little house in Hoxton. Mr. Evans was too tired and too much
occupied with his thoughts to take the least notice of the streets
they passed through, and had no suspicion, therefore, of the change
of direction.

By this time the wind had increased almost to a hurricane, and as they
had often to head it, it was no joke for either of the Diamonds.
The distance, however, was not great. Before they reached the street
where Mr. Coleman lived it blew so tremendously, that when Miss Coleman,
who was going out a little way, opened the door, it dashed against
the wall with such a bang, that she was afraid to venture, and went
in again. In five minutes after, Diamond drew up at the door.
As soon as he had entered the street, however, the wind blew
right behind them, and when he pulled up, old Diamond had so much
ado to stop the cab against it, that the breeching broke.
Young Diamond jumped off his box, knocked loudly at the door,
then turned to the cab and said--before Mr. Evans had quite begun
to think something must be amiss:

"Please, sir, my harness has given away. Would you mind stepping
in here for a few minutes? They're friends of mine. I'll take you
where you like after I've got it mended. I shan't be many minutes,
but you can't stand in this wind."

Half stupid with fatigue and want of food, Mr. Evans yielded
to the boy's suggestion, and walked in at the door which the maid
held with difficulty against the wind. She took Mr. Evans
for a visitor, as indeed he was, and showed him into the room
on the ground-floor. Diamond, who had followed into the hall,
whispered to her as she closed the door--