Page:Odds and ends, or, A groat's-worth of fun for a penny (2).pdf/6

6 round, and observing neither clouds nor a speck on the horizon, jogged on, taking very little notice of the rustic's information. He had made but a few miles, when a storm suddenly arising wetted him to the skin. Surprised at the circumstance, and determined, if possible, to ascertain how an ignorant boy had attained a precision and know- ledge in the weather, of which the wisest philoso- phers would be proud, he immediately rode back, wet as he was. My lad,' said Newton, I'll give thee a guinea if thou wilt tell me how thou canst foretel the weather so truly' Will ye, Sir? I will then,' said the boy, scratching his head, and holding out his hand for the guinea. ' Now, Sir, ' having received the money, and point- to his sheep, when you see that black ram turn his tail towards the wind, 'tis a sure sign of rain within an hour.' ' What! exclaimed the philoso- pher, “must I, in order to foretel the weather, stay here and watch which way that black ram turns his tail ?' 'Yes Sir.' Off rode Newton quite satisfied with his discovery, but not much inclined to avail himself of it or recommend it to others.

MILITARY MONEUVRE.-A few days since a gallant and distinguished military officer, who, though unlike Falstaff in one respect, possesses among other characteristics of that celebrated per- son, his facetious disposition, and goodness of heart, was passing along Deansgate, when he observed a crowd surrounding a shop door, and inquired the cause. He was told that an unlucky urchin had just fractured a pane of glass, and that the shopkeeper was detaining him in pledge for the payment of the damage. How much is it? inquired the son of Mars. Half-a-crown,' was