n
a stage, I saw my deliverer turning the corner of this street, in
company with three other gentlemen. I stopped the stage, gave the driver
a quarter, and without waiting to receive the change, I made a rush for
the stage door, stepped on the silk skirt of a lady passenger, kicked a
fat gentleman on the shins, knocked a baby out of an Irishwoman's lap,
fell, and struck my head against the door, tumbled out, slipped on the
Russ pavement, excited the mirth of the passengers and pedestrians, got
up, and reached the corner just in time to see the party whom I followed
enter this house. I rushed on, and after some little inquiry, succeeded
in attaining this apartment. Gentlemen, Boggs was my deliverer."

"Hurrah for Boggs," shouted Dropper.

"Boggs, you're a philanthropist," said Spout.

"_Vive le Boggs_," said Van Dam.

"Gentlemen," said Boggs, "I protest against your unwarranted
compliments. My dear sir," said he, addressing the stranger, "you only
borrowed a dollar of me, whereas, I perceive you have given me one
dollar and twenty-one cents."

"Three years interest, at seven per cent," suggested the stranger,
"Legally your due, and I insist upon your accepting interest as well as
principal."

Boggs, without further objection pocketed the proffered amount.

"Your case," said Spout, to the stranger; "is one of morbid
concientiousness; so much so that I feel desirous of knowing you
better."

"My name, gentlemen," said the stranger, "is Dusenbury Quackenbush."

A general rush was made toward the stranger. Van Dam seized one hand,
Boggs the other; Spout caught him by the arm, whilst Dropper, who was
the last to reach him, threw his long arms around the whole party. For a
moment there was general commotion, growing out of a fierce shaking of
hands and arms. Each person loudly assured Mr. Quackenbush of the
happiness he felt in having formed his acquaintance. As soon as they had
relieved him from their affectionate welcomings Mr. Quackenbush spoke.

"I am certainly happy to become acquainted with you, gentlemen,"
remarked he, "but really I am fearful I shall not be a very interesting
acquaintance in a _coterie_ of old friends, as you appear to be, and
without doubt are."

"Yes, we are old friends," said Spout, "our friendship is as enduring as
the gullibility of the public, and I might add as ancient
as--as--gentlemen excuse me if I fail in this point to institute an
appropriate comparison. As an astonisher, howev