About three o'clock Joe got up, and after partaking of a substantial meal, wended his way to the neighbourhood of Copperas Hill. After turning several sharp corners, he found himself in a small court containing about half a dozen houses. Before one of the doors he paused for a moment, then raised his stick, and gave a sharp rat-tat-tat. The door was instantly opened by a woman who had evidently reached her threescore years and ten. Yet she appeared hale and strong for her age, and though poorly, was yet tidily attired.
"Well, ye are a stranger," was her greeting. "I'm verra glad to see 'e, though."
"Nowt much, Betty; but what thar is consarns you as much as me."
"Well, out wi' it, Joe," said Betty, as soon as Joe had seated himself. "No trouble, I 'ope?"
"No, not that I knows on; but could 'e make room 'ere for a couple o' lodgers--little 'uns, mind you--children, on'y 'bout so high?" holding out his hand.
"Well, what an idear, to be sure! What are ye a-dreamin' on?"
"Your old man," said Joe solemnly, "was my mate for mony a year, an' a good man he wur; an' if from that fur-off country he can see what's doin' 'ere, he'd be mightily pleased for 'e to do, Betty, what I'm a-axin' o' yer."
"But I dunno that I quite understand," said Betty; "explain your meanin' a bit more."
And Joe, in a solemn voice, told the story of little Nell and her brother Benny. "It mebbe, Betty," he said, "they're the Lord's little 'uns. I'm none o' the Lord's mysel'. I've tried to find 'im; but He winna be found o' me. I'm none o' the elect. I've settled that for more'n twenty year now. But if these bairns are the Lord's, we mustna turn 'em away."
"All bairns are the Lord's," said Betty; but Joe only shook his head, and sat gazing into the fire.
Before he left, however, it was settled that a bed should be made for the children in the corner under the stairs, which would be near the fire also. For this they were to pay a penny per night.
"We mustna make paupers o' them, you know, Betty," was Joe's remark.
It was also agreed that she should do what washing and mending the children's clothes needed, for which they were to pay also, if they could afford it. "If not," said Joe, "I'll make it square wi' you, Betty."
