The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-04-16
"Forgive me, George" she faltered.
"Forgive you for whatp"

coat--you know it wasn't fit to wear
any longer, dear-for pair Of the
loveliest little flower vases. I've beer
waiting for you to notice them, but
but"
My looks must have terrified her, foi
she burst in o tears, sobbing out:
81 didn't think you would mind it.
George"
Poor Phoebe, it was the first time l
had made her cry; and after all had
only my own selfish folly to blame.
Why hadn't I told her about the
money?
Taking her to my arms and kissing
away her tears:
"Never mind, darling" l said
Don't cry about the coat; but do you
know which way the pedlar went?"
My kind words reassured her. The
smile came back to her face, but the
question about the pedlar puzzled her.
81 didn'tnotice which way he weut,'
she answered; "but since you don't
mind about the coat, what difference
does it make, dear?"
didn't care to explain the mighty
difference it made; for saw it would
break Phebe's heart to know the truth.
and could do no good.
After tea | went out on some pre-
text and made such inquiries as could
with prudence; but though 1 found
some who had seen the pedlar, 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 l confess it would have
afforded me greater satisfaction to have
smashed them over the pedlars head.
Ispent sleepless night, though I
managed to keep Phoebe from observ-
ing my distress. 1t would be time
enough to yex her with the truth when
there would be no other course left.
Making an excuse for another early
start, L got to town by the first morn
ing train.
1 notified 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 thecoat before
the presence of the notes was discov-
cred. Whatever search was made
must be prosecuted secretly. Giving
the best description Of the pedlar had
been able to obtain, l 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 tl
take.
AS sat with my head buried in my
hands, and elbows resting on my desk
brooding over my troubles, ! did moi
notice man enter the door, to which
my back was turned, and was not
aware Of his presence until awakened
from my reverie by gruff-"Wanl
any pens, sir?'
"No!' answered, without looking
up.
"Some ink ?-some blotting-paper
Some soap p?-some matches p
some"
Not caring to hear the inventory
finished, l turned to request the mar
to leave. Butt didn't. He had or
my own old coat. more attractive tt
my eyes just then than the richest
royal robe!
"How would you like to sell thai
coat you have on?" 1 asked as uncon
cerneuly DIS poSSlple.
The man smiled as one might al
what he thought very poor joke.
Or, maybe you'd exchange it fol
the one ?" added.
you're hardly in earnest, sir?'
Indeed 1 am" said; II fancy tht
cut Of yours, and here's mine come
even up and no higgling."
The coat which drew off ani
thrust into his hands was quite new
and worth many times that for which
1 offered to exchange it. I was evi
IDENTIFY taken for a lunatic, but that die
not baulk the pedlar's greed for goot
bargain. The barter was completed
and the man hurried off, probabl,
fearing the return of lucid interva
in which 1 might seek to cancel tn,
trade
But I followed at his heels, keepint
him in sight till 1 had searched th,
secret pocket, where l found the money
all safe.
And 1 found it just in time, too, TO
before many minutes Jonas Swir
came as he had promised. Our set
tlement was soon completed, an,
each had his own share to do wha
he would with.
Phoebe was surprised to see me il
my old coat; but when told he
all, and saw how white and scare
she looked, l was glad that l ha
waited till there was only good new
to tell her.
Through the Suez Canal.
Steamers going through the Sue
canal must stop whenever the pile
gives the word, and when the sun ha
| oone down no matter whpra tho vasst