Page:RMBallantyne--Martin Rattler.djvu/38



N the small sea-port of Bilton, before mentioned, there dwelt an old and wealthy merchant and ship-owner, who devoted a small portion of his time to business, and a very large portion of it to what is usually termed " doing good." This old gentleman was short, and stout, and rosy, and bald, and active, and sharp as a needle.

In the short time that Mr. Arthur Jollyboy devoted to business, he accomplished as much as most men do in the course of a long day. There was not a be- nevolent society in the town of which Arthur Jolly- boy, Esquire, of the Old Hulk (as he styled his cottage), was not a member, director, secretary, and treasurer, all in one, and all at once ! If it had been possible for man to be ubiquitous, Mr. Jollyboy would have been so naturally, or, if not naturally, he would have made himself so by force of will. Yet he made no talk about it. His step was quiet, though quick;