e danger, he descended the ladder, and left it to others to see that
all was safe. He then called Oswald to him, and desired that he would
accompany him to the stable.

"Oh sir," replied Oswald, "this is dreadful! And such a sweet young
lady too."

"She is safe and well," replied Edward; "I think so, at least. I
brought her down the ladder and put her in the stable before I attempted
to put out the fire. See, there she is; she has not recovered yet from
her swoon. Bring some water. She breathes! Thank God! There, that
will do, Oswald, she is recovering. Now let us cover her up in your
cloak, and carry her to your cottage. We will recover her there."

Oswald folded up the still unconscious girl in his cloak, and carried
her away in his arms, followed by Edward.

As soon as they arrived at the cottage, the inmates of which were all
busy at the keeper's lodge, they put her on a bed, and very soon
restored her to consciousness.

"Where is my father?" cried Patience, as soon as she was sufficiently
recovered.

"He is safe and well, miss," replied Oswald.

"Is the house burnt down?"

"No. The fire is all out again."

"Who saved me? Tell me."

"Young Armitage, miss."

"Who is he? Oh, I recollect now; but I must go to my father. Where is
he?"

"In the other cottage, miss."

Patience attempted to stand, but found that she was too much exhausted,
and she fell back again on the bed. "I can't stand," said she. "Bring
my father to me."

"I will, miss," replied Oswald.

"Will you stay here, Edward?"

"Yes," replied Edward. He went out of the cottage-door, and remained
there while Oswald went to Mr Heatherstone.

Oswald found him sensible, but in deep distress, as may be imagined.
"The fire is all out, sir," said Oswald.

"I care not for that. My poor, poor child!"

"Your child is safe, sir," replied Oswald.

"Safe, did you say?" cried Mr Heatherstone, starting up. "Safe;
where?"

"In my cottage. She has sent me for you."

Mr Heatherstone rushed out, passed by Edward, who was standing at the
door of the other cottage, and was in his daughter's arms. Oswald came
out to Edward, who then detailed to him the way in which he had saved
the girl.

"Had it not been for the ill-nature of that girl Phoebe, in sending me
to sleep where there was no straw, they would all have been burnt,"
observed Edward.

"She gave you an opportunity of rewarding good for evil," observed
Oswald.

"Yes, bu