“Safe, mother, safe!”
“And Jacky?”
“Safe, too, all of us.”
“Oh! I’m so thankful.”
“No, not all of us,” said George, suddenly recollecting Peter.
Mrs Sudberry gasped and turned pale. “Oh! George! quick, tell me!”
“Poor Peter,” began George.
“Please, sir, I’ve bin found,” said a meek voice behind him, at which George turned round with a start—still supporting his mother.
Mrs Brown, perceiving the ludicrous nature of the remark, began to grow violent on the sofa, and to kick a little. Then Mrs Sudberry asked for each of the missing ones individually—sobbing between each question—and at each sob Tilly’s sympathetic bosom heaved, and Mrs Brown gave a kick and a subdued scream. Then George began to tell the leading features of their misfortunes rapidly, and Mrs Brown listened intently until Mrs Sudberry again sobbed, when Mrs Brown immediately recollected that she was in hysterics, and recommenced kicking.
“But where are they?” cried Mrs Sudberry, suddenly.