The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-12-30

time q rough head garnshed with rcd beard Of
several days growth. and bandaged across one
eye, was thrust out, while the remaining eye,
which wus omnousy bruised, by the assistance Of
sicky candle was brought 10 bear upon Phillips
what yer want"
Where's Wilkins'' demanded ell want him. )
'You do, do yer . well, look for him. thought
the house was a-fre,' and the head and candle
were Withdrawn simultaneously; and the door
slammed to. Phillips thought il worse Than useless
10 prosecute his inquiries in this quarter, and ac-
cordingy left, and went straight to one of those
houses which he knew wilkins was in the habi. Of
(requenling. But wherever he went his inquiries
were fruiless. AT some places he had not been
for more than week; at others. the time was
even longer; and at none he had stopped within
the last two or three days. From all that he could
ascertain, Phillips thought il doubtful whether he
had been at any of his old haun,s since the night
he had parted with him. One or two had met him
in the streets within day or two hut he appeared
so savage and morose that they pretended not to no.
tce him. and passed wilhou: greeting him. They
all spoke Of him as gaunl, hnggard, with wasted
and sunken checks, like one who had been on the
verge of the grave Farther than this, Philips
could learn nothing and he now determined to see
Iligss (who from Lucy's account was also linked
with him) and the lawyer,
lie had little difficulty in nsceraining where
tlggs was. in fact there were few places where
he was not. A dozen were mentioned in breath
where he had been seen that day. The last per.
son however, had left him at Quagley's within an
hour. He. was greatly improved in appearance;
having MS he said inherited considerable amount
ofPIoperty from relative recently dead. Phillips
did not wait to hear the end of the mans snrmses
as to where his wealth came from and how much
! 1t was, and which were as correct as the surmses
ola man who knows nothing about a matter gen.
orally are, but left him and proceeded 10 "Quag-
ley,s Retreat lie soon came in sight Of the far
ing light, with its red letters, pointing GU, as the
place to which that gentleman relrea,ed blu, width.
er when tipsy or pursued by creditors is a matter
Of some surinise.
Wihou. pausing to knock, Phillips opened the
door and walked in. lie was unno,iced by all en-
cept the stunted marker, who slnled at him until
he had firmly established him in his minds eye;
and then betook himself TO the duties Of his office.
lllgss was sitting on se,lce in one corner of
the room; but so much changed in attire, that
Phillips did not at first recognize him. His whole
dress was new, and surprisingly well chosen plain,
neat, with no attempt at show In his hand he
held glass Of some kind Of liquor, with which he
refreshed hlm,elfdurng The intervals of very con-
fdentn conversation which he was holding with
Mr. Qungey. 1t must have been strange as well
us confidential, for Mr. Quaglcy was completely
overcome either by The information which was en-
tering his head, OF the liquor which had entered
his stomach. lie nodded wisely, and blinked at
Mr. lliggs us if an idea was kndling in his head,
and would soon break out into blaze; but it
smoudered away in smoke, and left nothing bu,
mist. He shook his head, bu, it was empty so he
took to his liquor in sad silence.
As soon as Phillips saw IIiggs, he went up TO
him. i scarcely knew you,' said he.
That's strange. Most folks are just beginning
to know me; now that Pm in luck's way replied
liggs gently raising his glass to his lips, and sip
ping some Of its contents
Then the story's true abou, your fortune said
Phillips.
Ha-as I've suddenly step, into small for
in A respectable elderly gentleman has been
keeping 1t for me these twenty years., said he,
crossing his legs deliberately, holding his ,umblcr
to tho light, and osling its contents. 'IIe died +
other day; fine old boy he was that elderly gent.
Icmon; distant branch Of my family. I'll sport
Grape for him. when my hal, grows shabby. Mr.
Quagley, n m-and- waicr-sT'
Certainly said Mr. Quasley, bowling low; for
his civiIily had redoubled within the last few days.
STOP 'said Phillips, abruptly; you've had
enough already. I've tina, on hand which needs
clear head. I've been looking for you these two
hours; so come along
'l'm in great demand since the death of my ell
derly relative remarked Mr. IIiggs, pacidly, and
without moving;' but what's all this about Where
am 10 go what for and would Mt to-mor-
row do as well =
NO, it WON'T replied Phillips. you'll learn
the rest soon enough; Gomez
There was something in the stern peremp,ory
manner Of the young man. that impressed Ilggs,
in spite of himself; SO he rose, anil stretching him
self, said:
well, il must, suppose must, Mr. Quug.
ley, you may lei that order for rum-and. water
stand over TIL ,o-monw; or perhaps late this eve
ming
Mr. Quugcy bowed low and laid. his hand where
bis heart should have been--on his stomach.
'Now go on said IIiggs
Phillips led the way into the street; bu, before
they had gone many steps, lIggs came to his side