front of the stable facing the mews, and having the entrance from +there; the mews ran all along the backs of these houses. On the opposite +side the houses facing ours had their gardens and back windows facing +the high-road, and no stables. There was a private road belonging to +this, Holling Park as it was called, and a watchman to keep intruders +out, and to stop organ-grinders, beggars, and such invaders of the peace +from disturbing us. + +Somehow I was never as comfortable as in my snug cottage in the country. +Rich, fashionable people lived about us, and all day long kept up the +round of "society life." + +In the morning the large handsome houses would seem asleep, nothing +moving inside or out, except a tradesman's cart, calling for orders, +or workmen putting up or taking down awnings, at some house where there +would be, or had been, a ball or entertainment of some kind. About +eleven a carriage or two would be driven round from the mews, and stop +before a house to take some one for a morning drive; but very seldom +was anybody on foot seen about. In the afternoon it was +different,--carriages rolled along incessantly, and streams of afternoon +callers were going and coming from the houses when the mistress was +"at home;" and at my door, too, soon began the usual din of bell and +knocker. Joe was quite equal to the occasion, and enjoyed Friday, the +day I received. Dressed in his very best, and with a collar that kept +his chin in what seemed to me a fearful state of torture, but added to +his height by at least half an inch, Joe stood behind the hall-door, +ready to open it directly the knocker was released. He ushered in the +guests as though "to the manner born," giving out the names correctly, +and with all the ease of an experienced groom of the chambers. + +The conservatory leading out of the drawing-room was Joe's especial +pride; it was his great pleasure to syringe the hanging baskets, a + were spent in little surprises for me in the form of pots of musk, +maiden-hair, or anything he could buy; his wages were all sent home, and +he only kept for his own whatever he had given to him, and sometimes a +guest would "tip" him more generously than I liked, for his bright eyes +and ready hands were always at everybody's service. + +After my husband's return home, who from the first became Joe's especial +care, as to boots, brushing of clothes, etc., it became necessary to +give two or three dinner-parties, and I must confess I felt nervous as +to how Joe would acquit himself. + +In our dining-room was a very large bear-skin rug, and the floor being +polished oak, it was dangerous to step on this rug, for it would slip +away from the feet on the smooth surface, and even the dogs avoided it, +so many falls had they met with upon it. + +The first day of my husband's arrival we had my sister and a friend to +dine, and had been talking about Joe in the few moments before dinner. + +My husband had been laughing at the size of my page, and scolding me a +little, or rather pretending to do so, for taking a written character. + +"Little woman," he said, "don't be surprised if one night a few country +burglars make us a visit, and renew their acquaintance with Mr. J. +Cole." + +"You don't know Joe," I replied, "or you would never say that." + +"Do you know him so well, little wife?" said my dear sensible husband; +"remember he has only been in our service six months. In the country he +had very little of value in his hands, but here, it seems to me, he +has too much. All the plate, and indeed everything of value, is in his +pantry, and he is a very young boy to trust. One of the women servants +should take charge of the plate-chest, I think. Where does this paragon +sleep?" + +"Down-stairs," I said, "next to the kitchen, at the back of the +house; and you should see how carefully every night he looks to the +plate-basket, counts everything, and then asks Mrs. Wilson to see it is +right, locks it up, and gives her the key to take care of. No one can +either open or carry away an iron safe easily, and there is nothing else +worth taking; besides, I know Joe is honest, I feel it." + +"Well, I hope so, dear," was my husband's reply, but I could see he was +not quite comfortable about it. + +At dinner that day Joe had an accident; he was dreadfully nervous, as +usual, and when waiting, he forgot to attend to my guests first, but +always came to me. The parlor-maid, a new one, and not a great favorite +with Joe, made matters worse by correcting him in an audible voice; and +once, when somebody wanted oyster-sauce, she told Joe to hand it. The +poor boy, wishing to obey quickly, forgot to give the bear-skin a wide +berth, slipped on it, and in a moment had fallen full length, having in +his fall deposited the contents of the sauce-tureen partly into a blue +leather armchair, and the rest onto my sister's back. + +The boy's consternation was dreadful. I could see he was completely +overcome with fright and sorrow for what he had done. He got up, and all +his trembling lips could say was, "Oh, please, I'm so sorry; it was the +bear as tripped me up. I am so very sorry." + +Even my husband could scarcely keep from smiling, the sorrow was so +genuine, the sense of shame so true. + +"There, never mind, Joe," he said kindly; "you must be more careful. Now +run and get a sponge, and do the best you can with it." + +After that Joe had the greatest terror of that treacherous skin, and I +heard him telling the parlor-maid about it. + +"You mind," he said, "or that bear'll ketch 'old of yer. I shan't forget +how he ketched 'old of my leg that day and knocked me over; so you'd +better take care, and not go nigher than you can 'elp. He's always +a-lookin' out to ketch yer, but he won't 'ave me no more, I can tell +him." + +This fall of Joe's made him still more nervous of waiting at table, and +at last, when he had made some very serious mistakes, I had to speak to +him and tell him I was afraid, if he did not soon learn to wait better, +I must send him away, for his master was annoyed at the mistakes he +made, such as pouring port instead of sherry, giving cold plates when +hot ones were required, handing dishes on the wrong side, etc. + +My little lecture was listened to quietly and humbly, and Joe had turned +to go away, when, to my surprise and distress, he suddenly burst into a +perfect passion of tears and sobs. + +"I will try and learn myself," he said, as well as his sobs would let +him, "indeed, I will. I know I'm stoopid. I sez to myself every +time company comes, 'I'll mind wot I'm about, and remember dishes +left-'anded, pour-in's out right, sherry wine's yeller, and port wine +afterwards with the nuts, grapes, and things; and the cruits when +there's fish, and begin with the strangerest lady next to master's side, +and 'elp missus last.' I knows it all, but when they're all sittin' +down, and everybody wantin' somethin', I don't know if Jane's a-goin' +to giv' it 'em, or I am; and I gets stoopid, and my 'ands shakes, and +somehow I can't do nothin'; but please don't send me away. I do like you +and the master. I'll ask Jane to learn me better. You see if I don't. +Oh, please'm, say you'll try me!" + +What could I say but "yes," and for a day or two Joe did better, but +we were a small party, and the waiting was easy; but shortly we were to +have a large dinner-party, and as the time drew near, Joe became quite +pale and anxious. + +About this time, too, I had been awakened at night by curious +sounds down-stairs, as of somebody moving about, and once I heard an +unmistakable fall of some heavy article. + +My husband assured me it was nothing alarming, and he went down-stairs, +but could neither hear or see anything unusual. All was quiet. + +Another night I felt sure I heard sounds down-stairs; and in spite of +my husband's advice to remain still, I called Mrs. Wilson, and entreated +her to come down to the kitchen-floor with me. It was so very easy, I +knew, for anybody to enter the house from the back, and there being +a deep area all round, they could work away with their tools at the +ground-floor back windows unseen. Any one could get on the top of +the stable from the mews, drop into the garden, and be safe; for the +watchman and policeman were on duty in the front of the house only, the +back was quite unprotected. True, there were iron bars to Joe's window +and the kitchen, but iron bars could be sawed through, and I lived in +dread of burglars. + +This night Mrs. Wilson and I went softly down, and as we neared the +kitchen stairs, I heard a voice say in a whisper, "Make haste!" + +"There, Mrs. Wilson, did you hear that?" I said. "Was that imagination?" + +"No, ma'am," she replied; "there's somebody talking, and I believe it's +in Joe's room. Let us go up and fetch the master." + +So we returned up-stairs, and soon my husband stood with us at the door +of Joe's room. + +"Open the door, Joe!" cried my husband. "Who have you got there?" + +"Nobody, please, sir," said a trembling voice. + +"Open the door at once!" said the master, and in a moment it was opened. +Joe stood there very pale, but with no sort of fear in his face. +There was nobody in the room, and as Joe had certainly been in bed, we +concluded he must have talked in his sleep, and, perhaps, walked about +also, for what we knew. + +The day before the dinner-party, Cook came and told me she felt sure +there was something wrong with Joe. He was so changed from what he used +to be; there was no getting him to wake in the morning, and he seemed so +heavy with sleep, as if he had no rest at night. Also Cook had proofs +of his having been in her kitchen after he was supposed to have gone to +bed; chairs were moved, and several things not where she had left them. +She had asked Joe, and he replied he did go into the kitchen, but would +not say what for. + +I did not like to talk to Joe that day, so decided to wait till after +the dinner, and I would then insist on the mystery being cleared up. +I knew Joe would tell the truth; my trust was unshaken, although +circumstances seemed against him. + +That night Mrs. Wilson came to my door, and said she was sure Joe was at +his nightwork again, for she could see from her bedroom window a light +reflected on the stable wall, which must be in his room. + +"How can we find out," I said, "what he is doing?" + +"That is easily done," said my husband. "We can go out at the +garden-door, and down the steps leading from the garden into the area; +they are opposite his window. We can look through the Venetian blinds, +if they are down, and see for ourselves. He won't be able to see us." + +Accordingly, having first wrapped up in our furs, we went down, and were +soon at Joe's window, standing in the area that surrounded the house. +The laths of the blind were some of them open, and between them we saw +distinctly all over the room. + +At first we could not understand the strange sight that met our gaze. + +In the middle of Joe's room was a table, spread with a cloth, and on +it saucers from flower-pots, placed at intervals down each side; before +each saucer a chair was placed, and in the centre of the table a high +basket, from which a Stilton cheese had been unpacked that morning,-this +was evidently to represent a tall _pergne_. On Joe's wash-stand were +several bottles, a jug, and by each flower-pot saucer two vessels of +some kind--by one, two jam-pots of different sizes; by another, a broken +specimen glass and a teacup--and so on; and from chair to chair moved +Joe, softly but quickly, on tiptoe, now with bottles which contained +water. We could see his lips move, and concluded he was saying something +to imaginary persons, for he would put a jampot on his tray, and pour +into it from the bottle, and then replace it. Sometimes he would go +quickly to his bed, which we saw represented the dinner-wagon, or +sideboard, and bring imaginary dishes from there and hand them. Then he +would go quickly from chair to chair, always correcting himself if he +went to the wrong side, and talking all the time softly to himself. So +here was the solution of the mystery; here melted into air the visions +of Joe in league with midnight burglars. + +The poor boy, evidently alarmed at the prospect of the dinner-party, and +feeling that he must try to improve in waiting at table before that time +somehow, had stolen all those hours nightly from his rest, to practise +with whatever substitutes were at hand for the usual table requisites. + +Here every night, when those who had worked far less during the day were +soundly sleeping, had that anxious, striving little heart shaken off +fatigue, and the big blue eyes refused to yield to sleep, in order to +fight with the nervousness that alone prevented his willing hands acting +with their natural cleverness. I felt a choking in my throat, when I saw +the thin, pale little face, that should have been on the pillow hours +before, lighted up with triumph as the supposed guests departed; the +dumb show of folding the dinner napkins belonging to myself and the +master, and putting them in their respective rings, told us the ordeal +was over. What a weird scene it was,--the dim light, the silent house, +the spread table, and the empty chairs! One could imagine ghostly +revellers, visible only to that one fragile attendant, who ministered +so willingly to their numerous wants. The sort of nervous thrill that +heralds hysterical attacks was rapidly overcoming me, and I whispered +to my husband, "Let us go now;" but he lingered yet a few seconds, and +silently drew my attention again to the window. + +Joe was on his knees by his bedside, his face hidden in his hands. What +silent prayer was ascending to the Throne of Grace, who shall say? I +only know that it were well if many a kneeling worshipper in "purple +and fine linen" could feel as sure of being heard as Joe did when, +his victory won, he knelt, in his humble servant's garb, and said his +prayers that night in spite of the aching head and weary limbs that +needed so badly the few hours' rest that remained before six o'clock, +the time Joe always got up. + +Silently we stole away, and in my mind from that moment my faith in Joe +never wavered. Not once, in spite of sad events that came to pass later +on, when even I, his staunchest friend, had to recall to memory that +kneeling little form in the silence of the night, alone with his God, in +order to stifle the cruel doubts of his truth that were forced upon us +all by circumstances I must soon relate. + +The famous dinner passed off well. Joe was splendid; his midnight +practice had brought its reward, and he moved about so swiftly, and +anticipated everybody's wants so well, that some of my friends asked me +where I got such a treasure of a page; he must have had a good butler or +footman to teach him, they said; he is evidently used to waiting on many +guests. I was proud of Joe. + +The next day he came to me with more than a sovereign in silver, and +told me the gentlemen had been so very kind to him, "and a'most every +one had given him somethin', tho' he never arst, or waited about, as +some fellers did, as if they wouldn't lose sight of a gent till he paid +'em. But," said Joe, "they would giv' it me; and one gent, he follered +me right up the passage, he did, and sez, 'Ere, you small boy,' he sez, +and he give me a whole 'arf-crown. Whatever for, I don't know." + +But I knew that must have been Dr. Loring, a celebrated physician, +and my husband's dearest friend. We had told him about Joe's midnight +self-teaching, and he had been much interested in the story. + +You little thought, Joe, the hand that patted your curly head so kindly +that night would one day hold your small wrist, and count its feeble +life-pulse beating slowly and yet more slowly, while we, who loved you, +should watch the clever, handsome face, trying in vain to read there the +blessed word "Hope." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +And now I must confess to those--for surely there will be a few--who +have felt a little interest, so far, in the fortunes of J. Cole, that +a period in my story has arrived when I would fain lay down my pen, and +not awaken the sleeping past, to recall the sad trouble that befell him. + +I am almost an old woman now, and all this happened many years ago, when +my hair was golden instead of silver. I was younger in those days, and +now am peacefully and hopefully waiting God's good time for my summons. +Troubles have been my lot, many and hard to bear. Loss of husband, +children, dear, good friends, many by death, and some troubles harder +even than those, the loss of trust, and bitter awakening to the +ingratitude and worthlessness of those in whom I have trusted,--all +these I have endured. Yet time and trouble have not sufficiently +hardened my heart that I can write of what follows without pain. +Christmas was over, and my dear husband again away for some months. As +soon as I could really say, "Spring is here," we were to leave London +for our country home; and Joe was constantly talking to Mrs. Wilson +about his various pets, left behind in the gardener's care. There was an +old jackdaw, an especial favorite of his, a miserable owl, too, who +had met with an accident, resulting in the loss of an eye; a more +evil-looking object than "Cyclops," as my husband christened him, I +never saw. Sometimes on a dark night this one eye would gleam luridly +from out the shadowy recesses of the garden, and an unearthly cry of +"Hoo-oo-t," fall on the ear, enough to give one the "creeps for a hour," +as Mary, the housemaid, said. But Joe loved Cyclops, or rather "Cloppy," +as he called him; and the bird hopped after Joe about the garden, as if +he quite returned the feeling. + +All our own dogs, and two or three maimed ones, and a cat or two, more +or less hideous, and indebted to Joe's mercy in rescuing them from +traps, snares, etc.,--all these creatures were Joe's delight. Each +week the gardener's boy wrote a few words to Joe of their health and +wonderful doings, and each week Joe faithfully sent a shilling, to be +laid out in food for them. Then there was Joe's especial garden, also +a sort of hospital, or convalescent home rather, where many blighted, +unhealthy-looking plants and shrubs, discarded by the gardener, and cast +aside to be burnt on the weed-heap, had been rescued by Joe, patiently +nursed and petted as it were into life again by constant care and +watching, and, after being kept in pots a while, till they showed, by +sending forth some tiny shoot or bud, that the sap of life was once more +circulating freely, were then planted in the sheltered corner he called +"his own." + +What treasures awaited him in this small square of earth. What bunches +of violets he would gather for the Missis; and his longing to get back +to his various pets, and his garden, was the topic of conversation on +many a long evening between Joe and Mrs. Wilson. + +Little Bogie, the fox-terrier, was the only dog we had with us in town, +and Bogie hated London. After the quiet country life, the incessant +roll of carriages, tramping of horses, and callings of coachmen, shrill +cab-whistles, and all the noises of a fashionable neighborhood at night +during a London season, were most objectionable to Bogie; he could not +rest, and often Joe got out of bed in the night, and took him in his +arms, to prevent his waking all of us, with his shrill barking at the +unwonted sounds. + +As I have said before, I am very nervous, and the prospect of spending +several more weeks in the big London house, without my husband, was far +from pleasant; so I invited my widowed sister and her girls to stay with +me some time longer, and made up my mind to banish my fears, and +think of nothing but that the dark nights would be getting shorter and +shorter, and meanwhile our house was well protected, as far as good +strong bolts and chains could do so. + +One night I felt more nervous than usual. I had expected a letter from +America for some days past, and none had arrived. On this evening I +knew the mail was due, and I waited anxiously for the last ring of the +postman at ten o'clock; but I was doomed to listen in vain. There was +the sharp, loud ring next door, but not at ours; and I went to my room +earlier than the others, really to give way to a few tears that I could +not control. + +I sat by my bedroom fire, thinking, and, I am afraid, conjuring up all +sorts of terrible reasons for my dear husband's silence, until I +must have fallen asleep, for I awoke chilly and cramped from the +uncomfortable posture I had slept in. The fire was out, and the house +silent as the grave; not even a carriage passing to take up some late +guest. I looked at the clock, half-past three, and then from my window. +It was that "darkest hour before dawn," and I hurried into bed, and +endeavored to sleep; but no, I was hopelessly wide awake. No amount of +counting, or mental exercise on the subject of "sheep going through a +hedge," had any effect, and I found myself lying awake, listening. Yes, +I knew that I was _listening for something that I should hear before +long, but I did not know what._ + +"Hark! what was that?"--a sudden thud, as if something had fallen +somewhere in the house; then silence, except for the loud beating of my +heart, that threatened to suffocate me. "Nonsense," I said to myself, "I +am foolishly nervous to-night. It is nothing here, or Bogie would bark;" +so I tried again to sleep. Hush! Surely that was a footstep going up or +down the stairs! I could not endure the agony of being alone any longer, +but would go to my sister's room, just across the landing, and get her +to come and stay the rest of the night with me. I put on my slippers and +dressing-gown, and opening my door, came face to face with my sister, +who was coming to me. + +"Let me come in," she said, "and don't let us alarm the girls; but I +feel certain something is going on down-stairs. Bogie barked furiously +an hour ago, and then was suddenly silent." + +"That must have been when I was asleep," I replied; "but no doubt Joe +heard him, and has taken him in." + +"That may be," said my sister, "but I have kept on hearing queer noises +at the back of the house; they seemed in Joe's room at first. Come and +listen yourself on the stairs." + +It is strange, but true, that many persons, horribly nervous at the +thought of danger, find all their presence of mind in full force when +actually called upon to face it. So it is with me, and so it was on that +night. I stood on the landing, and listened, and in a few moments heard +muffled sounds down-stairs, like persons moving about stealthily. + +"There is certainly somebody down there, Nelly," I said to my sister, +"and they are down in the basement. If we could creep down quietly +and get into the drawing-room, we might open the window and call the +watchman or policeman; both are on duty until seven." + +"But think," said my sister, "of the fright of the girls if they hear +us, and find they are left alone. The servants, too, will scream, and +rush about, as they always do. Let us go down and make sure there are +thieves, and then see what is best to be done. The door at the top of +the kitchen stairs is locked, so they must be down there; and perhaps if +we could get the watchman to come in quietly, we might catch them in +a trap, by letting him through the drawing-room, and into the +conservatory. He could get into the garden from there, and as they must +have got in that way from the mews, over the stable wall, and through +the garden, they would try to escape the same way, and the watchman +would be waiting for them, and cut off their retreat." + +I agreed, and we stole down-stairs into the drawing-room, where we +locked ourselves in, then very gently and carefully drew up one of +the side blinds of the bay window. The morning had begun to break, and +everything in the wide road was distinctly visible. In the distance I +could see the policeman on duty, but on the opposite side, and going +away from our house instead of towards it. He would turn the corner at +the top of the road, and go past the houses parallel with the backs of +our row, and then appear at the opposite end of the park, and come along +our side; there was no intermediate turning--nothing but an unbroken row +of about forty detached houses facing each other. + +What could we do? I dared not wait until the policeman came back; quite +twenty minutes must pass before then, and day being so near at hand, +the light was increasing every moment, and the burglars would surely +not leave without visiting the drawing-room and dining-room, and would +perhaps murder us to save themselves from detection. + +If I could only attract the policeman's attention, but how? + +My sister was close to the door listening, and every instant we dreaded +hearing them coming up the kitchen stairs. I could not understand Bogie +not barking, and Joe not waking, for where I was I could distinctly hear +the men moving about in the pantry and kitchen. + +"I wonder," I said to my sister, "if I could put something across from +this balcony to the stonework by the front steps? It seems such a little +distance, and if I could step across, I could open the front gate in an +instant, and run after the policeman. I shall try." + +"You will fall and kill yourself," my sister said; "the space is much +wider than you think." + +But I was determined to try; for if I let that policeman go out of +sight, what horrors might happen in the twenty minutes before he would +come back. + +The idea of one of the girls waking and calling out, or Joe waking and +being shot or stabbed, gave me a feeling of desperation, as though I +alone could and must save them. + +Luckily the house was splendidly built, every window-sash sliding +noiselessly and easily in its groove. I opened the one nearest to the +hall door steps, and saw that the stone ledge abutted to within about +two feet of the low balcony of the window; but I was too nervous to +trust myself to spring across even that distance. At that moment my +sister whispered:-- + +"I hear somebody coming up the kitchen stairs!" + +Desperately I cast my eyes round the room for something to bridge +the open space, that would bear my weight, if only for a moment. The +fender-stool caught my eye; that might do, it was strong, and more than +long enough. In an instant we had it across, and I was out of the window +and down the front steps. + + +As I turned the handle of the heavy iron gate, I looked down at the +front kitchen window. A man stood in the kitchen, and he looked up and +saw me--such a horrible-looking ruffian, too. Fear lent wings to my +feet, and I flew up the road. The watchman was just entering the park +from the opposite end; he saw me, and sounded his whistle; the policeman +turned and ran towards me. I was too exhausted to speak, and he caught +me, just as, having gasped "Thieves at 50!" (the number of our house), I +fell forward in a dead swoon. + +When I recovered, I was lying on my own bed, my sister, the scared +servants, and the policeman, all around me. From them I heard that +directly the man in the kitchen caught sight of me, he warned his +companion, who was busy forcing the lock of the door at the head of the +kitchen stairs, and my sister heard them both rushing across the garden, +where they had a ladder against the stable-wall. They must have pulled +this up after them, and tossed it into the next garden, where it +was found, to delay pursuit. The park-keeper had, after sounding his +whistle, rushed to our house, got in at the window, and ran to the door +at the top of the kitchen stairs, but it was quite impossible to open +it; the burglars had cleverly left something in the lock when disturbed, +and the key would not turn. He then went through the drawing-room into +the conservatory, where a glass door opened on the garden; but by the +time the heavy sliding glass panel was unfastened, and the inner door +unbolted, the men had disappeared. They took with them much less than +they hoped to have done, for there were parcels and packets of spoons, +forks, and a case of very handsome gold salt-cellars, a marriage gift, +always kept in a baize-lined chest in the pantry, the key of which I +retained, and which chest was supposed until now to be proof against +burglars; the lock had been burnt all round with some instrument, most +likely a poker heated in the gas, and then forced inwards from the burnt +woodwork. + +"How was it," I asked, "Joe did not wake during all this, or Bogie +bark?" + +As I asked the question, I noticed that my sister turned away; and Mrs. +Wilson, after vainly endeavoring to look unconcerned, threw her apron +suddenly over her head, and burst out crying. + +"What is the matter?" I said, sitting up; "what are you all hiding from +me? Send Joe to me; I will learn the truth from him." + +At this the policeman came forward, and then I heard that Joe was +missing, his room was in great disorder, and one of his shoes, evidently +dropped in his hurry, had been found in the garden, near some spoons +thrown down by the thieves; his clothes were gone, so he evidently had +dressed himself after pretending to go to bed as usual; his blankets and +sheets were taken away, used no doubt, the policeman said, to wrap up +the stolen things. + +"Is it possible," I asked, "that you suspect Joe is in league with these +burglars?" + +"Well, mum," said the man, "it looks queer, and very like it. He slept +down-stairs close to the very door where they got in; he never gives +no alarm, he must have been expecting something, or else why was he +dressed? And how did his shoe come in the garden? And what's more to the +point, if so be as he's innercent, where is he? These young rascals is +that artful, you'd be surprised to know the dodges they're up to." + +"But," I interrupted, "it is impossible, it is cruel to suspect him. +He is gone, true enough, but I'm sure he will come back. Perhaps he ran +after the men to try and catch them, and dropped his shoe then." + +"That's not likely, mum," said he, with a pitying smile at my ignorance +of circumstantial evidence; "he'd have called out to stop 'em, and it +'aint likely they'd have let him get up their ladder, afore chucking of +it into the next garden, if so be as he was a-chasing of 'em to get +'em took. No, mar'm; I'm very sorry, particular as you seem so kindly +disposed; but, in my humble opinion, he's a artful young dodger, and +this 'ere job has been planned ever so long, and he's connived at it, +and has hooked it along with his pals. I knows 'em, but we'll soon nab +him; and if so be as you'll be so kind as to let me take down in writin' +all you knows about 'J. Cole,' which is his name, I'm informed, where +you took him from, his character, and previous career, it will help +considerable in laying hands on him; and when he's found we'll soon find +his pals." + +Of course, I told all I knew about Joe. I felt positive he would come +back, perhaps in a few minutes, to explain everything. Besides, there +was Bogie, too. Why should he take Bogie? The policeman suggested that +"perhaps the dawg foller'd him, and he had taken it along with him, to +prevent being traced by its means." + +At length, all this questioning being over, the household settled down +into a sort of strange calm. It seemed to us days since we had said +"Good-night," and sought our rooms on that night, and yet it was only +twenty-four hours ago; in that short time how much had taken place! On +going over all the plate, etc., we missed many more things; and Mrs. +Wilson, whose faith in Joe's honesty never wavered, began to think the +poor boy might have been frightened at having slept through the robbery; +and as he was so proud of having the plate used every day in his charge, +when he discovered it had been stolen, he might have feared we should +blame him so much for it, that he had run away home to his people in his +fright, meaning to ask his father, or his adored Dick, to return to me +and plead for him. I thought, too, this was possible, for I knew how +terribly he would reproach himself for letting anything in his care be +stolen. I therefore made up my mind to telegraph to his father at once; +but, not to alarm him, I said:-- + +"Is Joe with you? Have reason to think he has gone home. Answer back." + +The answer came some hours after, for in those small villages +communication was difficult. The reply ran thus:-- + +"We have not seen Joe; if he comes to-night will write at once. Hoping +there is nothing wrong." + +So that surmise was a mistake, for Joe had money, and would go by train +if he went home, and be there in two hours. + +All the household sat up nearly all that night, or rested uncomfortably +on sofas and armchairs; we felt too unsettled to go to bed, though worn +out with suspense, and the previous excitement and fright. Officials and +detectives came and went during the evening, and looked about for traces +of the robbers, and before night a description of the stolen things, and +a most minute one of Joe, were posted outside the police-stations, and +all round London for miles. A reward of twenty pounds was offered for +Joe, and my heart ached to know there was a hue and cry after him like a +common thief. + +What would the old parents think? and how would Dick feel?--Dick whose +good counsels and careful training had made Joe what I _knew_ he was, in +spite of every suspicion. + +The next day I still felt sure he would come, and I went down into the +room where he used to sleep, and saw Mrs. Wilson had put all in order, +and fresh blankets sheets were on the little bed, all ready for him. So +many things put me in mind of the loving, gentle disposition. A little +flower-vase I valued very much had been broken by Bogie romping with one +of my nieces, and knocking it down. It was broken in more than twenty +pieces; and after I had patiently tried to mend it myself, and my +nieces, with still greater patience, had had their turn at it, we had +given it up as a bad job, and thought it had long ago gone onto the +dust-heap. + +There were some shelves on the wall of Joe's room where his treasures +were kept; and on one of these shelves, covered with an old white +handkerchief, was a little tray containing the vase, a bottle of cement, +and a camel's-hair brush. The mending was finished, all but two or three +of the smallest pieces, and beautifully done; it must have taken time, +and an amount of patience that put my efforts and those of the girls to +shame; but Joe's was a labor of love, and did not weary him. He would +probably have put it in its usual place one morning, when mended, and +said nothing about it until I found it out, and then confessed, in his +own queer way, "Please, I knew you was sorry it was broke, and so I +mended it;" then he would have hurried away, flushed with pleasure at my +few words of thanks and praise. + +On the mantelpiece were more of Joe's treasures, four or five cheap +photographs, the subjects quite characteristic of Joe. One of them was a +religious subject, "The Shepherd with a little lamb on his shoulders." +A silent prayer went up from my heart that somewhere that same Good +Shepherd was finding lost Joe, and bringing him safely back to us. + +There were some pebbles he had picked up during a memorable trip to +Margate with Dick, a year before I saw him; which pebbles he firmly +believed were real "aggits," and had promised to have them polished +soon, and made into brooch and earrings for Mrs. Wilson. + +There was a very old-fashioned photograph of myself that I had torn +in half, and thrown into the waste-paper basket. I saw this had been +carefully joined together and enclosed in a cheap frame--the only one +that could boast of being so preserved. I suppose Joe could only afford +one frame, and his sense of the fitness of things made him choose the +Missis's picture to be first honored. + +How sad I felt looking round the room! People may smile at my feeling so +sad and concerned about a servant, a common, lowborn page-boy. Ay, smile +on, if you will, but tell me, my friend, can you say, if you were in +Joe's position at that time, with circumstantial evidence so strong +against you, poor and lowly as he was, are there four or five, or even +two or three of your friends who would believe in you, stand up for you, +and trust in you, in spite of all, as we did for Joe? + +I had gone up to my sitting-room, after telling Mary to light the fire +in poor Joe's room, and let it look warm and cosey; for I had some sort +of presentiment that I should see the poor boy again very soon--how, I +knew not, but I have all my life been subject to spiritual influences, +and have seldom been mistaken in them. + +We were all thinking of going early to rest, for since the robbery none +of us had had any real sleep. Suddenly the front door-bell rang timidly, +as if the visitor were not quite sure of its being right to pull the +handle. + +"Perhaps that's Joe," said my sister. + +But I knew Joe would not ring that bell. + +We heard Mary open the door, and a man's voice ask if Mr. Aylmer lived +there. + +"Yes," said Mary, "but he is abroad; but you can see Mrs. Aylmer." Then +came a low murmuring of voices, and Mary came in, saying:-- + +"Oh, ma'am, it's Dick, Joe's brother; and he says may he see you?" + +"Send him in here at once," I replied. + +And in a moment Dick stood before me--Dick, Joe's beau-ideal of all that +was good, noble, and to be admired. I must say the mind-picture I had +formed of Dick was totally unlike the reality. I had expected to see a +sunburnt, big fellow, with broad shoulders and expressive features. + +The real Dick was a thin, delicate-looking young man, with a pale face, +and black straight hair. He stood with his hat in his hand, looking down +as if afraid to speak. + +"Oh, pray come in," I cried, going forward to meet him. "I know who +you are. Oh, have you brought me any news of poor Joe? We are all his +friends here, his true friends, and you must let us be yours too in this +trouble. Have you seen him?" + +At my words the bowed head was lifted up, and then I saw Dick's face as +it was. If ever truth, honor, and generosity looked out from the windows +of a soul, they looked out of those large blue eyes of Dick's--eyes so +exactly like Joe's in expression, that the black lashes instead of the +fair ones seemed wrong somehow. + +"God bless you, lady, for them words," said Dick; and before I could +prevent it, he had knelt at my feet, caught my hand and pressed it to +his lips, while wild sobs broke from him. + +"Forgive me," he said, rising to his feet, and leaning with one hand on +the back of a chair, his whole frame shaking with emotion. "Forgive me +for givin' way like this; but I've seen them papers about our Joe, and I +know what's being thought of him, and I've come here ashamed to see you, +thinkin' you believed as the rest do, that Joe robbed you after all your +goodness to him. Why, lady, I tell you, rather than I'd believe that of +my little lad, as I thrashed till my heart almost broke to hear him sob, +for the only lie as he ever told in all his life; if I could believe it, +I'd take father's old gun and end my life, for I'd be a beast, not fit +to live any longer. And I thought you doubted him too; but now I hear +you say you're his friend, and believes in him, and don't think he +robbed you, I know now there's good folks in the world, and there's +mercy and justice, and it ain't all wrong, as I'd come a'most to think +as it was, when I first know'd about this 'ere." + +"Sit down, Dick," I said, "and recover yourself, and let us see what can +be done. I will tell you all that has happened, and then perhaps you can +throw some light on Joe's conduct--you who know him so well." + +Dick sat down, and shading his eyes with his hand that his tears might +not betray his weakness any more, he listened quietly while I went over +all the events of that dreadful night. + +When I had finished, Dick sat for some moments quite silent, then with +a weary gesture, passing his hand across his forehead, he remarked +sadly:-- + +"I can't make nothing of it; it's a thing beyond my understanding. I'm +that dazed like, I can't see nothin' straight. However, what I've got to +do is to find Joe, and that I mean to do; if he's alive I'll find him, +and then let him speak for hisself. I don't believe he's done nothing +wrong, but if he has done ever so little or ever so much, he'll '_own up +to it whatever it is_,' that's what Joe'll do. I told him to lay by them +words and hold to 'em, and I'll lay my life he'll do as I told him. +I've got a bed down Marylebone way, at my aunt's what's married to a +policeman; I'm to stay there, and I'll have a talk with 'em about this +and get some advice. I know Joe's innercent, and why don't he come and +say so? But I'll find him." + +I inquired about the old people, and how they bore their trial. + +"Father's a'most beside hisself," said Dick; "and only that he's got to +keep mother in the dark about this, he'd have come with me; but mother, +she's a-bed with rheumatics, and doctor told father her heart was +weak-like, and she mustn't be told, or it would p'raps kill her. She +thinks a deal of Joe, does mother, being the youngest, and always such a +sort of lovin' little chap he were." And here Dick's voice broke again, +and I made him go down to Mrs. Wilson, and have some refreshment before +leaving, and he promised to see me again the first thing in the morning, +when he had talked to his friend, the policeman. + +Scarcely had Dick gone, when a loud, and this time firm ring, announced +another visitor, and in a cab, too, I could hear. Evidently there was no +going to rest early that night, as