us try the coffee, catch a view of the papers,
and proceed."

~~286~~~ They had now seated themselves near an elderly gentleman, who
seemed to be in deep contemplation, occasionally rubbing his hands with
apparent gratification, and shaking his head with importance, while he
glanced over a newspaper which lay before him.

"I should judge," said Tallyho, "he is a member of parliament,
probably conning over the report of his last night's speech in the
House."

"Or probably," said Dashall, "an author in search of ideas for his
next publication, wherein he intends to cut up the ministers and their
measures."

"Yes," continued Sparkle, "or a quack doctor, examining if the editor
has given insertion to his new flaming advertisement, wherein he
promises to perform what is utterly impossible to be accomplished."

"I wonder if he can speak," said Tom, laying clown the paper; "I'll try
him.--A fine morning, Sir."

As this was directed immediately to meet the old gentleman's ear, he
looked up for the first time since they had entered.

"Beautiful, Sir," was the reply--and here the conversation ceased again.

"Excellent coffee," said Sparkle,--"is there any news to-day, Sir?"
endeavouring to rouse him again.

"There is always news, Sir," was the reply, taking a plentiful supply of
snuff.

"Of one sort or other," continued Bon.

"Why yes, have we not every day a quantity of newspapers that make their
appearance with the sun?"

"Truly," replied Sparkle; "but you could hardly misunderstand me--I
alluded to something out of the common run of events; such, for
instance, as relates to the interests of the nation, the agricultural
distress, the distress of the Irish, the state of the American
independents, the proceedings of the Spanish cortes, and the French
chamber; the movements of the Greeks, the operations of Turkey and
Russia, or the--or--"

"Why, Sir, your inquiries are very rational; and as I perceive you have
a desire for intelligence, and I have at all times a desire to impart
such as I am in possession of for the benefit of others, the newspapers
have abundance of information; but I must say the editors, though men of
education and intelligence, are not always well informed: besides, Sir,
there is no reliance on their assertions; many valuable and important
secrets are in the hands of individuals, which never find their way into
the public journals."

~~288~~~ Having proceeded thus far, our three friends were