"Well, I've a notion I know what you mean," he said in rather a shame-faced fashion; "and I don't know that I mayn't do as you say. I must wish you good evening now, Mrs. Mugford," and he turned away, and strolled down the street. Mrs. Mugford watched his retreating figure out of sight, then she went into her shop, and began making preparations for closing for the night. Meanwhile James Lethbridge was halting outside the "White Hart," hesitating whether he should enter or not; but for once he allowed his conscience to guide him, and put the temptation aside. CHAPTER VII. THE ACCIDENT. IT was the morning after the school treat, and although only a little after six o'clock, the Lethbridge boys were already up, helping to put things in order for the day. "I wonder what time father will be home," Dick said, as he coaxed the fire into a blaze, to boil the kettle. "I don't know, my dear; early I expect," Mrs. Lethbridge answered in unusually cheerful tones—evidently the Sunday-school treat had done her good. "I hope the poor horse is better," Dick continued. "Do you think father will be home to breakfast, mother? If I knew what time he was coming, I'd go to meet him." "Why, here he comes!" Jim exclaimed. "I know that's his footstep." He came in looking wonderfully brisk, seeing he had been awake all night, and answered their questions willingly. The horse was better; he and old Burt had done the best they could for it. "Mr. Talbot's so pleased his favourite's likely to recover, that he says he'll increase my wages at the end of the week. Now, isn't that good news?" The boys assented eagerly, and Mrs. Lethbridge smiled; though she could not help wondering if her husband would allow her a little more towards the housekeeping, or if he would spend the extra money in drink. "Father," said Jim, presently, "I have sixpence—or rather, mother is keeping it for me. I won it for coming in second in a race yesterday. Guess what I'm going to do with it!" The father shook his head, smiling as he met the boy's eager glance. "I'm going to put it towards buying that picture of the Good Shepherd for our Molly. Isn't it a splendid idea?" "Well done, Jim; and I'll give you the rest of the money on Saturday." "Oh, father, do you mean it? Oh, thank you, thank you!" "Of course I mean it. I intended to give Molly the picture anyway." "How pleased the child will be!" Mrs. Lethbridge exclaimed. "I wonder where she'll hang it." "She is not up yet, I suppose?" the father enquired. "No; I expect she's very tired. You should have seen her running about and playing with the other children, yesterday! It did my heart good to watch her! She did have a good time, and no mistake!" Molly slept on till nearly eight o'clock, and when she came down, found her father fast asleep in their one easy-chair. Her mother motioned to her not to disturb him, so she took her breakfast in silence.