until having once more gained command of himself, and wiped
away his tears with his small, and dingy pocket-handkerchief, he slowly
re-crossed the yard, and entering the house went to look for his
Auntie Anthea.

And, after much search, he found her--half-lying, half-kneeling beside
his bed. When he spoke to her, though she answered him, she did not look
up, and he knew that she was weeping.

"Don't, Auntie Anthea,--don't!" he pleaded. "I know Uncle Porges has
gone away, an' left us, but you've got me left, you know,--an' I shall
be a man--very soon,--before my time, I think. So--don't cry,--though
I'm awful' sorry he's gone, too--just when we needed him the most,
you know!"

"Oh Georgy!" she whispered, "my dear, brave little Georgy! We shall only
have each other soon,--they're going to take Dapplemere away from
us,--and everything we have in the world,--Oh Georgy!"

"Well, never mind!" said he, kneeling beside her, and drawing one small
arm protectingly about her, "we shall always have each other left, you
know,--nobody shall ever take you away from me. An' then--there's
the--Money Moon! It's been an awful' long time coming,--but it may come
to-night, or tomorrow night. _He_ said it would be sure to come if the
storm came, an' so I'll find the fortune for you at last. I know I shall
find it _some day_ a course--'cause I've prayed, an' prayed for it so
very hard, an' _He_ said my prayers went straight up to heaven, an'
didn't get blown away, or lost in the clouds. So--don't cry, Auntie
Anthea let's wait--just a little longer--till the Money Moon comes."

CHAPTER XXIV

_In which shall be found mention of a certain black bag_

"Baxter!"

"Sir?"

"Get me a pen, and ink!"

"Yes, sir."

Now any ordinary mortal might have manifested just a little surprise to
behold his master walk suddenly in, dusty and dishevelled of person, his
habitual languor entirely laid aside, and to thus demand pen and ink,
forthwith. But then, Baxter, though mortal, was the very cream of a
gentleman's gentleman, and the acme of valets, (as has been said), and
comported himself accordingly.

"Baxter!"

"Sir?"

"Oblige me by getting this cashed."

"Yes, sir."

"Bring half of it in gold."

"Sir," said Baxter, glancing down at the slip of paper, "did you
say--half, sir?"

"Yes, Baxter,--I'd take it all in gold only that it would be rather
awkward to drag around. So bring half in gold, and the rest in--five
pound notes."