But by a wonderful providence he escaped the peril.

The crowd gave a sudden swing in a new direction, and he was left unhurt, though stupefied and almost unable to stir.
Presently he was conscious of a man standing in front of him.
"Oh, help me!" gasped my poor master.
The man seized him roughly by the arm and raised him to his feet.
"That's worth a tip," he growled; "come, hand over." Charlie put his hand in his pocket and drew out a shilling.
The man scowled.
"Do you suppose I'll take a dirty shilling?
Come, young swell, empty out them pockets.

Look sharp, I've no time to waste on the like of you." Tremblingly Charlie obeyed, and gave the man all the little stock of money he possessed.
But he was not yet to escape.

From under his jacket the greedy eye of the thief had caught a glimpse of a chain.

With a rough hand he tore open the coat.