Page:Interesting stories.pdf/4

4 guinea. The word guinea, operated as a magic charm : a clean cloth was instantly spread ; a steal put, on the fire; and the landlord insisted that the chimney corner should be resigned for his military guest, who begged no one might he disturbed for him. The landlord was positive ; forced both hint and his wife on the bench ; swore every one ought to have a proper respect for the King's cloth ; drank both that and his Majesty, out of a brimmer which was just brought for the soldier; and assured the company, that he had once carried arms himself, but, having an opportunity to settle, he thought it best to sleep in a whole skin, and so bought him discharge.

This was all just—for any thing the company knew to the contrary; certain it was, that had been a private in a marching regiment; but respecting the manner in which he left it, he had made a small mistake—perhaps his memory was bad—perhaps he wished to keep his own secret—or perhaps he had told his story so often, that himself began to be persuaded of its verity. Reader, he was drummed out! " For what?” askes thou. Peace, untoward spirit of curiosity ! seek not to bring to light the misdeeds of thy brother which time has kindly left in oblivion:— Alas! I am guiltier than thyself. I set thee an example. How frail is man ! how vain his reasoning !

The two travellers began their little repast. The landlord joined them. The soldier smiled him a cheerful welcome. The mug was twice filled ; and the table soon cleared. They all gathered close round the fire; and the soldier related the adventure of the clergyman and the guinea.

The landlord dare said, beside that guinea, the