I lived here once, and--and I thought it might be kind to break it to her before the police came for her." Jessie's heart almost stood still with fright.

"The p'lice," she gasped, "for mother!--oh, what has happened ?" "There's been an accident to your father; there was a bit of a fight in the train coming home from the races, and--and he got flung against the door, and it opened--and he fell out." A low cry of horror broke from Jessie.

Instinct told her that the news was very serious.

If her father had not been severely injured-- or worse, the man would not have been so upset.
"Is--is--" she gasped.
"He is taken to the hospital," responded the man quickly, almost as though he was anxious to check her next question.
"Ah! there is mother!" cried Jessie in a tone of infinite relief, as she saw her appear at the gate.

Mrs.Lang looked very white and very tired, and an expression of vague fear came into her eyes as they fell on pale, trembling Jessie, and the stranger, also pale and evidently greatly agitated.