Eastern times., 1853-01-20
VOL. VII.


o'clockp exclaimed Poll. Poor Penny looked
stupifed. The children, who had been re-
garding the scene, as we have said, half with
curiosity and half with fear, now could not
help clapPing their hands at Polls appropos
speeches; but a look from their father re-
strained them. Broadman continued, sOne
high desk and counter, one slate, one shoe
makers bench and tools, three chairs, two lin
candlesticks, six boot-trees.' Woodman,
spare that t.ee, sung Polly. Clever bird
that, said the Squire, his attention being now
greatly attracted. You'll put the parrot down
| suppose, Mr. Broadman.' oh, no, we nev-
er mention her, sung the parrot. very odd,
exclaimed The Squire. r should like to have
that bird what's your name, Pollyr 'Pret-
ty, pretty Polly Hopkins, sung Polly, cooking
her head very knowingly. Answers quite
like Christian replied the Squire; seems
to answer everything, l declare What's
O'clock cried Poll. Amazing, upon my
honor, CALCULATED the Squire. Now think
of it, said he, my daughter Cecilia has been
worrying my life out for the last six months to
buy her such bird as this; one that can talk,
and sing, and whistle. I'll tell you what I'll
do, Penny, don't want to be hard on you, let
me have the parrot, give me note Of hand for
G5 balance, and I'll withdraw the distress,
and give you receipt for the ELS DUE =
Don't you wish you may get it = saucily re-
piled Poll, as if she understood what the land
lord was talking about. Such bird as that
is worth more money! observed Macmillan;
wouldn't mind giving that much for it myself
Oh whistle, and Ill come TO thee, my lad,
Wonderful " said the ventrloquist; : | think
the fairest way would be TO let Poll come to
the hammer, and bring whatever she is knocked
down for The woodpecker tapping the hol-
low beech tree,' sung Polly. The Squire was
electrified. 'One lapstone-anything more q
said Broadman. oh, yes; ten lasts, sundry
wax-ends, &C., &c. Stop! stop' inter-
rupted the Squire, Il must have that bird; I'll
take it as payment of the rent in full. Penny,
will that suit you = Poor Penny seemed thun-
derstruck. He hesitated as if he bad some
compunctious. The Squire observed it,
: That not eooGgh! Well, then, Ill make it
eco. Here's a receipt for the rent, aud there's
five sovereigns. Will that do for you =
Broadman, withdraw your man. You don't
lodge here, Mr. Ferguson, with your nine
pence added Polly. The Squire was de-
H.
honorable TO all parties, and poor Penny appa-
rently unwillingly resigned possession Of the
bird. Il shall take my prize home at once
said he. Goodbye, Poll cried all the chill
dren. 'Good-by! My native land, good
night sang Polly, looking very grave. and
twisting her head 6rst to one side, and then on
the other, placing herself ia her swing, and
violently rocking herself backwards and for
wards. The signal seemed TO be given for her
departure. Now, John, cried Poll, when
the cortege began to move, drive on gently
over the stones 'John, does your mother
know you're out = John grinned like a
Cheshire cat The Squire looked enchanted,
and the children shrieked with surprise and
delight. AS for poor Penny, he seemed per-
fectly satisfied. AS soon as the shop was fair
ly cleared of the Squire's party, he turned to
Macmillan, and, with an air of much perplexi-
", begged he would look in on the following
morning, when he would have some skins,
from which he might choose the leather for his
boots, for just at that moment he felt quite be-
wildered. Highly elated that John Penny had
got so we'll through his difficulties, the good
ventriloquist did not intrude, bot considerably
took his leave He was, however, punctual
sisiter at Johns the following morning, and
found that the honest cordwainer had laid ou;
the .E5 he had received, over and above his
rent, the preceding afternoon, to the very best
advantage. He had stocked his shop with a
good supply of leather and other articles neces-
sary for his trade, and new only wanted Gus
toners. While Macmillan was selecting the
materials for his boots, the Squire suddenly
made his appearance, followed by his footman,
bearing Poll Penny was surprised, and so,
too, seemed Macmillan. Well, Mr.. Penny,
said the great cotton lord, I'VE have brought
YOU back your parrot it is very extraordinary,
but it has never spoken single word since
took it away-never sung single song, nor
whistled single tune; it has done nothing
but squeak, squeak-scream, scream, till my
head has been fit to split, and so have those Of
everybody; in fact, without any wish to offend
you, she is a perfect nuisance. l wouldn'i
keep her in the house, if anybody would give
me hundred a year to do 50. 1t threw my
daughter into Mysteries; she upset the glas:
globe, split all the gold and silver fsh-a rare
chance for the cat. Return me the E5 paiC
you, and I'll forfeit the rent I'm sorry tC
say,' said the conscientious John Peuny, tina
I've laid out the f5; but, however, as the
bird don't suit you, if you'll take my note Q
hand for the E5-' Why, stay, stay" sait
Macmillan, parrots very seldom talk in ;
strange place at first; put Poll in her nsua
place, and then see.' The cage was accord
ingly restored to its former position, when, t.
the utter astonishment of all present, Poll i'm
mediately began to sing, Home, sweet home
be it ever so humble, there's no place like
home WELL said the Squire, lifting up hi
hands, this is incredible, but I've heard of sucf
things before. What sensible, inteligen
creature she is must give her another trial
take her back, Jehn.' I'll gang nae mair t.