more than ten minutes before we reached Merlin House, and it is probable
that we were undisturbed in our rescue because of the fact that supper
was in progress.

It was nearly three o'clock by George's watch when we reached the dark
clump of houses standing west of Covent Garden, and within less than half
an hour we were in the cozy courtyard of the Old Swan.

Pickering was waiting for us, having kept vigil alone since midnight.
When he saw me carrying Betty from the coach, he ran to us with a cry and
snatched her from my arms. We followed him into the house where we found
him weeping over the girl, and kissing her hands as she lay on a bench
near the fire.

"What have you been doing? Have you killed my little girl?" he asked
sorrowfully.

"I hope not, Pickering," I answered. "She had a fall of not more than
eight or ten feet, and although I fear she is hurt, I am sure the injury
is not serious, as I caught her and broke the fall."

"Let us take her to bed," suggested Frances.

George went to fetch Doctor Price, the surgeon, and I carried Betty
upstairs. I laid her on the bed, and after I had talked a few minutes
with Pickering, explaining to him the events of the night, and telling
him of Betty's glorious part in our success, I went downstairs to wait in
the tap-room for George and the surgeon.

Presently they came, and George and I followed the surgeon to Betty's