Year: 1876

actually dug hole, or, what military
men term trou de loap, before the
entrance, which he covered over with
loose straw, in such manner as to
secure the principal approach to-
wards his castle, and entrap any in
cautious assailant who might have
the temerity to invade his darling
property. After exhibiting this speci-
men of his talents as an engineer,
the modern Midas seems to have slept
in safety amid his gold.


Soon after the robbery, the thieves
were apprehended; and as Mr. Dan
GERS presence at their trial became
necessary, Lady Tempest begged his
acceptance of clean shirt, that he
might make a decent appearance;
but he declined the generous offer,
assuring her that he had a new one
on, which he had bought only three
weeks before, when it was quite
| clean.


This accident probably made some
impression, and rendered him desi-
rous of placing his money in a more
secure situation than his own wretch
ed hut. Repairing not long after to
London, to invest 2,000l. in the
funds, gentleman, who met him
near the Exchange, mistaking him
for beggar, put penny into his
hand. Though somewhat surprised
at first, yet recollecting that every
little helps, he put the money into
his pocket, and continued his walk.


Lady Tempest, who was the only
person that had any influence on the
mind Of this unhappy man, en-
ployed every possible persuasion and
device to induce him to partake of
those conveniences and comforts
which are so gratifying to others, but
without effect. One day she, howev-
er, prevailed on him to purchase a
hat of Jew for shilling, that
which he wore having been in con-
stant use for thirteen years. She
called upon him the next day, and to
her surprise found that he still con-
tinued to wear the old one. On in
quiring the reason, he, after much so
licitation, informed her, that his old
servant, Griffiths, had given him six
pence profit for his bargain.


The same lady, knowing that he
was fond of trout stewel in claret,
once sent him some rs present. The
stew had become CONCEALED during
the night; and though he burst not
eat it till it was warmed for fear of
the toothache, to which he was sub
ject, yet he could not on any account
afford the expense of fire. The in
aeaious method by which he CON
trived to relieve himself from this
embarrassment is certainly worthy of
admiration. The weather was frosty,
and at such times he always lay in
bed to keep himself warm; and he
conceived that similar mode of pro-
ceeding would produce the same ef
feet on the fish. He accordingly di-
rected it to be put, with the sauce,
into a pewter plate, and covering it
with another, placed them under his
body, and sat upon them till the con-
tents were sufficiently warmedl


The latter part of Daniels life was
meliorated by the humanity and
good nature of his worthy and re-
spectacle neighbor Lady Tempest
presented him with bed; and, at
length actually prevailed upon him
to throw away the sack in which he
had slept for years. Being sworn
enemy to extravaganza, he was care
full to excess of the property of an
other. He could scarcely be pre-
vailed upon, it is said, to touch n
joint. He delighted in fragments and
crusts; and, while indulglng himself
in these McurieS, muttered eXecra-
tions against the devouring gluttony
of modern times. He also eyinced,
on this occasion, considerable pOr-
ton of that low cunning so COM
mon in illiterate persons; for he pre-
tended to pay his addresses to the
cook, in an honorable aoGy, with a
view of keeping in favor with her;
|
had discovered his intentions to pro-
ceed from what is termed cupboard
lore, he endeavored to impose on her
a second time, by promising to re-
member her in his will,


To his brother, who kept sheep on
the same common, and who rivalled
/ Daniel himself in penury, and al
most in wealth, he always manifested
the utmost aversion; to his niece,
however, he once presented guinea
on the birth of a daughter; but even
here he made hard bargain, for the
gift was conditional-she was either
to name the child Nancy, after his
mother, or forfeit the tchole sum.


To the honor of Mr.. Dancer, how
ever, he possessed one virtue, and
that, too, not very common one in
this world-gratitude. Accordingly,
some time before his death, he made
a will, and surrendered his copy
hold estates to the disposition he had
made; the will and surrender were
both in favor OF his benefactress,
Lady Tempest.


The evening before his death, he
despatched messenger in whom he
could confide, requesting to see her
ladyship; and, on being gratifed in
this particular, he expressed great
satisfaction. Finding himself lit
tie better, his attachment to the only
thing he respected more than that
lady returned, and that too with such
violence, that, although his hand was
scarcely able to perform its functions,
he took hold of his will, which he
had intended to present to her, and
replaced it once more in his bosom.


Next morning, however, percelving
his end to be fast approaching, ne
actually confided this paper, accord
ing to his original determination;