Jimmy looked pleased but mystified. How should Mrs. Norton have heard of his pictures?
"You must draw me a picture to-night, won't you?" asked Mrs. Norton.
"I should like to, if I can have a pencil and some paper. All mine are burned up."
"Sam will give you some from his desk. But you must be hungry."
Sam was drawn aside by his mother, and, after a whispered conference, was dispatched to the butcher's and baker's, when he soon returned with a supply of rolls and beefsteak, from which in due time an appetizing meal was spread, to which all did full justice.
CHAPTER IV.
THE POLICEMAN'S HOME.
It was not till later in the evening that Mr. Norton came in. He had been on duty all day, and to-night he was free. Though one of the constituted guardians of the public peace, he was by no means fierce or formidable at home, especially after he had doffed his uniform, and put on an old coat.
"Edward," said his wife, "this is Paul's mother, who was burned out to-day. So I have asked her to stay here till she can find a place of her own."