ppointed, for
Peterkin, rendered irascible by disappointment, turned short round and
said sharply, "Why, madam, how can _I_ tell you where the white house
is, unless you say which white house you want? Half the houses of the
town are white--at least they're _dirty_ white," he added bitterly, as
he turned away.

"I think I can direct you, ma'am," said I, stepping quickly up with a
bland smile, in order to counteract, if possible, my companion's
rudeness.

"Thank you, sir, kindly," said the little old woman; "I'm glad to find
_some_ little civility in the town."

"Come with me, ma'am; I am going past the white house, and will show you
the way."

"And pray, sir," said the big stranger, stepping up to me as I was about
to move away, "can you recommend me to a good hotel?"

I replied that I could; that there was one in the immediate vicinity of
the white house, and that if he would accompany me I would show him the
way. All this I did purposely in a very affable and obliging tone and
manner; for I hold that example is infinitely better than precept, and
always endeavour, if possible, to overcome evil with good. I offered my
arm to the old woman, who thanked me and took it.

"What!" whispered Peterkin, "you don't mean me to take this great ugly
gorilla in tow?"

"Of course," replied I, laughing, as I led the way.

Immediately I entered into conversation with my companion, and I heard
"the gorilla" attempt to do so with Peterkin; but from the few sharp
cross replies that reached my ear, I became aware that he was
unsuccessful. In the course of a few minutes, however, he appeared to
have overcome his companion's ill-humour, for I overheard their voices
growing louder and more animated as they walked behind me.

Suddenly I heard a shout, and turning hastily round, observed Peterkin
struggling in the arms of the gorilla! Amazed beyond measure at the
sight, and firmly persuaded that a cowardly assault had been made upon
my friend, I seized the old woman's umbrella, as the only available
weapon, and flew to the rescue.

"Jack, my boy! can it be possible?" gasped Peterkin.

"I believe it is," replied Jack, laughing.--"Ralph, my dear old fellow,
how are you?"

I stood petrified. I believed that I was in a dream.

I know not what occurred during the next five minutes. All I could
remember with anything like distinctness was a succession of violent
screams from the little old woman, who fled shouting thieves and