Connecticut western news., 1882-12-13
VOL. XII.

 along to-day, and-and exchanged your old coat--you know it wasn't it to wear any longer, dear-for pair of the love- Hest little flower vases-I've been waiting for you to notice them, but-but-" My looks must have terrified her, for she burst into tears, sobbing out:
 1T didn't think you would mind 1t, George"
 Poor Phoebe, it was the first time I had made her cry; and after all I had only my own selfish folly to blame. Why hadn't I told her about the money?
 Taking her to my arms I kissed away her tears:
 ''Never mind, darling," I said; "don't cry about the coat; but do you know which way the peddler went?' My words reassured her. The smile came back to her face, but the question about the peddler puzzled her. ''I didn't notice which way he went, ," she answered; "but since you don't mind about the coat, what difference does it make, dear 9
 I didn't care to explain the mighty diff ference it made; for saw 1t would break Phebe's heart to know the truth, and | could do no good.
 After tea went out on some pretext, and made such inquiries as I could with prudence; but though found some who had seen the peddler, none could give me any clue to him or whither he had gone. Phoebe was delighted with her vases j; and of course, I had to admire them, too-though I confess it would have af- forded me greater satisfaction to have smashed them over the confounded ped l dler's head.
 spent sleepless night; though I managed to keep Phoebe from observing my distress. It would be time enough | to vex her with tho truth when there would be no other course left.
 Making an excuse for another early start, got to town by the first morning | train.
 I noticed the police, and spoke of ad- vertising; but that would never do, the superintendent said. As the money was in hidden pocket, the only hope lay in finding the coat before the presence ot | the notes was discovered. Whatever search was made must be prosecuted secretly. Giving the best description oi of the peddler had been able to obtain, I went to my office with heavy heart. What should do when Jonas Swirl came for his money? He would never believe my story, and Heaven only knew what harsh measures he might choose to take
 "Want any pens, sir ?" inquired some one entering the door to which my back | was turned.
 "No" I answered, grufhy, without looking up.
 "Some ink ?-some plotting -paper?- some soap ?-some matches ?--some--"
 Not caring to hear the inventory finished I turned to request the man to leave But-I didn't. He had on my own olc coat, more attractive to my eyes, jus
 then, than the richest royal robe?
 "How would you like to sell that ooa you have on ?" asked, as unconcernedl,
 as possible.
 The man smiled as one might at wha he thought very poor joke. GOT, maybe you'd exchange it for tn
 one wear?" added quickly. "You're hardly in earnest, sir.'' "Indeed I am, said; ,'I fancy the GU
 of yours, and here's mine-come, evel up and no haggling!' I The coat which I drew off and thrus y into his hands was quite new, and wortl s many times that for which I offered t. S exchange it. was evidently taken for f lunaSic, but that didn't balk the peddler' I greed for 8 good bargain. The barte V was completed and the man hurried of
 probably fearing the return of luci l interval in which might seek to canoe f the trade.
 I But I followed at his heels, keepin him in sight till I had searched the secre V pocket where I found the money all safe
 And I found it just in time, too, fo a before many minutes Jonas Swirl cam ? as he had promised. Our settlemer was soon completed, and each had hi
 own share to do what he would with. r,
 Phoebe was surprised to see me in m f old coat; but when I told her all, an
 saw how white and scared she looked, I was glad I had waited till there was onl [. good news to tell her.-Ledgor. , | cII