to kiss it in, at so many kisses a-day; but I told him that coin
wouldn't pass wid me."

"He's a swindler, ma'am; no doubt of it, and you'll never be safe
till you have some one to protect you that understands swindlin' and
imposition. Well, ma'am--well, my dear ma'am, what next?"

"Why, he then attempted to escape; but as I happened to have a stout
ladle in my hand, I thought a good basting wouldn't do him any harm, and
while I was layin' on him two sailors came in, and they took him out of
my hands."

"Out of the frying-pan into the fire, you ought to say, Mrs. Mulroony."

"So he and they fought, and smashed another lot of glass, and then I set
out and charged him on the watch. Oh, murdher sheery--to think the way
my beautiful beef and greens went!"

Here Mr. Ambrose, approaching Mrs. Mulroony, whispered--"My dear Mrs.
Mulroony, remember one word--futurity; heir apparent--heir direct; so
be moderate, and a short time will place you in easy circumstances. The
event that's coming will be a stunner."

"What's that he's sayin' to you, my dear Mrs. Mulroony?" asked Ned;
"don't listen to him, he'll only soohdher and palaver you. I'll take
your charge, and lock him up."

"Darby," said Mr. Gray, now approaching that worthy, "a single word
with you--we understand one another--I intended to bribe old Ned, the
villain; but you shall have it."

"Very good, it's a bargain," replied the virtuous Darby; "fork out."

"Here, then, is ten shillings, and bring me out of it."

Darby privately pocketed the money, and moving toward Ned, whispered to
him--"Don't take the charge for a few minutes. I'll fleece them both.
Amby has given me half-a-crown; another from her, and then, half and
half between us. Mrs. Mulroony, a word with you. Listen--do you wish to
succeed in this business?"

"To be sure I do; why not?"

"Well, then, if you do, slip me five shillings, or you're dished, like
one of your own-dinners, and that Amby Gray will slice you to pieces.
Ned's his friend at heart, I tell you."

"Well, but you'll see me rightified?"

"Hand the money, ma'am; do you know who you're speaking to? The senior
of the office."

On receiving the money, the honest senior whispers to the honest officer
of the night--"A crown from both, that is, half from each; and now
act as you like; but if you take the widow's charge, we'll have a free
plate, at all events, whenever we call to see her, you know."

Honest Ned, feeling indignant that