The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-12-13


taking his watch, entered the place point
ed Out, AID learned that the representa-
ton of value was strictly true.
"'I am willing to aid you,' said, re-
turning to the spot at which had left
the stranger, but wish to take no advan-
tage of your need. I'll give you the re-
quired sum with my address, and you can
have the watch at any time by returning
them money
His eyes filled with tears as he pressed
my hand silently. Gratitude choked his
utterance.
II had nothing less than a hundred
dollar bill about me.
Perhaps this gentleman can change
it, suggested the stranger, mastering his
emotion sufficiently to speak, and touch
ing the arm of another genteel- looking
person who Glanced to be passing.
The gentleman kindly obliged us,
and the affair being thus satisfactorily
concluded, we exchanged bows all round
and separated.
Il may have been little ostentatious
Of my han isome watch during the even
ing. Anyhow | consulted it pretty fire.
luently, till, at last, taking it out as
was leaving the theatre, felt tap on
the shoulder
"Allow me to look at that watch, said
tall man, who had been looking over
my shoulder.
"None of your tricks on Travellers
answered, slipping it back into my
pocket
"'Tne greenhorn dodge won't do here,
be replied you must go along with me-
At the same time turning up his lapel,
he displayed an officers badge.
"Seeing l was in the clutches of the law,
I made no resistance, but walked quietly
along.
"At'the police station the watch found
on me was identified as stolen property,
and the twenty-five dollars change l had
received was pronounced spurious. And
so l am detained, it seems, on the double
charge of being thief and counter.
feiter."
l knew the judge personally, and had
little difficulty in convincing him that
posture by thief and his accomplice. l
was accepted as bail for my friends APP
pearsnce whenever required, and he and
were suffered to depart in peace.
Tom left for his and my old home the
next morning, where promised to join
him at the Christmas ball, which would
take place in few days.
1t was my first visit to the old place
since my departure to live in the city.
| l went to the ball early, where l met
all my old friends, most of whom were
right glad to see me.
was a little nervous at the thought of
meeting Fanny, but determined to put
| on a careless air, and show her how little
impression had been made by her faith
| less conduct.
She appeared at last, escorted by a
snowy looking youth, who, l doubted
not, was the renowned Fitz Flare him
self
They came directly towards me, aud 1
stood my ground.
"Gnod evening, Mr. -" said Fanny,
with her usual easy grace. extending her
hand, which l took, at the same time re-
turning her salutation.
"Allow me to introduce Mr.. Fitz
| Flare" she continued. "You and he may
have met before, as he frequently visits
the city. Indeed, he has just returned
from there this evening
"Ah! here comes my brother Tom,"
she said. interrupting herself.
"Mr. Fitz Flare, my brother"
AS the looks of the two encountered
both gave start. The dandy turned
pale aud trembled. Toms face flushed
with anger
"Why, that's the scoundrel," he ex-
claimed, "whO put off the stolen watch
on me
What are you doing in company with
my sister," he Numbered. advancing
threateningly.
Fitz Flare would have fled, but Toms
grasp was on his collar A constable was
called, and the captured pickpocket and
counterfeter was delivered over to the
hands of justice.
Explanations followed between Fanny
and myself. There never had been any
thing serious in her Irritation with the
dandy, which runior had grossly magni-
fed. We made up, and the natural re-
suit followed.-Judgs Clark, in ". Y.
Ledger.
PAYING FOR DINNER BY THE Pound.
-"Vidette," writing from Montreal to the
Boston Journal, says: 1.-THE other day
asked a singularly ministerial looking