I've another thing on my mind! A friend who assisted in the defence of my house started up here last night, to warn them of their danger, and when I left home he had not returned: it's evident he hasn't been here, and I greatly fear some misfortune has befallen him.

Where are the children?
Poor little orphans, I must see them before I go." Accompanied by Mr.Balch, he called at the house where Clarence and Em had found temporary shelter.

The children ran to him as soon as he entered the room.

"Oh! Mr.Walters," sobbed Clarence, "my mother's dead--my mother's dead!" "Hush, dears--hush!" he replied, endeavouring to restrain his own tears, as he took little Em in his arms.

"Don't cry, my darling," said he, as she gave rent to a fresh outburst of tears.
"Oh, Mr.Walters!" said she, still sobbing, "she was all the mother I had." Mr.Balch here endeavoured to assist in pacifying the two little mourners.
"Why don't father come ?" asked Clarence.