ten o'clock was then striking. + +Soon, to my surprise, I heard a well-known voice, and Mary announced Dr. +Loring, my husband's old friend, of whom I have already spoken. + +"Well, my dear," he cried, in his pleasant, cheerful voice, that in +itself seemed to lift some of the heaviness from my heart, "are you not +astonished to see me at such an hour?" + +"Astonished, certainly," I replied; "but very, very glad. You are always +welcome; and more than ever now, when we are in trouble and sorrow. Do +sit down, and stay with me awhile." + +"Yes, I will, for an hour, gladly," he said. "But there's something +outside that had better be brought in first. You know I've only just +arrived from Devonshire, and there are two barrels of Devonshire apples +on that cab, one for you, and one for the wife, that is why you see me +here; for I thought it would not be ten minutes out of my road to pass +by here, and leave them with you, and so save the trouble of sending +them by carrier to-morrow." + +I rang for Mary, and the doctor suggested the apples being put somewhere +where the smell of them could not penetrate up-stairs; for, as he truly +remarked, "Though a fine ripe pippin is delicious to eat at breakfast or +luncheon, the smell of them shut up in a house is horrible." + +"I dare say Mrs. Wilson will find a place in the basement," I said; "for +we don't use half the room there is down there." + +Having ordered the barrel to be stowed away, I soon settled my visitor +comfortably in an armchair by the fire, with a cup of his favorite cocoa +by his side. + +"And now, my dear," said he, "tell me about this burglary that has taken +place, and which has made you look as if you wanted me to take care of +you a while, and bring back some color to your pale cheeks. And what +about this boy? Is it the same queer little fellow who chose midnight to +play his pranks in once before? I'm not often deceived in a face, and I +thought his was an honest one. I"-- + +"So it was," I interrupted; "don't say a word until I've told you all, +and you will"-- + +I had scarcely begun speaking, when a succession of the most fearful +screams arose from down-stairs, each rising louder and louder, in the +extreme of terror. My sister, who had gone to her room, rushed down to +me; the girls, in their dressing-gowns, just as they were preparing +for bed, followed, calling out, "Auntie! O Auntie! what is it? Who is +screaming? What can be the matter?" Hardly were they in the room when +Mary rushed in, ghastly, her eyes staring, and in a voice hoarse with +terror, gasped out, "Come! come! he's found! he's murdered! I saw him. +He's lying in the cellar, with his throat cut. Oh, it's horrible!" Then +she began to scream again. + +The doctor tried to hold me back, but I broke from him, and ran +down-stairs, where I could find no one; all was dark in the kitchens, +but there was a light in the area, and I was soon there, followed by Dr. +Loring. + +By the open cellar-door stood Mrs. Wilson, and the cabman with her. +Directly she saw me, she called out, "Oh, dear mistress, don't you come +here; it's not a sight for you. Take her away, Dr. Loring, she musn't +see it." + +"What is it?" I cried; "Mary says it's"--I could not say the words, but +seizing the candle from Mrs. Wilson's hand, I went into the cellar. + +The good doctor was close to me, with more light, by the aid of which +we beheld, in the far corner, facing us, what seemed to be a bundle of +blankets, from which protruded a head, a horrible red stream surrounding +it, and flowing, as it were, from the open mouth. One second brought me +close. It was Joe--Joe, with his poor limbs bound with cruel ropes, and +in his mouth for a gag they had forced one of those bright red socks +he would always wear. Thank God, it was only that red sock, and not the +horrible red stream I had feared. He was dead, of course; but not such a +fearful death as that. + +The doctor soon pulled the horrid gag from his mouth, and the +good-natured cabman, who evidently felt for us, helped to cut the ropes, +and lift up the poor cold little form. + +As they lifted him, something that was in the blankets fell heavily to +the ground. It was poor Bogie's dead body, stabbed in many places, each +wound enough to have let out the poor dumb creature's life. + +By this time help had arrived, and once more the police took possession +of us, as it were. + +Of course, _now_ everything was explained. The burglars had evidently +entered Joe's room, and Bogie, being in his arms, had barked, and +wakened him. A few blows had soon silenced poor Bogie, and a gag and +cords had done the same for Joe. + +When the man saw me from the kitchen window he must have known that help +would soon come, and to prevent Joe giving information too soon they had +hastily seized him, bed-clothes and all, and put him into that cellar, +to starve if he were not discovered. + +Perhaps they did not really mean to kill the poor child, and if we had +been in the habit of using that cellar we might have found him in a +few hours or less; but, unfortunately, it was a place we never used, +it reached far under the street, and was too large for our use. Our +coal-cellar was a much smaller one, inside the scullery; the door of +poor Joe's prison closed with a common latch. + +Had there been any doubt in the detective's mind as to Joe's guilt, he +might have taken more trouble, and searched for him, even there; but +from the first everybody but ourselves had been sure Joe had escaped +with the burglars, so the cellar remained unsearched. + +Mrs. Wilson, wishing to spare me the smell of the apples, thought that +cellar, being outside the house, a very suitable place for them, and on +opening the door had caught sight of something in the distant corner, +and sent Mary to see what it was. Then arose those fearful shrieks we +had heard, and Mary had rushed out of the cellar half mad with fright. + +In less time than it has taken me to relate this, Joe was laid on the +rug before the drawing-room fire, and I summoned courage to look on the +changed face. + +"Could that be Joe--so white, so drawn, so still?" + +Dr. Loring was kneeling by the little form, chafing and straightening +the poor stiffened arms, so bent with their cruel pinioning behind the +shoulders. + +"Doctor," I said, "why do you do any more? Nothing can bring back the +poor fellow, murdered while doing his duty." Then I, too, knelt down, +and took the poor cold hands in mine, + +"Oh, my poor child!" I cried, "my little brave heart; who dared say you +were false? Let those who doubted you look at you now, with dry eyes, if +they can." + +"My dear," said Dr. Loring suddenly, "have you always hot water in your +bathroom?" + +"Yes, doctor," I said; "yes. Why do you ask? Do you mean--is it +possible--there is life?" And I took Joe's little head in my arms, and +forgot he was only a servant, only a poor, common little page-boy. +I only know I pressed him to my breast, and called him by all the +endearing names I used to call my own children in after years, when God +gave me some, and kissed his white forehead in my joy at the blessed ray +of hope. + +No want of willing arms to carry Joe up-stairs. Mrs. Wilson had the bath +filled before the doctor was in the room with his light burden. + +"A few drops of brandy, to moisten the lips, first of all," said the +good doctor, "then the bath and gentle friction; there is certainly life +in him." + +Now my good sister's clever nursing proved invaluable. All that night we +fought every inch of ground, as it were, with our grim enemy; the dear, +good doctor never relaxed in his efforts to bring back life to the +cramped limbs. The burglars had unknowingly helped to keep alight Joe's +feeble spark of life by wrapping the blankets round him; they had meant, +no doubt, to stifle any sound he might make; but by keeping him from +actual contact with the stone floor, and protecting him from the cold, +they had given him his little chance of life. + +Oh, how I blessed that kind thought of Dr. Loring's to bring me a barrel +of apples! Had there been no occasion to open the cellar-door, Joe +would have died before another morning had dawned, died! starved! What +a horrible death! And to know that within a few steps were food, warmth, +and kind hearts--hearts even then saddened by his absence, and grieving +for him. What hours of agony he must have passed in the cold and +darkness, hearing the footsteps of passers-by above his living tomb, and +feeling the pangs of hunger and thirst. What weeks those three days +must have seemed to him in their fearful darkness, until insensibility +mercifully came to his aid, and hushed his senses to oblivion. + +Morning was far advanced when, at last, Joe's eyelids began to flutter, +and his eyes opened a very little, to close again immediately; even the +subdued light we had let into the room being too much for him to bear +after so long a darkness; but in that brief glance he had recognized me, +and seeing his lips move, I bent my head close to them. + +Only a faint murmuring came, but I distinguished the words: + +"Missis, I couldn't 'elp it! Forgive me. Say 'Our Father.'" + +I knelt down, and as well as I could for the tears that almost choked +me, repeated that most simple, yet all-satisfying petition to the Throne +of Grace. + +Meanwhile the doctor held Joe's wrist, and my sister, at a sign from +him, put a few drops of nourishment between the pale lips. + +"My dear," at length said the doctor, "did you say the boy's brother was +in London?" + +"Yes," I replied, "but I have no address, as I expect him here this +morning." + +"That is well; he may be in time." + +"In time?" I repeated; "in time for what? Is he dying? Can nothing be +done?" + +The good doctor looked again with moistened eyes on the little white +face, and said sadly-- + +"I fear not, but the sight of this brother he seems to have such a +strong love for may rouse him for a while. As it is, he is sinking fast. +I can do no more, he is beyond human skill; but love and God's help may +yet save him. Poor little fellow, he has done his duty nobly, and even +to die doing _that_ is an enviable fate; but we want such boys as this +to live, and show others the way." + +There was a slight sound at the room door, and on turning round I saw +Dick--Dick with wild, dumb entreaty in his eyes. + +I pointed to the bed, and with a whispered "Hush!" beckoned him to +enter. + +The shock of seeing his loved little lad so changed was too much for +even his man's courage, for, with a cry he in vain strove to smother, he +sunk on his knees with his face hidden in his hands. + +But only for a moment he let his grief overcome him; then, rising, he +took Joe's little form in his arms, and in a voice to which love gave +the softest and gentlest tones said:-- + +"Joe, lad! Joe, little chap! here's Dick. Look at poor old Dick. Don't +you know him? Don't go away without sayin' good-by to Dick wot loves +you." + +Slowly a little fluttering smile parted the lips, and the blue eyes +unclosed once more. "Dick!" he gasped; "I wanted to tell you, Dick, +but--I--can't. I--ain't--forgot. 'Own--up--to--it--wotever'--I minded +it all. Kiss me--Dick. God--bless--missis. Dick--take +me--home--to--mother!" + +And with a gentle sigh, in the arms of the brother he loved, Joe fell +into a deep sleep, a sleep from which we all feared he would no more +awake on earth, and we watched him, fearing almost to move. + +Dick held him in his arms all that morning, and presently towards noon +the doctor took the little wrist, and found the pulse still feebly +beating; a smile lit up his good, kind face, and he whispered to me, +"There is hope." + +"Thank God!" I whispered back, and ran away into my own room to sob out +grateful prayers of thanksgiving to Heaven for having spared the life so +nearly lost to us. + +When I went back, Joe had just begun to awaken, and was looking up into +his beloved Dick's face, murmuring: "Why, it's Dick. Are you a-crying +about _me_, Dick? Don't cry--I'm all right--I'm only so tired." + +And having drank some wine the doctor had ordered should be given him, +he nestled close to Dick's breast, and again fell into a sweet sleep, +a better, life-giving sleep this time, for the faint color came to his +pale little lips, and presently Dick laid him down on the pillows, and +rested his own weary arms. He would not move from Joe's side for fear, +he might wake and miss him, but for many hours our little fellow slept +peacefully, and so gradually came back to life. + +We never quite knew the particulars of the robbery, for, when Joe was +well enough to talk, we avoided speaking of it. Dr. Loring said, "The +boy only partly remembers it, like a dream, and it is better he should +forget it altogether; he will do so when he gets stronger. Send him home +to his mother for a while; and if he returns to you, let it be to the +country house where there is nothing to remind him of all this." + +Joe did get strong, and came back to us, but no longer as a page-boy; +he was under-gardener, and his time was spent among his favorite flowers +and pet animals, until one day Dick wrote to say his father had bought +more land to be laid out in gardens, and if Joe could be spared he +and Dick could work together, and in time set up for themselves in the +business. + +So Joe left us, but not to forget us, or be forgotten. On each +anniversary of my birthday I find a bunch of magnificent roses on my +breakfast table--"With J. and R. Cole's respectful duty," and I know +the sender is a fine, strong young market-gardener; but sometimes I look +back a few years, and instead of the lovely roses, and the big, healthy +giver, I seem to see a faded dusty bunch of wild-flowers, held towards +me by the little hot hand of a tired child with large blue eyes, and I +hear a timid voice say, "Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to stay +with yer!" + +THE END. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + +***** This file should be named 7357-8.txt or 7357-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/3/5/7357/ + +Produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/7357-8.zip b/7357-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4b9dddd --- /dev/null +++ b/7357-8.zip diff --git a/7357-h.zip b/7357-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..69ae334 --- /dev/null +++ b/7357-h.zip diff --git a/7357-h/7357-h.htm b/7357-h/7357-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..47355d2 --- /dev/null +++ b/7357-h/7357-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2371 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: J. Cole + +Author: Emma Gellibrand + + +Release Date: January, 2005 [EBook #7357] +This file was first posted on April 20, 2003 +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + + + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + J. COLE + </h1> + <h2> + By Emma Gellibrand + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> J. COLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + J. COLE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + “HONNERD MADAM, + </h3> + <p> + “Wich i hav seed in the paper a page Boy wanted, and begs to say J. Cole + is over thertene, and I can clene plate, wich my brutther is under a + butler and lernd me, and I can wate, and no how to clene winders and + boots. J. Cole opes you will let me cum. I arsks 8 and all found. if you + do my washin I will take sevven. J. Cole will serve you well and opes to + giv sattisfaxshun. i can cum tomorrer. J. COLE. + </p> + <p> + “P.S.—He is not verry torl but growin. My brutther is a verry good + hite. i am sharp and can rede and rite and can hadd figgers if you like.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + I had advertised for a page-boy, and having puzzled through some dozens of + answers, more or less illegible and impossible to understand, had come to + the last one of the packet, of which the above is an exact copy. + </p> + <p> + The epistle was enclosed in a clumsy envelope, evidently home-made, with + the aid of scissors and gum, and was written on a half-sheet of + letter-paper, in a large hand, with many blots and smears, on pencilled + lines. + </p> + <p> + There was something quaint and straightforward in the letter, in spite of + the utter ignorance of grammar and spelling; and while I smiled at the + evident pride in the “brutther” who was a “verry good hite,” and the offer + to take less wages if “I would do his washin,” I found myself wondering + what sort of waif upon the sea of life was this not very tall person, over + thirteen, who “would serve me well.” + </p> + <p> + I had many letters to answer and several appointments to make, and had + scarcely made up my mind whether or not to trouble to write to my + accomplished correspondent, who was “sharp, and could rede and rite, and + hadd figgers,” when, a shadow falling on the ground by me as I sat by the + open window, I looked up, and saw, standing opposite my chair, a boy,—the + very smallest boy, with the very largest blue eyes I ever saw. The clothes + on his little limbs were evidently meant for somebody almost double his + size, but they were clean and tidy. + </p> + <p> + In one hand he held a bundle, tied in a red handkerchief, and in the other + a bunch of wild-flowers that bore signs of having travelled far in the + heat of the sun, their blossoms hanging down, dusty and fading, and their + petals dropping one by one on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, my child?” I said, “and what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + At my question the boy placed his flowers on my table, and, pulling off + his cap, made a queer movement with his feet, as though he were trying to + step backwards with both at once, and said, in a voice so deep that it + quite startled me, so strangely did it seem to belong to the size of the + clothes, and not the wearer,— + </p> + <p> + “Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to live with yer. I've brought all + my clothes, and every think.” + </p> + <p> + For the moment I felt a little bewildered, so impossible did it seem that + the small specimen of humanity before me was actually intending to enter + anybody's service; he looked so childish and wistful, and yet with a + certain honesty of purpose shining out of those big, wide-open eyes, that + interested me in him, and made me want to know more of him. + </p> + <p> + “You are very small to go into service,” I said, “and I am afraid you + could not do the work I should require; besides, you should have waited to + hear from me, and then have come to see me, if I wanted you to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know I'm not very big,” said the boy, nervously fidgeting with his + bundle; “leastways not in hite; but my arms is that long, they'll reach + ever so 'igh above my 'ed, and as for bein' strong, you should jest see me + lift my father's big market basket when it's loaded with 'taters, or + wotever is for market, and I hope you'll not be angry because I come + to-day; but Dick—that's my brutther Dick—he says, 'You foller + my advice, Joe,' he says, 'and go arter this 'ere place, and don't let no + grass grow under your feet. I knows what it is goin' arter places; there's + such lots a fitin' after 'em, that if you lets so much as a hour go afore + yer looks 'em up, there's them as slips in fust gets it; and wen yer goes + to the door they opens it and sez, “It ain't no use, boy, we're sooted;” + and then where are yer, I'd like to know? 'So,' sez he, 'Joe, you look + sharp and go, and maybe you'll get it.' So I come, mum, and please, that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “But about your character, my boy,” I said. “You must have somebody to + speak for you, and say you are honest, and what you are able to do. I + always want a good character with my servants; the last page-boy I had + brought three years' good character from his former situation.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor!” said Joe, with a serious look, “did he stay three years in a place + afore he came to you? Wotever did he leave them people for, where he were + so comfortable? If I stay with you three years, you won't catch me a + leavin' yer, and goin' somewheres else. Wot a muff that chap was!” + </p> + <p> + I explained that it did not always depend on whether a servant wanted to + stay or not, but whether it suited the employers to keep him. + </p> + <p> + “'Praps he did somethin', and they giv' 'im the sack,” murmured Joe; “he + was a flat!” + </p> + <p> + “But about this character of yours,” I said; “if I decide to give you a + trial, although I am almost sure you are too small, and won't do, where am + I to go for your character? Will the people where your brother lives speak + for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” cried the little fellow, his cheeks flushing; “I know Dick'll + ask 'em to give me a caricter. Miss Edith, I often cleaned 'er boots. Once + she come 'ome in the mud, and was a-goin' out agin directly; and they was + lace-ups, and a orful bother to do up even; and she come into the + stable-yard with 'er dog, and sez: 'Dick, will you chain Tiger up, and + this little boy may clean my boots if he likes, on my feet?' So I cleaned + 'em, and she giv' me sixpence; and after that, when the boots come down in + the mornin', I got Dick always to let me clean them little boots, and I + kep 'em clean in the insides, like the lady's maid she told me not to put + my 'ands inside 'em if they was black. Miss Edith, she'll giv me a + caricter, if Dick asks 'er.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the visitors' bell rang; and I sent my would-be page into the + kitchen to wait until I could speak to him again, and told him to ask the + cook to give him something to eat. + </p> + <p> + “Here are your flowers,” I said; “take them with you.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me, and then, as if ashamed of having offered them, gathered + them up in his hands, and with the corner of the red handkerchief wiped + some few leaves and dust-marks off my table, then saying in a low voice, + “I didn't know you 'ad beauties of yer own, like them in the glass pots, + but I'll giv' 'em to the cook.” So saying, he went away into the kitchen, + and my visitors came in, and by and by some more friends arrived. + </p> + <p> + The weather was very warm, and we sat chattering and enjoying the shade of + the trees by the open French window. Presently, somebody being thirsty, I + suggested lemonade and ice, and I offered strawberries, and (if possible) + cream; though my mind misgave me as to the latter delicacy, for we had + several times been obliged to do without some of our luxuries if they + entailed “<i>fetching</i>,” as we had no boy to run errands quickly on an + emergency and be useful. However, I rang the bell; and when the housemaid, + whose temper, since she had been what is curiously termed in + servants'-hall language “single-handed,” was most trying, entered, I said, + “Make some lemonade, Mary, and ask cook to gather some strawberries + quickly, and bring them, with some cream.” + </p> + <p> + Mary looked at me as who should say, “Well, I'm sure! and who's to do it + all? You'll have to wait a bit.” And I know we should have to wait, and + therefore resigned myself to do so patiently, keeping up the ball of + gossip, and wondering if a little music later on would perhaps while away + the time. + </p> + <p> + Much to my amazement, in less than a quarter of an hour Mary entered with + the tray, all being prepared; and directly I looked at the strawberry-bowl + I detected a novel feature in the table decoration. A practised hand had + evidently been at work; but whose? Mary was far too matter-of-fact a + person. Food, plates, knives and forks, glasses, and a cruet-stand were + all she ever thought necessary; and even for a centre vase of flowers I + had to ask, and often to insist, during the time she was single-handed. + </p> + <p> + But here was my strawberry-bowl, a pretty one, even when unadorned, with + its pure white porcelain stem, intwined with a wreath of blue convolvulus, + and then a spray of white, the petals just peeping over the edge of the + bowl, and resting near the luscious red fruit; the cream-jug, also white, + had twining flowers of blue, and round the lemonade-jug, of glass, was a + wreath of yellow blossoms. + </p> + <p> + “How exquisite!” exclaimed we all. “What fairy could have bestowed such a + treat to our eyes and delight to our sense of the beautiful?” + </p> + <p> + I supposed some friend of the cook's or Mary's had been taking lessons in + the art of decoration, and had given us a specimen. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, my friends having gone, I thought of J. Cole waiting to be + dismissed, and sent for him. + </p> + <p> + Cook came in, and with a preliminary “Ahem!” which I knew of old meant, “I + have an idea of my own, and I mean to get it carried out,” said, “Oh, if + you please 'm, if I might be so bold, did you think serious of engagin' + the boy that's waitin' in the kitchen?” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you ask, Cook?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am,” she replied, trying to hide a laugh, “of course it's not + for me to presume; but, if I might say a word for him, I think he's the + very handiest and the sharpest one we've ever had in this house, and we've + had a many, as you know. Why, if you'd only have seen him when Mary come + in in her tantrums at 'aving to get the tray single-handed, and begun + a-grumblin' and a-bangin' things about, as is her way, being of a quick + temper, though, as I tells her, too slow a-movin' of herself. As I were + a-sayin', you should have seen that boy. If he didn't up and leave his + bread and butter and mug of milk, as he was a-enjoyin' of as 'arty as you + like, and, 'Look 'ere,' says he, 'giv' me the jug. I'll make some fine + drink with lemons. I see Dick do it often up at his place. Giv' me the + squeezer. Wait till I washes my 'ands. I won't be a minnit.' Then in he + rushes into the scullery, washes his hands, runs back again in a jiffy. + 'Got any snow sugar? I mean all done fine like snow.' I gave it him; and, + sure enough, his little hands moved that quick, he had made the lemonade + before Mary would have squeezed a lemon. 'Where do yer buy the cream?' he + says next. 'I'll run and get it while you picks the strawberries.' Perhaps + it wasn't right, me a trustin' him, being a stranger, but he was that + quick I couldn't say no. Up he takes the jug, and was off; and when I come + in from the garden with the strawberries, if he hadn't been and put all + them flowers on the things. He begs my pardon for interfering like, and + says, 'I 'ope you'll excuse me a-doin' of it, but the woman at the + milk-shop said I might 'ave 'em; and I see the butler where Dick lives + wind the flowers about like that, and 'ave 'elped 'im often; and, please, + I paid for the cream, because I'd got two bob of my own, Dick giv' me on + my birthday. Oh, I do 'ope, Mrs. Cook,' he says, 'that the lady'll take + me; I 'll serve 'er well, I will, indeed;' and then he begins to cry and + tremble, poor little chap, for he'd been running about a lot, and never + eaten or drank what I gave him, because he wanted to help, and it was hot + in the kitchen, I suppose, and he felt faint like, but there he is, + crying; and just now, when the bell rung, which was two great big boys + after the place, he says, 'Oh, please say “We're sooted,” and ask the lady + if I may stay.' So, I've taken the liberty, ma'am,” said Cook, “for + somehow I like that little chap, and there's a deal in him, I do believe.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Cook retired; and, in a moment, J. Cole was standing in her + place, the blue eyes brimming over with tears, and an eager anxiety as to + what his fate would be making his poor little hands clutch at his + coat-sleeves, and his feet shuffle about so nervously, that I had not the + courage to grieve him by a refusal. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Joseph,” I said, “I have decided to give you a month's trial. I + shall write to the gentleman who employs your brother; and if he speaks + well of you, you may stay.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I stay now, please?” he said. “May I stay before you gets any + answer to your letter to say I'm all right? I think you'd better let me; + there ain't no boy; and Mrs. Cook and Mary'll 'ave a lot to do. I can stay + in the stable, if you don't like to let me be in the house, afore you + writes the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Joe,” I replied: “you may not be a good, honest boy, but I think you + are; and you shall stay here. Now go back to Mrs. Wilson, and finish your + milk, and eat something more if you can, then have a good rest and a wash; + they will show you where you are to sleep, and at dinner, this evening, I + shall see if you can wait at table.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very kindly,” said the boy, his whole face beaming with + delight, “and I'll be sure and do everythink I can for you.” Then he went + quickly out of the room; for I could see he was quite overcome, now that + the uncertainty was over. + </p> + <p> + Alone once more, I reasoned with myself, and felt I was doing an unwise + thing. Just at that time my husband was away on business for some months; + and I had no one to advise me, and no one to say me nay either. My + conscience told me my husband would say, “We cannot tell who this boy is, + where he has lived, or who are his associates; he may be connected with a + gang of thieves for what we know to the contrary. Wait, and have proper + references before trusting him in the house.” + </p> + <p> + And he would be right to say so to me, but not every one listens to + conscience when it points the opposite way to inclination. Well, J. Cole + remained; and when I entered the dining-room, to my solitary dinner, he + was there, with a face shining from soap and water, his curls evidently + soaped too, to make them go tidily on his forehead. The former page having + left his livery jacket and trousers, Mary had let Joe dress in them, at + his earnest request. + </p> + <p> + She told me afterwards that he had sewn up the clothes in the neatest + manner wherever they could be made smaller; and the effect of the jacket, + which he had stuffed out in the chest with hay, as we discovered by the + perfume, was very droll. He had a great love of bright colors, and the + trousers being large, showed bright red socks; the jacket sleeves being + much too short for the long arms, of which he was so proud, allowed the + wristbands of a vivid blue flannel shirt to be seen. + </p> + <p> + I was alone, so could put up with this droll figure at my elbow; but the + seriousness of his face was such a contrast to the comicality of the rest + of him, that I found myself beginning to smile every now and then, but + directly I saw the serious eyes on me, I felt obliged to become grave at + once. + </p> + <p> + The waiting at table I could not exactly pronounce a success; for, + although Joe's quick eyes detected in an instant if I wanted anything, his + anxiety to be “first in the field,” and give Mary no chance of instructing + him in his duties, made him collide against her more than once in his + hasty rushes to the sideboard and back to my elbow with the dishes, which + he generally handed to me long before he reached me, his long arms + enabling him to reach me with his hands while he was yet some distance + from me, and often on the wrong side. I also noticed when I wanted water + he lifted the water-bottle on high, and poured as though it was something + requiring a “head.” Mary nearly caused a catastrophe at that moment by + frowning at him, and saying, sotto voce, “Whatever are you doing? Is that + the way to pour out water? It ain't hale, stoopid!” + </p> + <p> + Joe's face became scarlet; and to hide his confusion he seized a + dish-cover, and hastily went out of the room with it, returning in a + moment pale and serious as became one who at heart was every inch a family + butler with immense responsibilities. + </p> + <p> + Joe was quiet and sharp, quick and intelligent; but I could see he was + quite new to waiting at table. To remove a dish was, I could see, his + greatest dread; and it amused me to see the cleverness with which he + managed that Mary should do that part of the duty. + </p> + <p> + When only my plate and a dish remained to be cleared away, he would slowly + get nearer as I got towards the last morsel, and before Mary had time, + would take my plate, and go quite slowly to the sideboard with it, + leisurely remove the knife and fork, watching meanwhile in the mirror if + Mary was about to take the dish away; if not he would take something + outside, or bring a decanter, and ask if I wanted wine. + </p> + <p> + I was, however, pleased to find him no more awkward, as I feared he would + have been, and when, having swept the grate and placed my solitary + wineglass and dessert-plate on the table, he retired, softly closing the + door after him, I felt I should make something of J. Cole, and hoped his + character would be good. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning a tastefully arranged vase of flowers in the centre of + the breakfast-table, and one magnificent rose and bud by my plate, were + silent but eloquent appeals to my interest on behalf of my would-be page; + and when Joe himself appeared, fresh from an hour's self-imposed work in + my garden, I saw he had become quite one of the family; for Bogie, my + little terrier, usually very snappish to strangers, and who considered all + boys as his natural enemies, was leaping about his feet, evidently asking + for more games, and our old magpie was perched familiarly on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Joe,” I said. “You are an early riser, I can see, by the + work you have already done in the garden.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,” replied Joe, blushing, and touching an imaginary cap; “I'm + used to bein' up. There was ever so much to do of a mornin' at 'ome; and I + 'ad to 'elp father afore I could go to be with Dick, and I was with Dick + a'most every mornin' by seven, and a good mile and a arf to walk to 'is + place. Shall I bring in the breakfust, mum? Mary's told me what to do.” + </p> + <p> + Having given permission, Joe set to work to get through his duties, this + time without any help, and I actually trembled when I saw him enter with a + tray containing all things necessary for my morning meal, he looked so + over-weighted; but he was quite equal to it as far as landing the tray + safely on the sideboard. But, alas! then came the ordeal; not one thing + did poor Joe know where to place, and stood with the coffeepot in his + hand, undecided whether it went before me, or at the end of the table, or + whether he was to pour out my coffee for me. + </p> + <p> + I saw he was getting very nervous, so took it from him, and in order to + put him at his ease, I remarked,— + </p> + <p> + “I think, perhaps, I had better show you, Joe, just for once, how I like + my breakfast served, for every one has little ways of their own, you know; + and you will try to do it my way when you know how I like it, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I arranged the dishes, etc., for him, and his big eyes followed + my every movement. The blinds wanted pulling down a little presently, and + then I began to realize one of the drawbacks in having such a very small + boy as page. Joe saw the sun's rays were nearly blinding me, and wanted to + shut them out; but on attempting to reach the tassel attached to the cord, + it was hopelessly beyond his reach. In vain were the long arms stretched + to their utmost, till the sleeves of the ex-page's jacket retreated almost + to Joe's elbows, but no use. + </p> + <p> + I watched, curious to see what he would do. + </p> + <p> + “Please 'm, might I fetch an 'all chair?” said Joe; “I'm afraid I'm not + big enuf to reach the tossle, but I won't pull 'em up so 'igh to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I gave permission, and carefully the chair was steered among my tables and + china pots. Then Joe mounted, and by means of rising on the tips of his + toes he was able to accomplish the task of lowering the blinds. + </p> + <p> + I noticed at that time that Joe wore bright red socks, and I little + thought what a shock those bright-colored hose were to give me later on + under different circumstances. + </p> + <p> + That evening I had satisfactory letters regarding Joe's character, and by + degrees he became used to his new home, and we to him. His quaint sayings + and wonderful love of the truth, added to extreme cleanliness, made him + welcome in the somewhat exclusive circle in which my housekeeper, Mrs. + Wilson, reigned supreme. + </p> + <p> + Many a hearty burst of laughter came to me from the open kitchen-window + across the garden in the leisure hour, when, the servants' tea being over, + they sat at work, while Joe amused them with his stories and reminiscences + of the sayings and doings of his wonderful brother Dick. + </p> + <p> + This same Dick was evidently the one being Joe worshipped on earth, and to + keep his promises to Dick was a sacred duty. + </p> + <p> + “You don't know our Dick, Mrs. Wilson,” said Joe, to the old housekeeper; + “if you did, you'd understand why I no more dare go agen wot Dick told me, + than I dare put my 'and in that 'ere fire. When I were quite a little + chap, I took some big yaller plums once, out of one of the punnits father + was a-packin' for market, and I eat 'em. I don't know to this hour wot + made me take them plums; but I remember they were such prime big uns, big + as eggs they was, and like lumps of gold, with a sort of blue shade over + 'em. Father were very partikler about not 'avin' the fruit 'andled and + takin' the bloom off, and told me to cover 'em well with leaves. It was a + broilin' 'ot day, and I was tired, 'avin' been stoopin' over the baskits + since four in the morning, and as I put the leaves over the plums I + touched 'em; they felt so lovely and cool, and looked so juicy-like, I + felt I must eat one, and I did; there was just six on 'em, and when I'd + bin and eat one, there seemed such a empty place left in the punnit, that + I knew father'd be sure to see it, so I eat 'em all, and then threw the + punnit to one side. Just then, father comes up and says, “Count them + punnits, Dick! there ought to be forty on 'em. Twenty picked large for Mr. + Moses, and twenty usuals for Marts!”—two of our best customers they + was. Well, Dick, he counts 'em, and soon misses one. 'Thirty-eight, + thirty-nine,' he sez, and no more; 'but 'ere's a empty punnit,' he sez. I + was standing near, feelin' awful, and wished I'd said I'd eat the plums + afore Dick begun to count 'em, but I didn't, and after that I couldn't. + 'Joe!' sez Dick, 'I wants yer! 'Ow come this empty punnit 'ere, along of + the others? there's plums bin in it, I can see, 'cos it's not new. Speak + up, youngster!' I looked at Dick's face, Mrs. Wilson, and his eyes seemed + to go right into my throat, and draw the truth out of me. 'Speak up,' he + sez, a-gettin' cross; 'if you've prigged 'em, say so, and you'll get a + good hidin' from me, for a-doin' of it; but if you tells me a lie, you'll + get such a hidin' for that as 'll make you remember it all your life; so + speak up, say you did it, and take your hidin' like a brick, and if you + didn't prig 'em, say who did, 'cos you must 'av' seen 'em go.' + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't do nothin', Mrs. Wilson, but keep my 'ed down, and blubber + out, 'Please, Dick, I eat 'em.' + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, you did, yer young greedy, did yer,' he sez; 'I'm glad yer didn't + tell me a lie. I've got to giv' yer a hidin', Joe; but giv' us yer 'and, + old chap, first, and mind wot I sez to yer: “<i>Own up to it, wotever you + do</i>,” and take your punishment; it's 'ard to bear, but when the smart + on it's over yer forgets it; but if yer tells a lie to save yerself, yer + feels the smart of <i>that</i> always; yer feels ashamed of yerself + whenever yer thinks of it.' And then Dick give me a thrashin', he did, but + I never 'ollered or made a row, tho' he hit pretty 'ard. And, Mrs. Wilson, + I never could look in Dick's face if I told a lie, and I never shall tell + one, I 'ope, as long as ever I live. You should just see Dick, Mrs. + Wilson, he is a one-er, he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor' bless the boy,” said Mary, the housemaid; “why, if he isn't a-cryin' + now. Whatever's the matter? One minnit you're makin' us larf fit to kill + ourselves, and then you're nearly makin' us cry with your Dick, and your + great eyes runnin' over like that. Now get away, and take the dogs their + supper, and see if you can't get a bit of color in your cheeks before you + come back.” + </p> + <p> + So off Joe went, and soon the frantic barking in the stable-yard showed he + had begun feeding his four-footed pets. + </p> + <p> + Time went on; it was a very quiet household just then—my husband + away in America, and my friends most of them enjoying their summer abroad, + or at some seaside place—all scattered here and there until autumn + was over, and then we were to move to town, and spend the winter season at + our house there. I hoped my dear sister and her girls would then join us, + and, best of all, my dear husband be home to make our circle complete. + </p> + <p> + Day by day Joe progressed in favor with everybody; his size was always a + trouble, but his extreme good nature made everybody willing to help him + over his difficulties. He invented all sorts of curious tools for reaching + up to high places; and the marvels he would perform with a long stick and + a sort of claw at the end of it were quite astonishing. + </p> + <p> + I noticed whenever I spoke of going to town Joe did not seem to look + forward to the change with any pleasure, although he had never been to + London, he told me; but Dick had been once with his father, and had seen + lots of strange things; among others a sad one, that made a great + impression on Dick, and he had told the tale to Joe, so as to have almost + as great an effect on him. