In the morning, under the guidance of the agent, "Cobbler" Horn paid his promised visit to the old Hall. It was a venerable Elizabethan mansion, and, like everything else in the village that belonged to him, was sadly out of repair. As he entered the ancient pile, and passed from room to room, a purpose with regard to the old Hall which already vaguely occupied his mind, took definite shape; and he seemed to hear, in the empty rooms, the glad ring of children's laughter and the patter of children's feet. In memory of his long-lost Marian, and for the glory of the Divine Friend of children, the old Hall should be transformed into a Home for little ones who were homeless and without a friend. As they drove to the station, a little later, he announced his attention, with regard to the Hall, to Mr. Gray. "I shall leave the business in your hands, Mr. Gray. You must consult those who understand such things, and visit similar institutions, and turn the old place into the best 'Children's Home' that can be produced." "Very well, sir; but the children?" "That matter I will arrange myself." The agent was getting used to surprises; but the next that came almost took his breath away. "I believe," said "Cobbler" Horn, at the end of a brief silence, "that your salary, Mr. Gray, is L150 a year?" "Yes, sir." "Well, I wish to increase the amount. Pray consider that you will receive, from this time, at the rate of L500 a year." "Mr. Horn!" cried the startled agent, "such generosity!" "Not at all; I mean you to earn it, you know. But let your horse move on, or I shall miss my train. And, by the way, will you oblige me, Mr. Gray, by procuring for yourself a horse and trap better calculated to serve the interests of my property than this sorry turn-out. Get the best equipment which can be obtained for money." The agent, not knowing whether he was touched the more by the kindness of the injunction, or by the delicacy with which it had been expressed, murmured incoherent thanks, and promised speedy compliance with his employer's commands. CHAPTER XXII. "THE GOLDEN SHOEMAKER" INSTRUCTS HIS LAWYERS. "Cobbler" Horn reached London early the same evening, and the following morning, at the appointed hour, duly presented himself at the office of Messrs. Tongs and Ball. He was received with enthusiasm by the men of law. Long Mr. Ball was, as usual, the chief speaker; and round Mr. Tongs yielded meek and monosyllabic assent to all his partner's words. "And how are you by this time, my dear sir?" asked Mr. Ball, almost affectionately, when they had taken their seats. "Cobbler" Horn had a vague impression that the lawyer was asking his question on behalf of his partner as well as of himself. "Thank you, gentlemen," was his cordial reply. "I am thankful to say I never was better in my life; and I hope I find you the same?"