It was marked with the red cross, for, as was inevitable, many of the little inmates were carried off by the fell disease after admission, and the numbers were constantly thinning and being replaced by fresh ones.

But hitherto the nurses themselves had been spared, and toiled on unremittingly at their self-chosen work.
There was no watchman at the door as the boys stole up, but they had scarcely been there ten seconds before a window was thrown up, and Janet's voice was heard exclaiming, "Andrew, art thou yet returned ?" "There is nobody here, sister," answered Joseph, "save Ben and me.
We are come to say farewell, for we are going forth this night from the city, to seek safety with our aunt in Islington.

Can we do aught for you ere we go ?" "Alas, it is the dead cart of which we have need tonight," answered Janet.

"We sent the watchman for physic, but it is needed no longer.

The little ones are dead already--three of them, and only one ill this morning.
"Ah, brothers, glad am I to hear ye be going.