News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-12-28

Taking her to my arms 1 kissed
away her tears:,
''Never mind, darling" 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.
II didn't notice which way he went, "
she answered; "but since you don't mind
about the coat, what difference does it
make, dear ?''
L didn't care to explain the mighty diff
ference it made; for I saw it would break
Ph9be's heart to know the truth, and
could do no good.
After tea I went out ON some pretext,
and made such inquiries as L could with
prudence; but though found some who
had seen the peddler, none could give me
any clue to him or whittier he had gone
Phoebe was delighted with her vases
and of course, l had to admire them,
too-though I confess it would have af-
| forded me greater satisfaction to have
smashed them over the confouRded ped
dler's head.
spent sleepless night; though 1
managed to keep Phoebe from observing
my distress. 1t would be time enough
to vex her with the truth when there
would be no other course left.
Making an excuse for another early
start, [ got to town by the first morning
train.
[ 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 of
the notes was discovered. Whatever
search was made must be prosecuted
secretly. Giving the best description of
Of the peddler had been able to obtain,
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.
=" Mop I answered, gruf1y, without
looking up.
Some ink ?--some blotting-paper?-
some soap ?-some matches ?-some--"
Not caring to hear the inventory finished,
L turned to request the man to leave
Butt didn't. He had on my own old
coat, more attractive to my eyes, Just
then, than the richest royalrob
"How would you like to sell that coat
you have on?" asked, as unconcernedIy
as possible. .
The man smiled as one might at what
he thought very poor joke.
cor, maybe you'd exchange it for the
one [ wear ?" added quickly.
you're hardly in earnest, sir. -
Indeed I am, " 1 said; 81 fancy the cut ,
# yours, and here's mine-come. even
p and no haggling p :
The coat which / drew off and thrust
nto his hands was quite new, and worth !
many times that for which I offered to
it. was evidently taken for a !
unatic, but that didn't balk the peddler's
greed for a good bargain. The barter
was completed and the man hurried off,
probably fearing the return of lucid
interval in which 1 might seek to cancel
the trade.
But I followed at his heels, keeping
him in sight till had searched the secret
pocket where I found the money all safe!
And I found it Just in time, too, for
before many minutes Jonas Swirl came
as he had promised. Our settlement
was soon completed, and each had his
own share to do what he would with.
Phoebe was surprised to see me in my
old coat; but when l told her all, and
saw how white and scared she looked, I
was glad had waited till there was only
good news to tell her.-Ledger.