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that one night Dick and his father were crossing Waterloo + Bridge, and had seen a young girl running quickly along, crying bitterly. + Dick tried to keep up with her, and asked her what was the matter. She + told him to let her alone, that she meant to drown herself, for she had + nothing to live for, and was sick of her life. Dick persuaded her to tell + him her grief, and heard from her that her mother and father had both been + drowned in a steamer, and she was left with a little brother to take care + of; he had been a great trouble to her, and had been led away by bad + companions until he became thoroughly wicked. She had been a milliner, and + had a room of her own, and paid extra for a little place where her brother + could sleep. She fed and clothed him out of her earnings, although he was + idle, and cruel enough to scold and abuse her when she tried to reason + with him, and refused to let him bring his bad companions to her home. At + last he stole nearly all she had, and pawned it; and among other things, + some bonnets and caps belonging to the people who employed her, given as + patterns for her to copy. These she had to pay for, and lost her situation + besides. By degrees all her clothes, her home, and all she had, went for + food; and then this wicked boy left her, and the next thing she knew was + that he had been taken up with a gang of burglars concerned in a jewel + robbery. That day she had seen him in prison, and he was to be transported + for seven years; so the poor creature, mad with grief, was about to end + her life. Dick and his father would not leave her until she was quiet, and + promised them she would go and get a bed and supper with the money they + gave her, and they promised to see her again the next day at a place she + named. The next morning they went to the address, and found a crowd round + the house. Somebody said a young woman had thrown herself out of a window, + and had been taken up dead. It was too true; and the girl was the + wretched, heart-broken sister they had helped over night. Her grief had + been too much for her, and, poor thing, she awoke to the light of another + day, and could not face it alone and destitute; so, despairing, she had + ended her life. They went to the hospital, and were allowed to see all + that remained of the poor creature; and Dick's description of it all, and + his opinion that the brother “might have been just such another little + chap at first as Joe,” and “What would that brother feel,” said Dick, + “when he knew what he had done? for he done it,” said Dick; “he done that + girl to death, the same as if he'd shov'd her out of that winder hisself.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” said Joe, “I wonder if them chaps is goin' about London now wot led + her brother wrong? I don't like London; and I wish we could stop 'ere.” + </p> + <p> + I assured Joe that in London there was no danger of meeting such people if + he kept to himself, and made no friends of strangers. + </p> + <p> + Joe was also much afraid of having to wait at table when there were + guests. In spite of all I could do, he was hopelessly nervous and confused + when he had to wait on more than two or three people; and as I expected to + entertain a good deal when we were in town, I could not help fearing Joe + would be unequal to the duties. + </p> + <p> + I could not bear the idea of parting with the little fellow, for, added to + his good disposition, Joe, in his dark brown livery, with gilt buttons, + his neat little ties, and clean hands; his carefully brushed curls, by + this time trained into better order, and shining like burnished gold in + the sun; his tiny feet, with the favorite red socks, which he could and + did darn very neatly himself when they began to wear out (and when he + bought new ones they were always bright red),—Joe, let me tell you, + was quite an ornament in our establishment, and the envy of several boys + living in families round about, who tried in vain to get acquainted with + him, but he would not be friends, although he always refused their + advances with civil words. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes a boy would linger when bringing a note or message for me, and + try to draw Joe into conversation. In a few minutes I would hear Joe's + deep voice say, “I think you had better go on now. I've got my work to do, + and I reckon you've got yours a-waiting for yer at your place.” Then the + side-door would shut, and Joe was bustling about his work. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + In the beginning of October we arrived in London. There had been much + packing up, and much extra work for everybody, and Joe was in his element. + </p> + <p> + What those long arms, and that willing heart, and those quick little hands + got through, nobody but those he helped and worked for could tell. + Whatever was wanted Joe knew where to find it. Joe's knife was ready to + cut a stubborn knot; Joe's shoulders ready to be loaded with as heavy a + weight as any man could carry. More than once I met him coming down-stairs + with large boxes he himself could almost have been packed in, and he + declared he did not find them too heavy. + </p> + <p> + “You see, Missis,” he said, “I'm that strong now since I've been here, + with all the good food I gets, and bein' so happy like, that I feel almost + up to carryin' anythink. I do believe I could lift that there pianner, if + somebody would just give it a hoist, and let me get hold of it easy.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, Joe was strong and well, and I am sure, happy, and I had never had a + single misgiving about him since he stood with his fading flowers and + shabby clothes at my window that summer day. + </p> + <p> + At last we were settled in town, and the winter season beginning. Our + house was situated in the West End of London, a little beyond Bayswater. + One of a row of detached houses, facing another row exactly similar in + every way, except that the backs of those we lived in had small gardens, + with each its own stable wall at the end, with coachman's rooms above, the + front of the stable facing the mews, and having the entrance from there; + the mews ran all along the backs of these houses. On the opposite side the + houses facing ours had their gardens and back windows facing the + high-road, and no stables. There was a private road belonging to this, + Holling Park as it was called, and a watchman to keep intruders out, and + to stop organ-grinders, beggars, and such invaders of the peace from + disturbing us. + </p> + <p> + Somehow I was never as comfortable as in my snug cottage in the country. + Rich, fashionable people lived about us, and all day long kept up the + round of “society life.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning the large handsome houses would seem asleep, nothing moving + inside or out, except a tradesman's cart, calling for orders, or workmen + putting up or taking down awnings, at some house where there would be, or + had been, a ball or entertainment of some kind. About eleven a carriage or + two would be driven round from the mews, and stop before a house to take + some one for a morning drive; but very seldom was anybody on foot seen + about. In the afternoon it was different,—carriages rolled along + incessantly, and streams of afternoon callers were going and coming from + the houses when the mistress was “at home;” and at my door, too, soon + began the usual din of bell and knocker. Joe was quite equal to the + occasion, and enjoyed Friday, the day I received. Dressed in his very + best, and with a collar that kept his chin in what seemed to me a fearful + state of torture, but added to his height by at least half an inch, Joe + stood behind the hall-door, ready to open it directly the knocker was + released. He ushered in the guests as though “to the manner born,” giving + out the names correctly, and with all the ease of an experienced groom of + the chambers. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The conservatory leading out of the drawing-room was Joe's especial +pride; it was his great pleasure to syringe the hanging baskets, a + were spent in little surprises for me in the form of pots of musk, +maiden-hair, or anything he could buy; his wages were all sent home, and +he only kept for his own whatever he had given to him, and sometimes a +guest would “tip” him more generously than I liked, for his bright eyes +and ready hands were always at everybody's service. +</pre> + <p> + After my husband's return home, who from the first became Joe's especial + care, as to boots, brushing of clothes, etc., it became necessary to give + two or three dinner-parties, and I must confess I felt nervous as to how + Joe would acquit himself. + </p> + <p> + In our dining-room was a very large bear-skin rug, and the floor being + polished oak, it was dangerous to step on this rug, for it would slip away + from the feet on the smooth surface, and even the dogs avoided it, so many + falls had they met with upon it. + </p> + <p> + The first day of my husband's arrival we had my sister and a friend to + dine, and had been talking about Joe in the few moments before dinner. + </p> + <p> + My husband had been laughing at the size of my page, and scolding me a + little, or rather pretending to do so, for taking a written character. + </p> + <p> + “Little woman,” he said, “don't be surprised if one night a few country + burglars make us a visit, and renew their acquaintance with Mr. J. Cole.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know Joe,” I replied, “or you would never say that.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him so well, little wife?” said my dear sensible husband; + “remember he has only been in our service six months. In the country he + had very little of value in his hands, but here, it seems to me, he has + too much. All the plate, and indeed everything of value, is in his pantry, + and he is a very young boy to trust. One of the women servants should take + charge of the plate-chest, I think. Where does this paragon sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “Down-stairs,” I said, “next to the kitchen, at the back of the house; and + you should see how carefully every night he looks to the plate-basket, + counts everything, and then asks Mrs. Wilson to see it is right, locks it + up, and gives her the key to take care of. No one can either open or carry + away an iron safe easily, and there is nothing else worth taking; besides, + I know Joe is honest, I feel it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope so, dear,” was my husband's reply, but I could see he was + not quite comfortable about it. + </p> + <p> + At dinner that day Joe had an accident; he was dreadfully nervous, as + usual, and when waiting, he forgot to attend to my guests first, but + always came to me. The parlor-maid, a new one, and not a great favorite + with Joe, made matters worse by correcting him in an audible voice; and + once, when somebody wanted oyster-sauce, she told Joe to hand it. The poor + boy, wishing to obey quickly, forgot to give the bear-skin a wide berth, + slipped on it, and in a moment had fallen full length, having in his fall + deposited the contents of the sauce-tureen partly into a blue leather + armchair, and the rest onto my sister's back. + </p> + <p> + The boy's consternation was dreadful. I could see he was completely + overcome with fright and sorrow for what he had done. He got up, and all + his trembling lips could say was, “Oh, please, I'm so sorry; it was the + bear as tripped me up. I am so very sorry.” + </p> + <p> + Even my husband could scarcely keep from smiling, the sorrow was so + genuine, the sense of shame so true. + </p> + <p> + “There, never mind, Joe,” he said kindly; “you must be more careful. Now + run and get a sponge, and do the best you can with it.” + </p> + <p> + After that Joe had the greatest terror of that treacherous skin, and I + heard him telling the parlor-maid about it. + </p> + <p> + “You mind,” he said, “or that bear'll ketch 'old of yer. I shan't forget + how he ketched 'old of my leg that day and knocked me over; so you'd + better take care, and not go nigher than you can 'elp. He's always + a-lookin' out to ketch yer, but he won't 'ave me no more, I can tell him.” + </p> + <p> + This fall of Joe's made him still more nervous of waiting at table, and at + last, when he had made some very serious mistakes, I had to speak to him + and tell him I was afraid, if he did not soon learn to wait better, I must + send him away, for his master was annoyed at the mistakes he made, such as + pouring port instead of sherry, giving cold plates when hot ones were + required, handing dishes on the wrong side, etc. + </p> + <p> + My little lecture was listened to quietly and humbly, and Joe had turned + to go away, when, to my surprise and distress, he suddenly burst into a + perfect passion of tears and sobs. + </p> + <p> + “I will try and learn myself,” he said, as well as his sobs would let him, + “indeed, I will. I know I'm stoopid. I sez to myself every time company + comes, 'I'll mind wot I'm about, and remember dishes left-'anded, + pour-in's out right, sherry wine's yeller, and port wine afterwards with + the nuts, grapes, and things; and the cruits when there's fish, and begin + with the strangerest lady next to master's side, and 'elp missus last.' I + knows it all, but when they're all sittin' down, and everybody wantin' + somethin', I don't know if Jane's a-goin' to giv' it 'em, or I am; and I + gets stoopid, and my 'ands shakes, and somehow I can't do nothin'; but + please don't send me away. I do like you and the master. I'll ask Jane to + learn me better. You see if I don't. Oh, please'm, say you'll try me!” + </p> + <p> + What could I say but “yes,” and for a day or two Joe did better, but we + were a small party, and the waiting was easy; but shortly we were to have + a large dinner-party, and as the time drew near, Joe became quite pale and + anxious. + </p> + <p> + About this time, too, I had been awakened at night by curious sounds + down-stairs, as of somebody moving about, and once I heard an unmistakable + fall of some heavy article. + </p> + <p> + My husband assured me it was nothing alarming, and he went down-stairs, + but could neither hear or see anything unusual. All was quiet. + </p> + <p> + Another night I felt sure I heard sounds down-stairs; and in spite of my + husband's advice to remain still, I called Mrs. Wilson, and entreated her + to come down to the kitchen-floor with me. It was so very easy, I knew, + for anybody to enter the house from the back, and there being a deep area + all round, they could work away with their tools at the ground-floor back + windows unseen. Any one could get on the top of the stable from the mews, + drop into the garden, and be safe; for the watchman and policeman were on + duty in the front of the house only, the back was quite unprotected. True, + there were iron bars to Joe's window and the kitchen, but iron bars could + be sawed through, and I lived in dread of burglars. + </p> + <p> + This night Mrs. Wilson and I went softly down, and as we neared the + kitchen stairs, I heard a voice say in a whisper, “Make haste!” + </p> + <p> + “There, Mrs. Wilson, did you hear that?” I said. “Was that imagination?” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am,” she replied; “there's somebody talking, and I believe it's in + Joe's room. Let us go up and fetch the master.” + </p> + <p> + So we returned up-stairs, and soon my husband stood with us at the door of + Joe's room. + </p> + <p> + “Open the door, Joe!” cried my husband. “Who have you got there?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody, please, sir,” said a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + “Open the door at once!” said the master, and in a moment it was opened. + Joe stood there very pale, but with no sort of fear in his face. There was + nobody in the room, and as Joe had certainly been in bed, we concluded he + must have talked in his sleep, and, perhaps, walked about also, for what + we knew. + </p> + <p> + The day before the dinner-party, Cook came and told me she felt sure there + was something wrong with Joe. He was so changed from what he used to be; + there was no getting him to wake in the morning, and he seemed so heavy + with sleep, as if he had no rest at night. Also Cook had proofs of his + having been in her kitchen after he was supposed to have gone to bed; + chairs were moved, and several things not where she had left them. She had + asked Joe, and he replied he did go into the kitchen, but would not say + what for. + </p> + <p> + I did not like to talk to Joe that day, so decided to wait till after the + dinner, and I would then insist on the mystery being cleared up. I knew + Joe would tell the truth; my trust was unshaken, although circumstances + seemed against him. + </p> + <p> + That night Mrs. Wilson came to my door, and said she was sure Joe was at + his nightwork again, for she could see from her bedroom window a light + reflected on the stable wall, which must be in his room. + </p> + <p> + “How can we find out,” I said, “what he is doing?” + </p> + <p> + “That is easily done,” said my husband. “We can go out at the garden-door, + and down the steps leading from the garden into the area; they are + opposite his window. We can look through the Venetian blinds, if they are + down, and see for ourselves. He won't be able to see us.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, having first wrapped up in our furs, we went down, and were + soon at Joe's window, standing in the area that surrounded the house. The + laths of the blind were some of them open, and between them we saw + distinctly all over the room. + </p> + <p> + At first we could not understand the strange sight that met our gaze. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of Joe's room was a table, spread with a cloth, and on it + saucers from flower-pots, placed at intervals down each side; before each + saucer a chair was placed, and in the centre of the table a high basket, + from which a Stilton cheese had been unpacked that morning,-this was + evidently to represent a tall <i>épergne</i>. On Joe's wash-stand were + several bottles, a jug, and by each flower-pot saucer two vessels of some + kind—by one, two jam-pots of different sizes; by another, a broken + specimen glass and a teacup—and so on; and from chair to chair moved + Joe, softly but quickly, on tiptoe, now with bottles which contained + water. We could see his lips move, and concluded he was saying something + to imaginary persons, for he would put a jampot on his tray, and pour into + it from the bottle, and then replace it. Sometimes he would go quickly to + his bed, which we saw represented the dinner-wagon, or sideboard, and + bring imaginary dishes from there and hand them. Then he would go quickly + from chair to chair, always correcting himself if he went to the wrong + side, and talking all the time softly to himself. So here was the solution + of the mystery; here melted into air the visions of Joe in league with + midnight burglars. + </p> + <p> + The poor boy, evidently alarmed at the prospect of the dinner-party, and + feeling that he must try to improve in waiting at table before that time + somehow, had stolen all those hours nightly from his rest, to practise + with whatever substitutes were at hand for the usual table requisites. + </p> + <p> + Here every night, when those who had worked far less during the day were + soundly sleeping, had that anxious, striving little heart shaken off + fatigue, and the big blue eyes refused to yield to sleep, in order to + fight with the nervousness that alone prevented his willing hands acting + with their natural cleverness. I felt a choking in my throat, when I saw + the thin, pale little face, that should have been on the pillow hours + before, lighted up with triumph as the supposed guests departed; the dumb + show of folding the dinner napkins belonging to myself and the master, and + putting them in their respective rings, told us the ordeal was over. What + a weird scene it was,—the dim light, the silent house, the spread + table, and the empty chairs! One could imagine ghostly revellers, visible + only to that one fragile attendant, who ministered so willingly to their + numerous wants. The sort of nervous thrill that heralds hysterical attacks + was rapidly overcoming me, and I whispered to my husband, “Let us go now;” + but he lingered yet a few seconds, and silently drew my attention again to + the window. + </p> + <p> + Joe was on his knees by his bedside, his face hidden in his hands. What + silent prayer was ascending to the Throne of Grace, who shall say? I only + know that it were well if many a kneeling worshipper in “purple and fine + linen” could feel as sure of being heard as Joe did when, his victory won, + he knelt, in his humble servant's garb, and said his prayers that night in + spite of the aching head and weary limbs that needed so badly the few + hours' rest that remained before six o'clock, the time Joe always got up. + </p> + <p> + Silently we stole away, and in my mind from that moment my faith in Joe + never wavered. Not once, in spite of sad events that came to pass later + on, when even I, his staunchest friend, had to recall to memory that + kneeling little form in the silence of the night, alone with his God, in + order to stifle the cruel doubts of his truth that were forced upon us all + by circumstances I must soon relate. + </p> + <p> + The famous dinner passed off well. Joe was splendid; his midnight practice + had brought its reward, and he moved about so swiftly, and anticipated + everybody's wants so well, that some of my friends asked me where I got + such a treasure of a page; he must have had a good butler or footman to + teach him, they said; he is evidently used to waiting on many guests. I + was proud of Joe. + </p> + <p> + The next day he came to me with more than a sovereign in silver, and told + me the gentlemen had been so very kind to him, “and a'most every one had + given him somethin', tho' he never arst, or waited about, as some fellers + did, as if they wouldn't lose sight of a gent till he paid 'em. But,” said + Joe, “they would giv' it me; and one gent, he follered me right up the + passage, he did, and sez, 'Ere, you small boy,' he sez, and he give me a + whole 'arf-crown. Whatever for, I don't know.” + </p> + <p> + But I knew that must have been Dr. Loring, a celebrated physician, and my + husband's dearest friend. We had told him about Joe's midnight + self-teaching, and he had been much interested in the story. + </p> + <p> + You little thought, Joe, the hand that patted your curly head so kindly + that night would one day hold your small wrist, and count its feeble + life-pulse beating slowly and yet more slowly, while we, who loved you, + should watch the clever, handsome face, trying in vain to read there the + blessed word “Hope.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + And now I must confess to those—for surely there will be a few—who + have felt a little interest, so far, in the fortunes of J. Cole, that a + period in my story has arrived when I would fain lay down my pen, and not + awaken the sleeping past, to recall the sad trouble that befell him. + </p> + <p> + I am almost an old woman now, and all this happened many years ago, when + my hair was golden instead of silver. I was younger in those days, and now + am peacefully and hopefully waiting God's good time for my summons. + Troubles have been my lot, many and hard to bear. Loss of husband, + children, dear, good friends, many by death, and some troubles harder even + than those, the loss of trust, and bitter awakening to the ingratitude and + worthlessness of those in whom I have trusted,—all these I have + endured. Yet time and trouble have not sufficiently hardened my heart that + I can write of what follows without pain. Christmas was over, and my dear + husband again away for some months. As soon as I could really say, “Spring + is here,” we were to leave London for our country home; and Joe was + constantly talking to Mrs. Wilson about his various pets, left behind in + the gardener's care. There was an old jackdaw, an especial favorite of + his, a miserable owl, too, who had met with an accident, resulting in the + loss of an eye; a more evil-looking object than “Cyclops,” as my husband + christened him, I never saw. Sometimes on a dark night this one eye would + gleam luridly from out the shadowy recesses of the garden, and an + unearthly cry of “Hoo-oo-t,” fall on the ear, enough to give one the + “creeps for a hour,” as Mary, the housemaid, said. But Joe loved Cyclops, + or rather “Cloppy,” as he called him; and the bird hopped after Joe about + the garden, as if he quite returned the feeling. + </p> + <p> + All our own dogs, and two or three maimed ones, and a cat or two, more or + less hideous, and indebted to Joe's mercy in rescuing them from traps, + snares, etc.,—all these creatures were Joe's delight. Each week the + gardener's boy wrote a few words to Joe of their health and wonderful + doings, and each week Joe faithfully sent a shilling, to be laid out in + food for them. Then there was Joe's especial garden, also a sort of + hospital, or convalescent home rather, where many blighted, + unhealthy-looking plants and shrubs, discarded by the gardener, and cast + aside to be burnt on the weed-heap, had been rescued by Joe, patiently + nursed and petted as it were into life again by constant care and + watching, and, after being kept in pots a while, till they showed, by + sending forth some tiny shoot or bud, that the sap of life was once more + circulating freely, were then planted in the sheltered corner he called + “his own.” + </p> + <p> + What treasures awaited him in this small square of earth. What bunches of + violets he would gather for the Missis; and his longing to get back to his + various pets, and his garden, was the topic of conversation on many a long + evening between Joe and Mrs. Wilson. + </p> + <p> + Little Bogie, the fox-terrier, was the only dog we had with us in town, + and Bogie hated London. After the quiet country life, the incessant roll + of carriages, tramping of horses, and callings of coachmen, shrill + cab-whistles, and all the noises of a fashionable neighborhood at night + during a London season, were most objectionable to Bogie; he could not + rest, and often Joe got out of bed in the night, and took him in his arms, + to prevent his waking all of us, with his shrill barking at the unwonted sounds. + </p> + <p> + As I have said before, I am very nervous, and the prospect of spending + several more weeks in the big London house, without my husband, was far + from pleasant; so I invited my widowed sister and her girls to stay with + me some time longer, and made up my mind to banish my fears, and think of + nothing but that the dark nights would be getting shorter and shorter, and + meanwhile our house was well protected, as far as good strong bolts and + chains could do so. + </p> + <p> + One night I felt more nervous than usual. I had expected a letter from + America for some days past, and none had arrived. On this evening I knew + the mail was due, and I waited anxiously for the last ring of the postman + at ten o'clock; but I was doomed to listen in vain. There was the sharp, + loud ring next door, but not at ours; and I went to my room earlier than + the others, really to give way to a few tears that I could not control. + </p> + <p> + I sat by my bedroom fire, thinking, and, I am afraid, conjuring up all + sorts of terrible reasons for my dear husband's silence, until I must have + fallen asleep, for I awoke chilly and cramped from the uncomfortable + posture I had slept in. The fire was out, and the house silent as the + grave; not even a carriage passing to take up some late guest. I looked at + the clock, half-past three, and then from my window. It was that “darkest + hour before dawn,” and I hurried into bed, and endeavored to sleep; but + no, I was hopelessly wide awake. No amount of counting, or mental exercise + on the subject of “sheep going through a hedge,” had any effect, and I + found myself lying awake, listening. Yes, I knew that I was <i>listening + for something that I should hear before long, but I did not know what.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Hark! what was that?”—a sudden thud, as if something had fallen + somewhere in the house; then silence, except for the loud beating of my + heart, that threatened to suffocate me. “Nonsense,” I said to myself, “I + am foolishly nervous to-night. It is nothing here, or Bogie would bark;” + so I tried again to sleep. Hush! Surely that was a footstep going up or + down the stairs! I could not endure the agony of being alone any longer, + but would go to my sister's room, just across the landing, and get her to + come and stay the rest of the night with me. I put on my slippers and + dressing-gown, and opening my door, came face to face with my sister, who + was coming to me. + </p> + <p> + “Let me come in,” she said, “and don't let us alarm the girls; but I feel + certain something is going on down-stairs. Bogie barked furiously an hour + ago, and then was suddenly silent.” + </p> + <p> + “That must have been when I was asleep,” I replied; “but no doubt Joe + heard him, and has taken him in.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” said my sister, “but I have kept on hearing queer noises at + the back of the house; they seemed in Joe's room at first. Come and listen + yourself on the stairs.” + </p> + <p> + It is strange, but true, that many persons, horribly nervous at the + thought of danger, find all their presence of mind in full force when + actually called upon to face it. So it is with me, and so it was on that + night. I stood on the landing, and listened, and in a few moments heard + muffled sounds down-stairs, like persons moving about stealthily. + </p> + <p> + “There is certainly somebody down there, Nelly,” I said to my sister, “and + they are down in the basement. If we could creep down quietly and get into + the drawing-room, we might open the window and call the watchman or + policeman; both are on duty until seven.” + </p> + <p> + “But think,” said my sister, “of the fright of the girls if they hear us, + and find they are left alone. The servants, too, will scream, and rush + about, as they always do. Let us go down and make sure there are thieves, + and then see what is best to be done. The door at the top of the kitchen + stairs is locked, so they must be down there; and perhaps if we could get + the watchman to come in quietly, we might catch them in a trap, by letting + him through the drawing-room, and into the conservatory. He could get into + the garden from there, and as they must have got in that way from the + mews, over the stable wall, and through the garden, they would try to + escape the same way, and the watchman would be waiting for them, and cut + off their retreat.” + </p> + <p> + I agreed, and we stole down-stairs into the drawing-room, where we locked + ourselves in, then very gently and carefully drew up one of the side + blinds of the bay window. The morning had begun to break, and everything + in the wide road was distinctly visible. In the distance I could see the + policeman on duty, but on the opposite side, and going away from our house + instead of towards it. He would turn the corner at the top of the road, + and go past the houses parallel with the backs of our row, and then appear + at the opposite end of the park, and come along our side; there was no + intermediate turning—nothing but an unbroken row of about forty + detached houses facing each other. + </p> + <p> + What could we do? I dared not wait until the policeman came back; quite + twenty minutes must pass before then, and day being so near at hand, the + light was increasing every moment, and the burglars would surely not leave + without visiting the drawing-room and dining-room, and would perhaps + murder us to save themselves from detection. + </p> + <p> + If I could only attract the policeman's attention, but how? + </p> + <p> + My sister was close to the door listening, and every instant we dreaded + hearing them coming up the kitchen stairs. I could not understand Bogie + not barking, and Joe not waking, for where I was I could distinctly hear + the men moving about in the pantry and kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder,” I said to my sister, “if I could put something across from + this balcony to the stonework by the front steps? It seems such a little + distance, and if I could step across, I could open the front gate in an + instant, and run after the policeman. I shall try.” + </p> + <p> + “You will fall and kill yourself,” my sister said; “the space is much + wider than you think.” + </p> + <p> + But I was determined to try; for if I let that policeman go out of sight, + what horrors might happen in the twenty minutes before he would come back. + </p> + <p> + The idea of one of the girls waking and calling out, or Joe waking and + being shot or stabbed, gave me a feeling of desperation, as though I alone + could and must save them. + </p> + <p> + Luckily the house was splendidly built, every window-sash sliding + noiselessly and easily in its groove. I opened the one nearest to the hall + door steps, and saw that the stone ledge abutted to within about two feet + of the low balcony of the window; but I was too nervous to trust myself to + spring across even that distance. At that moment my sister whispered:— + </p> + <p> + “I hear somebody coming up the kitchen stairs!” + </p> + <p> + Desperately I cast my eyes round the room for something to bridge the open + space, that would bear my weight, if only for a moment. The fender-stool + caught my eye; that might do, it was strong, and more than long enough. In + an instant we had it across, and I was out of the window and down the + front steps. + </p> + <p> + As I turned the handle of the heavy iron gate, I looked down at the front + kitchen window. A man stood in the kitchen, and he looked up and saw me—such + a horrible-looking ruffian, too. Fear lent wings to my feet, and I flew up + the road. The watchman was just entering the park from the opposite end; + he saw me, and sounded his whistle; the policeman turned and ran towards + me. I was too exhausted to speak, and he caught me, just as, having gasped + “Thieves at 50!” (the number of our house), I fell forward in a dead + swoon. + </p> + <p> + When I recovered, I was lying on my own bed, my sister, the scared + servants, and the policeman, all around me. From them I heard that + directly the man in the kitchen caught sight of me, he warned his + companion, who was busy forcing the lock of the door at the head of the + kitchen stairs, and my sister heard them both rushing across the garden, + where they had a ladder against the stable-wall. They must have pulled + this up after them, and tossed it into the next garden, where it was + found, to delay pursuit. The park-keeper had, after sounding his whistle, + rushed to our house, got in at the window, and ran to the door at the top + of the kitchen stairs, but it was quite impossible to open it; the + burglars had cleverly left something in the lock when disturbed, and the + key would not turn. He then went through the drawing-room into the + conservatory, where a glass door opened on the garden; but by the time the + heavy sliding glass panel was unfastened, and the inner door unbolted, the + men had disappeared. They took with them much less than they hoped to have + done, for there were parcels and packets of spoons, forks, and a case of + very handsome gold salt-cellars, a marriage gift, always kept in a + baize-lined chest in the pantry, the key of which I retained, and which + chest was supposed until now to be proof against burglars; the lock had + been burnt all round with some instrument, most likely a poker heated in + the gas, and then forced inwards from the burnt woodwork. + </p> + <p> + “How was it,” I asked, “Joe did not wake during all this, or Bogie bark?” + </p> + <p> + As I asked the question, I noticed that my sister turned away; and Mrs. + Wilson, after vainly endeavoring to look unconcerned, threw her apron + suddenly over her head, and burst out crying. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” I said, sitting up; “what are you all hiding from + me? Send Joe to me; I will learn the truth from him.” + </p> + <p> + At this the policeman came forward, and then I heard that Joe was missing, + his room was in great disorder, and one of his shoes, evidently dropped in + his hurry, had been found in the garden, near some spoons thrown down by + the thieves; his clothes were gone, so he evidently had dressed himself + after pretending to go to bed as usual; his blankets and sheets were taken + away, used no doubt, the policeman said, to wrap up the stolen things. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” I asked, “that you suspect Joe is in league with these + burglars?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mum,” said the man, “it looks queer, and very like it. He slept + down-stairs close to the very door where they got in; he never gives no + alarm, he must have been expecting something, or else why was he dressed? + And how did his shoe come in the garden? And what's more to the point, if + so be as he's innercent, where is he? These young rascals is that artful, + you'd be surprised to know the dodges they're up to.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” I interrupted, “it is impossible, it is cruel to suspect him. He is + gone, true enough, but I'm sure he will come back. Perhaps he ran after + the men to try and catch them, and dropped his shoe then.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not likely, mum,” said he, with a pitying smile at my ignorance of + circumstantial evidence; “he'd have called out to stop 'em, and it 'aint + likely they'd have let him get up their ladder, afore chucking of it into + the next garden, if so be as he was a-chasing of 'em to get 'em took. No, + mar'm; I'm very sorry, particular as you seem so kindly disposed; but, in + my humble opinion, he's a artful young dodger, and this 'ere job has been + planned ever so long, and he's connived at it, and has hooked it along + with his pals. I knows 'em, but we'll soon nab him; and if so be as you'll + be so kind as to let me take down in writin' all you knows about 'J. + Cole,' which is his name, I'm informed, where you took him from, his + character, and previous career, it will help considerable in laying hands + on him; and when he's found we'll soon find his pals.” + </p> + <p> + Of course, I told all I knew about Joe. I felt positive he would come + back, perhaps in a few minutes, to explain everything. Besides, there was + Bogie, too. Why should he take Bogie? The policeman suggested that + “perhaps the dawg foller'd him, and he had taken it along with him, to + prevent being traced by its means.” + </p> + <p> + At length, all this questioning being over, the household settled down + into a sort of strange calm. It seemed to us days since we had said + “Good-night,” and sought our rooms on that night, and yet it was only + twenty-four hours ago; in that short time how much had taken place! On + going over all the plate, etc., we missed many more things; and Mrs. + Wilson, whose faith in Joe's honesty never wavered, began to think the + poor boy might have been frightened at having slept through the robbery; + and as he was so proud of having the plate used every day in his charge, + when he discovered it had been stolen, he might have feared we should + blame him so much for it, that he had run away home to his people in his + fright, meaning to ask his father, or his adored Dick, to return to me and + plead for him. I thought, too, this was possible, for I knew how terribly + he would reproach himself for letting anything in his care be stolen. I + therefore made up my mind to telegraph to his father at once; but, not to + alarm him, I said:— + </p> + <p> + “Is Joe with you? Have reason to think he has gone home. Answer back.” + </p> + <p> + The answer came some hours after, for in those small villages + communication was difficult. The reply ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + “We have not seen Joe; if he comes to-night will write at once. Hoping + there is nothing wrong.” + </p> + <p> + So that surmise was a mistake, for Joe had money, and would go by train if + he went home, and be there in two hours. + </p> + <p> + All the household sat up nearly all that night, or rested uncomfortably on + sofas and armchairs; we felt too unsettled to go to bed, though worn out + with suspense, and the previous excitement and fright. Officials and + detectives came and went during the evening, and looked about for traces + of the robbers, and before night a description of the stolen things, and a + most minute one of Joe, were posted outside the police-stations, and all + round London for miles. A reward of twenty pounds was offered for Joe, and + my heart ached to know there was a hue and cry after him like a common + thief. + </p> + <p> + What would the old parents think? and how would Dick feel?