"I sank beneath the blow, and when I rallied my business was swept away, and the firm of Critchet was known only by its debts. I struggled for a time against the stream, but I could not gain a foothold, and at last yielded and gave up all thoughts of resuming business. My family was supported by a small settlement of one hundred pounds which had been left to my wife by an aunt, and by music lessons which my daughter was enabled to give, and thus we struggled along, until at length my sister, who could not bear up under her disgrace, died and left me her child to provide for. Well, I undertook the task, and when I had failed to resuscitate my fortunes in England, I left for Australia and brought him with me."
"And you have never heard of his father since?" I asked.
"No."
"Hullo, house—grocers—let me in!" shouted a voice at the door; and a heavy kick was bestowed on the wall to attract our attention.
Mr. Critchet started from his seat, and then sank back to the floor with a groan.
CHAPTER LXIII.
THE SAME, CONTINUED.
"Are you sick?" we demanded, springing towards the prostrate man and helping him to a chair.