But dar am a gemman yere, sah,--" "What!" came a surprised ejaculation that caused the negro to jump, and I heard a chair overturned within.

"A gentleman?
Sam, don't deceive me! For the love of Heaven, let me see him.

May I be bastinadoed if it hasn't been three months since my eyes beheld the last specimen! Sam, where was it I saw the last one ?" "Montreal, sah." "By Saint Guise! 'tis gospel truth," and the speaker strode forward, candle in hand.

"Here, now, you ace of spades," he cried impatiently, "hold the flame until I bid this paragon of the wilderness fit welcome in the name of Hawkins, who strangely seems to have vanished from the sylvan scene.

Alas, poor Hawkins! two gentlemen at one time, I greatly fear, will be the death of him.