very dirty, and his hat a particularly bad one. A dozen of
heavy sticks were at his feet, and a couple were under his arm; whilst
at some twenty paces distant two wands, with an ornament or trinket at
the top of each, were stuck upright in a straw bag, ready to be
thrown at by any adventurous puss or puppy who had a coin at his
disposal. A couple of cats were lovingly walking at some distance,
another was climbing a large tree which overhung the place, and a fourth
was lazily seated high above; whilst, in the neighbourhood of the animal
who was presiding over the scene, were several dogs and a cat or two
waiting for their turn. The tall beast now altered his position, and the
strongly-marked features of a bear became plainly visible to the party;
at the same time he caught sight of the fashionable group, and, with a
fierce expression in his eye, surlily invited the well-dressed males to
take their chance at "Three throws a-penny!"

[Illustration: THREE THROWS A-PENNY.]

A gentle howl from Miss G. was the only reply, as the party hastily
retreated; for she recognized in the dirty, degraded beast, who was
presiding over this vulgar sport, the object she had once looked on with
affection, the once wealthy Count von Bruin.

PROGRESS.

The fair of Caneville was like fairs in most other parts of the world,
and contained the usual elements of fun and wickedness, toys and dirt,
sweets and other messes. As all these various ingredients looked best at
night, when the broad sun was withdrawn and an artificial light very
feebly supplied its place, it was towards evening that the fair began to
fill, and doubtful characters to ply their various vocations. It was
matter of remark that there was much more quarrelling and ill-humour in
the fair this particular year, than there had been for several previous
periods; and it was also observed that a tall and powerful bear--no
other than our hero Bruin--was ever in the midst of it, either as an
instigator or a principal. This circumstance made the authorities more
than usually alert, and caused Master Bruin to be closely watched.

It was at the close of the last day, after many scenes of evil which it
is not necessary to describe, that a serious disturbance arose in the
part of the field where Bruin had his stand. Blows soon followed angry
words; the contending parties flew at each other with great ferocity;
growl followed growl, and bite succeeded bite, so that a good deal of