that the punch was ready, when a hasty knock was heard at the room-door, which elicited a shriek from Mrs Kenwigs, who immediately divined that the baby had fallen out of bed.

`Who is that?' demanded Mr Kenwigs, sharply.

`Don't be alarmed, it's only me,' said Crowl, looking in, in his nightcap. `The baby is very comfortable, for I peeped into the room as I came down, and it's fast asleep, and so is the girl; and I don't think the candle will set fire to the bed-curtain, unless a draught was to get into the room--it's Mr Noggs that's wanted.'

`Me!' cried Newman, much astonished.

`Why, it is a queer hour, isn't it?' replied Crowl, who was not best pleased at the prospect of losing his fire; `and they are queer-looking people, too, all covered with rain and mud. Shall I tell them to go away?'

`No,' said Newman, rising. `People? How many?'

`Two,' rejoined Crowl.

`Want me? By name?' asked Newman.

`By name,' replied Crowl. `Mr Newman Noggs, as pat as need be.'

Newman reflected for a few seconds, and then hurried away, muttering that he would be back directly. He was as good as his word; for, in an exceedingly short time, he burst into the room, and seizing, without a word of apology or explanation, a lighted candle and tumbler of hot punch from the table, darted away like a madman.

`What the deuce is the matter with him?' exclaimed Crowl, throwing the door open. `Hark! Is there any noise above?'

The guests rose in great confusion, and, looking in each other's faces with much perplexity and some fear, stretched their necks forward, and listened attentively.