ew it, but as yet not
practically. Great as his trials had been, and deeply as he had
suffered, it was God's will that he should pass through a yet fiercer
flame ere he could be purified from pride and passion and
self-confidence, and led to the cross of a suffering Saviour, there to
fling himself down in heart-rending humility, and cast his great load of
cares and sins upon Him who cared for him through all his wanderings,
and was leading him back through thorny places to the green pastures and
still waters, where at last he might have rest.

The money came, and walking off straight to "The Jolly Herring," he
dashed it down on the table before Billy, and imperiously bade him write
a receipt.

The man did so, but with so unmistakable an air of cunning and triumph
that Eric was both astonished and dismayed. Could the miscreant have
any further plot against him? At first he fancied that Billy might
attempt to extort money by a threat of telling Dr Rowlands; but this
supposition he banished as unlikely, since it might expose Billy himself
to very unpleasant consequences.

Eric snatched the receipt, and said contemptuously, "Never come near me
again; next time you come up to the studies I'll tell Carter to turn you
out."

"Ho, ho, ho!" sneered Billy. "How mighty we young gents are all of a
sudden. Unless you buy of me sometimes, you shall hear of me again;
never fear, young gen'leman." He shouted out the latter words, for Eric
had turned scornfully on his heel, and was already in the street.

Obviously more danger was to be apprehended from this quarter. At first
the thought of it was disquieting, but three weeks glided away, and
Eric, now absorbed heart and soul in school work, began to remember it
as a mere vague and idle threat.

But one afternoon, to his horror, he again heard Billy's step on the
stairs, and again saw the hateful iniquitous face at the door.

"Not much custom from you lately, sir," said Billy mockingly. "Anything
in my line to-day?"

"Didn't I tell you never to come near me again, you foul villain?" cried
Eric, springing up in a flame of wrath. "Go this instant, or I'll call
Carter," and opening the window, he prepared to put his threat into
execution.

"Ho, ho, ho! Better look at summat I've got first." It was a printed
notice to the following effect:--

"Five Pounds Reward."

"Whereas some evil-disposed persons stole some pigeons on the evening
of April 6th from the Rev