Inspector Robson coughed behind his hand, and his cough awoke the demon in Gracie's chest to emulation so strong that it straightway set to work, and the spectators had a practical illustration of her statement that it was "enough to twist her head off." "The child has a bad cough," said Inspector Robson, with a look of pity; "she oughtn't to be out on such a night." "I _would_ come with mother," said Gracie. "It ain't her fault, it's mine." The Inspector coughed again, and Gracie's demon followed suit. "Did your husband drink?" asked the Inspector. "No, sir, no," said the woman, reproachfully. "How can you ask it? Gracie will tell you. Did father drink, Gracie?" "Yes," she answered. "Tea. Very weak. I like it strong," and added, "when I can get it." "I wish I had a cup to give you," said Inspector Robson. "So do I," said Gracie, "and a cup for mother." "If there's anything you wish to tell me," said the Inspector, addressing the woman, "I will see what can be done. Take your time, and don't hurry. He was employed by Mr. Samuel Boyd, you say." "Yes, sir, of Catchpole Square. He was Mr. Boyd's clerk, and a hard time he had of it. We did the best we could upon his miserable salary, but what with one thing and another we were worried out of our lives." "Did I worry you, mother?" asked Gracie. "I'd stop coughing if I could, but I can't. If it didn't worry mother, gentlemen, I wouldn't mind. It ketches me that tight that I can't hold it if I try ever so. I _do_ try, mother!" "You do, my dear. A little while ago"--to the Inspector again--"we borrowed three pounds of a money-lender and signed a paper, and though we've paid it twice over he makes out that we owe him more than we did at the beginning. Our bits of furniture aren't worth much, but it's all we have, and every time he comes he threatens to sell us up." "I wish he'd sell my cough up," said Gracie, with a queer little laugh, "I'd let it go cheap. It wouldn't fetch much, I reckon, but he can have it and welcome, because it worries mother." "That's the way she talks of it, sir. She never thinks of herself." "Oh, don't I, though? You mustn't believe everything mother says, gentlemen." "Let me go on, dear, and don't interrupt, or you'll make the gentlemen angry." "I'd be sorry to do that. You _will_ help mother won't you, please!" "We'll try," replied Inspector Robson, kindly and patiently. "Then I won't say another word till she's done," said Gracie. "Last Friday night he came home in a terrible state," continued the woman, fondling Gracie's cheek with her trembling hand. "He hoped to get the loan of a few pounds from Mr. Boyd, so that we could pay the money-lender off, and buy a chest protector for Gracie, and a little warm clothing for the other children."