A calamity had visited the town.

By a great explosion in a neighbouring colliery, numbers of homes had been rendered destitute, and aid of every kind was imperatively called for on all sides.

In former times, Paul Enderby would have been just the man for this occasion, and even now he was not wanting.

Extensive subscriptions were raised, and he, as chief man in the committee which had been formed, had chief control of the funds.

People said afterwards that they had often remarked something singular in his manner as he went about in these duties.