Page:A Child of the Jago - Arthur Morrison.djvu/404

 of the night had been seen away from the shelter, and spoke to Kiddo Cook, who stood at the stair-foot to drive off intruders.

"They say she's been sittin' up all night, Father," Kiddo reported in a hushed voice. "An' Poll 's jest looked in at the winder from Walsh's, and says she can see 'em all kneelin' round a chair with that little clock o' theirs on it. It's—it's more 'n 'alf an hour yut."

"I shall come here myself presently, and relieve you. Can you wait? You mustn't neglect trade, you know."

"I'll wait all day, Father, if ye like. Nobody sha'n't disturb 'em."

When Father Sturt returned from his errand, "Have you heard anything?" he asked.

"No, Father," answered Kiddo Cook.

"They ain't moved."

There were two faint notes from a distant steeple, and then the bell of St. Leonards beat out the inexorable hour.