There were creditors of all sorts; for small sums and for great, for five or ten pounds up to five or ten thousand.

Some were civil, some impatient, some loud and rough and angry; some came to put in executions on the effects, and some--_to arrest the body_! This last act was accomplished cleverly.

Two men, each with a remarkably hooked nose, stole away from the hubbub of the clamorous, and peering cunningly about, made their way to the side or tradesman's entrance.

A kitchen-maid answered their gentle appeal at the bell.
"Is the coffin come yet ?" said they.
"Coffin--no!" was the girl's reply.

"The shell ain't here yet.