for the few shillings thou just now
proposed, to give up the culprit, since my loss cannot affect thee,
there is a crown to keep the affair a secret; as the disgrace of this
thoughtless man might deprive his innocent wife and child of bread."

"You are a strange young gentleman, Master Shirley," replied Dan; "but
your secret shall remain safe for me, though, if I was in your place, I
think I should act differently:" and, stifling a laugh, he tossed the
money into his pocket.

He yet held the gate in his hand, when little Rachel, quite out of
breath, came running towards them.

"Oh, Josiah! my rabbits! my nice white rabbits; they are lost, they are
all gone!" said she, weeping bitterly. "Come, dry your tears, my little
cousin," said Josiah, kindly taking her hand, and striving to comfort
her; "they cannot be far off, for I am sure they were all safe last
night."

"Little Miss, I think I know where your rabbits are," said Dan Simpson.

"Indeed!" exclaimed Josiah; "who could be so mean as to rob this little
girl?"

"Only the neighbour who broke your trees," replied Dan; "for, as I
passed by Lary's cottage, his little boy was playing with some fine tame
rabbits. They had none yesterday, unless Pat bought them at the fair;
and I dare say he will tell you so."

Now Josiah could not help feeling convinced that they must be Rachel's
rabbits; and he said--

"Daniel Simpson, I thank thee for this piece of intelligence, and will
step across to Lary's cottage, and learn the truth of these things; so
good day for the present."

Simpson returned to his daily avocations, well pleased at his ingenuity;
and, relating his conference with Josiah to George Hope, they both
enjoyed a hearty laugh at the idea of having deceived the Quaker.

"He is gone now, Master George," said Simpson, "to cross-question Lary
about the hatchet; but the foolish fellow is still so bewildered with
drink, that he will never be able to give a correct account of himself;
now I am sure young Shirley already suspects him, and suspicious
thoughts travel fast, when they once get into the head: for the love of
fun, how I should like to hear their conference."

It was true that Josiah sought the cottage of Lary, but he was actuated
by feelings of the most noble and benevolent kind. He hoped, by
reasoning with the Irishman, to point out to him the error of his
conduct; and, by showing him the ill effects of intoxication, to
persuade him from falling into t