, were strangely not discordant; nor was the sunshine, falling over
the foot of the bed.

"'Last Appearance of a Famous Freak!'" Mr. Poddle elucidated, his eyes
shining with delight--returning, all at once, to his old manner. "Git
me, Richard?" he continued, excitedly. "'Fitting Finale! Close of a
Curious Career! Mr. Henry Poddle, the eminent natural phenomonen, has
consented to depart this life on the stage of Hockley's Musee, on
Sunday next, in the presence of three physicians, a trained nurse, a
minister of the gospel and a undertaker. Unparalleled Entertainment!
The management has been at unprecedented expense to git this unique
feature. Death Defied! A Extraordinary Educational Exhibition! Note:
Mr. Poddle will do his best to oblige his admirers and the patrons of
the house by dissolving the mortal tie about the hour of ten o'clock;
but the management cannot guarantee that the exhibition will conclude
before midnight.'" Mr. Poddle made a wry face--with yet a glint of
humour about it. "'Positively,'" said he, "'the last appearance of
this eminent freak. No return engagement.'"

Again the buoyant step in the hall, the gaily whistled air--departing:
leaving an expectant silence.

"Do it," Mr. Poddle gasped, worn out, "in public. But since I been
lyin' here," he added, "lookin' back, I seen the error. The public,
Richard, has no feelin'. They'd laugh--if I groaned. I don't like the
public--no more. I don't want to die--in public. I want," he
concluded, his voice falling to a thin, exhausted whisper, "only your
mother--and you, Richard--and----"

"Did you say--Her?"

"The Lovely One!"

"I'll bring her!" said the boy, impulsively.

"No, no! She wouldn't come. I been--in communication--recent. And
she writ back. Oh, Richard, she writ back! My heart's broke!"

The boy brushed the handkerchief over the Dog-faced Man's eyes.

"'Are you muzzled,' says she, 'in dog days?'"

"Don't mind her!" cried the boy.

"In the eyes of the law, Richard," Mr. Poddle exclaimed, his eyes
flashing, "I ain't no dog!"

The boy kissed his forehead--there was no other comfort to offer: and
the caress was sufficient.

"I wish," Mr. Poddle sighed, "that I knew how God will look at
it--to-night!"

Mr. Poddle, exhausted by speech and emotion, closed his eyes. By and
by the boy stealthily withdrew his hand from the weakening clasp. Mr.
Poddle gave no sign of knowing it. The boy slipped away.... And
descen