—Dick + whose good counsels and careful training had made Joe what I <i>knew</i> + he was, in spite of every suspicion. + </p> + <p> + The next day I still felt sure he would come, and I went down into the + room where he used to sleep, and saw Mrs. Wilson had put all in order, and + fresh blankets sheets were on the little bed, all ready for him. So many + things put me in mind of the loving, gentle disposition. A little + flower-vase I valued very much had been broken by Bogie romping with one + of my nieces, and knocking it down. It was broken in more than twenty + pieces; and after I had patiently tried to mend it myself, and my nieces, + with still greater patience, had had their turn at it, we had given it up + as a bad job, and thought it had long ago gone onto the dust-heap. + </p> + <p> + There were some shelves on the wall of Joe's room where his treasures were + kept; and on one of these shelves, covered with an old white handkerchief, + was a little tray containing the vase, a bottle of cement, and a + camel's-hair brush. The mending was finished, all but two or three of the + smallest pieces, and beautifully done; it must have taken time, and an + amount of patience that put my efforts and those of the girls to shame; + but Joe's was a labor of love, and did not weary him. He would probably + have put it in its usual place one morning, when mended, and said nothing + about it until I found it out, and then confessed, in his own queer way, + “Please, I knew you was sorry it was broke, and so I mended it;” then he + would have hurried away, flushed with pleasure at my few words of thanks + and praise. + </p> + <p> + On the mantelpiece were more of Joe's treasures, four or five cheap + photographs, the subjects quite characteristic of Joe. One of them was a + religious subject, “The Shepherd with a little lamb on his shoulders.” A + silent prayer went up from my heart that somewhere that same Good Shepherd + was finding lost Joe, and bringing him safely back to us. + </p> + <p> + There were some pebbles he had picked up during a memorable trip to + Margate with Dick, a year before I saw him; which pebbles he firmly + believed were real “aggits,” and had promised to have them polished soon, + and made into brooch and earrings for Mrs. Wilson. + </p> + <p> + There was a very old-fashioned photograph of myself that I had torn in + half, and thrown into the waste-paper basket. I saw this had been + carefully joined together and enclosed in a cheap frame—the only one + that could boast of being so preserved. I suppose Joe could only afford + one frame, and his sense of the fitness of things made him choose the + Missis's picture to be first honored. + </p> + <p> + How sad I felt looking round the room! People may smile at my feeling so + sad and concerned about a servant, a common, lowborn page-boy. Ay, smile + on, if you will, but tell me, my friend, can you say, if you were in Joe's + position at that time, with circumstantial evidence so strong against you, + poor and lowly as he was, are there four or five, or even two or three of + your friends who would believe in you, stand up for you, and trust in you, + in spite of all, as we did for Joe? + </p> + <p> + I had gone up to my sitting-room, after telling Mary to light the fire in + poor Joe's room, and let it look warm and cosey; for I had some sort of + presentiment that I should see the poor boy again very soon—how, I + knew not, but I have all my life been subject to spiritual influences, and + have seldom been mistaken in them. + </p> + <p> + We were all thinking of going early to rest, for since the robbery none of + us had had any real sleep. Suddenly the front door-bell rang timidly, as + if the visitor were not quite sure of its being right to pull the handle. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that's Joe,” said my sister. + </p> + <p> + But I knew Joe would not ring that bell. + </p> + <p> + We heard Mary open the door, and a man's voice ask if Mr. Aylmer lived + there. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mary, “but he is abroad; but you can see Mrs. Aylmer.” Then + came a low murmuring of voices, and Mary came in, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ma'am, it's Dick, Joe's brother; and he says may he see you?” + </p> + <p> + “Send him in here at once,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + And in a moment Dick stood before me—Dick, Joe's beau-ideal of all + that was good, noble, and to be admired. I must say the mind-picture I had + formed of Dick was totally unlike the reality. I had expected to see a + sunburnt, big fellow, with broad shoulders and expressive features. + </p> + <p> + The real Dick was a thin, delicate-looking young man, with a pale face, + and black straight hair. He stood with his hat in his hand, looking down + as if afraid to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray come in,” I cried, going forward to meet him. “I know who you + are. Oh, have you brought me any news of poor Joe? We are all his friends + here, his true friends, and you must let us be yours too in this trouble. + Have you seen him?” + </p> + <p> + At my words the bowed head was lifted up, and then I saw Dick's face as it + was. If ever truth, honor, and generosity looked out from the windows of a + soul, they looked out of those large blue eyes of Dick's—eyes so + exactly like Joe's in expression, that the black lashes instead of the + fair ones seemed wrong somehow. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, lady, for them words,” said Dick; and before I could + prevent it, he had knelt at my feet, caught my hand and pressed it to his + lips, while wild sobs broke from him. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” he said, rising to his feet, and leaning with one hand on + the back of a chair, his whole frame shaking with emotion. “Forgive me for + givin' way like this; but I've seen them papers about our Joe, and I know + what's being thought of him, and I've come here ashamed to see you, + thinkin' you believed as the rest do, that Joe robbed you after all your + goodness to him. Why, lady, I tell you, rather than I'd believe that of my + little lad, as I thrashed till my heart almost broke to hear him sob, for + the only lie as he ever told in all his life; if I could believe it, I'd + take father's old gun and end my life, for I'd be a beast, not fit to live + any longer. And I thought you doubted him too; but now I hear you say + you're his friend, and believes in him, and don't think he robbed you, I + know now there's good folks in the world, and there's mercy and justice, + and it ain't all wrong, as I'd come a'most to think as it was, when I + first know'd about this 'ere.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Dick,” I said, “and recover yourself, and let us see what can + be done. I will tell you all that has happened, and then perhaps you can + throw some light on Joe's conduct—you who know him so well.” + </p> + <p> + Dick sat down, and shading his eyes with his hand that his tears might not + betray his weakness any more, he listened quietly while I went over all + the events of that dreadful night. + </p> + <p> + When I had finished, Dick sat for some moments quite silent, then with a + weary gesture, passing his hand across his forehead, he remarked sadly:— + </p> + <p> + “I can't make nothing of it; it's a thing beyond my understanding. I'm + that dazed like, I can't see nothin' straight. However, what I've got to + do is to find Joe, and that I mean to do; if he's alive I'll find him, and + then let him speak for hisself. I don't believe he's done nothing wrong, + but if he has done ever so little or ever so much, he'll '<i>own up to it + whatever it is</i>,' that's what Joe'll do. I told him to lay by them + words and hold to 'em, and I'll lay my life he'll do as I told him. I've + got a bed down Marylebone way, at my aunt's what's married to a policeman; + I'm to stay there, and I'll have a talk with 'em about this and get some + advice. I know Joe's innercent, and why don't he come and say so? But I'll + find him.” + </p> + <p> + I inquired about the old people, and how they bore their trial. + </p> + <p> + “Father's a'most beside hisself,” said Dick; “and only that he's got to + keep mother in the dark about this, he'd have come with me; but mother, + she's a-bed with rheumatics, and doctor told father her heart was + weak-like, and she mustn't be told, or it would p'raps kill her. She + thinks a deal of Joe, does mother, being the youngest, and always such a + sort of lovin' little chap he were.” And here Dick's voice broke again, + and I made him go down to Mrs. Wilson, and have some refreshment before + leaving, and he promised to see me again the first thing in the morning, + when he had talked to his friend, the policeman. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Dick gone, when a loud, and this time firm ring, announced + another visitor, and in a cab, too, I could hear. Evidently there was no + going to rest early that night, as ten o'clock was then striking. + </p> + <p> + Soon, to my surprise, I heard a well-known voice, and Mary announced Dr. + Loring, my husband's old friend, of whom I have already spoken. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear,” he cried, in his pleasant, cheerful voice, that in itself + seemed to lift some of the heaviness from my heart, “are you not + astonished to see me at such an hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Astonished, certainly,” I replied; “but very, very glad. You are always + welcome; and more than ever now, when we are in trouble and sorrow. Do sit + down, and stay with me awhile.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will, for an hour, gladly,” he said. “But there's something + outside that had better be brought in first. You know I've only just + arrived from Devonshire, and there are two barrels of Devonshire apples on + that cab, one for you, and one for the wife, that is why you see me here; + for I thought it would not be ten minutes out of my road to pass by here, + and leave them with you, and so save the trouble of sending them by + carrier to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I rang for Mary, and the doctor suggested the apples being put somewhere + where the smell of them could not penetrate up-stairs; for, as he truly + remarked, “Though a fine ripe pippin is delicious to eat at breakfast or + luncheon, the smell of them shut up in a house is horrible.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say Mrs. Wilson will find a place in the basement,” I said; “for + we don't use half the room there is down there.” + </p> + <p> + Having ordered the barrel to be stowed away, I soon settled my visitor + comfortably in an armchair by the fire, with a cup of his favorite cocoa + by his side. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my dear,” said he, “tell me about this burglary that has taken + place, and which has made you look as if you wanted me to take care of you + a while, and bring back some color to your pale cheeks. And what about + this boy? Is it the same queer little fellow who chose midnight to play + his pranks in once before? I'm not often deceived in a face, and I thought + his was an honest one. I”— + </p> + <p> + “So it was,” I interrupted; “don't say a word until I've told you all, and + you will”— + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely begun speaking, when a succession of the most fearful + screams arose from down-stairs, each rising louder and louder, in the + extreme of terror. My sister, who had gone to her room, rushed down to me; + the girls, in their dressing-gowns, just as they were preparing for bed, + followed, calling out, “Auntie! O Auntie! what is it? Who is screaming? + What can be the matter?” Hardly were they in the room when Mary rushed in, + ghastly, her eyes staring, and in a voice hoarse with terror, gasped out, + “Come! come! he's found! he's murdered! I saw him. He's lying in the + cellar, with his throat cut. Oh, it's horrible!” Then she began to scream + again. + </p> + <p> + The doctor tried to hold me back, but I broke from him, and ran + down-stairs, where I could find no one; all was dark in the kitchens, but + there was a light in the area, and I was soon there, followed by Dr. + Loring. + </p> + <p> + By the open cellar-door stood Mrs. Wilson, and the cabman with her. + Directly she saw me, she called out, “Oh, dear mistress, don't you come + here; it's not a sight for you. Take her away, Dr. Loring, she musn't see + it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I cried; “Mary says it's”—I could not say the words, + but seizing the candle from Mrs. Wilson's hand, I went into the cellar. + </p> + <p> + The good doctor was close to me, with more light, by the aid of which we + beheld, in the far corner, facing us, what seemed to be a bundle of + blankets, from which protruded a head, a horrible red stream surrounding + it, and flowing, as it were, from the open mouth. One second brought me + close. It was Joe—Joe, with his poor limbs bound with cruel ropes, + and in his mouth for a gag they had forced one of those bright red socks + he would always wear. Thank God, it was only that red sock, and not the + horrible red stream I had feared. He was dead, of course; but not such a + fearful death as that. + </p> + <p> + The doctor soon pulled the horrid gag from his mouth, and the good-natured + cabman, who evidently felt for us, helped to cut the ropes, and lift up + the poor cold little form. + </p> + <p> + As they lifted him, something that was in the blankets fell heavily to the + ground. It was poor Bogie's dead body, stabbed in many places, each wound + enough to have let out the poor dumb creature's life. + </p> + <p> + By this time help had arrived, and once more the police took possession of + us, as it were. + </p> + <p> + Of course, <i>now</i> everything was explained. The burglars had evidently + entered Joe's room, and Bogie, being in his arms, had barked, and wakened + him. A few blows had soon silenced poor Bogie, and a gag and cords had + done the same for Joe. + </p> + <p> + When the man saw me from the kitchen window he must have known that help + would soon come, and to prevent Joe giving information too soon they had + hastily seized him, bed-clothes and all, and put him into that cellar, to + starve if he were not discovered. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps they did not really mean to kill the poor child, and if we had + been in the habit of using that cellar we might have found him in a few + hours or less; but, unfortunately, it was a place we never used, it + reached far under the street, and was too large for our use. Our + coal-cellar was a much smaller one, inside the scullery; the door of poor + Joe's prison closed with a common latch. + </p> + <p> + Had there been any doubt in the detective's mind as to Joe's guilt, he + might have taken more trouble, and searched for him, even there; but from + the first everybody but ourselves had been sure Joe had escaped with the + burglars, so the cellar remained unsearched. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wilson, wishing to spare me the smell of the apples, thought that + cellar, being outside the house, a very suitable place for them, and on + opening the door had caught sight of something in the distant corner, and + sent Mary to see what it was. Then arose those fearful shrieks we had + heard, and Mary had rushed out of the cellar half mad with fright. + </p> + <p> + In less time than it has taken me to relate this, Joe was laid on the rug + before the drawing-room fire, and I summoned courage to look on the + changed face. + </p> + <p> + “Could that be Joe—so white, so drawn, so still?” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Loring was kneeling by the little form, chafing and straightening the + poor stiffened arms, so bent with their cruel pinioning behind the + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Doctor,” I said, “why do you do any more? Nothing can bring back the poor + fellow, murdered while doing his duty.” Then I, too, knelt down, and took + the poor cold hands in mine, + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my poor child!” I cried, “my little brave heart; who dared say you + were false? Let those who doubted you look at you now, with dry eyes, if + they can.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said Dr. Loring suddenly, “have you always hot water in your + bathroom?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, doctor,” I said; “yes. Why do you ask? Do you mean—is it + possible—there is life?” And I took Joe's little head in my arms, + and forgot he was only a servant, only a poor, common little page-boy. I + only know I pressed him to my breast, and called him by all the endearing + names I used to call my own children in after years, when God gave me + some, and kissed his white forehead in my joy at the blessed ray of hope. + </p> + <p> + No want of willing arms to carry Joe up-stairs. Mrs. Wilson had the bath + filled before the doctor was in the room with his light burden. + </p> + <p> + “A few drops of brandy, to moisten the lips, first of all,” said the good + doctor, “then the bath and gentle friction; there is certainly life in + him.” + </p> + <p> + Now my good sister's clever nursing proved invaluable. All that night we + fought every inch of ground, as it were, with our grim enemy; the dear, + good doctor never relaxed in his efforts to bring back life to the cramped + limbs. The burglars had unknowingly helped to keep alight Joe's feeble + spark of life by wrapping the blankets round him; they had meant, no + doubt, to stifle any sound he might make; but by keeping him from actual + contact with the stone floor, and protecting him from the cold, they had + given him his little chance of life. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how I blessed that kind thought of Dr. Loring's to bring me a barrel + of apples! Had there been no occasion to open the cellar-door, Joe would + have died before another morning had dawned, died! starved! What a + horrible death! And to know that within a few steps were food, warmth, and + kind hearts—hearts even then saddened by his absence, and grieving + for him. What hours of agony he must have passed in the cold and darkness, + hearing the footsteps of passers-by above his living tomb, and feeling the + pangs of hunger and thirst. What weeks those three days must have seemed + to him in their fearful darkness, until insensibility mercifully came to + his aid, and hushed his senses to oblivion. + </p> + <p> + Morning was far advanced when, at last, Joe's eyelids began to flutter, + and his eyes opened a very little, to close again immediately; even the + subdued light we had let into the room being too much for him to bear + after so long a darkness; but in that brief glance he had recognized me, + and seeing his lips move, I bent my head close to them. + </p> + <p> + Only a faint murmuring came, but I distinguished the words: + </p> + <p> + “Missis, I couldn't 'elp it! Forgive me. Say 'Our Father.'” + </p> + <p> + I knelt down, and as well as I could for the tears that almost choked me, + repeated that most simple, yet all-satisfying petition to the Throne of + Grace. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the doctor held Joe's wrist, and my sister, at a sign from him, + put a few drops of nourishment between the pale lips. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” at length said the doctor, “did you say the boy's brother was + in London?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I replied, “but I have no address, as I expect him here this + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well; he may be in time.” + </p> + <p> + “In time?” I repeated; “in time for what? Is he dying? Can nothing be + done?” + </p> + <p> + The good doctor looked again with moistened eyes on the little white face, + and said sadly— + </p> + <p> + “I fear not, but the sight of this brother he seems to have such a strong + love for may rouse him for a while. As it is, he is sinking fast. I can do + no more, he is beyond human skill; but love and God's help may yet save + him. Poor little fellow, he has done his duty nobly, and even to die doing + <i>that</i> is an enviable fate; but we want such boys as this to live, + and show others the way.” + </p> + <p> + There was a slight sound at the room door, and on turning round I saw Dick—Dick + with wild, dumb entreaty in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + I pointed to the bed, and with a whispered “Hush!” beckoned him to enter. + </p> + <p> + The shock of seeing his loved little lad so changed was too much for even + his man's courage, for, with a cry he in vain strove to smother, he sunk + on his knees with his face hidden in his hands. + </p> + <p> + But only for a moment he let his grief overcome him; then, rising, he took + Joe's little form in his arms, and in a voice to which love gave the + softest and gentlest tones said:— + </p> + <p> + “Joe, lad! Joe, little chap! here's Dick. Look at poor old Dick. Don't you + know him? Don't go away without sayin' good-by to Dick wot loves you.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly a little fluttering smile parted the lips, and the blue eyes + unclosed once more. “Dick!” he gasped; “I wanted to tell you, Dick, but—I—can't. + I—ain't—forgot. 'Own—up—to—it—wotever'—I + minded it all. Kiss me—Dick. God—bless—missis. Dick—take + me—home—to—mother!” + </p> + <p> + And with a gentle sigh, in the arms of the brother he loved, Joe fell into + a deep sleep, a sleep from which we all feared he would no more awake on + earth, and we watched him, fearing almost to move. + </p> + <p> + Dick held him in his arms all that morning, and presently towards noon the + doctor took the little wrist, and found the pulse still feebly beating; a + smile lit up his good, kind face, and he whispered to me, “There is hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” I whispered back, and ran away into my own room to sob out + grateful prayers of thanksgiving to Heaven for having spared the life so + nearly lost to us. + </p> + <p> + When I went back, Joe had just begun to awaken, and was looking up into + his beloved Dick's face, murmuring: “Why, it's Dick. Are you a-crying + about <i>me</i>, Dick? Don't cry—I'm all right—I'm only so + tired.” + </p> + <p> + And having drank some wine the doctor had ordered should be given him, he + nestled close to Dick's breast, and again fell into a sweet sleep, a + better, life-giving sleep this time, for the faint color came to his pale + little lips, and presently Dick laid him down on the pillows, and rested + his own weary arms. He would not move from Joe's side for fear, he might + wake and miss him, but for many hours our little fellow slept peacefully, + and so gradually came back to life. + </p> + <p> + We never quite knew the particulars of the robbery, for, when Joe was well + enough to talk, we avoided speaking of it. Dr. Loring said, “The boy only + partly remembers it, like a dream, and it is better he should forget it + altogether; he will do so when he gets stronger. Send him home to his + mother for a while; and if he returns to you, let it be to the country + house where there is nothing to remind him of all this.” + </p> + <p> + Joe did get strong, and came back to us, but no longer as a page-boy; he + was under-gardener, and his time was spent among his favorite flowers and + pet animals, until one day Dick wrote to say his father had bought more + land to be laid out in gardens, and if Joe could be spared he and Dick + could work together, and in time set up for themselves in the business. + </p> + <p> + So Joe left us, but not to forget us, or be forgotten. On each anniversary + of my birthday I find a bunch of magnificent roses on my breakfast table—“With + J. and R. Cole's respectful duty,” and I know the sender is a fine, strong + young market-gardener; but sometimes I look back a few years, and instead + of the lovely roses, and the big, healthy giver, I seem to see a faded + dusty bunch of wild-flowers, held towards me by the little hot hand of a + tired child with large blue eyes, and I hear a timid voice say, “Please'm, + it's J. Cole; and I've come to stay with yer!” + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + +***** This file should be named 7357-h.htm or 7357-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/3/5/7357/ + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + + +</pre> + + </body> +</html> diff --git a/7357.txt b/7357.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dc0c6ff --- /dev/null +++ b/7357.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2036 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: J. Cole + +Author: Emma Gellibrand + + +Release Date: January, 2005 [EBook #7357] +This file was first posted on April 20, 2003 +Last updated: May 2, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + + + + + + + + +J. COLE + +By Emma Gellibrand + + + + [Illustration: "'WHO ARE YOU, MY CHILD?' I SAID'--Page 3 +(_Frontispiece_)] + + + + +J. COLE. + +"HONNERD MADAM, + +"Wich i hav seed in the paper a page Boy wanted, and begs to say J. Cole +is over thertene, and I can clene plate, wich my brutther is under a +butler and lernd me, and I can wate, and no how to clene winders and +boots. J. Cole opes you will let me cum. I arsks 8 and all found. if you +do my washin I will take sevven. J. Cole will serve you well and opes to +giv sattisfaxshun. i can cum tomorrer. J. COLE. + +"P.S.--He is not verry torl but growin. My brutther is a verry good +hite. i am sharp and can rede and rite and can hadd figgers if you +like." + + * * * * * * * + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +I had advertised for a page-boy, and having puzzled through some dozens +of answers, more or less illegible and impossible to understand, had +come to the last one of the packet, of which the above is an exact copy. + +The epistle was enclosed in a clumsy envelope, evidently home-made, +with the aid of scissors and gum, and was written on a half-sheet of +letter-paper, in a large hand, with many blots and smears, on pencilled +lines. + +There was something quaint and straightforward in the letter, in spite +of the utter ignorance of grammar and spelling; and while I smiled at +the evident pride in the "brutther" who was a "verry good hite," and +the offer to take less wages if "I would do his washin," I found myself +wondering what sort of waif upon the sea of life was this not very tall +person, over thirteen, who "would serve me well." + +I had many letters to answer and several appointments to make, and +had scarcely made up my mind whether or not to trouble to write to my +accomplished correspondent, who was "sharp, and could rede and rite, and +hadd figgers," when, a shadow falling on the ground by me as I sat by +the open window, I looked up, and saw, standing opposite my chair, a +boy,--the very smallest boy, with the very largest blue eyes I ever saw. +The clothes on his little limbs were evidently meant for somebody almost +double his size, but they were clean and tidy. + +In one hand he held a bundle, tied in a red handkerchief, and in the +other a bunch of wild-flowers that bore signs of having travelled far in +the heat of the sun, their blossoms hanging down, dusty and fading, and +their petals dropping one by one on the ground. + +"Who are you, my child?" I said, "and what do you want?" + +At my question the boy placed his flowers on my table, and, pulling off +his cap, made a queer movement with his feet, as though he were trying +to step backwards with both at once, and said, in a voice so deep that +it quite startled me, so strangely did it seem to belong to the size of +the clothes, and not the wearer,-- + +"Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to live with yer. I've brought +all my clothes, and every think." + +For the moment I felt a little bewildered, so impossible did it seem +that the small specimen of humanity before me was actually intending to +enter anybody's service; he looked so childish and wistful, and yet with +a certain honesty of purpose shining out of those big, wide-open eyes, +that interested me in him, and made me want to know more of him. + +"You are very small to go into service," I said, "and I am afraid you +could not do the work I should require; besides, you should have waited +to hear from me, and then have come to see me, if I wanted you to do +so." + +"Yes, I know I'm not very big," said the boy, nervously fidgeting with +his bundle; "leastways not in hite; but my arms is that long, they'll +reach ever so 'igh above my 'ed, and as for bein' strong, you should +jest see me lift my father's big market basket when it's loaded with +'taters, or wotever is for market, and I hope you'll not be angry +because I come to-day; but Dick--that's my brutther Dick--he says, 'You +foller my advice, Joe,' he says, 'and go arter this 'ere place, and +don't let no grass grow under your feet. I knows what it is goin' arter +places; there's such lots a fitin' after 'em, that if you lets so much +as a hour go afore yer looks 'em up, there's them as slips in fust gets +it; and wen yer goes to the door they opens it and sez, "It ain't no +use, boy, we're sooted;" and then where are yer, I'd like to know? 'So,' +sez he, 'Joe, you look sharp and go, and maybe you'll get it.' So I +come, mum, and please, that's all." + +"But about your character, my boy," I said. "You must have somebody to +speak for you, and say you are honest, and what you are able to do. I +always want a good character with my servants; the last page-boy I had +brought three years' good character from his former situation." + +"Lor!" said Joe, with a serious look, "did he stay three years in a +place afore he came to you? Wotever did he leave them people for, where +he were so comfortable? If I stay with you three years, you won't catch +me a leavin' yer, and goin' somewheres else. Wot a muff that chap was!" + +I explained that it did not always depend on whether a servant wanted to +stay or not, but whether it suited the employers to keep him. + +"'Praps he did somethin', and they giv' 'im the sack," murmured Joe; "he +was a flat!" + +"But about this character of yours," I said; "if I decide to give you a +trial, although I am almost sure you are too small, and won't do, where +am I to go for your character? Will the people where your brother lives +speak for you?" + +"Oh, yes!" cried the little fellow, his cheeks flushing; "I know Dick'll +ask 'em to give me a caricter. Miss Edith, I often cleaned 'er boots. +Once she come 'ome in the mud, and was a-goin' out agin directly; and +they was lace-ups, and a orful bother to do up even; and she come into +the stable-yard with 'er dog, and sez: 'Dick, will you chain Tiger up, +and this little boy may clean my boots if he likes, on my feet?' So I +cleaned 'em, and she giv' me sixpence; and after that, when the boots +come down in the mornin', I got Dick always to let me clean them little +boots, and I kep 'em clean in the insides, like the lady's maid she told +me not to put my 'ands inside 'em if they was black. Miss Edith, she'll +giv me a caricter, if Dick asks 'er." + +Just then the visitors' bell rang; and I sent my would-be page into the +kitchen to wait until I could speak to him again, and told him to ask +the cook to give him something to eat. + +"Here are your flowers," I said; "take them with you." + +He looked at me, and then, as if ashamed of having offered them, +gathered them up in his hands, and with the corner of the red +handkerchief wiped some few leaves and dust-marks off my table, then +saying in a low voice, "I didn't know you 'ad beauties of yer own, like +them in the glass pots, but I'll giv' 'em to the cook." So saying, he +went away into the kitchen, and my visitors came in, and by and by some +more friends arrived. + +The weather was very warm, and we sat chattering and enjoying the +shade of the trees by the open French window. Presently, somebody being +thirsty, I suggested lemonade and ice, and I offered strawberries, +and (if possible) cream; though my mind misgave me as to the latter +delicacy, for we had several times been obliged to do without some of +our luxuries if they entailed "_fetching_," as we had no boy to run +errands quickly on an emergency and be useful. However, I rang the +bell; and when the housemaid, whose temper, since she had been what is +curiously termed in servants'-hall language "single-handed," was most +trying, entered, I said, "Make some lemonade, Mary, and ask cook to +gather some strawberries quickly, and bring them, with some cream." + +Mary looked at me as who should say, "Well, I'm sure! and who's to do it +all? You'll have to wait a bit." And I know we should have to wait, and +therefore resigned myself to do so patiently, keeping up the ball of +gossip, and wondering if a little music later on would perhaps while +away the time. + +Much to my amazement, in less than a quarter of an hour Mary entered +with the tray, all being prepared; and directly I looked at the +strawberry-bowl I detected a novel feature in the table decoration. A +practised hand had evidently been at work; but whose? Mary was far too +matter-of-fact a person. Food, plates, knives and forks, glasses, and a +cruet-stand were all she ever thought necessary; and even for a centre +vase of flowers I had to ask, and often to insist, during the time she +was single-handed. + +But here was my strawberry-bowl, a pretty one, even when unadorned, +with its pure white porcelain stem, intwined with a wreath of blue +convolvulus, and then a spray of white, the petals just peeping over +the edge of the bowl, and resting near the luscious red fruit; the +cream-jug, also white, had twining flowers of blue, and round the +lemonade-jug, of glass, was a wreath of yellow blossoms. + +"How exquisite!" exclaimed we all. "What fairy could have bestowed such +a treat to our eyes and delight to our sense of the beautiful?" + +I supposed some friend of the cook's or Mary's had been taking lessons +in the art of decoration, and had given us a specimen. + +Soon after, my friends having gone, I thought of J. Cole waiting to be +dismissed, and sent for him. + +Cook came in, and with a preliminary "Ahem!" which I knew of old meant, +"I have an idea of my own, and I mean to get it carried out," said, +"Oh, if you please 'm, if I might be so bold, did you think serious of +engagin' the boy that's waitin' in the kitchen?" + +"Why do you ask, Cook?" I said. + +"Well, ma'am," she replied, trying to hide a laugh, "of course it's not +for me to presume; but, if I might say a word for him, I think he's the +very handiest and the sharpest one we've ever had in this house, and +we've had a many, as you know. Why, if you'd only have seen him when +Mary come in in her tantrums at 'aving to get the tray single-handed, +and begun a-grumblin' and a-bangin' things about, as is her way, being +of a quick temper, though, as I tells her, too slow a-movin' of herself. +As I were a-sayin', you should have seen that boy. If he didn't up and +leave his bread and butter and mug of milk, as he was a-enjoyin' of as +'arty as you like, and, 'Look 'ere,' says he, 'giv' me the jug. I'll +make some fine drink with lemons. I see Dick do it often up at his +place. Giv' me the squeezer. Wait till I washes my 'ands. I won't be +a minnit.' Then in he rushes into the scullery, washes his hands, runs +back again in a jiffy. 'Got any snow sugar? I mean all done fine like +snow.' I gave it him; and, sure enough, his little hands moved that +quick, he had made the lemonade before Mary would have squeezed a lemon. +'Where do yer buy the cream?' he says next. 'I'll run and get it while +you picks the strawberries.' Perhaps it wasn't right, me a trustin' him, +being a stranger, but he was that quick I couldn't say no. Up he takes +the jug, and was off; and when I come in from the garden with the +strawberries, if he hadn't been and put all them flowers on the things. +He begs my pardon for interfering like, and says, 'I 'ope you'll excuse +me a-doin' of it, but the woman at the milk-shop said I might 'ave 'em; +and I see the butler where Dick lives wind the flowers about like that, +and 'ave 'elped 'im often; and, please, I paid for the cream, because +I'd got two bob of my own, Dick giv' me on my birthday. Oh, I do 'ope, +Mrs. Cook,' he says, 'that the lady'll take me; I 'll serve 'er well, I +will, indeed;' and then he begins to cry and tremble, poor little chap, +for he'd been running about a lot, and never eaten or drank what I +gave him, because he wanted to help, and it was hot in the kitchen, I +suppose, and he felt faint like, but there he is, crying; and just now, +when the bell rung, which was two great big boys after the place, he +says, 'Oh, please say "We're sooted," and ask the lady if I may stay.' +So, I've taken the liberty, ma'am," said Cook, "for somehow I like that +little chap, and there's a deal in him, I do believe." + +So saying, Cook retired; and, in a moment, J. Cole was standing in her +place, the blue eyes brimming over with tears, and an eager anxiety as +to what his fate would be making his poor little hands clutch at his +coat-sleeves, and his feet shuffle about so nervously, that I had not +the courage to grieve him by a refusal. + +"Well, Joseph," I said, "I have decided to give you a month's trial. I +shall write to the gentleman who employs your brother; and if he speaks +well of you, you may stay." + +"And may I stay now, please?" he said. "May I stay before you gets any +answer to your letter to say I'm all right? I think you'd better let me; +there ain't no boy; and Mrs. Cook and Mary'll 'ave a lot to do. I can +stay in the stable, if you don't like to let me be in the house, afore +you writes the letter." + +"No, Joe," I replied: "you may not be a good, honest boy, but I think +you are; and you shall stay here. Now go back to Mrs. Wilson, and finish +your milk, and eat something more if you can, then have a good rest and +a wash; they will show you where you are to sleep, and at dinner, this +evening, I shall see if you can wait at table." + +"Thank you very kindly," said the boy, his whole face beaming with +delight, "and I'll be sure and do everythink I can for you." Then he +went quickly out of the room; for I could see he was quite overcome, now +that the uncertainty was over. + +Alone once more, I reasoned with myself, and felt I was doing an unwise +thing. Just at that time my husband was away on business for some +months; and I had no one to advise me, and no one to say me nay either. +My conscience told me my husband would say, "We cannot tell who this boy +is, where he has lived, or who are his associates; he may be connected +with a gang of thieves for what we know to the contrary. Wait, and have +proper references before trusting him in the house." + +And he would be right to say so to me, but not every one listens to +conscience when it points the opposite way to inclination. Well, J. Cole +remained; and when I entered the dining-room, to my solitary dinner, he +was there, with a face shining from soap and water, his curls evidently +soaped too, to make them go tidily on his forehead. The former page +having left his livery jacket and trousers, Mary had let Joe dress in +them, at his earnest request. + +She told me afterwards that he had sewn up the clothes in the neatest +manner wherever they could be made smaller; and the effect of the +jacket, which he had stuffed out in the chest with hay, as we discovered +by the perfume, was very droll. He had a great love of bright colors, +and the trousers being large, showed bright red socks; the jacket +sleeves being much too short for the long arms, of which he was so +proud, allowed the wristbands of a vivid blue flannel shirt to be seen. + +I was alone, so could put up with this droll figure at my elbow; but +the seriousness of his face was such a contrast to the comicality of the +rest of him, that I found myself beginning to smile every now and then, +but directly I saw the serious eyes on me, I felt obliged to become +grave at once. + +The waiting at table I could not exactly pronounce a success; for, +although Joe's quick eyes detected in an instant if I wanted anything, +his anxiety to be "first in the field," and give Mary no chance of +instructing him in his duties, made him collide against her more than +once in his hasty rushes to the sideboard and back to my elbow with the +dishes, which he generally handed to me long before he reached me, his +long arms enabling him to reach me with his hands while he was yet some +distance from me, and often on the wrong side. I also noticed when I +wanted water he lifted the water-bottle on high, and poured as though +it was something requiring a "head." Mary nearly caused a catastrophe +at that moment by frowning at him, and saying, sotto voce, "Whatever are +you doing? Is that the way to pour out water? It ain't hale, stoopid!" + +Joe's face became scarlet; and to hide his confusion he seized a +dish-cover, and hastily went out of the room with it, returning in a +moment pale and serious as became one who at heart was every inch a +family butler with immense responsibilities. + +Joe was quiet and sharp, quick and intelligent; but I could see he was +quite new to waiting at table. To remove a dish was, I could see, his +greatest dread; and it amused me to see the cleverness with which he +managed that Mary should do that part of the duty. + +When only my plate and a dish remained to be cleared away, he would +slowly get nearer as I got towards the last morsel, and before Mary had +time, would take my plate, and go quite slowly to the sideboard with it, +leisurely remove the knife and fork, watching meanwhile in the mirror +if Mary was about to take the dish away; if not he would take something +outside, or bring a decanter, and ask if I wanted wine. + +I was, however, pleased to find him no more awkward, as I feared he +would have been, and when, having swept the grate and placed my solitary +wineglass and dessert-plate on the table, he retired, softly closing the +door after him, I felt I should make something of J. Cole, and hoped his +character would be good. