ne for her poor sick
grandpapa.

After he had read the characteristic and simple little note, Guly
slipped a piece of money into Richard's hand, thanking him warmly for
the service he had done him, and the little man swung himself away,
talking pleasantly to himself as he went.

It was late before it was possible to shut the store, but the moment he
could do so, Guly did; and then with a sinking heart took his way to
Wilkins' house. Della and Wilkins were sitting by the grate when he
entered, while Minny sat on a low stool just in front of her mistress,
with one fair round arm thrown caressingly over Della's lap. It seemed
too bright a picture to be disturbed, and Guly, who had entered
unannounced, stood looking at it a moment before he did so.

The moment he told his errand, Della begged Wilkins to go and do all he
could, to take Minny with him, and to give Blanche her dear love, and
tell her she would have gone herself had she not felt too much
indisposed.

Minny tied on her hat, threw a light shawl about her shoulders, and
started away with Wilkins and Guly at a rapid pace. The moon was shining
brightly, and as they walked briskly on, their shadows fell long and
slender, marching on before them. They had approached within a few
blocks of the house, when Guly's attention was attracted by the
appearance of some dark object on the opposite side of the way, going
slowly along in the shadow of the buildings, and evidently seeking
concealment.

With his curiosity awakened, he pointed it out to Wilkins, and bidding
Minny seek the shelter of an adjacent doorway, they crossed the narrow
street to discover if possible what it was. As they approached, the
object moved more quickly, but they soon drew near enough to see it was
a female form, borne in the arms of a stout negro, and Arthur. As they
passed an opening between two houses, the moonlight streamed down full
upon the upturned face of the girl they were carrying, exposing her
features clearly to Wilkins and his companion.

"Blanche! my own Blanche!"

Uttering these words, Guly sprang wildly forward. Arthur, finding he
could not escape, turned short round and met him face to face.

The brothers grappled; all of Guly's meekness and forbearance was merged
in the base insult which had been offered her he loved, and he seemed
for the time gifted with almost superhuman strength. The struggle was
brief; and Arthur was flung heavily upon the pavement. In an instant
Bla