Page:Storys of the three beggars (1).pdf/9

 “And if he would engage to pay the fifteen-pence that I owe you, would you not acknowledge us quit ?”

“ Undoubtedly, Sir, if it were thirty, and you desired it.”

“Well then, come along with me to the church, and we will speak to him.”

They went out together; but first the ecclesiastic directed his valet to saddle the horses, and to keep them in readiness.

The priest, as they entered the church, had just put on his sacerdotal habit, and was going to read prayers.

“This will keep us very long,” said the traveller to his host; "I have not time to wait, but must proceed immediately upon my journey. It will satisfy you, I should imagine, to have the parson’s word for the money ?”

Nicholas having nodded assent, the other went up to the parson, and dexterously slipping into his hand twelve deniers, said :—

“Sir, you will pardon my coming so near the pulpit to speak to you; but much ceremony need not be observed between persons of the same condition. I am travelling through your town, and lodged last night at one of your parishoners’, whom in all probability you know, and whom you may see hard by. He is a well-meaning man, honest, and entirely exempt from vice; but, unfor-