he fields.

"Delicious!" said Mr. Burnet, pausing as he entered his own large
grounds. "How I wish poor Roberts was well enough to enjoy it all. I
am afraid his exertions at the oar, and his exposure to the evening
damps, have brought on this painful attack. The only thing I can do is
to go to town myself to see this Thomas Mitchell, and I really do not
feel up to it."

The father and son walked on side by side. Presently Leonard said, "Do
you think I could go and make the arrangements with Mitchell?"

Mr. Burnet stopped in his walk, and leaning on his stick said, "Upon
my word, Leonard, I do not see why you could not."

"Then let me do it, father; and if you give me a note to the head of
the press where Mitchell works, perhaps he would let me look round,
and take a practical lesson in the business."

"A good idea!" exclaimed Mr. Burnet.

It was settled in that way; and on the Monday, Mr. Burnet being very
gouty, and Roberts very rheumatic, there was no one who could possibly
go to town except Leonard. He went off, armed with directions and
papers from his father.

Arrived in London he presented himself at the great printing-office
where Mitchell worked; was courteously received by one of the heads of
it, and was shown some of the type, the presses, the paper, and other
things used for printing that morning journal which deprived Thomas
Mitchell and many others of almost every night's rest. Having seen as
much as he could remember, he said to the gentleman who was explaining
matters, "I think I must now speak to Mitchell, who is to leave you on
Saturday, and to begin work with us on Monday next."

"I will send for him," replied the gentleman. "He is a good, steady
fellow, and if his health becomes stronger will deserve your
confidence and regard."

Then, speaking down a telephone, "Send Thomas Mitchell to me."

The answer came back: "Mitchell has this moment knocked off work and
gone."

"Provoking!" said the gentleman.

"It does not matter," said Leonard. "I know his address, and I can go
there and speak to him."

He set off, having a vague notion of the neighbourhood in which the
Mitchells lived. Leonard was not much used to London, especially that
part of it, and as he went he saw many things to interest him. The day
was hot and close, and the narrower streets were far from pleasant. He
was struck by the number of small grocers' shops, and the smell of
paraffin which pervaded this part of London. He a