"The child is very ill," he said. "The child is so ill," answered the medical man, "that humanly speaking there is very little hope of his life." "Good sir!" exclaimed Hinton, shocked at his fears being put into such plain language. "Don't you see that those parents' lives are bound up in the child's, and they know nothing? Why have you told them nothing? Only to-night his mother thought him better." "The fever is nearly over, and in consequence the real danger beginning; but I dare not tell the mother, she would break down. The father is of different stuff, he would bear it. But there is time enough for the mother to know when all is over." "I call that cruel. Why don't you get in other advice?" "My dear sir, they are very poor people. Think of the expense, and it would be of no use, no use whatever." "Leave the expense to me, and also the chance of its doing any good. I should never have an easy moment if I let that little lad die without having done all in my power. Two heads are better than one. Do you object to consulting with Dr. H----?" "By no means, Mr. Hinton. He is a noted authority on such cases." "Then be here in an hour from now, doctor, and you shall meet him." Away flew Hinton, and within the specified time the great authority on such cases was standing by little Harold's bedside. "The fever is over, but the child is sinking from exhaustion. Give him a glass of champagne instantly," were the first directions given by the great man. Hinton returned with a bottle of the best his money could purchase in ten minutes. A tablespoonful was given to the child. He opened his eyes and seemed revived. "Ah! that is good. I will stay with the little fellow to-night," said Dr. H----. "You, madam," he added, looking at Mrs. Home, "are to go to bed. On no other condition do I stay." Hinton and Dr. H---- shared that night's watch between them, and in the morning the little life was pronounced safe. CHAPTER XXII. EMPTY PURSES. It was not until Harold's life was really safe that his mother realized how very nearly he had been taken from her. But for Hinton's timely interposition, and the arrival of Doctor H---- at the critical moment, the face she so loved might have been cold and still now, and the spirit have returned to God who gave it. Looking at the little sleeper breathing in renewed health and life with each gentle inspiration, such a rush of gratitude and over-powering emotion came over Mrs. Home that she was obliged to follow Hinton into his sitting-room. There she suddenly went down on her knees. "God bless you," she said. "God most abundantly bless you for what you have done for me and mine. You are, except my husband, the most truly Christian man I ever met." "Don't," said Hinton, moved and even shocked at her position. "I loved--I love the little lad. It is nothing, what we do for those we love."