Mr. Calton told me: never mind, I'll go

I must settle that fellow Watson first.'

back in a minute.

Watson was a coward-of course you understand that none but a cowardly boy would dream of striking a girl, or a baby; and, like cowards, he was a braggart. Braggarts are, I believe, always cowards.

As soon as Geoffry appeared in the play-ground, Bell ran to him, and caught his hand; and the two friends went together to the cricket-field. Henry Watson was holding forth very loudly about some feats or other which he pretended he could do, when one of the boys who stood by him said, 'Here comes Lisle; you'd best look out, Watson; I expect Bell has told him.'

'I don't care for Lisle!' said Watson, looking fierce. 'What do you mean by hitting the little one?' asked Geoffry at once.

'Well,' said Watson rudely, with his hand on his hip, 'the little one, as you call her, doesn't belong to you. Mind your own business. I shall hit her if I choose.' 'You shall do nothing of the sort,' said Geoffry; I'll see to that. Bell shall not be hit when I am by at any rate!'

'I didn't hit her!' said Watson.

'Oh, you naughty story boy!' said Bell, 'you did then; and you know you did.'

Geoffry looked round at some of the other boys. In the dusk he could see that they glanced at each other. 'Did he hit the child?' asked he.

There was no answer; but little Bell began to sob at finding her word doubted. 'It is a wicked story, and you are a bad boy,' she said.

'Hold your tongue, you little booby!' said Watson, pushing her away. He meant to push the child, but I do not think he meant to throw her down; but she was a very little child, and she fell upon the ground.

'I suppose you will say now that you did not push her,' exclaimed Geoffry, catching Watson by the collar and swinging him several yards away-then picking up the child. There was some question of a fight after that between Geoffry and Watson; but Watson, although he talked a good deal, seemed to have an objection to coming on, and kept Geoffry Lisle so long waiting in his shirt-sleeves before he could make up his mind to part with his own jacket, that Geoffry said at length, 'Well, I shall catch cold if I wait for you much longer. Let me know when you want to fight, Watson, and I am at your service.' All the boys laughed, and Watson looked sulky, and at that moment the tea-bell rung—so he muttered something about being unable to stop in the play-ground at tea-time—and then they all went in-doors.

As Geoffry entered the house, with little Bell in his arms clinging round his neck, they met Mrs. Calton.

'Ah,' she said, I have been looking for my little girl. I might have guessed she was with you, Geoffry Lisle, and felt sure she was safe. You always take care of Bell.'

She kissed Bell as she spoke; and Bell said, ‘Kiss

Lisle too, mamma,' and Mrs. Calton kissed Geoffry, and sent him into the tea-room.

So he was in high spirits and fun all the evening, and forgot everything about going back to the study to put out the candle, which in the meantime was gradually burning lower and lower towards the socket, with a great wick hanging over on one side; for it was a kitchen candle which Geoffry had taken a dreadful tallow thing, which required to be snuffed every now and then.

CHAPTER V.

THE FIRE.

HE evening passed away; I hope all the lessons for the next day were learnt, and all the boys went to bed. Geoffry always slept like a top, for he took so much exercise during the day. But this night his sleep did not last as usual, till daylight came into the window; he was startled by noises which he could not understand. Bells were ringing and doors opening and shutting. Then he heard the boy who slept in the bed next him, whose name was Allen, ask, 'What is the matter? what can be the matter? I say, Blake! Lisle!' he called, 'rouse up! I am sure there is something wrong: I heard a voice like a scream just now!'

By this time Allen was out of bed and pulling on his trousers, and Lisle quickly followed his example.

'There it is again!' said one of the boys, as a scream broke on the night air, followed by several others.

All the boys were by this time partly dressed, and

leaving their bedrooms they went on to the landing outside. As soon as they stood there a strong smell of smoke came up the staircase, and at the same moment Mr. Calton appeared on the stairs.

'Boys,' said he, 'come down-stairs and out of the house at once! Do not lose any time.' He went into his room again directly, and as the boys reached the lawn at the back of the house, Mr. Calton came out again with Mrs. Calton and little Bell.

Happily it was a warm night, although it was in the

autumn.

Geoffry Lisle drew near to Mr. Calton, while the rest of the boys stared at the house, from the lower windows of which the smoke was coming in puffs; and now began a roaring noise, which they did not understand.

• Stay

'Is the house on fire, sir?' asked Geoffry. "Without doubt,' answered Mr. Calton. here, and look to Mrs. Calton, Lisle. I must try to save some of my books. I have sent for the engine, but I am afraid it will not be here just yet.'

Here,

'Wait one minute, sir, please,' said Geoffry. Allen, take little Bell, will you? May I help you with the books, sir?'

'Come on then,' said Mr. Calton, who was already half in the house.

Geoffry did not feel at all comfortable as he went into the study. One side of it was burning very slowly, but throwing out a great quantity of smoke. A man was