lf nodding. He got up and laid the baby gently in its
cradle and stole quietly out and home again to his own bed.

"Wife," said the cabman, "did you see that angel?"

"Yes," answered his wife, "it is little Diamond who lives in the next
yard."

She knew him well enough. She was the neighbor who had the fire lighted
and the tea ready for them when Diamond and his mother came home from
Sandwich on that rainy, gloomy night. Her husband was somehow very sorry
now and ashamed of the misery he had caused--was it the song of the
river which Diamond had sung that caused it? He tried hard to forget
where the drink shop stood and for a good many weeks managed to keep
away from it.

One day when their cab was waiting for a fare, Diamond jumped down to
run a little and stretch his legs. He strolled up to the crossing where
Nanny and her broom were to be found in all weathers. Just as he was
going to speak to her a tall gentleman stepped upon the crossing. He was
glad to find it clean and he gave the girl a penny. When she made him a
courtesy, he looked at her again and said, "Where do you live, my
child?"

"Paradise Row," she answered. "Next door to the Adam and Eve--down the
area."

"Whom do you live with?" he asked.

"My wicked old granny," she replied.

"You should not call your granny wicked," said the gentleman.

"But she is!" said Nanny. "If you don't believe me, you can come and
take a look at her."

The gentleman looked very grave at hearing her. It was not a nice way
for a little girl to talk. He was turning away, when he saw the face of
Diamond looking up into his own.

"Please," said Diamond, "her granny is very cruel to her sometimes--and
shuts her out in the streets at night if she happens to be late."

"So, my little man. And what can you do?" asked the gentleman turning
towards him.

"Drive a cab," said Diamond proudly.

"Anything else?" asked the gentleman smiling.

"Take care of the baby," said Diamond; "clean father's boots and make
him a bit of toast for his tea."

"You are a useful little man," said the gentleman. "Can you read?"

"No, but father and mother can and they are going to teach me soon."

"Well, here is a penny for you, and when you learn to read, come to me
and I will give you six-pence and a book with fine pictures in it."

He gave Diamond a card with his address on it. "Thank you," said Diamond
and put the card into his pocket. The gentleman walked away but he saw
Diamond g