Page:Poems Sherwin.djvu/54

 My mother was much rejoiced on finding it, and very grateful to the old man, but at a loss how to recompence him for his trouble. Jonathan never receives money for his services in finding stolen goods, or makes any charge,—that, he says, would cross the purpose of his art, and render it useless in other instances.

"Then," asked I, "what is the recompence usually made for his valued assistance? or does he render it out of a pure feeling of philanthropy?"

"In love matters," answered she, "he does not scruple to receive money, but in such affairs as I have just related, I believe he usually accepts presents of some thing which he can make useful,—a bushel or two of corn, a sack of potatoes, a pound or so of tea, a cheese, or any thing which is not in the shape of money. My mother gave him a ham."

I soon made my own conclusions on the subject, and felt a wish to see the old impostor; therefore agreed to accompany Amy to the mountain on her mission of inquiry.

We chose the following afternoon, and arrived at the abode of Jonathan about four o'clock. He was sitting on a bench outside the door, smoking a pipe, which he laid down on our approach, and accompanied us into the cottage.

Amy informed him of her errand, and requested his assistance in the little affair which was of so much importance to herself.