Squatter sovereign., 1857-10-31

In the summer of 1857, Macmillan.
the ventriloquist, had occasion to visit Man
chester for the purpose of giving his VEN
tri!oqual lectures at its different institu-
tions.
His attention was attracted particularly
by one shop, OF rather humble appear
ance, from the circumstance of seeing the
owner of it always sitting at his work
and a group Of Pretty children playing
about the door. From the melancholy
bite .iaeu u.'s<.,
evidently motherless. Mr.. Macmillan
learned. from the inscription over the door,
that the poor tradesman was named John
Penny, and that he exercised the craft and
mystery of boot making. He was tall
and thin, with a pale vlsage, aud long
hair, combed straight down to his cheeks.
His brow was thoughtful, not to say CAFE.
worn; but there was an cir of meek res.
ignation about him that was ve:y touch-
ing. The ventrloquist, being good
hearted man, and having wife and fam
lily of his own. as he gazed on the uncon-
scious children. could not help thinking of
his "ain Mary and the wee bit BARNS he
had left at home." He could not resist
giving poor John Penny q turn, and inn
proving his understa ndiDg at the same
time, by ordering pair of boots. The
humble tradesman, who was. as usual, at
his work, gratefully acknowledge the order
but in answer to Macmilian's very natur-
al questions of, when he could have the
boots, replied with deep sigh; that he
did not exactly know the order would be
executed as soon as possible but he
could not fix any precise time.
Macmillan, from the knowledge Of the
| world, and being a considerate man,
thought that perhaps the fellow had not
got the means to purchase the materials ;
there was sad mir Of poverty about the
shop.
!" will leave you half sovereign as
deposit" said he; you must get them
done as soon as possibIe.'
To his surprise. John Penny refused 10
take any advance. /" II will be time
enough TO pay for the boots when you gel
them," said he Significantly.
Macmillan was perplexed. He looked
earnestly at the son of St. Crispin. whose
brow was more thoughtful and his look
more care-worn than ordinary. Is Dom
think mesimpertinent,' said he, but is any.
thing the matter you seem unhappy"
T" No, nothing very particular" -
" Nay. nay, Tin convinced there is
returned Macmillan, whose sympathy be-
tgan to be much awakened. Come, wha
is its"
| "Weil. since you are pressing. sale
Penny. signing deeply. az will confess
| there is-my rent; ! have gone back il
my rent.
l was one OF the congregation of The Rev
Mr.. Tramp. the minister at our chapel
II !" You don't mean you were one of III,
Jumpers :" inquired Macmillan. scarcel,
able to conceal smile. s.
j 81 viii confess that / was.'' replie
Penny, devoutiy. ssI stood high in favo
with that sineularly pious man. AL hi
} congregation dealt with me for boots an
!; shoes. ] thought had received specia
|, cali to furnish the Jumpers with approve
soles; but, alas one fine morning th
holy man was translated, think his fol
lowers called it, for he was nowhere to
found! This sad defalcation caused IA
to go back. could not pay my ren
L and So
Why. how much do you owe Z" sal
kind hearted veniriloquist.
am nearly three QUARTERS in arrear
| i. will soon be upwards of twenty pounds.
!" Who is your landlord 2"
g Squire Summer.n
i What. Of the Legion mills. Ancoaiss