Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-11-26

DcH1u. lie Ildu lOfluullcly Ulleu Hlo
pockets with nuts. oranges and cakes
before leaving the parsonage, so he had
half his apparatus to hand.
The pretty boy had very soon left the
father at the fire, and had come over 10
Join in the fun. going back, however, 10
exhibit his share of the spoil and describe
volumnously what had occurred. This
and the repeated shouts Of laughter SEEM
ed 10 produce some impression on him.
Presently he looked over his shoulder and
said. but without animation:
"It be very good Of you. sir, surely (;
very good for TO take SO kindly to the little
chicks. 1t does them good to laugh bit,
and it amt much as they've had TO make
'em, lately"
1t is good for all of US, now and again,
take it" said Jack, desisting, and going
towards hm-the children gradually col
Letting in far off corner and comparing
notes.
You can't laugh, sir. if your hearts
heavy; if you do, it can be only sham. "
While he was speaking he had taken
the Bible from the shelf. and resuming
his seat, began 10 turn the leaves slowly
over.
"l'm an untaught, rough countryman,
sir, but | have heard tell that these strange
things you do are only tricks; amt it sor'
Here was, indeed, II hopeful symptom
He was reused, then, to take some interest
in what had occurred.
"All trick, of course; it all comes of
long practc," said Jack, as he proceeded
to explain some of the simple processes,
hoping to enchain the man S attention.
That's what thought, sir, or Id have
given you job TO do. I've been in want
of Il real conjuror many Il long day, and
nothing else'll do. See here, sir, he said,
as he took small, carefully folded paper
from between the leaves of the Bible; do
you see thisP"
1t was nalf II Bank of England note for
E10O.
Now, sir, could any conurer help me
to the other haf?"
How did you come by il?" Jack asked
at once.
Il II tell you. sir, short us can make
it, Conjuror or no conjuroa, you've got a
kindly heart, and Pm main suro that
you'll help me if you ca ~
Dan then described how he had picked
it up from the quarter to eleven Liverpool
express.
There was the linen; I've kept it. Sec
here, all marked quite pretty and proper,
with lace round the edges, as though its
mother loved to make the little one
smart"
Jack examined the linen; it bore 4
monogram and crest. The first he made
out to mean II. l.. NJ, and the crest wa
plainly two hammers crossed and the
motto, 81 strike mot common crest
and he never eme ,nbered to have seen il
before.
And this was alp"
"'Cel the bank note. That WAS in &
poor old pu Sc, with pawn ticket and {
thimble. | kept them ALL"
Like true detective Jack examined
every article minutely. The purse bore
the name Hester Gorrigan in rude letters
inside, and the pawn ticket was made Out
in the same name.
81 cannot give you much hope that
shall succeed, but will do my best. Will
you trust me with the note for a time?"
"Surely, sir, with the greatest of pleas
ure. If you could find the other half il
would give IIarry-that's what we ctl
him-such grand start in life; schooling
and the price of binding him to some
honest trade
Jack shook the mans hand, promised
to do his best and left the cottage.
When Jack Newbiggin got back to the
parsonage he found that his host had ac
cepted an invitation for them both To din'
ut the Big House." rs it was called, th
country seat of the squire of the parish.
They were cordially received at thu
Big House. Jack was handed owe
forthwith to his old friends, who, fgura
) lively, rushed into his arms. They wer,
London acquaintances no more; Of tn,
sort we meet here and there and every
where during the season, who care for us
and we for them, rs much as for Soutl
Sea Islanders, but whom We greet witt
rapturouS eiluSion when we meet them il
II strange place. Jack knew the lad,
whom he escorted in to dinner as a gossip
dame, who, when his back was turned
made as much sport Of him rs of he
other friends.
IL have been fighting your battles al
day." began Mrs. Sitwell.
, WAS it necessary? [ should hav
: thought myself too insignificant"
: They We're talking at lunch Of you
, wonderful knack in conjuring, and SOM
one said that the skill might prove incon
venicnt-when you played cards, 70
3 instance" 4"
l "a charitable imputation. With whom
did it originated"
l "Sir Lewis M.ll,hvn
Please point him out to me-"
! He was shown grave, scowlinc fac
/ upon the right of the hostess ss-a face lik
, mask, its surface rough and wrinkled
t through which the eyes shown out with
Z. baleful light like corpse can lies in II sel
=, ulchre.
I q" Pleasant creoture, I'd rn,her nc
l meet him alone on n dark nioht :" ~
a :" IIe has terriblc rharactcr, ccrtain,v
! Turned his wife out of doors because s6
! would not give him an heir. 1t is thi
: want of children to inherit his title an
!, estates which prevs upon his mind, the
say, and makes him so morose and melar
; choly."
Jaol L,t. bis oomrorion cb,,tsr on
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