'We're looking for father,' she answered weariedly. 'He's never come yet, and I've spent all my money, and we've got no candles.'
'Meg,' said Kitty, 'I can pay you back the shilling you gave me on Tuesday night.'
'But you mustn't come into our room, if you do,' answered Meg.
'No, no, I'll not come in,' said she, pressing a shilling into Meg's hand. 'But why hasn't father come home?'
'I don't know,' sobbed Meg. 'His ship came in the night of Robbie's birthday, that's two days ago; and he's never come yet.'
'The ship come in!' repeated Kitty, in a tone of surprise. 'What's the name o' the ship, Meg?'
'Father's ship's the Ocean King,' said Robin proudly.
'I'll hunt him up,' cried Kitty, rising in haste. 'I'll find him, if he's anywhere in London. I know their ways, and where they go to, when they come ashore, little Meg. Oh! I'll hunt him out. You put the children to bed, dear; and then you sit up till I come back, if it's past twelve o'clock, I'll bring him home, alive or dead. Don't cry no more, little Meg.'
She called softly up the stairs to say these last words, for she had started off immediately. Meg did as she had told her, and then waited with renewed hope for her return. It was past midnight before Kitty tapped quietly at the door, and she went out to her on the landing. But Kitty was alone, and Meg could hardly stand for the trembling which came upon her.
'Haven't you found father?' she asked.