The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-01-13

Joined Hamet one not able to do that must
be an awkward hand at picking pocket. Look
at me-"
So, saying, he Immediately climbed up the
tree, got the nest, and opening it gently at the
bottom, caught the eggs one by one, as they
slid cut, and brought them down, Boosting that
not one was broken
Faith, it must be owned that you are an
incompatible fellow, - cried Bernard "and now,
if you can put the eggs under the bird again,
as you took them out, you may fairly call your
self our superior"
Hamet accepted the challenge and mounted
again; but this was only trick of Bernard's
for when he saw him at a certain height, he said
to Travers.
"Now you have seen what my brother can
do you shall have a touch Of my art,' and in
stanty mounted after Hamet, followed him from
branch to branch, and while the other glded
along like serpent, with his eyes intently
fixed on the nest, watching the slightest motion
of the bird, that he might not brighten her, the
adroit rogue united his drawers, and returned
with them in his hand, as trophy of his vic
tory. In the meantime, Hamet having replaced
the eggs, came down, expecting the praises due
to such an exploit
"That's good one," says Bernard, laugh
ing, ito attempt to impose upon US! I'll lay
wager he has them hid in his drawers"
The eldest, looking down found they were
gone. and Immediately knew it was trick of
his brothers. "He is clever thief, indeed"
said he, "who can rob another"
AS for Travers, he so equally admired the
two heroes, that he was doubtful which merited
the palm. But so much address humbled him,
and, mortified to think he was not qualified to
enter the list with them, he said
Gentlemen, you know too much for me, for
you would escape twenty times where should
always be taken I see I am too awkward ever
to succeed in this occupation, therefore l will
renounce it, and take to my own again, live
with my wife, and work hard; and I hope, by
the blessing of God, we shall not want"
He really returned to the village, as he said.
His wife was very fond Of him he became
a few months, he was able to buy pig, and
fatten it at home. At Christmas he killed it,
and, as is usual, hung it up by the feet against
the wall, and went to- his work in the fields
1t had been lucky for him if he had sold it, and
saved all the trouble and anxiety it gave him,
as you will see. Just after he was gone out,
the brothers, who had not seen him since the
day they parted, came to pay him visit. His
wife was alone, busily employed in spinning
She told them that her husband was out, and
would not return till the evening You may
very well suppose that the pig did not escape
their watchful eyes and when they left the
house they said to each other, so. so,-this
rogue has mind to regale himself, and not in
vite US. AS that is the case, we must carry off
the pig, and eat it without him." They then
laid their plan, and went and hid themselves in
a neighboring hedge till night.
When Trayers returned in the evening his
wife told him of her strange visitors "They
were such Unlocking fellows" said she, that l
was frightened, being alone: and burst not ask
either their names or business. They pried
about everywhere, and | don't believe single
nail escaped them"
" Alas these are my two rogues," cried
TraEers, dolefully. "The pig is gone, that's
certain: oh, that had but sold it y"
"Theres still one way to save it," said the
wife; "let US take it down from the hook, and
hide it somewhere for the night. Tomorrow,
as soon as it is light, we will consider what fur
Their to do with it."
Travers followed his wife's advice, went and
took down the bacon, laid it on the floor at the
other end of the room, and put the kneading
trough over it. He then went to bed, but not
without anxiety. At midnight the brothers
came to put their scheme in execution. The
elder kept watch while Bernard bored a hole in
the wall opposite the place where the pig had
hung, but he soon found out there was nothing
lett but the string. "The bird is fown,' said
he; 1--WE are come too late"