"That relation is yourself, and here's the message, in the shape of a pair o' socks from mother; knitted with her own hands; and, by the way, that reminds me--how came you to be at the fire last night? It's a long way from your station." "I've been changed recently," said Frank; "poor Grove was badly hurt about the loins at a fire in New Bond Street last week, and I have been sent to take his place, so I'm at the King Street station now. But I have something more to tell you before you go, lad, so walk with me a bit farther." Willie consented, and Frank related to him his conversation with Mr Auberly in reference to himself. "I thought of asking leave and running out this afternoon to tell you, so it's as well we have met, as it will--Why, what are _you_ chuckling at, Willie?" This question was put in consequence of the boy's eyes twinkling and his cheeks reddening with suppressed merriment. "Never mind, Blazes. I haven't time to tell you just now. I'll tell you some other time. So old Auberly wants to see me to-morrow forenoon?" "That's what he said to me," returned Frank. "Very good; I'll go. Adoo, Blazes--farewell." So saying, Willie Willders turned round and went off at a run, chuckling violently. He attempted to whistle once or twice, but his mouth refused to retain the necessary formation, so he contented himself with chuckling instead. And it is worthy of record that that small boy was so much engrossed with his own thoughts on this particular occasion that he did not make one observation, bad, good, or indifferent, to any one during his walk home. He even received a question from a boy smaller than himself as to whether "his mother knew he was out," without making any reply, and passed innumerable policemen without even a thought of vengeance!