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +The next morning a tastefully arranged vase of flowers in the centre of +the breakfast-table, and one magnificent rose and bud by my plate, were +silent but eloquent appeals to my interest on behalf of my would-be +page; and when Joe himself appeared, fresh from an hour's self-imposed +work in my garden, I saw he had become quite one of the family; for +Bogie, my little terrier, usually very snappish to strangers, and who +considered all boys as his natural enemies, was leaping about his +feet, evidently asking for more games, and our old magpie was perched +familiarly on his shoulder. + +"Good-morning, Joe," I said. "You are an early riser, I can see, by the +work you have already done in the garden." + +"Why, yes," replied Joe, blushing, and touching an imaginary cap; "I'm +used to bein' up. There was ever so much to do of a mornin' at 'ome; and +I 'ad to 'elp father afore I could go to be with Dick, and I was with +Dick a'most every mornin' by seven, and a good mile and a arf to walk to +'is place. Shall I bring in the breakfust, mum? Mary's told me what to +do." + +Having given permission, Joe set to work to get through his duties, this +time without any help, and I actually trembled when I saw him enter with +a tray containing all things necessary for my morning meal, he looked so +over-weighted; but he was quite equal to it as far as landing the tray +safely on the sideboard. But, alas! then came the ordeal; not one thing +did poor Joe know where to place, and stood with the coffeepot in his +hand, undecided whether it went before me, or at the end of the table, +or whether he was to pour out my coffee for me. + +I saw he was getting very nervous, so took it from him, and in order to +put him at his ease, I remarked,-- + +"I think, perhaps, I had better show you, Joe, just for once, how I like +my breakfast served, for every one has little ways of their own, you +know; and you will try to do it my way when you know how I like it, +won't you?" + +Thereupon I arranged the dishes, etc., for him, and his big eyes +followed my every movement. The blinds wanted pulling down a little +presently, and then I began to realize one of the drawbacks in having +such a very small boy as page. Joe saw the sun's rays were nearly +blinding me, and wanted to shut them out; but on attempting to reach the +tassel attached to the cord, it was hopelessly beyond his reach. In vain +were the long arms stretched to their utmost, till the sleeves of the +ex-page's jacket retreated almost to Joe's elbows, but no use. + +I watched, curious to see what he would do. + +"Please 'm, might I fetch an 'all chair?" said Joe; "I'm afraid I'm +not big enuf to reach the tossle, but I won't pull 'em up so 'igh +to-morrow." + +I gave permission, and carefully the chair was steered among my tables +and china pots. Then Joe mounted, and by means of rising on the tips of +his toes he was able to accomplish the task of lowering the blinds. + +I noticed at that time that Joe wore bright red socks, and I little +thought what a shock those bright-colored hose were to give me later on +under different circumstances. + +That evening I had satisfactory letters regarding Joe's character, and +by degrees he became used to his new home, and we to him. His quaint +sayings and wonderful love of the truth, added to extreme cleanliness, +made him welcome in the somewhat exclusive circle in which my +housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, reigned supreme. + +Many a hearty burst of laughter came to me from the open kitchen-window +across the garden in the leisure hour, when, the servants' tea being +over, they sat at work, while Joe amused them with his stories and +reminiscences of the sayings and doings of his wonderful brother Dick. + +This same Dick was evidently the one being Joe worshipped on earth, and +to keep his promises to Dick was a sacred duty. + +"You don't know our Dick, Mrs. Wilson," said Joe, to the old +housekeeper; "if you did, you'd understand why I no more dare go agen +wot Dick told me, than I dare put my 'and in that 'ere fire. When I were +quite a little chap, I took some big yaller plums once, out of one of +the punnits father was a-packin' for market, and I eat 'em. I don't know +to this hour wot made me take them plums; but I remember they were such +prime big uns, big as eggs they was, and like lumps of gold, with a sort +of blue shade over 'em. Father were very partikler about not 'avin' the +fruit 'andled and takin' the bloom off, and told me to cover 'em well +with leaves. It was a broilin' 'ot day, and I was tired, 'avin' been +stoopin' over the baskits since four in the morning, and as I put the +leaves over the plums I touched 'em; they felt so lovely and cool, and +looked so juicy-like, I felt I must eat one, and I did; there was just +six on 'em, and when I'd bin and eat one, there seemed such a empty +place left in the punnit, that I knew father'd be sure to see it, so I +eat 'em all, and then threw the punnit to one side. Just then, father +comes up and says, "Count them punnits, Dick! there ought to be forty +on 'em. Twenty picked large for Mr. Moses, and twenty usuals for +Marts!"--two of our best customers they was. Well, Dick, he counts 'em, +and soon misses one. 'Thirty-eight, thirty-nine,' he sez, and no more; +'but 'ere's a empty punnit,' he sez. I was standing near, feelin' awful, +and wished I'd said I'd eat the plums afore Dick begun to count 'em, but +I didn't, and after that I couldn't. 'Joe!' sez Dick, 'I wants yer! 'Ow +come this empty punnit 'ere, along of the others? there's plums bin +in it, I can see, 'cos it's not new. Speak up, youngster!' I looked +at Dick's face, Mrs. Wilson, and his eyes seemed to go right into my +throat, and draw the truth out of me. 'Speak up,' he sez, a-gettin' +cross; 'if you've prigged 'em, say so, and you'll get a good hidin' +from me, for a-doin' of it; but if you tells me a lie, you'll get such a +hidin' for that as 'll make you remember it all your life; so speak up, +say you did it, and take your hidin' like a brick, and if you didn't +prig 'em, say who did, 'cos you must 'av' seen 'em go.' + +"I couldn't do nothin', Mrs. Wilson, but keep my 'ed down, and blubber +out, 'Please, Dick, I eat 'em.' + +"'Oh, you did, yer young greedy, did yer,' he sez; 'I'm glad yer didn't +tell me a lie. I've got to giv' yer a hidin', Joe; but giv' us yer 'and, +old chap, first, and mind wot I sez to yer: "_Own up to it, wotever you +do_," and take your punishment; it's 'ard to bear, but when the smart +on it's over yer forgets it; but if yer tells a lie to save yerself, yer +feels the smart of _that_ always; yer feels ashamed of yerself whenever +yer thinks of it.' And then Dick give me a thrashin', he did, but I +never 'ollered or made a row, tho' he hit pretty 'ard. And, Mrs. Wilson, +I never could look in Dick's face if I told a lie, and I never shall +tell one, I 'ope, as long as ever I live. You should just see Dick, Mrs. +Wilson, he is a one-er, he is." + +"Lor' bless the boy," said Mary, the housemaid; "why, if he isn't +a-cryin' now. Whatever's the matter? One minnit you're makin' us larf +fit to kill ourselves, and then you're nearly makin' us cry with your +Dick, and your great eyes runnin' over like that. Now get away, and take +the dogs their supper, and see if you can't get a bit of color in your +cheeks before you come back." + +So off Joe went, and soon the frantic barking in the stable-yard showed +he had begun feeding his four-footed pets. + +Time went on; it was a very quiet household just then--my husband away +in America, and my friends most of them enjoying their summer abroad, +or at some seaside place--all scattered here and there until autumn was +over, and then we were to move to town, and spend the winter season at +our house there. I hoped my dear sister and her girls would then +join us, and, best of all, my dear husband be home to make our circle +complete. + +Day by day Joe progressed in favor with everybody; his size was always a +trouble, but his extreme good nature made everybody willing to help +him over his difficulties. He invented all sorts of curious tools for +reaching up to high places; and the marvels he would perform with a long +stick and a sort of claw at the end of it were quite astonishing. + +I noticed whenever I spoke of going to town Joe did not seem to look +forward to the change with any pleasure, although he had never been to +London, he told me; but Dick had been once with his father, and had +seen lots of strange things; among others a sad one, that made a great +impression on Dick, and he had told the tale to Joe, so as to have +almost as great an effect on him. + +It appeared that one night Dick and his father were crossing Waterloo +Bridge, and had seen a young girl running quickly along, crying +bitterly. Dick tried to keep up with her, and asked her what was the +matter. She told him to let her alone, that she meant to drown herself, +for she had nothing to live for, and was sick of her life. Dick +persuaded her to tell him her grief, and heard from her that her mother +and father had both been drowned in a steamer, and she was left with a +little brother to take care of; he had been a great trouble to her, and +had been led away by bad companions until he became thoroughly wicked. +She had been a milliner, and had a room of her own, and paid extra for a +little place where her brother could sleep. She fed and clothed him out +of her earnings, although he was idle, and cruel enough to scold and +abuse her when she tried to reason with him, and refused to let him +bring his bad companions to her home. At last he stole nearly all +she had, and pawned it; and among other things, some bonnets and caps +belonging to the people who employed her, given as patterns for her +to copy. These she had to pay for, and lost her situation besides. By +degrees all her clothes, her home, and all she had, went for food; and +then this wicked boy left her, and the next thing she knew was that he +had been taken up with a gang of burglars concerned in a jewel robbery. +That day she had seen him in prison, and he was to be transported for +seven years; so the poor creature, mad with grief, was about to end her +life. Dick and his father would not leave her until she was quiet, and +promised them she would go and get a bed and supper with the money they +gave her, and they promised to see her again the next day at a place +she named. The next morning they went to the address, and found a crowd +round the house. Somebody said a young woman had thrown herself out of +a window, and had been taken up dead. It was too true; and the girl was +the wretched, heart-broken sister they had helped over night. Her grief +had been too much for her, and, poor thing, she awoke to the light of +another day, and could not face it alone and destitute; so, despairing, +she had ended her life. They went to the hospital, and were allowed to +see all that remained of the poor creature; and Dick's description of it +all, and his opinion that the brother "might have been just such another +little chap at first as Joe," and "What would that brother feel," said +Dick, "when he knew what he had done? for he done it," said Dick; "he +done that girl to death, the same as if he'd shov'd her out of that +winder hisself." + +"And," said Joe, "I wonder if them chaps is goin' about London now wot +led her brother wrong? I don't like London; and I wish we could stop +'ere." + +I assured Joe that in London there was no danger of meeting such people +if he kept to himself, and made no friends of strangers. + +Joe was also much afraid of having to wait at table when there were +guests. In spite of all I could do, he was hopelessly nervous and +confused when he had to wait on more than two or three people; and as I +expected to entertain a good deal when we were in town, I could not help +fearing Joe would be unequal to the duties. + +I could not bear the idea of parting with the little fellow, for, +added to his good disposition, Joe, in his dark brown livery, with gilt +buttons, his neat little ties, and clean hands; his carefully brushed +curls, by this time trained into better order, and shining like +burnished gold in the sun; his tiny feet, with the favorite red socks, +which he could and did darn very neatly himself when they began to wear +out (and when he bought new ones they were always bright red),--Joe, let +me tell you, was quite an ornament in our establishment, and the envy +of several boys living in families round about, who tried in vain to +get acquainted with him, but he would not be friends, although he always +refused their advances with civil words. + +Sometimes a boy would linger when bringing a note or message for me, and +try to draw Joe into conversation. In a few minutes I would hear Joe's +deep voice say, "I think you had better go on now. I've got my work to +do, and I reckon you've got yours a-waiting for yer at your place." Then +the side-door would shut, and Joe was bustling about his work. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +In the beginning of October we arrived in London. There had been much +packing up, and much extra work for everybody, and Joe was in his +element. + +What those long arms, and that willing heart, and those quick little +hands got through, nobody but those he helped and worked for could tell. +Whatever was wanted Joe knew where to find it. Joe's knife was ready to +cut a stubborn knot; Joe's shoulders ready to be loaded with as heavy +a weight as any man could carry. More than once I met him coming +down-stairs with large boxes he himself could almost have been packed +in, and he declared he did not find them too heavy. + +"You see, Missis," he said, "I'm that strong now since I've been here, +with all the good food I gets, and bein' so happy like, that I feel +almost up to carryin' anythink. I do believe I could lift that there +pianner, if somebody would just give it a hoist, and let me get hold of +it easy." + +Yes, Joe was strong and well, and I am sure, happy, and I had never had +a single misgiving about him since he stood with his fading flowers and +shabby clothes at my window that summer day. + +At last we were settled in town, and the winter season beginning. Our +house was situated in the West End of London, a little beyond Bayswater. +One of a row of detached houses, facing another row exactly similar in +every way, except that the backs of those we lived in had small gardens, +with each its own stable wall at the end, with coachman's rooms above, +the front of the stable facing the mews, and having the entrance from +there; the mews ran all along the backs of these houses. On the opposite +side the houses facing ours had their gardens and back windows facing +the high-road, and no stables. There was a private road belonging to +this, Holling Park as it was called, and a watchman to keep intruders +out, and to stop organ-grinders, beggars, and such invaders of the peace +from disturbing us. + +Somehow I was never as comfortable as in my snug cottage in the country. +Rich, fashionable people lived about us, and all day long kept up the +round of "society life." + +In the morning the large handsome houses would seem asleep, nothing +moving inside or out, except a tradesman's cart, calling for orders, +or workmen putting up or taking down awnings, at some house where there +would be, or had been, a ball or entertainment of some kind. About +eleven a carriage or two would be driven round from the mews, and stop +before a house to take some one for a morning drive; but very seldom +was anybody on foot seen about. In the afternoon it was +different,--carriages rolled along incessantly, and streams of afternoon +callers were going and coming from the houses when the mistress was +"at home;" and at my door, too, soon began the usual din of bell and +knocker. Joe was quite equal to the occasion, and enjoyed Friday, the +day I received. Dressed in his very best, and with a collar that kept +his chin in what seemed to me a fearful state of torture, but added to +his height by at least half an inch, Joe stood behind the hall-door, +ready to open it directly the knocker was released. He ushered in the +guests as though "to the manner born," giving out the names correctly, +and with all the ease of an experienced groom of the chambers. + +The conservatory leading out of the drawing-room was Joe's especial +pride; it was his great pleasure to syringe the hanging baskets, a + were spent in little surprises for me in the form of pots of musk, +maiden-hair, or anything he could buy; his wages were all sent home, and +he only kept for his own whatever he had given to him, and sometimes a +guest would "tip" him more generously than I liked, for his bright eyes +and ready hands were always at everybody's service. + +After my husband's return home, who from the first became Joe's especial +care, as to boots, brushing of clothes, etc., it became necessary to +give two or three dinner-parties, and I must confess I felt nervous as +to how Joe would acquit himself. + +In our dining-room was a very large bear-skin rug, and the floor being +polished oak, it was dangerous to step on this rug, for it would slip +away from the feet on the smooth surface, and even the dogs avoided it, +so many falls had they met with upon it. + +The first day of my husband's arrival we had my sister and a friend to +dine, and had been talking about Joe in the few moments before dinner. + +My husband had been laughing at the size of my page, and scolding me a +little, or rather pretending to do so, for taking a written character. + +"Little woman," he said, "don't be surprised if one night a few country +burglars make us a visit, and renew their acquaintance with Mr. J. +Cole." + +"You don't know Joe," I replied, "or you would never say that." + +"Do you know him so well, little wife?" said my dear sensible husband; +"remember he has only been in our service six months. In the country he +had very little of value in his hands, but here, it seems to me, he +has too much. All the plate, and indeed everything of value, is in his +pantry, and he is a very young boy to trust. One of the women servants +should take charge of the plate-chest, I think. Where does this paragon +sleep?" + +"Down-stairs," I said, "next to the kitchen, at the back of the +house; and you should see how carefully every night he looks to the +plate-basket, counts everything, and then asks Mrs. Wilson to see it is +right, locks it up, and gives her the key to take care of. No one can +either open or carry away an iron safe easily, and there is nothing else +worth taking; besides, I know Joe is honest, I feel it." + +"Well, I hope so, dear," was my husband's reply, but I could see he was +not quite comfortable about it. + +At dinner that day Joe had an accident; he was dreadfully nervous, as +usual, and when waiting, he forgot to attend to my guests first, but +always came to me. The parlor-maid, a new one, and not a great favorite +with Joe, made matters worse by correcting him in an audible voice; and +once, when somebody wanted oyster-sauce, she told Joe to hand it. The +poor boy, wishing to obey quickly, forgot to give the bear-skin a wide +berth, slipped on it, and in a moment had fallen full length, having in +his fall deposited the contents of the sauce-tureen partly into a blue +leather armchair, and the rest onto my sister's back. + +The boy's consternation was dreadful. I could see he was completely +overcome with fright and sorrow for what he had done. He got up, and all +his trembling lips could say was, "Oh, please, I'm so sorry; it was the +bear as tripped me up. I am so very sorry." + +Even my husband could scarcely keep from smiling, the sorrow was so +genuine, the sense of shame so true. + +"There, never mind, Joe," he said kindly; "you must be more careful. Now +run and get a sponge, and do the best you can with it." + +After that Joe had the greatest terror of that treacherous skin, and I +heard him telling the parlor-maid about it. + +"You mind," he said, "or that bear'll ketch 'old of yer. I shan't forget +how he ketched 'old of my leg that day and knocked me over; so you'd +better take care, and not go nigher than you can 'elp. He's always +a-lookin' out to ketch yer, but he won't 'ave me no more, I can tell +him." + +This fall of Joe's made him still more nervous of waiting at table, and +at last, when he had made some very serious mistakes, I had to speak to +him and tell him I was afraid, if he did not soon learn to wait better, +I must send him away, for his master was annoyed at the mistakes he +made, such as pouring port instead of sherry, giving cold plates when +hot ones were required, handing dishes on the wrong side, etc. + +My little lecture was listened to quietly and humbly, and Joe had turned +to go away, when, to my surprise and distress, he suddenly burst into a +perfect passion of tears and sobs. + +"I will try and learn myself," he said, as well as his sobs would let +him, "indeed, I will. I know I'm stoopid. I sez to myself every +time company comes, 'I'll mind wot I'm about, and remember dishes +left-'anded, pour-in's out right, sherry wine's yeller, and port wine +afterwards with the nuts, grapes, and things; and the cruits when +there's fish, and begin with the strangerest lady next to master's side, +and 'elp missus last.' I knows it all, but when they're all sittin' +down, and everybody wantin' somethin', I don't know if Jane's a-goin' +to giv' it 'em, or I am; and I gets stoopid, and my 'ands shakes, and +somehow I can't do nothin'; but please don't send me away. I do like you +and the master. I'll ask Jane to learn me better. You see if I don't. +Oh, please'm, say you'll try me!" + +What could I say but "yes," and for a day or two Joe did better, but +we were a small party, and the waiting was easy; but shortly we were to +have a large dinner-party, and as the time drew near, Joe became quite +pale and anxious. + +About this time, too, I had been awakened at night by curious +sounds down-stairs, as of somebody moving about, and once I heard an +unmistakable fall of some heavy article. + +My husband assured me it was nothing alarming, and he went down-stairs, +but could neither hear or see anything unusual. All was quiet. + +Another night I felt sure I heard sounds down-stairs; and in spite of +my husband's advice to remain still, I called Mrs. Wilson, and entreated +her to come down to the kitchen-floor with me. It was so very easy, I +knew, for anybody to enter the house from the back, and there being +a deep area all round, they could work away with their tools at the +ground-floor back windows unseen. Any one could get on the top of +the stable from the mews, drop into the garden, and be safe; for the +watchman and policeman were on duty in the front of the house only, the +back was quite unprotected. True, there were iron bars to Joe's window +and the kitchen, but iron bars could be sawed through, and I lived in +dread of burglars. + +This night Mrs. Wilson and I went softly down, and as we neared the +kitchen stairs, I heard a voice say in a whisper, "Make haste!" + +"There, Mrs. Wilson, did you hear that?" I said. "Was that imagination?" + +"No, ma'am," she replied; "there's somebody talking, and I believe it's +in Joe's room. Let us go up and fetch the master." + +So we returned up-stairs, and soon my husband stood with us at the door +of Joe's room. + +"Open the door, Joe!" cried my husband. "Who have you got there?" + +"Nobody, please, sir," said a trembling voice. + +"Open the door at once!" said the master, and in a moment it was opened. +Joe stood there very pale, but with no sort of fear in his face. +There was nobody in the room, and as Joe had certainly been in bed, we +concluded he must have talked in his sleep, and, perhaps, walked about +also, for what we knew. + +The day before the dinner-party, Cook came and told me she felt sure +there was something wrong with Joe. He was so changed from what he used +to be; there was no getting him to wake in the morning, and he seemed so +heavy with sleep, as if he had no rest at night. Also Cook had proofs +of his having been in her kitchen after he was supposed to have gone to +bed; chairs were moved, and several things not where she had left them. +She had asked Joe, and he replied he did go into the kitchen, but would +not say what for. + +I did not like to talk to Joe that day, so decided to wait till after +the dinner, and I would then insist on the mystery being cleared up. +I knew Joe would tell the truth; my trust was unshaken, although +circumstances seemed against him. + +That night Mrs. Wilson came to my door, and said she was sure Joe was at +his nightwork again, for she could see from her bedroom window a light +reflected on the stable wall, which must be in his room. + +"How can we find out," I said, "what he is doing?" + +"That is easily done," said my husband. "We can go out at the +garden-door, and down the steps leading from the garden into the area; +they are opposite his window. We can look through the Venetian blinds, +if they are down, and see for ourselves. He won't be able to see us." + +Accordingly, having first wrapped up in our furs, we went down, and were +soon at Joe's window, standing in the area that surrounded the house. +The laths of the blind were some of them open, and between them we saw +distinctly all over the room. + +At first we could not understand the strange sight that met our gaze. + +In the middle of Joe's room was a table, spread with a cloth, and on +it saucers from flower-pots, placed at intervals down each side; before +each saucer a chair was placed, and in the centre of the table a high +basket, from which a Stilton cheese had been unpacked that morning,-this +was evidently to represent a tall _epergne_. On Joe's wash-stand were +several bottles, a jug, and by each flower-pot saucer two vessels of +some kind--by one, two jam-pots of different sizes; by another, a broken +specimen glass and a teacup--and so on; and from chair to chair moved +Joe, softly but quickly, on tiptoe, now with bottles which contained +water. We could see his lips move, and concluded he was saying something +to imaginary persons, for he would put a jampot on his tray, and pour +into it from the bottle, and then replace it. Sometimes he would go +quickly to his bed, which we saw represented the dinner-wagon, or +sideboard, and bring imaginary dishes from there and hand them. Then he +would go quickly from chair to chair, always correcting himself if he +went to the wrong side, and talking all the time softly to himself. So +here was the solution of the mystery; here melted into air the visions +of Joe in league with midnight burglars. + +The poor boy, evidently alarmed at the prospect of the dinner-party, and +feeling that he must try to improve in waiting at table before that time +somehow, had stolen all those hours nightly from his rest, to practise +with whatever substitutes were at hand for the usual table requisites. + +Here every night, when those who had worked far less during the day were +soundly sleeping, had that anxious, striving little heart shaken off +fatigue, and the big blue eyes refused to yield to sleep, in order to +fight with the nervousness that alone prevented his willing hands acting +with their natural cleverness. I felt a choking in my throat, when I saw +the thin, pale little face, that should have been on the pillow hours +before, lighted up with triumph as the supposed guests departed; the +dumb show of folding the dinner napkins belonging to myself and the +master, and putting them in their respective rings, told us the ordeal +was over. What a weird scene it was,--the dim light, the silent house, +the spread table, and the empty chairs! One could imagine ghostly +revellers, visible only to that one fragile attendant, who ministered +so willingly to their numerous wants. The sort of nervous thrill that +heralds hysterical attacks was rapidly overcoming me, and I whispered +to my husband, "Let us go now;" but he lingered yet a few seconds, and +silently drew my attention again to the window. + +Joe was on his knees by his bedside, his face hidden in his hands. What +silent prayer was ascending to the Throne of Grace, who shall say? I +only know that it were well if many a kneeling worshipper in "purple +and fine linen" could feel as sure of being heard as Joe did when, +his victory won, he knelt, in his humble servant's garb, and said his +prayers that night in spite of the aching head and weary limbs that +needed so badly the few hours' rest that remained before six o'clock, +the time Joe always got up. + +Silently we stole away, and in my mind from that moment my faith in Joe +never wavered. Not once, in spite of sad events that came to pass later +on, when even I, his staunchest friend, had to recall to memory that +kneeling little form in the silence of the night, alone with his God, in +order to stifle the cruel doubts of his truth that were forced upon us +all by circumstances I must soon relate. + +The famous dinner passed off well. Joe was splendid; his midnight +practice had brought its reward, and he moved about so swiftly, and +anticipated everybody's wants so well, that some of my friends asked me +where I got such a treasure of a page; he must have had a good butler or +footman to teach him, they said; he is evidently used to waiting on many +guests. I was proud of Joe. + +The next day he came to me with more than a sovereign in silver, and +told me the gentlemen had been so very kind to him, "and a'most every +one had given him somethin', tho' he never arst, or waited about, as +some fellers did, as if they wouldn't lose sight of a gent till he paid +'em. But," said Joe, "they would giv' it me; and one gent, he follered +me right up the passage, he did, and sez, 'Ere, you small boy,' he sez, +and he give me a whole 'arf-crown. Whatever for, I don't know." + +But I knew that must have been Dr. Loring, a celebrated physician, +and my husband's dearest friend. We had told him about Joe's midnight +self-teaching, and he had been much interested in the story. + +You little thought, Joe, the hand that patted your curly head so kindly +that night would one day hold your small wrist, and count its feeble +life-pulse beating slowly and yet more slowly, while we, who loved you, +should watch the clever, handsome face, trying in vain to read there the +blessed word "Hope." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +And now I must confess to those--for surely there will be a few--who +have felt a little interest, so far, in the fortunes of J. Cole, that +a period in my story has arrived when I would fain lay down my pen, and +not awaken the sleeping past, to recall the sad trouble that befell him. + +I am almost an old woman now, and all this happened many years ago, when +my hair was golden instead of silver. I was younger in those days, and +now am peacefully and hopefully waiting God's good time for my summons. +Troubles have been my lot, many and hard to bear. Loss of husband, +children, dear, good friends, many by death, and some troubles harder +even than those, the loss of trust, and bitter awakening to the +ingratitude and worthlessness of those in whom I have trusted,--all +these I have endured. Yet time and trouble have not sufficiently +hardened my heart that I can write of what follows without pain. +Christmas was over, and my dear husband again away for some months. As +soon as I could really say, "Spring is here," we were to leave London +for our country home; and Joe was constantly talking to Mrs. Wilson +about his various pets, left behind in the gardener's care. There was an +old jackdaw, an especial favorite of his, a miserable owl, too, who +had met with an accident, resulting in the loss of an eye; a more +evil-looking object than "Cyclops," as my husband christened him, I +never saw. Sometimes on a dark night this one eye would gleam luridly +from out the shadowy recesses of the garden, and an unearthly cry of +"Hoo-oo-t," fall on the ear, enough to give one the "creeps for a hour," +as Mary, the housemaid, said. But Joe loved Cyclops, or rather "Cloppy," +as he called him; and the bird hopped after Joe about the garden, as if +he quite returned the feeling. + +All our own dogs, and two or three maimed ones, and a cat or two, more +or less hideous, and indebted to Joe's mercy in rescuing them from +traps, snares, etc.,--all these creatures were Joe's delight. Each +week the gardener's boy wrote a few words to Joe of their health and +wonderful doings, and each week Joe faithfully sent a shilling, to be +laid out in food for them. Then there was Joe's especial garden, also +a sort of hospital, or convalescent home rather, where many blighted, +unhealthy-looking plants and shrubs, discarded by the gardener, and cast +aside to be burnt on the weed-heap, had been rescued by Joe, patiently +nursed and petted as it were into life again by constant care and +watching, and, after being kept in pots a while, till they showed, by +sending forth some tiny shoot or bud, that the sap of life was once more +circulating freely, were then planted in the sheltered corner he called +"his own." + +What treasures awaited him in this small square of earth. What bunches +of violets he would gather for the Missis; and his longing to get back +to his various pets, and his garden, was the topic of conversation on +many a long evening between Joe and Mrs. Wilson. + +Little Bogie, the fox-terrier, was the only dog we had with us in town, +and Bogie hated London. After the quiet country life, the incessant +roll of carriages, tramping of horses, and callings of coachmen, shrill +cab-whistles, and all the noises of a fashionable neighborhood at night +during a London season, were most objectionable to Bogie; he could not +rest, and often Joe got out of bed in the night, and took him in his +arms, to prevent his waking all of us, with his shrill barking at the +unwonted sounds. + +As I have said before, I am very nervous, and the prospect of spending +several more weeks in the big London house, without my husband, was far +from pleasant; so I invited my widowed sister and her girls to stay with +me some time longer, and made up my mind to banish my fears, and +think of nothing but that the dark nights would be getting shorter and +shorter, and meanwhile our house was well protected, as far as good +strong bolts and chains could do so. + +One night I felt more nervous than usual. I had expected a letter from +America for some days past, and none had arrived. On this evening I +knew the mail was due, and I waited anxiously for the last ring of the +postman at ten o'clock; but I was doomed to listen in vain. There was +the sharp, loud ring next door, but not at ours; and I went to my room +earlier than the others, really to give way to a few tears that I could +not control. + +I sat by my bedroom fire, thinking, and, I am afraid, conjuring up all +sorts of terrible reasons for my dear husband's silence, until I +must have fallen asleep, for I awoke chilly and cramped from the +uncomfortable posture I had slept in. The fire was out, and the house +silent as the grave; not even a carriage passing to take up some late +guest. I looked at the clock, half-past three, and then from my window. +It was that "darkest hour before dawn," and I hurried into bed, and +endeavored to sleep; but no, I was hopelessly wide awake. No amount of +counting, or mental exercise on the subject of "sheep going through a +hedge," had any effect, and I found myself lying awake, listening. Yes, +I knew that I was _listening for something that I should hear before +long, but I did not know what._ + +"Hark! what was that?"