, who are used to the work. Mark my
word, you'll hear no more about it."

And so it seemed likely to be. Day after day went by and the post
brought no letter; I was beginning to think I should have to settle down
as a newspaper-boy or a page after all.

At the end of the week I was so disheartened that I could stay in the
house no longer, but sallied out, I cared not whither, for a day in the
fresh air.

As I was sauntering along the road, a cart overtook me, a covered
baker's cart with the name painted outside, "Walker, Baker, Packworth."

A brilliant idea seized me as I read the legend. Making a sign to the
youth in charge to stop, I ran up and asked, "I say, what would you give
me a lift for to Packworth?"

"What for? S'pose we say a fifty-pun' note," was the facetious reply.
"I could do with a fifty-pun' note pretty comfortable."

"Oh, but really, how much? I want to go to Packworth awfully, but it's
such a long way to walk."

"What do you weigh, eh?"

"I don't know; about seven stone, I think."

"If you was eight stun I wouldn't take you, there! But hop up!"

And next moment I found myself bowling merrily along in the baker's cart
all among the loaves and flour-bags to Packworth.

My jovial driver seemed glad of a companion, and we soon got on very
good terms, and conversed on a great variety of topics.

Presently, as we seemed to be nearing the town, I ventured to inquire,
"I say, do you know Jack Smith at Packworth?"

The Jehu laughed.

"Know him--old Jack Smith? Should think I do."

"You do?" cried I, delighted, springing to my feet and knocking over a
whole pyramid of loaves. "Oh, I _am_ glad. It's him I want to see."

"Is it now?" said the fellow, "and what little game have you got on with
him? Going a grave-diggin', eh?"

"Grave-digging, no!" I cried. "Jack Smith and I were at school
together--"

The driver interrupted me with a loud laugh.

"Oh, my eye, that's a good 'un; you at school with old Jack Smith! Oh,
that'll do, that'll do!" and he roared with laughter.

"But I really was," repeated I, "at Stonebridge House."

"You was? How long before you was born was it; oh my eye, eh?"

"It was only last year."

"Last year, and old Jack lost the last tooth out of his head last year
too."

"What! has he had his teeth out?" cried I, greatly concerned.

"Yes, and all his hair off since you was at school with him," cried my
companion, nearly rolling off the box with laug