o be wrong with your Union, and he'll be accommodated as above. I
speak from experience."

"Oh, rattening!" said Mr Parkin. "That's is a mighty small matter."

"It is small to you, that are not in the oven, where the bread is baked,
or cooled, or burnt. But whatever parts the grindstones from the power,
and the bellows from the air, and the air from the fire, makes a hole
in the master's business to-day, and a hole in the workman's pocket
that day six months. So, for heaven's sake, let us be right with you.
Little's is the most friendly and liberal offer that any workman ever
made to any Union. Do, pray, close with it, and let us be at peace;
sweet--balmy--peace."

Parkin declared he shared that desire: but was not the committee. Then,
to Henry: "I shall put your case as favorably as my conscience will let
me. Meantime, of course, the matter rests as it is."

They then parted; and Henry, as he returned home, thanked Bayne
heartily. He said this second L15 had been a bitter pill at first; but
now he was glad he had offered it. "I would not leave Hillsborough for
fifteen hundred pounds."

Two days after this promising interview with Mr. Parkin, Henry received
a note, the envelope of which showed him it came from Mr. Jobson. He
opened it eagerly, and with a good hope that its object was to tell him
he was now a member of the Edge-Tool Forgers' Union.

The letter, however, ran thus:

"DEAR SIR,--I hear, with considerable surprise, that you continue to
forge blades and make handles for Mr. Cheetham. On receipt of this
information I went immediately to Mr. Parkin, and he assured me that he
came to the same terms with you as I did. He says he intimated politely,
but plainly, that he should expect you not to make any more carving-tool
handles for Mr. Cheetham, till his committee had received your proposal.
He now joins me in advising you to strike work for the present.
Hillsborough is surrounded by beautiful scenes, which it might gratify
an educated workman to inspect, during the unavoidable delay caused by
the new and very important questions your case has raised.

"Yours obediently,

"SAML. JOBSON.

"P.S.--A respectable workman was with me yesterday, and objected that
you receive from Mr. Cheetham a higher payment than the list price. Can
you furnish me with a reply to this, as it is sure to be urged at the
trade meeting."

When he read this, Little's blood boiled, especially at the cool advice
to lay down