sure Miss
Brown that he would have great pleasure in meeting any of
Miss Brown's friends whom she might choose to ask.

"Psha!" said Maryanne, when she read it. "It would serve him right
to ask Bill. And I would, too, only--." Only it would hardly have
answered her purpose, she might have said, had she spoken out her
mind freely.

In the meantime the interest as to Johnson of Manchester was reaching
its climax. At ten o'clock on Saturday morning each division of the
window was nearly covered by an enormous bill, on which in very large
letters it was stated that--

Johnson of Manchester has been taken.

From that till twelve the shop was inundated by persons who were
bent on learning what was the appearance and likeness of Johnson.
Photographers came to inquire in what gaol he was at present held,
and a man who casts heads in plaster of Paris was very intent upon
seeing him. No information could, of course, be given by the men and
women behind the counters. Among them there was at present raging a
violent discussion as to the existence or non-existence of Johnson.
It was pleasant to hear Jones repeating the circumstances to the
senior partner. "Mr. Brown, there's Miss Glassbrook gone over to the
anti-Johnsonites. I think we ought to give her a month's notice."
To those who inquired of Mr. Brown himself, he merely lifted up his
hands and shook his head. Jones professed that he believed the man to
be in the underground cells of Newgate.

The bill respecting Johnson's capture remained up for two hours, and
then it was exchanged for another;--

Johnson has escaped, but no expense
shall be spared in his recapture.

At four in the afternoon the public was informed as follows;--

Johnson has got off, and sailed for America.

And then there was one other, which closed the play late on Saturday
evening;--

Brown, Jones, and Robinson beg to assure the public that
they shall be put out of all suspense early on Monday
morning.

"And what shall we really say to them on Monday?" asked Mr. Jones.

"Nothing at all," replied Mr. Robinson. "The thing will be dead by
that time. If they call, say that he's in Canada."

"And won't there be any more about it?"

"Nothing, I should think. We, however, have gained our object. The
house will be remembered, and so will the name of Brown, Jones, and
Robinson."

And it was so. When the Monday morning came the windows were without
spe