Oh, it was a dreadful business." A large tear splashed unchecked on to Mrs.Rickett's apron.

"An ill-fated family, as you might say.

They got 'em up in the morning o' course, but poor little Robin was very bad.

He was on his back for nearly a year after, and then, when he began to get about again, them humps came and he grew crooked.

Mr.Fielding were away at the time, hunting somewhere in the wilds of Africa, and when he came home he were shocked to see the lad.