ust, therefore, be away whenever it suited Thomas to act. But--and
Thomas thought a great deal over that _but_--would it be possible to
come to some sort of terms with Jack? They might share and share alike.
Thomas was quite willing to do that, provided the sum agreed upon was
large enough. If he refused, and if Estelle were unable to give an
account of herself--that is, if the little something did not occur which
should assist her memory--Thomas considered his course clear. Neither
her name nor her belongings would be revealed. Jack could not take any
steps towards restoring her to her family if he did not know where her
home was. Thomas preferred to manage the whole business single-handed.
The orchid had been a lesson to him against trusting any one with his
secrets. He had come off second-best. Another time it might go even
worse with him. No, he would be his own master in this matter.

Careful as his watch was on the crowds surging through the long street
of booths that day, he had missed Jack and his party. The tears of the
dancing girl, and the loud voice of the woman, he scarcely noticed till
they ceased suddenly. The silence aroused his curiosity as the noise had
not done. Peeping through the curtains, he saw to his delight and
amazement that the child he so longed to seize was standing close by,
alone and unprotected.

The golden egg lay ready to his hand. He would be a fool not to take it.
His eye wandered for one doubtful second to the broad back of the
stalwart sailor. Could he manage it before that giant turned round? It
was worth trying. Oh, if he could only get hold of her without her
screaming! Possession was nine points of the law!

(_Continued on page 286._)

PEEPS INTO NATURE'S NURSERIES.

IX.--SOME FROG NURSERIES.

We do not generally expect such apparently dull and stupid creatures as
fish and frogs to have any very deep parental feelings, yet we shall see
presently that, among the fishes, some are most exemplary parents. And
so it is, also, among the much-despised frogs and toads, and some of
their near relatives. Indeed, I should have to write a very long chapter
if I were to set myself to relate at length every case that is known of
this kind. It must suffice to take a few of the more striking instances.
But, before I begin, let me ask you to try and recall some of the main
facts with regard to the care for the young displayed by the common
frog. This animal, you will remember, form