and young John listened sulkily, but with interest nevertheless.
"Well, Johnny, back again! Now you just drink this right off before you say another word;" and she handed him a big tumbler of punch, which she had kept hot for him during his absence.
" No, no, my dear, no punch. It's a most extraordinary thing, but there's no will to be found. He must have destroyed it since the day before yesterday, and I've notice to go this day week. Thus ends forty-five years' faithful service!"
"Oh! Johnny!" sobbed his wife.
"Young John, my boy," said his father, "there's no knowing how long I may be without employment; for I'm an old man, John, and it'll be poor work, whatever it is. You're the head of the family now, young John, and it's your turn to show yourself equal to the position. You're the Queen's servant, John, and a gentleman. John, my boy, we must look to you."
"Don't look to me, father, for much," said young John, "for I got the sack this morning."
CHAPTER II.
HOW JOHNNY POUNCE SPENT A CONSIDERABLE TIME AT THE BAD.
This was a terrible blow to Johnny Pounce and his wife, who had a restless time of it that night. He knew very well that Mr. Pintle had made a will, and
