The tale was long, but brimful of interest.

There was scarcely an interruption from any one to break the charm of its flow.

When he had finished, Mr.Jones said: "I thought I had fixed up a little surprise for this occasion, but it don't amount to anything now.

This one makes it sing mighty small, I'm willing to allow." The money was counted.

The sum amounted to a little over twelve thousand dollars.