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Show 28 Tilt~ LIB.EnTr llEJ,L, a chubby black child volunteered to be my guide, and led mo from one house to another in prosecution of my anxious search. Into many a narrow lane, close yard, and forgotten by-way, did I penetrate that stormy afternoon, where, as I afterward found, the ''lady with a spy-glass" formed the topic of harmless gossip for many a subsequent month. 1Vholly discouraged, just as the sun was going down behind tho gleaming lako, I bethought me of a. neighboring grocery, where I might nsk some questions. It was kept by a tidy little English woman, who knew nothing of those I sought. "But, madam," said she, observing my weary look, 11 There arc plenty of tho fugitives, and if you have anything to spare them, it would be a mercy. There is one old woman who comes here quito often. She was here just now, and told me she had no wood." "What is her name, and what do you know of her?'' I asked. ''Her name is Eliza Thomns," replied the womnn, •t and I know nothing of her, but that she is honest and A UHt:t:u: ~·uo11 L\KE OXTAHIO. 20 \·cry poor. I keep this little shop, and I cannot afford to give much- that little I wish to bestow where it will do the most good. So, when these suffering black people come along, I just trust them for a little sugar or tea. If they arc dishon· est, I never sec them again, and I do not lose much. If they come back, I often find it in my power to do them a great deal of good, by giving them short credit." "And Eliza Thomas?" •• She always pays, rna.' am, and very promptly, too ; but this cold winter is almost too much for her." I looked hesitatingly at tho sky. Tho in· ferior streets in Toronto nrc seldom numbered, and there were in this direction, few landmarks by which I might be guided. After a fruitless search of half an hour, it grew very dark, and I rctumcd to the little shop. Giving its mistress my name, I told her to send the old woman to me, whenever she appeared . The next day it stormed heavily. I sat by my nursery fire, the children playing about me, and the everlasting stocking basket at a• |