--a sudden thud, as if something had fallen +somewhere in the house; then silence, except for the loud beating of my +heart, that threatened to suffocate me. "Nonsense," I said to myself, "I +am foolishly nervous to-night. It is nothing here, or Bogie would bark;" +so I tried again to sleep. Hush! Surely that was a footstep going up or +down the stairs! I could not endure the agony of being alone any longer, +but would go to my sister's room, just across the landing, and get her +to come and stay the rest of the night with me. I put on my slippers and +dressing-gown, and opening my door, came face to face with my sister, +who was coming to me. + +"Let me come in," she said, "and don't let us alarm the girls; but I +feel certain something is going on down-stairs. Bogie barked furiously +an hour ago, and then was suddenly silent." + +"That must have been when I was asleep," I replied; "but no doubt Joe +heard him, and has taken him in." + +"That may be," said my sister, "but I have kept on hearing queer noises +at the back of the house; they seemed in Joe's room at first. Come and +listen yourself on the stairs." + +It is strange, but true, that many persons, horribly nervous at the +thought of danger, find all their presence of mind in full force when +actually called upon to face it. So it is with me, and so it was on that +night. I stood on the landing, and listened, and in a few moments heard +muffled sounds down-stairs, like persons moving about stealthily. + +"There is certainly somebody down there, Nelly," I said to my sister, +"and they are down in the basement. If we could creep down quietly +and get into the drawing-room, we might open the window and call the +watchman or policeman; both are on duty until seven." + +"But think," said my sister, "of the fright of the girls if they hear +us, and find they are left alone. The servants, too, will scream, and +rush about, as they always do. Let us go down and make sure there are +thieves, and then see what is best to be done. The door at the top of +the kitchen stairs is locked, so they must be down there; and perhaps if +we could get the watchman to come in quietly, we might catch them in +a trap, by letting him through the drawing-room, and into the +conservatory. He could get into the garden from there, and as they must +have got in that way from the mews, over the stable wall, and through +the garden, they would try to escape the same way, and the watchman +would be waiting for them, and cut off their retreat." + +I agreed, and we stole down-stairs into the drawing-room, where we +locked ourselves in, then very gently and carefully drew up one of +the side blinds of the bay window. The morning had begun to break, and +everything in the wide road was distinctly visible. In the distance I +could see the policeman on duty, but on the opposite side, and going +away from our house instead of towards it. He would turn the corner at +the top of the road, and go past the houses parallel with the backs of +our row, and then appear at the opposite end of the park, and come along +our side; there was no intermediate turning--nothing but an unbroken row +of about forty detached houses facing each other. + +What could we do? I dared not wait until the policeman came back; quite +twenty minutes must pass before then, and day being so near at hand, +the light was increasing every moment, and the burglars would surely +not leave without visiting the drawing-room and dining-room, and would +perhaps murder us to save themselves from detection. + +If I could only attract the policeman's attention, but how? + +My sister was close to the door listening, and every instant we dreaded +hearing them coming up the kitchen stairs. I could not understand Bogie +not barking, and Joe not waking, for where I was I could distinctly hear +the men moving about in the pantry and kitchen. + +"I wonder," I said to my sister, "if I could put something across from +this balcony to the stonework by the front steps? It seems such a little +distance, and if I could step across, I could open the front gate in an +instant, and run after the policeman. I shall try." + +"You will fall and kill yourself," my sister said; "the space is much +wider than you think." + +But I was determined to try; for if I let that policeman go out of +sight, what horrors might happen in the twenty minutes before he would +come back. + +The idea of one of the girls waking and calling out, or Joe waking and +being shot or stabbed, gave me a feeling of desperation, as though I +alone could and must save them. + +Luckily the house was splendidly built, every window-sash sliding +noiselessly and easily in its groove. I opened the one nearest to the +hall door steps, and saw that the stone ledge abutted to within about +two feet of the low balcony of the window; but I was too nervous to +trust myself to spring across even that distance. At that moment my +sister whispered:-- + +"I hear somebody coming up the kitchen stairs!" + +Desperately I cast my eyes round the room for something to bridge +the open space, that would bear my weight, if only for a moment. The +fender-stool caught my eye; that might do, it was strong, and more than +long enough. In an instant we had it across, and I was out of the window +and down the front steps. + + +As I turned the handle of the heavy iron gate, I looked down at the +front kitchen window. A man stood in the kitchen, and he looked up and +saw me--such a horrible-looking ruffian, too. Fear lent wings to my +feet, and I flew up the road. The watchman was just entering the park +from the opposite end; he saw me, and sounded his whistle; the policeman +turned and ran towards me. I was too exhausted to speak, and he caught +me, just as, having gasped "Thieves at 50!" (the number of our house), I +fell forward in a dead swoon. + +When I recovered, I was lying on my own bed, my sister, the scared +servants, and the policeman, all around me. From them I heard that +directly the man in the kitchen caught sight of me, he warned his +companion, who was busy forcing the lock of the door at the head of the +kitchen stairs, and my sister heard them both rushing across the garden, +where they had a ladder against the stable-wall. They must have pulled +this up after them, and tossed it into the next garden, where it +was found, to delay pursuit. The park-keeper had, after sounding his +whistle, rushed to our house, got in at the window, and ran to the door +at the top of the kitchen stairs, but it was quite impossible to open +it; the burglars had cleverly left something in the lock when disturbed, +and the key would not turn. He then went through the drawing-room into +the conservatory, where a glass door opened on the garden; but by the +time the heavy sliding glass panel was unfastened, and the inner door +unbolted, the men had disappeared. They took with them much less than +they hoped to have done, for there were parcels and packets of spoons, +forks, and a case of very handsome gold salt-cellars, a marriage gift, +always kept in a baize-lined chest in the pantry, the key of which I +retained, and which chest was supposed until now to be proof against +burglars; the lock had been burnt all round with some instrument, most +likely a poker heated in the gas, and then forced inwards from the burnt +woodwork. + +"How was it," I asked, "Joe did not wake during all this, or Bogie +bark?" + +As I asked the question, I noticed that my sister turned away; and Mrs. +Wilson, after vainly endeavoring to look unconcerned, threw her apron +suddenly over her head, and burst out crying. + +"What is the matter?" I said, sitting up; "what are you all hiding from +me? Send Joe to me; I will learn the truth from him." + +At this the policeman came forward, and then I heard that Joe was +missing, his room was in great disorder, and one of his shoes, evidently +dropped in his hurry, had been found in the garden, near some spoons +thrown down by the thieves; his clothes were gone, so he evidently had +dressed himself after pretending to go to bed as usual; his blankets and +sheets were taken away, used no doubt, the policeman said, to wrap up +the stolen things. + +"Is it possible," I asked, "that you suspect Joe is in league with these +burglars?" + +"Well, mum," said the man, "it looks queer, and very like it. He slept +down-stairs close to the very door where they got in; he never gives +no alarm, he must have been expecting something, or else why was he +dressed? And how did his shoe come in the garden? And what's more to the +point, if so be as he's innercent, where is he? These young rascals is +that artful, you'd be surprised to know the dodges they're up to." + +"But," I interrupted, "it is impossible, it is cruel to suspect him. +He is gone, true enough, but I'm sure he will come back. Perhaps he ran +after the men to try and catch them, and dropped his shoe then." + +"That's not likely, mum," said he, with a pitying smile at my ignorance +of circumstantial evidence; "he'd have called out to stop 'em, and it +'aint likely they'd have let him get up their ladder, afore chucking of +it into the next garden, if so be as he was a-chasing of 'em to get +'em took. No, mar'm; I'm very sorry, particular as you seem so kindly +disposed; but, in my humble opinion, he's a artful young dodger, and +this 'ere job has been planned ever so long, and he's connived at it, +and has hooked it along with his pals. I knows 'em, but we'll soon nab +him; and if so be as you'll be so kind as to let me take down in writin' +all you knows about 'J. Cole,' which is his name, I'm informed, where +you took him from, his character, and previous career, it will help +considerable in laying hands on him; and when he's found we'll soon find +his pals." + +Of course, I told all I knew about Joe. I felt positive he would come +back, perhaps in a few minutes, to explain everything. Besides, there +was Bogie, too. Why should he take Bogie? The policeman suggested that +"perhaps the dawg foller'd him, and he had taken it along with him, to +prevent being traced by its means." + +At length, all this questioning being over, the household settled down +into a sort of strange calm. It seemed to us days since we had said +"Good-night," and sought our rooms on that night, and yet it was only +twenty-four hours ago; in that short time how much had taken place! On +going over all the plate, etc., we missed many more things; and Mrs. +Wilson, whose faith in Joe's honesty never wavered, began to think the +poor boy might have been frightened at having slept through the robbery; +and as he was so proud of having the plate used every day in his charge, +when he discovered it had been stolen, he might have feared we should +blame him so much for it, that he had run away home to his people in his +fright, meaning to ask his father, or his adored Dick, to return to me +and plead for him. I thought, too, this was possible, for I knew how +terribly he would reproach himself for letting anything in his care be +stolen. I therefore made up my mind to telegraph to his father at once; +but, not to alarm him, I said:-- + +"Is Joe with you? Have reason to think he has gone home. Answer back." + +The answer came some hours after, for in those small villages +communication was difficult. The reply ran thus:-- + +"We have not seen Joe; if he comes to-night will write at once. Hoping +there is nothing wrong." + +So that surmise was a mistake, for Joe had money, and would go by train +if he went home, and be there in two hours. + +All the household sat up nearly all that night, or rested uncomfortably +on sofas and armchairs; we felt too unsettled to go to bed, though worn +out with suspense, and the previous excitement and fright. Officials and +detectives came and went during the evening, and looked about for traces +of the robbers, and before night a description of the stolen things, and +a most minute one of Joe, were posted outside the police-stations, and +all round London for miles. A reward of twenty pounds was offered for +Joe, and my heart ached to know there was a hue and cry after him like a +common thief. + +What would the old parents think? and how would Dick feel?--Dick whose +good counsels and careful training had made Joe what I _knew_ he was, in +spite of every suspicion. + +The next day I still felt sure he would come, and I went down into the +room where he used to sleep, and saw Mrs. Wilson had put all in order, +and fresh blankets sheets were on the little bed, all ready for him. So +many things put me in mind of the loving, gentle disposition. A little +flower-vase I valued very much had been broken by Bogie romping with one +of my nieces, and knocking it down. It was broken in more than twenty +pieces; and after I had patiently tried to mend it myself, and my +nieces, with still greater patience, had had their turn at it, we had +given it up as a bad job, and thought it had long ago gone onto the +dust-heap. + +There were some shelves on the wall of Joe's room where his treasures +were kept; and on one of these shelves, covered with an old white +handkerchief, was a little tray containing the vase, a bottle of cement, +and a camel's-hair brush. The mending was finished, all but two or three +of the smallest pieces, and beautifully done; it must have taken time, +and an amount of patience that put my efforts and those of the girls to +shame; but Joe's was a labor of love, and did not weary him. He would +probably have put it in its usual place one morning, when mended, and +said nothing about it until I found it out, and then confessed, in his +own queer way, "Please, I knew you was sorry it was broke, and so I +mended it;" then he would have hurried away, flushed with pleasure at my +few words of thanks and praise. + +On the mantelpiece were more of Joe's treasures, four or five cheap +photographs, the subjects quite characteristic of Joe. One of them was a +religious subject, "The Shepherd with a little lamb on his shoulders." +A silent prayer went up from my heart that somewhere that same Good +Shepherd was finding lost Joe, and bringing him safely back to us. + +There were some pebbles he had picked up during a memorable trip to +Margate with Dick, a year before I saw him; which pebbles he firmly +believed were real "aggits," and had promised to have them polished +soon, and made into brooch and earrings for Mrs. Wilson. + +There was a very old-fashioned photograph of myself that I had torn +in half, and thrown into the waste-paper basket. I saw this had been +carefully joined together and enclosed in a cheap frame--the only one +that could boast of being so preserved. I suppose Joe could only afford +one frame, and his sense of the fitness of things made him choose the +Missis's picture to be first honored. + +How sad I felt looking round the room! People may smile at my feeling so +sad and concerned about a servant, a common, lowborn page-boy. Ay, smile +on, if you will, but tell me, my friend, can you say, if you were in +Joe's position at that time, with circumstantial evidence so strong +against you, poor and lowly as he was, are there four or five, or even +two or three of your friends who would believe in you, stand up for you, +and trust in you, in spite of all, as we did for Joe? + +I had gone up to my sitting-room, after telling Mary to light the fire +in poor Joe's room, and let it look warm and cosey; for I had some sort +of presentiment that I should see the poor boy again very soon--how, I +knew not, but I have all my life been subject to spiritual influences, +and have seldom been mistaken in them. + +We were all thinking of going early to rest, for since the robbery none +of us had had any real sleep. Suddenly the front door-bell rang timidly, +as if the visitor were not quite sure of its being right to pull the +handle. + +"Perhaps that's Joe," said my sister. + +But I knew Joe would not ring that bell. + +We heard Mary open the door, and a man's voice ask if Mr. Aylmer lived +there. + +"Yes," said Mary, "but he is abroad; but you can see Mrs. Aylmer." Then +came a low murmuring of voices, and Mary came in, saying:-- + +"Oh, ma'am, it's Dick, Joe's brother; and he says may he see you?" + +"Send him in here at once," I replied. + +And in a moment Dick stood before me--Dick, Joe's beau-ideal of all that +was good, noble, and to be admired. I must say the mind-picture I had +formed of Dick was totally unlike the reality. I had expected to see a +sunburnt, big fellow, with broad shoulders and expressive features. + +The real Dick was a thin, delicate-looking young man, with a pale face, +and black straight hair. He stood with his hat in his hand, looking down +as if afraid to speak. + +"Oh, pray come in," I cried, going forward to meet him. "I know who +you are. Oh, have you brought me any news of poor Joe? We are all his +friends here, his true friends, and you must let us be yours too in this +trouble. Have you seen him?" + +At my words the bowed head was lifted up, and then I saw Dick's face as +it was. If ever truth, honor, and generosity looked out from the windows +of a soul, they looked out of those large blue eyes of Dick's--eyes so +exactly like Joe's in expression, that the black lashes instead of the +fair ones seemed wrong somehow. + +"God bless you, lady, for them words," said Dick; and before I could +prevent it, he had knelt at my feet, caught my hand and pressed it to +his lips, while wild sobs broke from him. + +"Forgive me," he said, rising to his feet, and leaning with one hand on +the back of a chair, his whole frame shaking with emotion. "Forgive me +for givin' way like this; but I've seen them papers about our Joe, and I +know what's being thought of him, and I've come here ashamed to see you, +thinkin' you believed as the rest do, that Joe robbed you after all your +goodness to him. Why, lady, I tell you, rather than I'd believe that of +my little lad, as I thrashed till my heart almost broke to hear him sob, +for the only lie as he ever told in all his life; if I could believe it, +I'd take father's old gun and end my life, for I'd be a beast, not fit +to live any longer. And I thought you doubted him too; but now I hear +you say you're his friend, and believes in him, and don't think he +robbed you, I know now there's good folks in the world, and there's +mercy and justice, and it ain't all wrong, as I'd come a'most to think +as it was, when I first know'd about this 'ere." + +"Sit down, Dick," I said, "and recover yourself, and let us see what can +be done. I will tell you all that has happened, and then perhaps you can +throw some light on Joe's conduct--you who know him so well." + +Dick sat down, and shading his eyes with his hand that his tears might +not betray his weakness any more, he listened quietly while I went over +all the events of that dreadful night. + +When I had finished, Dick sat for some moments quite silent, then with +a weary gesture, passing his hand across his forehead, he remarked +sadly:-- + +"I can't make nothing of it; it's a thing beyond my understanding. I'm +that dazed like, I can't see nothin' straight. However, what I've got to +do is to find Joe, and that I mean to do; if he's alive I'll find him, +and then let him speak for hisself. I don't believe he's done nothing +wrong, but if he has done ever so little or ever so much, he'll '_own up +to it whatever it is_,' that's what Joe'll do. I told him to lay by them +words and hold to 'em, and I'll lay my life he'll do as I told him. +I've got a bed down Marylebone way, at my aunt's what's married to a +policeman; I'm to stay there, and I'll have a talk with 'em about this +and get some advice. I know Joe's innercent, and why don't he come and +say so? But I'll find him." + +I inquired about the old people, and how they bore their trial. + +"Father's a'most beside hisself," said Dick; "and only that he's got to +keep mother in the dark about this, he'd have come with me; but mother, +she's a-bed with rheumatics, and doctor told father her heart was +weak-like, and she mustn't be told, or it would p'raps kill her. She +thinks a deal of Joe, does mother, being the youngest, and always such a +sort of lovin' little chap he were." And here Dick's voice broke again, +and I made him go down to Mrs. Wilson, and have some refreshment before +leaving, and he promised to see me again the first thing in the morning, +when he had talked to his friend, the policeman. + +Scarcely had Dick gone, when a loud, and this time firm ring, announced +another visitor, and in a cab, too, I could hear. Evidently there was no +going to rest early that night, as ten o'clock was then striking. + +Soon, to my surprise, I heard a well-known voice, and Mary announced Dr. +Loring, my husband's old friend, of whom I have already spoken. + +"Well, my dear," he cried, in his pleasant, cheerful voice, that in +itself seemed to lift some of the heaviness from my heart, "are you not +astonished to see me at such an hour?" + +"Astonished, certainly," I replied; "but very, very glad. You are always +welcome; and more than ever now, when we are in trouble and sorrow. Do +sit down, and stay with me awhile." + +"Yes, I will, for an hour, gladly," he said. "But there's something +outside that had better be brought in first. You know I've only just +arrived from Devonshire, and there are two barrels of Devonshire apples +on that cab, one for you, and one for the wife, that is why you see me +here; for I thought it would not be ten minutes out of my road to pass +by here, and leave them with you, and so save the trouble of sending +them by carrier to-morrow." + +I rang for Mary, and the doctor suggested the apples being put somewhere +where the smell of them could not penetrate up-stairs; for, as he truly +remarked, "Though a fine ripe pippin is delicious to eat at breakfast or +luncheon, the smell of them shut up in a house is horrible." + +"I dare say Mrs. Wilson will find a place in the basement," I said; "for +we don't use half the room there is down there." + +Having ordered the barrel to be stowed away, I soon settled my visitor +comfortably in an armchair by the fire, with a cup of his favorite cocoa +by his side. + +"And now, my dear," said he, "tell me about this burglary that has taken +place, and which has made you look as if you wanted me to take care of +you a while, and bring back some color to your pale cheeks. And what +about this boy? Is it the same queer little fellow who chose midnight to +play his pranks in once before? I'm not often deceived in a face, and I +thought his was an honest one. I"-- + +"So it was," I interrupted; "don't say a word until I've told you all, +and you will"-- + +I had scarcely begun speaking, when a succession of the most fearful +screams arose from down-stairs, each rising louder and louder, in the +extreme of terror. My sister, who had gone to her room, rushed down to +me; the girls, in their dressing-gowns, just as they were preparing +for bed, followed, calling out, "Auntie! O Auntie! what is it? Who is +screaming? What can be the matter?" Hardly were they in the room when +Mary rushed in, ghastly, her eyes staring, and in a voice hoarse with +terror, gasped out, "Come! come! he's found! he's murdered! I saw him. +He's lying in the cellar, with his throat cut. Oh, it's horrible!" Then +she began to scream again. + +The doctor tried to hold me back, but I broke from him, and ran +down-stairs, where I could find no one; all was dark in the kitchens, +but there was a light in the area, and I was soon there, followed by Dr. +Loring. + +By the open cellar-door stood Mrs. Wilson, and the cabman with her. +Directly she saw me, she called out, "Oh, dear mistress, don't you come +here; it's not a sight for you. Take her away, Dr. Loring, she musn't +see it." + +"What is it?" I cried; "Mary says it's"--I could not say the words, but +seizing the candle from Mrs. Wilson's hand, I went into the cellar. + +The good doctor was close to me, with more light, by the aid of which +we beheld, in the far corner, facing us, what seemed to be a bundle of +blankets, from which protruded a head, a horrible red stream surrounding +it, and flowing, as it were, from the open mouth. One second brought me +close. It was Joe--Joe, with his poor limbs bound with cruel ropes, and +in his mouth for a gag they had forced one of those bright red socks +he would always wear. Thank God, it was only that red sock, and not the +horrible red stream I had feared. He was dead, of course; but not such a +fearful death as that. + +The doctor soon pulled the horrid gag from his mouth, and the +good-natured cabman, who evidently felt for us, helped to cut the ropes, +and lift up the poor cold little form. + +As they lifted him, something that was in the blankets fell heavily to +the ground. It was poor Bogie's dead body, stabbed in many places, each +wound enough to have let out the poor dumb creature's life. + +By this time help had arrived, and once more the police took possession +of us, as it were. + +Of course, _now_ everything was explained. The burglars had evidently +entered Joe's room, and Bogie, being in his arms, had barked, and +wakened him. A few blows had soon silenced poor Bogie, and a gag and +cords had done the same for Joe. + +When the man saw me from the kitchen window he must have known that help +would soon come, and to prevent Joe giving information too soon they had +hastily seized him, bed-clothes and all, and put him into that cellar, +to starve if he were not discovered. + +Perhaps they did not really mean to kill the poor child, and if we had +been in the habit of using that cellar we might have found him in a +few hours or less; but, unfortunately, it was a place we never used, +it reached far under the street, and was too large for our use. Our +coal-cellar was a much smaller one, inside the scullery; the door of +poor Joe's prison closed with a common latch. + +Had there been any doubt in the detective's mind as to Joe's guilt, he +might have taken more trouble, and searched for him, even there; but +from the first everybody but ourselves had been sure Joe had escaped +with the burglars, so the cellar remained unsearched. + +Mrs. Wilson, wishing to spare me the smell of the apples, thought that +cellar, being outside the house, a very suitable place for them, and on +opening the door had caught sight of something in the distant corner, +and sent Mary to see what it was. Then arose those fearful shrieks we +had heard, and Mary had rushed out of the cellar half mad with fright. + +In less time than it has taken me to relate this, Joe was laid on the +rug before the drawing-room fire, and I summoned courage to look on the +changed face. + +"Could that be Joe--so white, so drawn, so still?" + +Dr. Loring was kneeling by the little form, chafing and straightening +the poor stiffened arms, so bent with their cruel pinioning behind the +shoulders. + +"Doctor," I said, "why do you do any more? Nothing can bring back the +poor fellow, murdered while doing his duty." Then I, too, knelt down, +and took the poor cold hands in mine, + +"Oh, my poor child!" I cried, "my little brave heart; who dared say you +were false? Let those who doubted you look at you now, with dry eyes, if +they can." + +"My dear," said Dr. Loring suddenly, "have you always hot water in your +bathroom?" + +"Yes, doctor," I said; "yes. Why do you ask? Do you mean--is it +possible--there is life?" And I took Joe's little head in my arms, and +forgot he was only a servant, only a poor, common little page-boy. +I only know I pressed him to my breast, and called him by all the +endearing names I used to call my own children in after years, when God +gave me some, and kissed his white forehead in my joy at the blessed ray +of hope. + +No want of willing arms to carry Joe up-stairs. Mrs. Wilson had the bath +filled before the doctor was in the room with his light burden. + +"A few drops of brandy, to moisten the lips, first of all," said the +good doctor, "then the bath and gentle friction; there is certainly life +in him." + +Now my good sister's clever nursing proved invaluable. All that night we +fought every inch of ground, as it were, with our grim enemy; the dear, +good doctor never relaxed in his efforts to bring back life to the +cramped limbs. The burglars had unknowingly helped to keep alight Joe's +feeble spark of life by wrapping the blankets round him; they had meant, +no doubt, to stifle any sound he might make; but by keeping him from +actual contact with the stone floor, and protecting him from the cold, +they had given him his little chance of life. + +Oh, how I blessed that kind thought of Dr. Loring's to bring me a barrel +of apples! Had there been no occasion to open the cellar-door, Joe +would have died before another morning had dawned, died! starved! What +a horrible death! And to know that within a few steps were food, warmth, +and kind hearts--hearts even then saddened by his absence, and grieving +for him. What hours of agony he must have passed in the cold and +darkness, hearing the footsteps of passers-by above his living tomb, and +feeling the pangs of hunger and thirst. What weeks those three days +must have seemed to him in their fearful darkness, until insensibility +mercifully came to his aid, and hushed his senses to oblivion. + +Morning was far advanced when, at last, Joe's eyelids began to flutter, +and his eyes opened a very little, to close again immediately; even the +subdued light we had let into the room being too much for him to bear +after so long a darkness; but in that brief glance he had recognized me, +and seeing his lips move, I bent my head close to them. + +Only a faint murmuring came, but I distinguished the words: + +"Missis, I couldn't 'elp it! Forgive me. Say 'Our Father.'" + +I knelt down, and as well as I could for the tears that almost choked +me, repeated that most simple, yet all-satisfying petition to the Throne +of Grace. + +Meanwhile the doctor held Joe's wrist, and my sister, at a sign from +him, put a few drops of nourishment between the pale lips. + +"My dear," at length said the doctor, "did you say the boy's brother was +in London?" + +"Yes," I replied, "but I have no address, as I expect him here this +morning." + +"That is well; he may be in time." + +"In time?" I repeated; "in time for what? Is he dying? Can nothing be +done?" + +The good doctor looked again with moistened eyes on the little white +face, and said sadly-- + +"I fear not, but the sight of this brother he seems to have such a +strong love for may rouse him for a while. As it is, he is sinking fast. +I can do no more, he is beyond human skill; but love and God's help may +yet save him. Poor little fellow, he has done his duty nobly, and even +to die doing _that_ is an enviable fate; but we want such boys as this +to live, and show others the way." + +There was a slight sound at the room door, and on turning round I saw +Dick--Dick with wild, dumb entreaty in his eyes. + +I pointed to the bed, and with a whispered "Hush!" beckoned him to +enter. + +The shock of seeing his loved little lad so changed was too much for +even his man's courage, for, with a cry he in vain strove to smother, he +sunk on his knees with his face hidden in his hands. + +But only for a moment he let his grief overcome him; then, rising, he +took Joe's little form in his arms, and in a voice to which love gave +the softest and gentlest tones said:-- + +"Joe, lad! Joe, little chap! here's Dick. Look at poor old Dick. Don't +you know him? Don't go away without sayin' good-by to Dick wot loves +you." + +Slowly a little fluttering smile parted the lips, and the blue eyes +unclosed once more. "Dick!" he gasped; "I wanted to tell you, Dick, +but--I--can't. I--ain't--forgot. 'Own--up--to--it--wotever'--I minded +it all. Kiss me--Dick. God--bless--missis. Dick--take +me--home--to--mother!" + +And with a gentle sigh, in the arms of the brother he loved, Joe fell +into a deep sleep, a sleep from which we all feared he would no more +awake on earth, and we watched him, fearing almost to move. + +Dick held him in his arms all that morning, and presently towards noon +the doctor took the little wrist, and found the pulse still feebly +beating; a smile lit up his good, kind face, and he whispered to me, +"There is hope." + +"Thank God!" I whispered back, and ran away into my own room to sob out +grateful prayers of thanksgiving to Heaven for having spared the life so +nearly lost to us. + +When I went back, Joe had just begun to awaken, and was looking up into +his beloved Dick's face, murmuring: "Why, it's Dick. Are you a-crying +about _me_, Dick? Don't cry--I'm all right--I'm only so tired." + +And having drank some wine the doctor had ordered should be given him, +he nestled close to Dick's breast, and again fell into a sweet sleep, +a better, life-giving sleep this time, for the faint color came to his +pale little lips, and presently Dick laid him down on the pillows, and +rested his own weary arms. He would not move from Joe's side for fear, +he might wake and miss him, but for many hours our little fellow slept +peacefully, and so gradually came back to life. + +We never quite knew the particulars of the robbery, for, when Joe was +well enough to talk, we avoided speaking of it. Dr. Loring said, "The +boy only partly remembers it, like a dream, and it is better he should +forget it altogether; he will do so when he gets stronger. Send him home +to his mother for a while; and if he returns to you, let it be to the +country house where there is nothing to remind him of all this." + +Joe did get strong, and came back to us, but no longer as a page-boy; +he was under-gardener, and his time was spent among his favorite flowers +and pet animals, until one day Dick wrote to say his father had bought +more land to be laid out in gardens, and if Joe could be spared he +and Dick could work together, and in time set up for themselves in the +business. + +So Joe left us, but not to forget us, or be forgotten. On each +anniversary of my birthday I find a bunch of magnificent roses on my +breakfast table--"With J. and R. Cole's respectful duty," and I know +the sender is a fine, strong young market-gardener; but sometimes I look +back a few years, and instead of the lovely roses, and the big, healthy +giver, I seem to see a faded dusty bunch of wild-flowers, held towards +me by the little hot hand of a tired child with large blue eyes, and I +hear a timid voice say, "Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to stay +with yer!" + +THE END. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + +***** This file should be named 7357.txt or 7357.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/3/5/7357/ + +Produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/7357.zip b/7357.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b298a0 --- /dev/null +++ b/7357.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5211e94 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #7357 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7357) diff --git a/old/7357-h.htm.2021-01-26 b/old/7357-h.htm.2021-01-26 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1717313 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/7357-h.htm.2021-01-26 @@ -0,0 +1,2370 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: J. Cole + +Author: Emma Gellibrand + + +Release Date: January, 2005 [EBook #7357] +This file was first posted on April 20, 2003 +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + + + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + J. COLE + </h1> + <h2> + By Emma Gellibrand + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> J. COLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + J. COLE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + “HONNERD MADAM, + </h3> + <p> + “Wich i hav seed in the paper a page Boy wanted, and begs to say J. Cole + is over thertene, and I can clene plate, wich my brutther is under a + butler and lernd me, and I can wate, and no how to clene winders and + boots. J. Cole opes you will let me cum. I arsks 8 and all found. if you + do my washin I will take sevven. J. Cole will serve you well and opes to + giv sattisfaxshun. i can cum tomorrer. J. COLE. + </p> + <p> + “P.S.—He is not verry torl but growin. My brutther is a verry good + hite. i am sharp and can rede and rite and can hadd figgers if you like.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + I had advertised for a page-boy, and having puzzled through some dozens of + answers, more or less illegible and impossible to understand, had come to + the last one of the packet, of which the above is an exact copy. + </p> + <p> + The epistle was enclosed in a clumsy envelope, evidently home-made, with + the aid of scissors and gum, and was written on a half-sheet of + letter-paper, in a large hand, with many blots and smears, on pencilled + lines. + </p> + <p> + There was something quaint and straightforward in the letter, in spite of + the utter ignorance of grammar and spelling; and while I smiled at the + evident pride in the “brutther” who was a “verry good hite,” and the offer + to take less wages if “I would do his washin,” I found myself wondering + what sort of waif upon the sea of life was this not very tall person, over + thirteen, who “would serve me well.” + </p> + <p> + I had many letters to answer and several appointments to make, and had + scarcely made up my mind whether or not to trouble to write to my + accomplished correspondent, who was “sharp, and could rede and rite, and + hadd figgers,” when, a shadow falling on the ground by me as I sat by the + open window, I looked up, and saw, standing opposite my chair, a boy,—the + very smallest boy, with the very largest blue eyes I ever saw. The clothes + on his little limbs were evidently meant for somebody almost double his + size, but they were clean and tidy. + </p> + <p> + In one hand he held a bundle, tied in a red handkerchief, and in the other + a bunch of wild-flowers that bore signs of having travelled far in the + heat of the sun, their blossoms hanging down, dusty and fading, and their + petals dropping one by one on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, my child?” I said, “and what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + At my question the boy placed his flowers on my table, and, pulling off + his cap, made a queer movement with his feet, as though he were trying to + step backwards with both at once, and said, in a voice so deep that it + quite startled me, so strangely did it seem to belong to the size of the + clothes, and not the wearer,— + </p> + <p> + “Please'm, it's J. Cole; and I've come to live with yer. I've brought all + my clothes, and every think.” + </p> + <p> + For the moment I felt a little bewildered, so impossible did it seem that + the small specimen of humanity before me was actually intending to enter + anybody's service; he looked so childish and wistful, and yet with a + certain honesty of purpose shining out of those big, wide-open eyes, that + interested me in him, and made me want to know more of him. + </p> + <p> + “You are very small to go into service,” I said, “and I am afraid you + could not do the work I should require; besides, you should have waited to + hear from me, and then have come to see me, if I wanted you to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know I'm not very big,” said the boy, nervously fidgeting with his + bundle; “leastways not in hite; but my arms is that long, they'll reach + ever so 'igh above my 'ed, and as for bein' strong, you should jest see me + lift my father's big market basket when it's loaded with 'taters, or + wotever is for market, and I hope you'll not be angry because I come + to-day; but Dick—that's my brutther Dick—he says, 'You foller + my advice, Joe,' he says, 'and go arter this 'ere place, and don't let no + grass grow under your feet. I knows what it is goin' arter places; there's + such lots a fitin' after 'em, that if you lets so much as a hour go afore + yer looks 'em up, there's them as slips in fust gets it; and wen yer goes + to the door they opens it and sez, “It ain't no use, boy, we're sooted;” + and then where are yer, I'd like to know? 'So,' sez he, 'Joe, you look + sharp and go, and maybe you'll get it.' So I come, mum, and please, that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “But about your character, my boy,” I said. “You must have somebody to + speak for you, and say you are honest, and what you are able to do. I + always want a good character with my servants; the last page-boy I had + brought three years' good character from his former situation.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor!” said Joe, with a serious look, “did he stay three years in a place + afore he came to you? Wotever did he leave them people for, where he were + so comfortable? If I stay with you three years, you won't catch me a + leavin' yer, and goin' somewheres else. Wot a muff that chap was!” + </p> + <p> + I explained that it did not always depend on whether a servant wanted to + stay or not, but whether it suited the employers to keep him. + </p> + <p> + “'Praps he did somethin', and they giv' 'im the sack,” murmured Joe; “he + was a flat!” + </p> + <p> + “But about this character of yours,” I said; “if I decide to give you a + trial, although I am almost sure you are too small, and won't do, where am + I to go for your character? Will the people where your brother lives speak + for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” cried the little fellow, his cheeks flushing; “I know Dick'll + ask 'em to give me a caricter. Miss Edith, I often cleaned 'er boots. Once + she come 'ome in the mud, and was a-goin' out agin directly; and they was + lace-ups, and a orful bother to do up even; and she come into the + stable-yard with 'er dog, and sez: 'Dick, will you chain Tiger up, and + this little boy may clean my boots if he likes, on my feet?' So I cleaned + 'em, and she giv' me sixpence; and after that, when the boots come down in + the mornin', I got Dick always to let me clean them little boots, and I + kep 'em clean in the insides, like the lady's maid she told me not to put + my 'ands inside 'em if they was black. Miss Edith, she'll giv me a + caricter, if Dick asks 'er.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the visitors' bell rang; and I sent my would-be page into the + kitchen to wait until I could speak to him again, and told him to ask the + cook to give him something to eat. + </p> + <p> + “Here are your flowers,” I said; “take them with you.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me, and then, as if ashamed of having offered them, gathered + them up in his hands, and with the corner of the red handkerchief wiped + some few leaves and dust-marks off my table, then saying in a low voice, + “I didn't know you 'ad beauties of yer own, like them in the glass pots, + but I'll giv' 'em to the cook.” So saying, he went away into the kitchen, + and my visitors came in, and by and by some more friends arrived. + </p> + <p> + The weather was very warm, and we sat chattering and enjoying the shade of + the trees by the open French window. Presently, somebody being thirsty, I + suggested lemonade and ice, and I offered strawberries, and (if possible) + cream; though my mind misgave me as to the latter delicacy, for we had + several times been obliged to do without some of our luxuries if they + entailed “<i>fetching</i>,” as we had no boy to run errands quickly on an + emergency and be useful. However, I rang the bell; and when the housemaid, + whose temper, since she had been what is curiously termed in + servants'-hall language “single-handed,” was most trying, entered, I said, + “Make some lemonade, Mary, and ask cook to gather some strawberries + quickly, and bring them, with some cream.” + </p> + <p> + Mary looked at me as who should say, “Well, I'm sure! and who's to do it + all? You'll have to wait a bit.” And I know we should have to wait, and + therefore resigned myself to do so patiently, keeping up the ball of + gossip, and wondering if a little music later on would perhaps while away + the time. + </p> + <p> + Much to my amazement, in less than a quarter of an hour Mary entered with + the tray, all being prepared; and directly I looked at the strawberry-bowl + I detected a novel feature in the table decoration. A practised hand had + evidently been at work; but whose? Mary was far too matter-of-fact a + person. Food, plates, knives and forks, glasses, and a cruet-stand were + all she ever thought necessary; and even for a centre vase of flowers I + had to ask, and often to insist, during the time she was single-handed. + </p> + <p> + But here was my strawberry-bowl, a pretty one, even when unadorned, with + its pure white porcelain stem, intwined with a wreath of blue convolvulus, + and then a spray of white, the petals just peeping over the edge of the + bowl, and resting near the luscious red fruit; the cream-jug, also white, + had twining flowers of blue, and round the lemonade-jug, of glass, was a + wreath of yellow blossoms. + </p> + <p> + “How exquisite!” exclaimed we all. “What fairy could have bestowed such a + treat to our eyes and delight to our sense of the beautiful?” + </p> + <p> + I supposed some friend of the cook's or Mary's had been taking lessons in + the art of decoration, and had given us a specimen. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, my friends having gone, I thought of J. Cole waiting to be + dismissed, and sent for him. + </p> + <p> + Cook came in, and with a preliminary “Ahem!” which I knew of old meant, “I + have an idea of my own, and I mean to get it carried out,” said, “Oh, if + you please 'm, if I might be so bold, did you think serious of engagin' + the boy that's waitin' in the kitchen?” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you ask, Cook?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am,” she replied, trying to hide a laugh, “of course it's not + for me to presume; but, if I might say a word for him, I think he's the + very handiest and the sharpest one we've ever had in this house, and we've + had a many, as you know. Why, if you'd only have seen him when Mary come + in in her tantrums at 'aving to get the tray single-handed, and begun + a-grumblin' and a-bangin' things about, as is her way, being of a quick + temper, though, as I tells her, too slow a-movin' of herself. As I were + a-sayin', you should have seen that boy. If he didn't up and leave his + bread and butter and mug of milk, as he was a-enjoyin' of as 'arty as you + like, and, 'Look 'ere,' says he, 'giv' me the jug. I'll make some fine + drink with lemons. I see Dick do it often up at his place. Giv' me the + squeezer. Wait till I washes my 'ands. I won't be a minnit.' Then in he + rushes into the scullery, washes his hands, runs back again in a jiffy. + 'Got any snow sugar? I mean all done fine like snow.' I gave it him; and, + sure enough, his little hands moved that quick, he had made the lemonade + before Mary would have squeezed a lemon. 