“You can go,” he said “and you may take your myrmidons with you.” “And return the writ to the sheriff with nully bony on it, I s’pose?” exclaimed Mr. Jukes, chagrined. “Whatever you please,” returned Nathan; “my name, if it suits you.” “No thank ye. Your name will be handed in to Messrs. Squeege and Drain, solicitors, Old Jewry,” replied Jukes, with a most significant nod of the head, which implied a threat. “That will do as well,” said Nathan; “they know me; they stand indebted to me in a good round sum.” The nether jaw of Jukes slightly dropped; he gave a steadfast look at Nathan Gomer; his eyes then slowly ran round the room, and settled on Flora, who, pale as marble, stood as though she were in a trance, all unconscious of what was passing around her. He gazed at her thoughtfully for a moment. A sudden flash illumined his eyes, indicating that a new idea had taken possession of him, and then he turned to his followers and said-- “Now then, Sudds; come along, Nutty, Good day, Mr. Gomer; it’s your turn this time.” “Good day--good day, Jukes--as you say, I think it is my turn this time--I believe I may say it is my turn this time,” answered Nathan, rubbing his hands. Mr. Jukes hastened out of the room, closely attended by his satellites, Nutty looking especially chop-fallen, as his possession money would in all probability be returned “nully bony” as well as the writ. When these men had fairly slammed the street-door after them, and the sound had risen up through the house, Nathan Gomer, who had listened attentively for it, surveyed the persons of both Charley and Lotte, and then addressing Flora, said-- “Miss Wilton, are these young persons friends of yours?” Flora, upon hearing her name, started and slightly shuddered, as one rousing from a painful reverie: Lotte gave her no time to answer, for she said hastily-- “Oh, yes, sir; new friends, it is true; but not the less, disposed warmly to serve her in her present terrible affliction, so far as our humble means will permit.” “And pray what are your means?” demanded Nathan. Lotte for a moment hung her head, and a bright flush mounted to her cheek and forehead, then she flung up her face, and with her clear bright eyes looked steadfastly at the little old man with the golden visage. In a few rapid words she sketched the position of herself and her brother, and the bright, youthful, sanguine hopes they both entertained of their future. “Bravo Lotte--well said, my pet!” cried Charley, patting her affectionately and approvingly upon the shoulder. “And as for what I can do, why somehow I’ll see you through it; a book or two less, and a----” dinner, he was about to say, but he checked himself and substituted--“a pleasure the fewer I sha’n’t miss, and I would not forego the happiness of witnessing your gratification at being able to serve a friend in distress, for something far beyond such sacrifices as those.”