oing out a tremendous crash jarred the
building.

"Not afraid, Thistledown?" smiled Dr. Dudley, as he wrapped her
again in the long cloak.

"I don't like it," she confessed; "but I shan't mind with you,"
putting her arms around his neck.

The rain was pouring as they left the piazza, and before they were
off the grounds big stones of hail were pelting their umbrella.
The Doctor hurried along, the lightning glaring about them and the
air filled with thunder.

Colonel Gresham's house was nearly reached, when a sudden gust
turned the umbrella, and almost at once came a blaze of light and
a terrific crash--a great oak across the street had been split
from top to root!

With a gasp of terror Polly clung to the Doctor's neck, and he
sped up the walk on a quick run.

"There!" he exclaimed, setting her down inside the door, "You're
safe and sound! But next time we'll take Miss Lucy's advice, and
not run any such risks."

"It was awful, was n't it?" breathed Polly.

"A little too close for comfort," he smiled, taking her wet coat
and spreading it over a chair.

At the foot of the stairs he halted for a few instructions.

"Humor the Colonel in every way possible," he told Polly. "If he
names you 'Eva," let him think he is right, and call him 'Uncle
David.'"

"I'm afraid I shall make a mistake," replied Polly.

"You won't," he assured her. "Just imagine you are his little
niece, doing everything to please him--that is all."

Miss Batterson smiled down on Polly, as she entered the sick-room,
and spoke in a low voice to the physician.

Colonel Gresham had been muttering indistinctly, and now broke
into his persistent call:--

"Eva! Eva! Where's Eva?"

Dr. Dudley gave Polly a gentle push towards the bed.

"Here I am, Uncle David!" she answered, standing where the light
slanted across her yellow curls.

The sick man started up, and then dropped back on his pillow.

"Oh, you've come!" he cried, with a breath of relief, "Why did
you stay away--so--long?"

"I did n't know you wanted me till now, Uncle David," replied
the soft voice.

"Come nearer, child! Let me feel you little hand! I dreamed--I
dreamed--you were gone--forever!"

"He lay quiet for a moment, her cool fingers in his hot,
trembling palm. Then he startled her bu the sudden cry:--

"That water! It's dripping, dripping right on my head! Eva, put
up your hand, and catch it!"

Standing beside his pillow, Polly held her hand high.

"I'