'Where do yer buy the cream?' he + says next. 'I'll run and get it while you picks the strawberries.' Perhaps + it wasn't right, me a trustin' him, being a stranger, but he was that + quick I couldn't say no. Up he takes the jug, and was off; and when I come + in from the garden with the strawberries, if he hadn't been and put all + them flowers on the things. He begs my pardon for interfering like, and + says, 'I 'ope you'll excuse me a-doin' of it, but the woman at the + milk-shop said I might 'ave 'em; and I see the butler where Dick lives + wind the flowers about like that, and 'ave 'elped 'im often; and, please, + I paid for the cream, because I'd got two bob of my own, Dick giv' me on + my birthday. Oh, I do 'ope, Mrs. Cook,' he says, 'that the lady'll take + me; I 'll serve 'er well, I will, indeed;' and then he begins to cry and + tremble, poor little chap, for he'd been running about a lot, and never + eaten or drank what I gave him, because he wanted to help, and it was hot + in the kitchen, I suppose, and he felt faint like, but there he is, + crying; and just now, when the bell rung, which was two great big boys + after the place, he says, 'Oh, please say “We're sooted,” and ask the lady + if I may stay.' So, I've taken the liberty, ma'am,” said Cook, “for + somehow I like that little chap, and there's a deal in him, I do believe.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Cook retired; and, in a moment, J. Cole was standing in her + place, the blue eyes brimming over with tears, and an eager anxiety as to + what his fate would be making his poor little hands clutch at his + coat-sleeves, and his feet shuffle about so nervously, that I had not the + courage to grieve him by a refusal. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Joseph,” I said, “I have decided to give you a month's trial. I + shall write to the gentleman who employs your brother; and if he speaks + well of you, you may stay.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I stay now, please?” he said. “May I stay before you gets any + answer to your letter to say I'm all right? I think you'd better let me; + there ain't no boy; and Mrs. Cook and Mary'll 'ave a lot to do. I can stay + in the stable, if you don't like to let me be in the house, afore you + writes the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Joe,” I replied: “you may not be a good, honest boy, but I think you + are; and you shall stay here. Now go back to Mrs. Wilson, and finish your + milk, and eat something more if you can, then have a good rest and a wash; + they will show you where you are to sleep, and at dinner, this evening, I + shall see if you can wait at table.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very kindly,” said the boy, his whole face beaming with + delight, “and I'll be sure and do everythink I can for you.” Then he went + quickly out of the room; for I could see he was quite overcome, now that + the uncertainty was over. + </p> + <p> + Alone once more, I reasoned with myself, and felt I was doing an unwise + thing. Just at that time my husband was away on business for some months; + and I had no one to advise me, and no one to say me nay either. My + conscience told me my husband would say, “We cannot tell who this boy is, + where he has lived, or who are his associates; he may be connected with a + gang of thieves for what we know to the contrary. Wait, and have proper + references before trusting him in the house.” + </p> + <p> + And he would be right to say so to me, but not every one listens to + conscience when it points the opposite way to inclination. Well, J. Cole + remained; and when I entered the dining-room, to my solitary dinner, he + was there, with a face shining from soap and water, his curls evidently + soaped too, to make them go tidily on his forehead. The former page having + left his livery jacket and trousers, Mary had let Joe dress in them, at + his earnest request. + </p> + <p> + She told me afterwards that he had sewn up the clothes in the neatest + manner wherever they could be made smaller; and the effect of the jacket, + which he had stuffed out in the chest with hay, as we discovered by the + perfume, was very droll. He had a great love of bright colors, and the + trousers being large, showed bright red socks; the jacket sleeves being + much too short for the long arms, of which he was so proud, allowed the + wristbands of a vivid blue flannel shirt to be seen. + </p> + <p> + I was alone, so could put up with this droll figure at my elbow; but the + seriousness of his face was such a contrast to the comicality of the rest + of him, that I found myself beginning to smile every now and then, but + directly I saw the serious eyes on me, I felt obliged to become grave at + once. + </p> + <p> + The waiting at table I could not exactly pronounce a success; for, + although Joe's quick eyes detected in an instant if I wanted anything, his + anxiety to be “first in the field,” and give Mary no chance of instructing + him in his duties, made him collide against her more than once in his + hasty rushes to the sideboard and back to my elbow with the dishes, which + he generally handed to me long before he reached me, his long arms + enabling him to reach me with his hands while he was yet some distance + from me, and often on the wrong side. I also noticed when I wanted water + he lifted the water-bottle on high, and poured as though it was something + requiring a “head.” Mary nearly caused a catastrophe at that moment by + frowning at him, and saying, sotto voce, “Whatever are you doing? Is that + the way to pour out water? It ain't hale, stoopid!” + </p> + <p> + Joe's face became scarlet; and to hide his confusion he seized a + dish-cover, and hastily went out of the room with it, returning in a + moment pale and serious as became one who at heart was every inch a family + butler with immense responsibilities. + </p> + <p> + Joe was quiet and sharp, quick and intelligent; but I could see he was + quite new to waiting at table. To remove a dish was, I could see, his + greatest dread; and it amused me to see the cleverness with which he + managed that Mary should do that part of the duty. + </p> + <p> + When only my plate and a dish remained to be cleared away, he would slowly + get nearer as I got towards the last morsel, and before Mary had time, + would take my plate, and go quite slowly to the sideboard with it, + leisurely remove the knife and fork, watching meanwhile in the mirror if + Mary was about to take the dish away; if not he would take something + outside, or bring a decanter, and ask if I wanted wine. + </p> + <p> + I was, however, pleased to find him no more awkward, as I feared he would + have been, and when, having swept the grate and placed my solitary + wineglass and dessert-plate on the table, he retired, softly closing the + door after him, I felt I should make something of J. Cole, and hoped his + character would be good. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning a tastefully arranged vase of flowers in the centre of + the breakfast-table, and one magnificent rose and bud by my plate, were + silent but eloquent appeals to my interest on behalf of my would-be page; + and when Joe himself appeared, fresh from an hour's self-imposed work in + my garden, I saw he had become quite one of the family; for Bogie, my + little terrier, usually very snappish to strangers, and who considered all + boys as his natural enemies, was leaping about his feet, evidently asking + for more games, and our old magpie was perched familiarly on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Joe,” I said. “You are an early riser, I can see, by the + work you have already done in the garden.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,” replied Joe, blushing, and touching an imaginary cap; “I'm + used to bein' up. There was ever so much to do of a mornin' at 'ome; and I + 'ad to 'elp father afore I could go to be with Dick, and I was with Dick + a'most every mornin' by seven, and a good mile and a arf to walk to 'is + place. Shall I bring in the breakfust, mum? Mary's told me what to do.” + </p> + <p> + Having given permission, Joe set to work to get through his duties, this + time without any help, and I actually trembled when I saw him enter with a + tray containing all things necessary for my morning meal, he looked so + over-weighted; but he was quite equal to it as far as landing the tray + safely on the sideboard. But, alas! then came the ordeal; not one thing + did poor Joe know where to place, and stood with the coffeepot in his + hand, undecided whether it went before me, or at the end of the table, or + whether he was to pour out my coffee for me. + </p> + <p> + I saw he was getting very nervous, so took it from him, and in order to + put him at his ease, I remarked,— + </p> + <p> + “I think, perhaps, I had better show you, Joe, just for once, how I like + my breakfast served, for every one has little ways of their own, you know; + and you will try to do it my way when you know how I like it, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I arranged the dishes, etc., for him, and his big eyes followed + my every movement. The blinds wanted pulling down a little presently, and + then I began to realize one of the drawbacks in having such a very small + boy as page. Joe saw the sun's rays were nearly blinding me, and wanted to + shut them out; but on attempting to reach the tassel attached to the cord, + it was hopelessly beyond his reach. In vain were the long arms stretched + to their utmost, till the sleeves of the ex-page's jacket retreated almost + to Joe's elbows, but no use. + </p> + <p> + I watched, curious to see what he would do. + </p> + <p> + “Please 'm, might I fetch an 'all chair?” said Joe; “I'm afraid I'm not + big enuf to reach the tossle, but I won't pull 'em up so 'igh to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I gave permission, and carefully the chair was steered among my tables and + china pots. Then Joe mounted, and by means of rising on the tips of his + toes he was able to accomplish the task of lowering the blinds. + </p> + <p> + I noticed at that time that Joe wore bright red socks, and I little + thought what a shock those bright-colored hose were to give me later on + under different circumstances. + </p> + <p> + That evening I had satisfactory letters regarding Joe's character, and by + degrees he became used to his new home, and we to him. His quaint sayings + and wonderful love of the truth, added to extreme cleanliness, made him + welcome in the somewhat exclusive circle in which my housekeeper, Mrs. + Wilson, reigned supreme. + </p> + <p> + Many a hearty burst of laughter came to me from the open kitchen-window + across the garden in the leisure hour, when, the servants' tea being over, + they sat at work, while Joe amused them with his stories and reminiscences + of the sayings and doings of his wonderful brother Dick. + </p> + <p> + This same Dick was evidently the one being Joe worshipped on earth, and to + keep his promises to Dick was a sacred duty. + </p> + <p> + “You don't know our Dick, Mrs. Wilson,” said Joe, to the old housekeeper; + “if you did, you'd understand why I no more dare go agen wot Dick told me, + than I dare put my 'and in that 'ere fire. When I were quite a little + chap, I took some big yaller plums once, out of one of the punnits father + was a-packin' for market, and I eat 'em. I don't know to this hour wot + made me take them plums; but I remember they were such prime big uns, big + as eggs they was, and like lumps of gold, with a sort of blue shade over + 'em. Father were very partikler about not 'avin' the fruit 'andled and + takin' the bloom off, and told me to cover 'em well with leaves. It was a + broilin' 'ot day, and I was tired, 'avin' been stoopin' over the baskits + since four in the morning, and as I put the leaves over the plums I + touched 'em; they felt so lovely and cool, and looked so juicy-like, I + felt I must eat one, and I did; there was just six on 'em, and when I'd + bin and eat one, there seemed such a empty place left in the punnit, that + I knew father'd be sure to see it, so I eat 'em all, and then threw the + punnit to one side. Just then, father comes up and says, “Count them + punnits, Dick! there ought to be forty on 'em. Twenty picked large for Mr. + Moses, and twenty usuals for Marts!”—two of our best customers they + was. Well, Dick, he counts 'em, and soon misses one. 'Thirty-eight, + thirty-nine,' he sez, and no more; 'but 'ere's a empty punnit,' he sez. I + was standing near, feelin' awful, and wished I'd said I'd eat the plums + afore Dick begun to count 'em, but I didn't, and after that I couldn't. + 'Joe!' sez Dick, 'I wants yer! 'Ow come this empty punnit 'ere, along of + the others? there's plums bin in it, I can see, 'cos it's not new. Speak + up, youngster!' I looked at Dick's face, Mrs. Wilson, and his eyes seemed + to go right into my throat, and draw the truth out of me. 'Speak up,' he + sez, a-gettin' cross; 'if you've prigged 'em, say so, and you'll get a + good hidin' from me, for a-doin' of it; but if you tells me a lie, you'll + get such a hidin' for that as 'll make you remember it all your life; so + speak up, say you did it, and take your hidin' like a brick, and if you + didn't prig 'em, say who did, 'cos you must 'av' seen 'em go.' + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't do nothin', Mrs. Wilson, but keep my 'ed down, and blubber + out, 'Please, Dick, I eat 'em.' + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, you did, yer young greedy, did yer,' he sez; 'I'm glad yer didn't + tell me a lie. I've got to giv' yer a hidin', Joe; but giv' us yer 'and, + old chap, first, and mind wot I sez to yer: “<i>Own up to it, wotever you + do</i>,” and take your punishment; it's 'ard to bear, but when the smart + on it's over yer forgets it; but if yer tells a lie to save yerself, yer + feels the smart of <i>that</i> always; yer feels ashamed of yerself + whenever yer thinks of it.' And then Dick give me a thrashin', he did, but + I never 'ollered or made a row, tho' he hit pretty 'ard. And, Mrs. Wilson, + I never could look in Dick's face if I told a lie, and I never shall tell + one, I 'ope, as long as ever I live. You should just see Dick, Mrs. + Wilson, he is a one-er, he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor' bless the boy,” said Mary, the housemaid; “why, if he isn't a-cryin' + now. Whatever's the matter? One minnit you're makin' us larf fit to kill + ourselves, and then you're nearly makin' us cry with your Dick, and your + great eyes runnin' over like that. Now get away, and take the dogs their + supper, and see if you can't get a bit of color in your cheeks before you + come back.” + </p> + <p> + So off Joe went, and soon the frantic barking in the stable-yard showed he + had begun feeding his four-footed pets. + </p> + <p> + Time went on; it was a very quiet household just then—my husband + away in America, and my friends most of them enjoying their summer abroad, + or at some seaside place—all scattered here and there until autumn + was over, and then we were to move to town, and spend the winter season at + our house there. I hoped my dear sister and her girls would then join us, + and, best of all, my dear husband be home to make our circle complete. + </p> + <p> + Day by day Joe progressed in favor with everybody; his size was always a + trouble, but his extreme good nature made everybody willing to help him + over his difficulties. He invented all sorts of curious tools for reaching + up to high places; and the marvels he would perform with a long stick and + a sort of claw at the end of it were quite astonishing. + </p> + <p> + I noticed whenever I spoke of going to town Joe did not seem to look + forward to the change with any pleasure, although he had never been to + London, he told me; but Dick had been once with his father, and had seen + lots of strange things; among others a sad one, that made a great + impression on Dick, and he had told the tale to Joe, so as to have almost + as great an effect on him. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that one night Dick and his father were crossing Waterloo + Bridge, and had seen a young girl running quickly along, crying bitterly. + Dick tried to keep up with her, and asked her what was the matter. She + told him to let her alone, that she meant to drown herself, for she had + nothing to live for, and was sick of her life. Dick persuaded her to tell + him her grief, and heard from her that her mother and father had both been + drowned in a steamer, and she was left with a little brother to take care + of; he had been a great trouble to her, and had been led away by bad + companions until he became thoroughly wicked. She had been a milliner, and + had a room of her own, and paid extra for a little place where her brother + could sleep. She fed and clothed him out of her earnings, although he was + idle, and cruel enough to scold and abuse her when she tried to reason + with him, and refused to let him bring his bad companions to her home. At + last he stole nearly all she had, and pawned it; and among other things, + some bonnets and caps belonging to the people who employed her, given as + patterns for her to copy. These she had to pay for, and lost her situation + besides. By degrees all her clothes, her home, and all she had, went for + food; and then this wicked boy left her, and the next thing she knew was + that he had been taken up with a gang of burglars concerned in a jewel + robbery. That day she had seen him in prison, and he was to be transported + for seven years; so the poor creature, mad with grief, was about to end + her life. Dick and his father would not leave her until she was quiet, and + promised them she would go and get a bed and supper with the money they + gave her, and they promised to see her again the next day at a place she + named. The next morning they went to the address, and found a crowd round + the house. Somebody said a young woman had thrown herself out of a window, + and had been taken up dead. It was too true; and the girl was the + wretched, heart-broken sister they had helped over night. Her grief had + been too much for her, and, poor thing, she awoke to the light of another + day, and could not face it alone and destitute; so, despairing, she had + ended her life. They went to the hospital, and were allowed to see all + that remained of the poor creature; and Dick's description of it all, and + his opinion that the brother “might have been just such another little + chap at first as Joe,” and “What would that brother feel,” said Dick, + “when he knew what he had done? for he done it,” said Dick; “he done that + girl to death, the same as if he'd shov'd her out of that winder hisself.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” said Joe, “I wonder if them chaps is goin' about London now wot led + her brother wrong? I don't like London; and I wish we could stop 'ere.” + </p> + <p> + I assured Joe that in London there was no danger of meeting such people if + he kept to himself, and made no friends of strangers. + </p> + <p> + Joe was also much afraid of having to wait at table when there were + guests. In spite of all I could do, he was hopelessly nervous and confused + when he had to wait on more than two or three people; and as I expected to + entertain a good deal when we were in town, I could not help fearing Joe + would be unequal to the duties. + </p> + <p> + I could not bear the idea of parting with the little fellow, for, added to + his good disposition, Joe, in his dark brown livery, with gilt buttons, + his neat little ties, and clean hands; his carefully brushed curls, by + this time trained into better order, and shining like burnished gold in + the sun; his tiny feet, with the favorite red socks, which he could and + did darn very neatly himself when they began to wear out (and when he + bought new ones they were always bright red),—Joe, let me tell you, + was quite an ornament in our establishment, and the envy of several boys + living in families round about, who tried in vain to get acquainted with + him, but he would not be friends, although he always refused their + advances with civil words. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes a boy would linger when bringing a note or message for me, and + try to draw Joe into conversation. In a few minutes I would hear Joe's + deep voice say, “I think you had better go on now. I've got my work to do, + and I reckon you've got yours a-waiting for yer at your place.” Then the + side-door would shut, and Joe was bustling about his work. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + In the beginning of October we arrived in London. There had been much + packing up, and much extra work for everybody, and Joe was in his element. + </p> + <p> + What those long arms, and that willing heart, and those quick little hands + got through, nobody but those he helped and worked for could tell. + Whatever was wanted Joe knew where to find it. Joe's knife was ready to + cut a stubborn knot; Joe's shoulders ready to be loaded with as heavy a + weight as any man could carry. More than once I met him coming down-stairs + with large boxes he himself could almost have been packed in, and he + declared he did not find them too heavy. + </p> + <p> + “You see, Missis,” he said, “I'm that strong now since I've been here, + with all the good food I gets, and bein' so happy like, that I feel almost + up to carryin' anythink. I do believe I could lift that there pianner, if + somebody would just give it a hoist, and let me get hold of it easy.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, Joe was strong and well, and I am sure, happy, and I had never had a + single misgiving about him since he stood with his fading flowers and + shabby clothes at my window that summer day. + </p> + <p> + At last we were settled in town, and the winter season beginning. Our + house was situated in the West End of London, a little beyond Bayswater. + One of a row of detached houses, facing another row exactly similar in + every way, except that the backs of those we lived in had small gardens, + with each its own stable wall at the end, with coachman's rooms above, the + front of the stable facing the mews, and having the entrance from there; + the mews ran all along the backs of these houses. On the opposite side the + houses facing ours had their gardens and back windows facing the + high-road, and no stables. There was a private road belonging to this, + Holling Park as it was called, and a watchman to keep intruders out, and + to stop organ-grinders, beggars, and such invaders of the peace from + disturbing us. + </p> + <p> + Somehow I was never as comfortable as in my snug cottage in the country. + Rich, fashionable people lived about us, and all day long kept up the + round of “society life.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning the large handsome houses would seem asleep, nothing moving + inside or out, except a tradesman's cart, calling for orders, or workmen + putting up or taking down awnings, at some house where there would be, or + had been, a ball or entertainment of some kind. About eleven a carriage or + two would be driven round from the mews, and stop before a house to take + some one for a morning drive; but very seldom was anybody on foot seen + about. In the afternoon it was different,—carriages rolled along + incessantly, and streams of afternoon callers were going and coming from + the houses when the mistress was “at home;” and at my door, too, soon + began the usual din of bell and knocker. Joe was quite equal to the + occasion, and enjoyed Friday, the day I received. Dressed in his very + best, and with a collar that kept his chin in what seemed to me a fearful + state of torture, but added to his height by at least half an inch, Joe + stood behind the hall-door, ready to open it directly the knocker was + released. He ushered in the guests as though “to the manner born,” giving + out the names correctly, and with all the ease of an experienced groom of + the chambers. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The conservatory leading out of the drawing-room was Joe's especial +pride; it was his great pleasure to syringe the hanging baskets, a + were spent in little surprises for me in the form of pots of musk, +maiden-hair, or anything he could buy; his wages were all sent home, and +he only kept for his own whatever he had given to him, and sometimes a +guest would “tip” him more generously than I liked, for his bright eyes +and ready hands were always at everybody's service. +</pre> + <p> + After my husband's return home, who from the first became Joe's especial + care, as to boots, brushing of clothes, etc., it became necessary to give + two or three dinner-parties, and I must confess I felt nervous as to how + Joe would acquit himself. + </p> + <p> + In our dining-room was a very large bear-skin rug, and the floor being + polished oak, it was dangerous to step on this rug, for it would slip away + from the feet on the smooth surface, and even the dogs avoided it, so many + falls had they met with upon it. + </p> + <p> + The first day of my husband's arrival we had my sister and a friend to + dine, and had been talking about Joe in the few moments before dinner. + </p> + <p> + My husband had been laughing at the size of my page, and scolding me a + little, or rather pretending to do so, for taking a written character. + </p> + <p> + “Little woman,” he said, “don't be surprised if one night a few country + burglars make us a visit, and renew their acquaintance with Mr. J. Cole.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know Joe,” I replied, “or you would never say that.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him so well, little wife?” said my dear sensible husband; + “remember he has only been in our service six months. In the country he + had very little of value in his hands, but here, it seems to me, he has + too much. All the plate, and indeed everything of value, is in his pantry, + and he is a very young boy to trust. One of the women servants should take + charge of the plate-chest, I think. Where does this paragon sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “Down-stairs,” I said, “next to the kitchen, at the back of the house; and + you should see how carefully every night he looks to the plate-basket, + counts everything, and then asks Mrs. Wilson to see it is right, locks it + up, and gives her the key to take care of. No one can either open or carry + away an iron safe easily, and there is nothing else worth taking; besides, + I know Joe is honest, I feel it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope so, dear,” was my husband's reply, but I could see he was + not quite comfortable about it. + </p> + <p> + At dinner that day Joe had an accident; he was dreadfully nervous, as + usual, and when waiting, he forgot to attend to my guests first, but + always came to me. The parlor-maid, a new one, and not a great favorite + with Joe, made matters worse by correcting him in an audible voice; and + once, when somebody wanted oyster-sauce, she told Joe to hand it. The poor + boy, wishing to obey quickly, forgot to give the bear-skin a wide berth, + slipped on it, and in a moment had fallen full length, having in his fall + deposited the contents of the sauce-tureen partly into a blue leather + armchair, and the rest onto my sister's back. + </p> + <p> + The boy's consternation was dreadful. I could see he was completely + overcome with fright and sorrow for what he had done. He got up, and all + his trembling lips could say was, “Oh, please, I'm so sorry; it was the + bear as tripped me up. I am so very sorry.” + </p> + <p> + Even my husband could scarcely keep from smiling, the sorrow was so + genuine, the sense of shame so true. + </p> + <p> + “There, never mind, Joe,” he said kindly; “you must be more careful. Now + run and get a sponge, and do the best you can with it.” + </p> + <p> + After that Joe had the greatest terror of that treacherous skin, and I + heard him telling the parlor-maid about it. + </p> + <p> + “You mind,” he said, “or that bear'll ketch 'old of yer. I shan't forget + how he ketched 'old of my leg that day and knocked me over; so you'd + better take care, and not go nigher than you can 'elp. He's always + a-lookin' out to ketch yer, but he won't 'ave me no more, I can tell him.” + </p> + <p> + This fall of Joe's made him still more nervous of waiting at table, and at + last, when he had made some very serious mistakes, I had to speak to him + and tell him I was afraid, if he did not soon learn to wait better, I must + send him away, for his master was annoyed at the mistakes he made, such as + pouring port instead of sherry, giving cold plates when hot ones were + required, handing dishes on the wrong side, etc. + </p> + <p> + My little lecture was listened to quietly and humbly, and Joe had turned + to go away, when, to my surprise and distress, he suddenly burst into a + perfect passion of tears and sobs. + </p> + <p> + “I will try and learn myself,” he said, as well as his sobs would let him, + “indeed, I will. I know I'm stoopid. I sez to myself every time company + comes, 'I'll mind wot I'm about, and remember dishes left-'anded, + pour-in's out right, sherry wine's yeller, and port wine afterwards with + the nuts, grapes, and things; and the cruits when there's fish, and begin + with the strangerest lady next to master's side, and 'elp missus last.' I + knows it all, but when they're all sittin' down, and everybody wantin' + somethin', I don't know if Jane's a-goin' to giv' it 'em, or I am; and I + gets stoopid, and my 'ands shakes, and somehow I can't do nothin'; but + please don't send me away. I do like you and the master. I'll ask Jane to + learn me better. You see if I don't. Oh, please'm, say you'll try me!” + </p> + <p> + What could I say but “yes,” and for a day or two Joe did better, but we + were a small party, and the waiting was easy; but shortly we were to have + a large dinner-party, and as the time drew near, Joe became quite pale and + anxious. + </p> + <p> + About this time, too, I had been awakened at night by curious sounds + down-stairs, as of somebody moving about, and once I heard an unmistakable + fall of some heavy article. + </p> + <p> + My husband assured me it was nothing alarming, and he went down-stairs, + but could neither hear or see anything unusual. All was quiet. + </p> + <p> + Another night I felt sure I heard sounds down-stairs; and in spite of my + husband's advice to remain still, I called Mrs. Wilson, and entreated her + to come down to the kitchen-floor with me. It was so very easy, I knew, + for anybody to enter the house from the back, and there being a deep area + all round, they could work away with their tools at the ground-floor back + windows unseen. Any one could get on the top of the stable from the mews, + drop into the garden, and be safe; for the watchman and policeman were on + duty in the front of the house only, the back was quite unprotected. True, + there were iron bars to Joe's window and the kitchen, but iron bars could + be sawed through, and I lived in dread of burglars. + </p> + <p> + This night Mrs. Wilson and I went softly down, and as we neared the + kitchen stairs, I heard a voice say in a whisper, “Make haste!” + </p> + <p> + “There, Mrs. Wilson, did you hear that?” I said. “Was that imagination?” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am,” she replied; “there's somebody talking, and I believe it's in + Joe's room. Let us go up and fetch the master.” + </p> + <p> + So we returned up-stairs, and soon my husband stood with us at the door of + Joe's room. + </p> + <p> + “Open the door, Joe!” cried my husband. “Who have you got there?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody, please, sir,” said a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + “Open the door at once!” said the master, and in a moment it was opened. + Joe stood there very pale, but with no sort of fear in his face. There was + nobody in the room, and as Joe had certainly been in bed, we concluded he + must have talked in his sleep, and, perhaps, walked about also, for what + we knew. + </p> + <p> + The day before the dinner-party, Cook came and told me she felt sure there + was something wrong with Joe. He was so changed from what he used to be; + there was no getting him to wake in the morning, and he seemed so heavy + with sleep, as if he had no rest at night. Also Cook had proofs of his + having been in her kitchen after he was supposed to have gone to bed; + chairs were moved, and several things not where she had left them. She had + asked Joe, and he replied he did go into the kitchen, but would not say + what for. + </p> + <p> + I did not like to talk to Joe that day, so decided to wait till after the + dinner, and I would then insist on the mystery being cleared up. I knew + Joe would tell the truth; my trust was unshaken, although circumstances + seemed against him. + </p> + <p> + That night Mrs. Wilson came to my door, and said she was sure Joe was at + his nightwork again, for she could see from her bedroom window a light + reflected on the stable wall, which must be in his room. + </p> + <p> + “How can we find out,” I said, “what he is doing?” + </p> + <p> + “That is easily done,” said my husband. “We can go out at the garden-door, + and down the steps leading from the garden into the area; they are + opposite his window. We can look through the Venetian blinds, if they are + down, and see for ourselves. He won't be able to see us.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, having first wrapped up in our furs, we went down, and were + soon at Joe's window, standing in the area that surrounded the house. The + laths of the blind were some of them open, and between them we saw + distinctly all over the room. + </p> + <p> + At first we could not understand the strange sight that met our gaze. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of Joe's room was a table, spread with a cloth, and on it + saucers from flower-pots, placed at intervals down each side; before each + saucer a chair was placed, and in the centre of the table a high basket, + from which a Stilton cheese had been unpacked that morning,-this was + evidently to represent a tall <i>épergne</i>. On Joe's wash-stand were + several bottles, a jug, and by each flower-pot saucer two vessels of some + kind—by one, two jam-pots of different sizes; by another, a broken + specimen glass and a teacup—and so on; and from chair to chair moved + Joe, softly but quickly, on tiptoe, now with bottles which contained + water. We could see his lips move, and concluded he was saying something + to imaginary persons, for he would put a jampot on his tray, and pour into + it from the bottle, and then replace it. Sometimes he would go quickly to + his bed, which we saw represented the dinner-wagon, or sideboard, and + bring imaginary dishes from there and hand them. Then he would go quickly + from chair to chair, always correcting himself if he went to the wrong + side, and talking all the time softly to himself. So here was the solution + of the mystery; here melted into air the visions of Joe in league with + midnight burglars. + </p> + <p> + The poor boy, evidently alarmed at the prospect of the dinner-party, and + feeling that he must try to improve in waiting at table before that time + somehow, had stolen all those hours nightly from his rest, to practise + with whatever substitutes were at hand for the usual table requisites. + </p> + <p> + Here every night, when those who had worked far less during the day were + soundly sleeping, had that anxious, striving little heart shaken off + fatigue, and the big blue eyes refused to yield to sleep, in order to + fight with the nervousness that alone prevented his willing hands acting + with their natural cleverness. I felt a choking in my throat, when I saw + the thin, pale little face, that should have been on the pillow hours + before, lighted up with triumph as the supposed guests departed; the dumb + show of folding the dinner napkins belonging to myself and the master, and + putting them in their respective rings, told us the ordeal was over. What + a weird scene it was,—the dim light, the silent house, the spread + table, and the empty chairs! One could imagine ghostly revellers, visible + only to that one fragile attendant, who ministered so willingly to their + numerous wants. The sort of nervous thrill that heralds hysterical attacks + was rapidly overcoming me, and I whispered to my husband, “Let us go now;” + but he lingered yet a few seconds, and silently drew my attention again to + the window. + </p> + <p> + Joe was on his knees by his bedside, his face hidden in his hands. What + silent prayer was ascending to the Throne of Grace, who shall say? I only + know that it were well if many a kneeling worshipper in “purple and fine + linen” could feel as sure of being heard as Joe did when, his victory won, + he knelt, in his humble servant's garb, and said his prayers that night in + spite of the aching head and weary limbs that needed so badly the few + hours' rest that remained before six o'clock, the time Joe always got up. + </p> + <p> + Silently we stole away, and in my mind from that moment my faith in Joe + never wavered. Not once, in spite of sad events that came to pass later + on, when even I, his staunchest friend, had to recall to memory that + kneeling little form in the silence of the night, alone with his God, in + order to stifle the cruel doubts of his truth that were forced upon us all + by circumstances I must soon relate. + </p> + <p> + The famous dinner passed off well. Joe was splendid; his midnight practice + had brought its reward, and he moved about so swiftly, and anticipated + everybody's wants so well, that some of my friends asked me where I got + such a treasure of a page; he must have had a good butler or footman to + teach him, they said; he is evidently used to waiting on many guests. I + was proud of Joe. + </p> + <p> + The next day he came to me with more than a sovereign in silver, and told + me the gentlemen had been so very kind to him, “and a'most every one had + given him somethin', tho' he never arst, or waited about, as some fellers + did, as if they wouldn't lose sight of a gent till he paid 'em. But,” said + Joe, “they would giv' it me; and one gent, he follered me right up the + passage, he did, and sez, 'Ere, you small boy,' he sez, and he give me a + whole 'arf-crown. Whatever for, I don't know.” + </p> + <p> + But I knew that must have been Dr. Loring, a celebrated physician, and my + husband's dearest friend. We had told him about Joe's midnight + self-teaching, and he had been much interested in the story. + </p> + <p> + You little thought, Joe, the hand that patted your curly head so kindly + that night would one day hold your small wrist, and count its feeble + life-pulse beating slowly and yet more slowly, while we, who loved you, + should watch the clever, handsome face, trying in vain to read there the + blessed word “Hope.