Page:ONCE A WEEK JUL TO DEC 1860.pdf/583

 . 17, 1860.] for the control of the hampers and carpet-bags at Shortpond.

He departed sorrowfully. It is to be feared that if there was one crumb of comfort on which he allowed his imagination to feed, it was on the belief that Chaser had been equally unsuccessful.

Of this morsel he was destined soon to be deprived. As he descended the steps of the house he met Chaser coming up.

“It is no use,” he said to that gentleman, “you are too late.”

“For breakfast?” inquired Mr. Chaser.

“No, for the appointment; it has been given away.”

“Yes, to me,” observed Chaser, “at four this morning.”

After this the conversation was not prolonged.

H.