Part 46 (2/2)

There was not a sound to be heard now, till the heavy breathing on his left suggested that David was dozing off again, and set hiil, and that he could easily rouse his companion if the thief came

He felt a little vexed at first that David, who had been so eager to watch, should nant ive a sudden lurch sidewise to knock the gardener over like a skittle, and paused, hesitating, he had an admonition, which showed him hoeak human nature is at such times, in the shape of a sudden seizure One , the next he was fast asleep, drea back at Gray's Inn-- soundly asleep, in fact

This did not last while a person could have counted ten Then he ide-awake again, ready to continue the watch, and let David rest

”It's ruh,” he said to himself, as he crouched there, and now softly picked a leaf to nibble, and feel suggestions of taking a powder in a spoonful of black-currant jelly, so strong was the flavour in the leaf ”Very ruht ”One's wide-awake, and the next moment fast asleep”

He started then, for he fancied that he heard a sound, but though he listened attentively he could distinguish nothing; and the ti ently to his left, it was to find that the gardener was now right doith his elbows on the ground and his face upon his hands

”Any one ht come and clear all the pears away if I were not here”

But Toht of certain reardener next day; and he was running over this, and wishi+ng that soil, when there was the sound of a door opening up at the cottage, and then steps on the gravel path Directly after Uncle Richard's voice was heard

”Now, Toht Where are you?”

Before Tom could make answer there was a quick movement on his left, an elboas jerked into his ribs, and David exclaimed in a husky whisper--

”Now, my lad, wake up Here's your uncle”

”Yes, uncle, here!” cried Toot hiht, but I shall ketch him yet”

”No, no, be off home to bed,” said Uncle Richard

”Bime by, sir I'll make it twelve first,” said David

”No,” cried Uncle Richard decisively ”It is not likely that any one will coht,” said David

”Perhaps, but we can't spare tiht work Home with you,”

cried Uncle Richard

”Tell you what then, sir, I'll go and lie down for an hour or two, and get here again before it's light”

”Very well,” said Uncle Richard ”I'll fasten the gate after you

Good-night No: you run to the gate with hiht, uncle,” cried the boy; and then, ”Oh my! how stiff my knees are How are yours, David?” he continued, as they walked to the gate