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + And now I must confess to those—for surely there will be a few—who + have felt a little interest, so far, in the fortunes of J. Cole, that a + period in my story has arrived when I would fain lay down my pen, and not + awaken the sleeping past, to recall the sad trouble that befell him. + </p> + <p> + I am almost an old woman now, and all this happened many years ago, when + my hair was golden instead of silver. I was younger in those days, and now + am peacefully and hopefully waiting God's good time for my summons. + Troubles have been my lot, many and hard to bear. Loss of husband, + children, dear, good friends, many by death, and some troubles harder even + than those, the loss of trust, and bitter awakening to the ingratitude and + worthlessness of those in whom I have trusted,—all these I have + endured. Yet time and trouble have not sufficiently hardened my heart that + I can write of what follows without pain. Christmas was over, and my dear + husband again away for some months. As soon as I could really say, “Spring + is here,” we were to leave London for our country home; and Joe was + constantly talking to Mrs. Wilson about his various pets, left behind in + the gardener's care. There was an old jackdaw, an especial favorite of + his, a miserable owl, too, who had met with an accident, resulting in the + loss of an eye; a more evil-looking object than “Cyclops,” as my husband + christened him, I never saw. Sometimes on a dark night this one eye would + gleam luridly from out the shadowy recesses of the garden, and an + unearthly cry of “Hoo-oo-t,” fall on the ear, enough to give one the + “creeps for a hour,” as Mary, the housemaid, said. But Joe loved Cyclops, + or rather “Cloppy,” as he called him; and the bird hopped after Joe about + the garden, as if he quite returned the feeling. + </p> + <p> + All our own dogs, and two or three maimed ones, and a cat or two, more or + less hideous, and indebted to Joe's mercy in rescuing them from traps, + snares, etc.,—all these creatures were Joe's delight. Each week the + gardener's boy wrote a few words to Joe of their health and wonderful + doings, and each week Joe faithfully sent a shilling, to be laid out in + food for them. Then there was Joe's especial garden, also a sort of + hospital, or convalescent home rather, where many blighted, + unhealthy-looking plants and shrubs, discarded by the gardener, and cast + aside to be burnt on the weed-heap, had been rescued by Joe, patiently + nursed and petted as it were into life again by constant care and + watching, and, after being kept in pots a while, till they showed, by + sending forth some tiny shoot or bud, that the sap of life was once more + circulating freely, were then planted in the sheltered corner he called + “his own.” + </p> + <p> + What treasures awaited him in this small square of earth. What bunches of + violets he would gather for the Missis; and his longing to get back to his + various pets, and his garden, was the topic of conversation on many a long + evening between Joe and Mrs. Wilson. + </p> + <p> + Little Bogie, the fox-terrier, was the only dog we had with us in town, + and Bogie hated London. After the quiet country life, the incessant roll + of carriages, tramping of horses, and callings of coachmen, shrill + cab-whistles, and all the noises of a fashionable neighborhood at night + during a London season, were most objectionable to Bogie; he could not + rest, and often Joe got out of bed in the night, and took him in his arms, + to prevent his waking all of us, with his shrill barking at the unwonted sounds. + </p> + <p> + As I have said before, I am very nervous, and the prospect of spending + several more weeks in the big London house, without my husband, was far + from pleasant; so I invited my widowed sister and her girls to stay with + me some time longer, and made up my mind to banish my fears, and think of + nothing but that the dark nights would be getting shorter and shorter, and + meanwhile our house was well protected, as far as good strong bolts and + chains could do so. + </p> + <p> + One night I felt more nervous than usual. I had expected a letter from + America for some days past, and none had arrived. On this evening I knew + the mail was due, and I waited anxiously for the last ring of the postman + at ten o'clock; but I was doomed to listen in vain. There was the sharp, + loud ring next door, but not at ours; and I went to my room earlier than + the others, really to give way to a few tears that I could not control. + </p> + <p> + I sat by my bedroom fire, thinking, and, I am afraid, conjuring up all + sorts of terrible reasons for my dear husband's silence, until I must have + fallen asleep, for I awoke chilly and cramped from the uncomfortable + posture I had slept in. The fire was out, and the house silent as the + grave; not even a carriage passing to take up some late guest. I looked at + the clock, half-past three, and then from my window. It was that “darkest + hour before dawn,” and I hurried into bed, and endeavored to sleep; but + no, I was hopelessly wide awake. No amount of counting, or mental exercise + on the subject of “sheep going through a hedge,” had any effect, and I + found myself lying awake, listening. Yes, I knew that I was <i>listening + for something that I should hear before long, but I did not know what.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Hark! what was that?”—a sudden thud, as if something had fallen + somewhere in the house; then silence, except for the loud beating of my + heart, that threatened to suffocate me. “Nonsense,” I said to myself, “I + am foolishly nervous to-night. It is nothing here, or Bogie would bark;” + so I tried again to sleep. Hush! Surely that was a footstep going up or + down the stairs! I could not endure the agony of being alone any longer, + but would go to my sister's room, just across the landing, and get her to + come and stay the rest of the night with me. I put on my slippers and + dressing-gown, and opening my door, came face to face with my sister, who + was coming to me. + </p> + <p> + “Let me come in,” she said, “and don't let us alarm the girls; but I feel + certain something is going on down-stairs. Bogie barked furiously an hour + ago, and then was suddenly silent.” + </p> + <p> + “That must have been when I was asleep,” I replied; “but no doubt Joe + heard him, and has taken him in.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” said my sister, “but I have kept on hearing queer noises at + the back of the house; they seemed in Joe's room at first. Come and listen + yourself on the stairs.” + </p> + <p> + It is strange, but true, that many persons, horribly nervous at the + thought of danger, find all their presence of mind in full force when + actually called upon to face it. So it is with me, and so it was on that + night. I stood on the landing, and listened, and in a few moments heard + muffled sounds down-stairs, like persons moving about stealthily. + </p> + <p> + “There is certainly somebody down there, Nelly,” I said to my sister, “and + they are down in the basement. If we could creep down quietly and get into + the drawing-room, we might open the window and call the watchman or + policeman; both are on duty until seven.” + </p> + <p> + “But think,” said my sister, “of the fright of the girls if they hear us, + and find they are left alone. The servants, too, will scream, and rush + about, as they always do. Let us go down and make sure there are thieves, + and then see what is best to be done. The door at the top of the kitchen + stairs is locked, so they must be down there; and perhaps if we could get + the watchman to come in quietly, we might catch them in a trap, by letting + him through the drawing-room, and into the conservatory. He could get into + the garden from there, and as they must have got in that way from the + mews, over the stable wall, and through the garden, they would try to + escape the same way, and the watchman would be waiting for them, and cut + off their retreat.” + </p> + <p> + I agreed, and we stole down-stairs into the drawing-room, where we locked + ourselves in, then very gently and carefully drew up one of the side + blinds of the bay window. The morning had begun to break, and everything + in the wide road was distinctly visible. In the distance I could see the + policeman on duty, but on the opposite side, and going away from our house + instead of towards it. He would turn the corner at the top of the road, + and go past the houses parallel with the backs of our row, and then appear + at the opposite end of the park, and come along our side; there was no + intermediate turning—nothing but an unbroken row of about forty + detached houses facing each other. + </p> + <p> + What could we do? I dared not wait until the policeman came back; quite + twenty minutes must pass before then, and day being so near at hand, the + light was increasing every moment, and the burglars would surely not leave + without visiting the drawing-room and dining-room, and would perhaps + murder us to save themselves from detection. + </p> + <p> + If I could only attract the policeman's attention, but how? + </p> + <p> + My sister was close to the door listening, and every instant we dreaded + hearing them coming up the kitchen stairs. I could not understand Bogie + not barking, and Joe not waking, for where I was I could distinctly hear + the men moving about in the pantry and kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder,” I said to my sister, “if I could put something across from + this balcony to the stonework by the front steps? It seems such a little + distance, and if I could step across, I could open the front gate in an + instant, and run after the policeman. I shall try.” + </p> + <p> + “You will fall and kill yourself,” my sister said; “the space is much + wider than you think.” + </p> + <p> + But I was determined to try; for if I let that policeman go out of sight, + what horrors might happen in the twenty minutes before he would come back. + </p> + <p> + The idea of one of the girls waking and calling out, or Joe waking and + being shot or stabbed, gave me a feeling of desperation, as though I alone + could and must save them. + </p> + <p> + Luckily the house was splendidly built, every window-sash sliding + noiselessly and easily in its groove. I opened the one nearest to the hall + door steps, and saw that the stone ledge abutted to within about two feet + of the low balcony of the window; but I was too nervous to trust myself to + spring across even that distance. At that moment my sister whispered:— + </p> + <p> + “I hear somebody coming up the kitchen stairs!” + </p> + <p> + Desperately I cast my eyes round the room for something to bridge the open + space, that would bear my weight, if only for a moment. The fender-stool + caught my eye; that might do, it was strong, and more than long enough. In + an instant we had it across, and I was out of the window and down the + front steps. + </p> + <p> + As I turned the handle of the heavy iron gate, I looked down at the front + kitchen window. A man stood in the kitchen, and he looked up and saw me—such + a horrible-looking ruffian, too. Fear lent wings to my feet, and I flew up + the road. The watchman was just entering the park from the opposite end; + he saw me, and sounded his whistle; the policeman turned and ran towards + me. I was too exhausted to speak, and he caught me, just as, having gasped + “Thieves at 50!” (the number of our house), I fell forward in a dead + swoon. + </p> + <p> + When I recovered, I was lying on my own bed, my sister, the scared + servants, and the policeman, all around me. From them I heard that + directly the man in the kitchen caught sight of me, he warned his + companion, who was busy forcing the lock of the door at the head of the + kitchen stairs, and my sister heard them both rushing across the garden, + where they had a ladder against the stable-wall. They must have pulled + this up after them, and tossed it into the next garden, where it was + found, to delay pursuit. The park-keeper had, after sounding his whistle, + rushed to our house, got in at the window, and ran to the door at the top + of the kitchen stairs, but it was quite impossible to open it; the + burglars had cleverly left something in the lock when disturbed, and the + key would not turn. He then went through the drawing-room into the + conservatory, where a glass door opened on the garden; but by the time the + heavy sliding glass panel was unfastened, and the inner door unbolted, the + men had disappeared. They took with them much less than they hoped to have + done, for there were parcels and packets of spoons, forks, and a case of + very handsome gold salt-cellars, a marriage gift, always kept in a + baize-lined chest in the pantry, the key of which I retained, and which + chest was supposed until now to be proof against burglars; the lock had + been burnt all round with some instrument, most likely a poker heated in + the gas, and then forced inwards from the burnt woodwork. + </p> + <p> + “How was it,” I asked, “Joe did not wake during all this, or Bogie bark?” + </p> + <p> + As I asked the question, I noticed that my sister turned away; and Mrs. + Wilson, after vainly endeavoring to look unconcerned, threw her apron + suddenly over her head, and burst out crying. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” I said, sitting up; “what are you all hiding from + me? Send Joe to me; I will learn the truth from him.” + </p> + <p> + At this the policeman came forward, and then I heard that Joe was missing, + his room was in great disorder, and one of his shoes, evidently dropped in + his hurry, had been found in the garden, near some spoons thrown down by + the thieves; his clothes were gone, so he evidently had dressed himself + after pretending to go to bed as usual; his blankets and sheets were taken + away, used no doubt, the policeman said, to wrap up the stolen things. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” I asked, “that you suspect Joe is in league with these + burglars?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mum,” said the man, “it looks queer, and very like it. He slept + down-stairs close to the very door where they got in; he never gives no + alarm, he must have been expecting something, or else why was he dressed? + And how did his shoe come in the garden? And what's more to the point, if + so be as he's innercent, where is he? These young rascals is that artful, + you'd be surprised to know the dodges they're up to.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” I interrupted, “it is impossible, it is cruel to suspect him. He is + gone, true enough, but I'm sure he will come back. Perhaps he ran after + the men to try and catch them, and dropped his shoe then.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not likely, mum,” said he, with a pitying smile at my ignorance of + circumstantial evidence; “he'd have called out to stop 'em, and it 'aint + likely they'd have let him get up their ladder, afore chucking of it into + the next garden, if so be as he was a-chasing of 'em to get 'em took. No, + mar'm; I'm very sorry, particular as you seem so kindly disposed; but, in + my humble opinion, he's a artful young dodger, and this 'ere job has been + planned ever so long, and he's connived at it, and has hooked it along + with his pals. I knows 'em, but we'll soon nab him; and if so be as you'll + be so kind as to let me take down in writin' all you knows about 'J. + Cole,' which is his name, I'm informed, where you took him from, his + character, and previous career, it will help considerable in laying hands + on him; and when he's found we'll soon find his pals.” + </p> + <p> + Of course, I told all I knew about Joe. I felt positive he would come + back, perhaps in a few minutes, to explain everything. Besides, there was + Bogie, too. Why should he take Bogie? The policeman suggested that + “perhaps the dawg foller'd him, and he had taken it along with him, to + prevent being traced by its means.” + </p> + <p> + At length, all this questioning being over, the household settled down + into a sort of strange calm. It seemed to us days since we had said + “Good-night,” and sought our rooms on that night, and yet it was only + twenty-four hours ago; in that short time how much had taken place! On + going over all the plate, etc., we missed many more things; and Mrs. + Wilson, whose faith in Joe's honesty never wavered, began to think the + poor boy might have been frightened at having slept through the robbery; + and as he was so proud of having the plate used every day in his charge, + when he discovered it had been stolen, he might have feared we should + blame him so much for it, that he had run away home to his people in his + fright, meaning to ask his father, or his adored Dick, to return to me and + plead for him. I thought, too, this was possible, for I knew how terribly + he would reproach himself for letting anything in his care be stolen. I + therefore made up my mind to telegraph to his father at once; but, not to + alarm him, I said:— + </p> + <p> + “Is Joe with you? Have reason to think he has gone home. Answer back.” + </p> + <p> + The answer came some hours after, for in those small villages + communication was difficult. The reply ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + “We have not seen Joe; if he comes to-night will write at once. Hoping + there is nothing wrong.” + </p> + <p> + So that surmise was a mistake, for Joe had money, and would go by train if + he went home, and be there in two hours. + </p> + <p> + All the household sat up nearly all that night, or rested uncomfortably on + sofas and armchairs; we felt too unsettled to go to bed, though worn out + with suspense, and the previous excitement and fright. Officials and + detectives came and went during the evening, and looked about for traces + of the robbers, and before night a description of the stolen things, and a + most minute one of Joe, were posted outside the police-stations, and all + round London for miles. A reward of twenty pounds was offered for Joe, and + my heart ached to know there was a hue and cry after him like a common + thief. + </p> + <p> + What would the old parents think? and how would Dick feel?—Dick + whose good counsels and careful training had made Joe what I <i>knew</i> + he was, in spite of every suspicion. + </p> + <p> + The next day I still felt sure he would come, and I went down into the + room where he used to sleep, and saw Mrs. Wilson had put all in order, and + fresh blankets sheets were on the little bed, all ready for him. So many + things put me in mind of the loving, gentle disposition. A little + flower-vase I valued very much had been broken by Bogie romping with one + of my nieces, and knocking it down. It was broken in more than twenty + pieces; and after I had patiently tried to mend it myself, and my nieces, + with still greater patience, had had their turn at it, we had given it up + as a bad job, and thought it had long ago gone onto the dust-heap. + </p> + <p> + There were some shelves on the wall of Joe's room where his treasures were + kept; and on one of these shelves, covered with an old white handkerchief, + was a little tray containing the vase, a bottle of cement, and a + camel's-hair brush. The mending was finished, all but two or three of the + smallest pieces, and beautifully done; it must have taken time, and an + amount of patience that put my efforts and those of the girls to shame; + but Joe's was a labor of love, and did not weary him. He would probably + have put it in its usual place one morning, when mended, and said nothing + about it until I found it out, and then confessed, in his own queer way, + “Please, I knew you was sorry it was broke, and so I mended it;” then he + would have hurried away, flushed with pleasure at my few words of thanks + and praise. + </p> + <p> + On the mantelpiece were more of Joe's treasures, four or five cheap + photographs, the subjects quite characteristic of Joe. One of them was a + religious subject, “The Shepherd with a little lamb on his shoulders.” A + silent prayer went up from my heart that somewhere that same Good Shepherd + was finding lost Joe, and bringing him safely back to us. + </p> + <p> + There were some pebbles he had picked up during a memorable trip to + Margate with Dick, a year before I saw him; which pebbles he firmly + believed were real “aggits,” and had promised to have them polished soon, + and made into brooch and earrings for Mrs. Wilson. + </p> + <p> + There was a very old-fashioned photograph of myself that I had torn in + half, and thrown into the waste-paper basket. I saw this had been + carefully joined together and enclosed in a cheap frame—the only one + that could boast of being so preserved. I suppose Joe could only afford + one frame, and his sense of the fitness of things made him choose the + Missis's picture to be first honored. + </p> + <p> + How sad I felt looking round the room! People may smile at my feeling so + sad and concerned about a servant, a common, lowborn page-boy. Ay, smile + on, if you will, but tell me, my friend, can you say, if you were in Joe's + position at that time, with circumstantial evidence so strong against you, + poor and lowly as he was, are there four or five, or even two or three of + your friends who would believe in you, stand up for you, and trust in you, + in spite of all, as we did for Joe? + </p> + <p> + I had gone up to my sitting-room, after telling Mary to light the fire in + poor Joe's room, and let it look warm and cosey; for I had some sort of + presentiment that I should see the poor boy again very soon—how, I + knew not, but I have all my life been subject to spiritual influences, and + have seldom been mistaken in them. + </p> + <p> + We were all thinking of going early to rest, for since the robbery none of + us had had any real sleep. Suddenly the front door-bell rang timidly, as + if the visitor were not quite sure of its being right to pull the handle. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that's Joe,” said my sister. + </p> + <p> + But I knew Joe would not ring that bell. + </p> + <p> + We heard Mary open the door, and a man's voice ask if Mr. Aylmer lived + there. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mary, “but he is abroad; but you can see Mrs. Aylmer.” Then + came a low murmuring of voices, and Mary came in, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ma'am, it's Dick, Joe's brother; and he says may he see you?” + </p> + <p> + “Send him in here at once,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + And in a moment Dick stood before me—Dick, Joe's beau-ideal of all + that was good, noble, and to be admired. I must say the mind-picture I had + formed of Dick was totally unlike the reality. I had expected to see a + sunburnt, big fellow, with broad shoulders and expressive features. + </p> + <p> + The real Dick was a thin, delicate-looking young man, with a pale face, + and black straight hair. He stood with his hat in his hand, looking down + as if afraid to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray come in,” I cried, going forward to meet him. “I know who you + are. Oh, have you brought me any news of poor Joe? We are all his friends + here, his true friends, and you must let us be yours too in this trouble. + Have you seen him?” + </p> + <p> + At my words the bowed head was lifted up, and then I saw Dick's face as it + was. If ever truth, honor, and generosity looked out from the windows of a + soul, they looked out of those large blue eyes of Dick's—eyes so + exactly like Joe's in expression, that the black lashes instead of the + fair ones seemed wrong somehow. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, lady, for them words,” said Dick; and before I could + prevent it, he had knelt at my feet, caught my hand and pressed it to his + lips, while wild sobs broke from him. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” he said, rising to his feet, and leaning with one hand on + the back of a chair, his whole frame shaking with emotion. “Forgive me for + givin' way like this; but I've seen them papers about our Joe, and I know + what's being thought of him, and I've come here ashamed to see you, + thinkin' you believed as the rest do, that Joe robbed you after all your + goodness to him. Why, lady, I tell you, rather than I'd believe that of my + little lad, as I thrashed till my heart almost broke to hear him sob, for + the only lie as he ever told in all his life; if I could believe it, I'd + take father's old gun and end my life, for I'd be a beast, not fit to live + any longer. And I thought you doubted him too; but now I hear you say + you're his friend, and believes in him, and don't think he robbed you, I + know now there's good folks in the world, and there's mercy and justice, + and it ain't all wrong, as I'd come a'most to think as it was, when I + first know'd about this 'ere.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Dick,” I said, “and recover yourself, and let us see what can + be done. I will tell you all that has happened, and then perhaps you can + throw some light on Joe's conduct—you who know him so well.” + </p> + <p> + Dick sat down, and shading his eyes with his hand that his tears might not + betray his weakness any more, he listened quietly while I went over all + the events of that dreadful night. + </p> + <p> + When I had finished, Dick sat for some moments quite silent, then with a + weary gesture, passing his hand across his forehead, he remarked sadly:— + </p> + <p> + “I can't make nothing of it; it's a thing beyond my understanding. I'm + that dazed like, I can't see nothin' straight. However, what I've got to + do is to find Joe, and that I mean to do; if he's alive I'll find him, and + then let him speak for hisself. I don't believe he's done nothing wrong, + but if he has done ever so little or ever so much, he'll '<i>own up to it + whatever it is</i>,' that's what Joe'll do. I told him to lay by them + words and hold to 'em, and I'll lay my life he'll do as I told him. I've + got a bed down Marylebone way, at my aunt's what's married to a policeman; + I'm to stay there, and I'll have a talk with 'em about this and get some + advice. I know Joe's innercent, and why don't he come and say so? But I'll + find him.” + </p> + <p> + I inquired about the old people, and how they bore their trial. + </p> + <p> + “Father's a'most beside hisself,” said Dick; “and only that he's got to + keep mother in the dark about this, he'd have come with me; but mother, + she's a-bed with rheumatics, and doctor told father her heart was + weak-like, and she mustn't be told, or it would p'raps kill her. She + thinks a deal of Joe, does mother, being the youngest, and always such a + sort of lovin' little chap he were.” And here Dick's voice broke again, + and I made him go down to Mrs. Wilson, and have some refreshment before + leaving, and he promised to see me again the first thing in the morning, + when he had talked to his friend, the policeman. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Dick gone, when a loud, and this time firm ring, announced + another visitor, and in a cab, too, I could hear. Evidently there was no + going to rest early that night, as ten o'clock was then striking. + </p> + <p> + Soon, to my surprise, I heard a well-known voice, and Mary announced Dr. + Loring, my husband's old friend, of whom I have already spoken. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear,” he cried, in his pleasant, cheerful voice, that in itself + seemed to lift some of the heaviness from my heart, “are you not + astonished to see me at such an hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Astonished, certainly,” I replied; “but very, very glad. You are always + welcome; and more than ever now, when we are in trouble and sorrow. Do sit + down, and stay with me awhile.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will, for an hour, gladly,” he said. “But there's something + outside that had better be brought in first. You know I've only just + arrived from Devonshire, and there are two barrels of Devonshire apples on + that cab, one for you, and one for the wife, that is why you see me here; + for I thought it would not be ten minutes out of my road to pass by here, + and leave them with you, and so save the trouble of sending them by + carrier to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I rang for Mary, and the doctor suggested the apples being put somewhere + where the smell of them could not penetrate up-stairs; for, as he truly + remarked, “Though a fine ripe pippin is delicious to eat at breakfast or + luncheon, the smell of them shut up in a house is horrible.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say Mrs. Wilson will find a place in the basement,” I said; “for + we don't use half the room there is down there.” + </p> + <p> + Having ordered the barrel to be stowed away, I soon settled my visitor + comfortably in an armchair by the fire, with a cup of his favorite cocoa + by his side. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my dear,” said he, “tell me about this burglary that has taken + place, and which has made you look as if you wanted me to take care of you + a while, and bring back some color to your pale cheeks. And what about + this boy? Is it the same queer little fellow who chose midnight to play + his pranks in once before? I'm not often deceived in a face, and I thought + his was an honest one. I”— + </p> + <p> + “So it was,” I interrupted; “don't say a word until I've told you all, and + you will”— + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely begun speaking, when a succession of the most fearful + screams arose from down-stairs, each rising louder and louder, in the + extreme of terror. My sister, who had gone to her room, rushed down to me; + the girls, in their dressing-gowns, just as they were preparing for bed, + followed, calling out, “Auntie! O Auntie! what is it? Who is screaming? + What can be the matter?” Hardly were they in the room when Mary rushed in, + ghastly, her eyes staring, and in a voice hoarse with terror, gasped out, + “Come! come! he's found! he's murdered! I saw him. He's lying in the + cellar, with his throat cut. Oh, it's horrible!” Then she began to scream + again. + </p> + <p> + The doctor tried to hold me back, but I broke from him, and ran + down-stairs, where I could find no one; all was dark in the kitchens, but + there was a light in the area, and I was soon there, followed by Dr. + Loring. + </p> + <p> + By the open cellar-door stood Mrs. Wilson, and the cabman with her. + Directly she saw me, she called out, “Oh, dear mistress, don't you come + here; it's not a sight for you. Take her away, Dr. Loring, she musn't see + it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” I cried; “Mary says it's”—I could not say the words, + but seizing the candle from Mrs. Wilson's hand, I went into the cellar. + </p> + <p> + The good doctor was close to me, with more light, by the aid of which we + beheld, in the far corner, facing us, what seemed to be a bundle of + blankets, from which protruded a head, a horrible red stream surrounding + it, and flowing, as it were, from the open mouth. One second brought me + close. It was Joe—Joe, with his poor limbs bound with cruel ropes, + and in his mouth for a gag they had forced one of those bright red socks + he would always wear. Thank God, it was only that red sock, and not the + horrible red stream I had feared. He was dead, of course; but not such a + fearful death as that. + </p> + <p> + The doctor soon pulled the horrid gag from his mouth, and the good-natured + cabman, who evidently felt for us, helped to cut the ropes, and lift up + the poor cold little form. + </p> + <p> + As they lifted him, something that was in the blankets fell heavily to the + ground. It was poor Bogie's dead body, stabbed in many places, each wound + enough to have let out the poor dumb creature's life. + </p> + <p> + By this time help had arrived, and once more the police took possession of + us, as it were. + </p> + <p> + Of course, <i>now</i> everything was explained. The burglars had evidently + entered Joe's room, and Bogie, being in his arms, had barked, and wakened + him. A few blows had soon silenced poor Bogie, and a gag and cords had + done the same for Joe. + </p> + <p> + When the man saw me from the kitchen window he must have known that help + would soon come, and to prevent Joe giving information too soon they had + hastily seized him, bed-clothes and all, and put him into that cellar, to + starve if he were not discovered. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps they did not really mean to kill the poor child, and if we had + been in the habit of using that cellar we might have found him in a few + hours or less; but, unfortunately, it was a place we never used, it + reached far under the street, and was too large for our use. Our + coal-cellar was a much smaller one, inside the scullery; the door of poor + Joe's prison closed with a common latch. + </p> + <p> + Had there been any doubt in the detective's mind as to Joe's guilt, he + might have taken more trouble, and searched for him, even there; but from + the first everybody but ourselves had been sure Joe had escaped with the + burglars, so the cellar remained unsearched. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wilson, wishing to spare me the smell of the apples, thought that + cellar, being outside the house, a very suitable place for them, and on + opening the door had caught sight of something in the distant corner, and + sent Mary to see what it was. Then arose those fearful shrieks we had + heard, and Mary had rushed out of the cellar half mad with fright. + </p> + <p> + In less time than it has taken me to relate this, Joe was laid on the rug + before the drawing-room fire, and I summoned courage to look on the + changed face. + </p> + <p> + “Could that be Joe—so white, so drawn, so still?” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Loring was kneeling by the little form, chafing and straightening the + poor stiffened arms, so bent with their cruel pinioning behind the + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Doctor,” I said, “why do you do any more? Nothing can bring back the poor + fellow, murdered while doing his duty.” Then I, too, knelt down, and took + the poor cold hands in mine, + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my poor child!” I cried, “my little brave heart; who dared say you + were false? Let those who doubted you look at you now, with dry eyes, if + they can.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said Dr. Loring suddenly, “have you always hot water in your + bathroom?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, doctor,” I said; “yes. Why do you ask? Do you mean—is it + possible—there is life?” And I took Joe's little head in my arms, + and forgot he was only a servant, only a poor, common little page-boy. I + only know I pressed him to my breast, and called him by all the endearing + names I used to call my own children in after years, when God gave me + some, and kissed his white forehead in my joy at the blessed ray of hope. + </p> + <p> + No want of willing arms to carry Joe up-stairs. Mrs. Wilson had the bath + filled before the doctor was in the room with his light burden. + </p> + <p> + “A few drops of brandy, to moisten the lips, first of all,” said the good + doctor, “then the bath and gentle friction; there is certainly life in + him.” + </p> + <p> + Now my good sister's clever nursing proved invaluable. All that night we + fought every inch of ground, as it were, with our grim enemy; the dear, + good doctor never relaxed in his efforts to bring back life to the cramped + limbs. The burglars had unknowingly helped to keep alight Joe's feeble + spark of life by wrapping the blankets round him; they had meant, no + doubt, to stifle any sound he might make; but by keeping him from actual + contact with the stone floor, and protecting him from the cold, they had + given him his little chance of life. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how I blessed that kind thought of Dr. Loring's to bring me a barrel + of apples! Had there been no occasion to open the cellar-door, Joe would + have died before another morning had dawned, died! starved! What a + horrible death! And to know that within a few steps were food, warmth, and + kind hearts—hearts even then saddened by his absence, and grieving + for him. What hours of agony he must have passed in the cold and darkness, + hearing the footsteps of passers-by above his living tomb, and feeling the + pangs of hunger and thirst. What weeks those three days must have seemed + to him in their fearful darkness, until insensibility mercifully came to + his aid, and hushed his senses to oblivion. + </p> + <p> + Morning was far advanced when, at last, Joe's eyelids began to flutter, + and his eyes opened a very little, to close again immediately; even the + subdued light we had let into the room being too much for him to bear + after so long a darkness; but in that brief glance he had recognized me, + and seeing his lips move, I bent my head close to them. + </p> + <p> + Only a faint murmuring came, but I distinguished the words: + </p> + <p> + “Missis, I couldn't 'elp it! Forgive me. Say 'Our Father.'” + </p> + <p> + I knelt down, and as well as I could for the tears that almost choked me, + repeated that most simple, yet all-satisfying petition to the Throne of + Grace. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the doctor held Joe's wrist, and my sister, at a sign from him, + put a few drops of nourishment between the pale lips. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” at length said the doctor, “did you say the boy's brother was + in London?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I replied, “but I have no address, as I expect him here this + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well; he may be in time.” + </p> + <p> + “In time?” I repeated; “in time for what? Is he dying? Can nothing be + done?” + </p> + <p> + The good doctor looked again with moistened eyes on the little white face, + and said sadly— + </p> + <p> + “I fear not, but the sight of this brother he seems to have such a strong + love for may rouse him for a while. As it is, he is sinking fast. I can do + no more, he is beyond human skill; but love and God's help may yet save + him. Poor little fellow, he has done his duty nobly, and even to die doing + <i>that</i> is an enviable fate; but we want such boys as this to live, + and show others the way.” + </p> + <p> + There was a slight sound at the room door, and on turning round I saw Dick—Dick + with wild, dumb entreaty in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + I pointed to the bed, and with a whispered “Hush!” beckoned him to enter. + </p> + <p> + The shock of seeing his loved little lad so changed was too much for even + his man's courage, for, with a cry he in vain strove to smother, he sunk + on his knees with his face hidden in his hands. + </p> + <p> + But only for a moment he let his grief overcome him; then, rising, he took + Joe's little form in his arms, and in a voice to which love gave the + softest and gentlest tones said:— + </p> + <p> + “Joe, lad! Joe, little chap! here's Dick. Look at poor old Dick. Don't you + know him? Don't go away without sayin' good-by to Dick wot loves you.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly a little fluttering smile parted the lips, and the blue eyes + unclosed once more. “Dick!” he gasped; “I wanted to tell you, Dick, but—I—can't. + I—ain't—forgot. 'Own—up—to—it—wotever'—I + minded it all. Kiss me—Dick. God—bless—missis. Dick—take + me—home—to—mother!” + </p> + <p> + And with a gentle sigh, in the arms of the brother he loved, Joe fell into + a deep sleep, a sleep from which we all feared he would no more awake on + earth, and we watched him, fearing almost to move. + </p> + <p> + Dick held him in his arms all that morning, and presently towards noon the + doctor took the little wrist, and found the pulse still feebly beating; a + smile lit up his good, kind face, and he whispered to me, “There is hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” I whispered back, and ran away into my own room to sob out + grateful prayers of thanksgiving to Heaven for having spared the life so + nearly lost to us. + </p> + <p> + When I went back, Joe had just begun to awaken, and was looking up into + his beloved Dick's face, murmuring: “Why, it's Dick. Are you a-crying + about <i>me</i>, Dick? Don't cry—I'm all right—I'm only so + tired.” + </p> + <p> + And having drank some wine the doctor had ordered should be given him, he + nestled close to Dick's breast, and again fell into a sweet sleep, a + better, life-giving sleep this time, for the faint color came to his pale + little lips, and presently Dick laid him down on the pillows, and rested + his own weary arms. He would not move from Joe's side for fear, he might + wake and miss him, but for many hours our little fellow slept peacefully, + and so gradually came back to life. + </p> + <p> + We never quite knew the particulars of the robbery, for, when Joe was well + enough to talk, we avoided speaking of it. Dr. Loring said, “The boy only + partly remembers it, like a dream, and it is better he should forget it + altogether; he will do so when he gets stronger. Send him home to his + mother for a while; and if he returns to you, let it be to the country + house where there is nothing to remind him of all this.” + </p> + <p> + Joe did get strong, and came back to us, but no longer as a page-boy; he + was under-gardener, and his time was spent among his favorite flowers and + pet animals, until one day Dick wrote to say his father had bought more + land to be laid out in gardens, and if Joe could be spared he and Dick + could work together, and in time set up for themselves in the business. + </p> + <p> + So Joe left us, but not to forget us, or be forgotten. On each anniversary + of my birthday I find a bunch of magnificent roses on my breakfast table—“With + J. and R. Cole's respectful duty,” and I know the sender is a fine, strong + young market-gardener; but sometimes I look back a few years, and instead + of the lovely roses, and the big, healthy giver, I seem to see a faded + dusty bunch of wild-flowers, held towards me by the little hot hand of a + tired child with large blue eyes, and I hear a timid voice say, “Please'm, + it's J. Cole; and I've come to stay with yer!” + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of J. Cole, by Emma Gellibrand + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK J. COLE *** + +***** This file should be named 7357-h.htm or 7357-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/3/5/7357/ + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks and the DP Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at + www.gutenberg.org/license. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 +North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email +contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the +Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + + +</pre> + + </body> +</html> diff --git a/old/8cole10.zip b/old/8cole10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4202b40 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8cole10.zip |