he
head of the article. The sparkle of the remainder might be somewhat
dimmed by a repetition, but so agreeable was the flow of soul, so
entertaining the wit, so electric the repartees, and so graceful the
turns in the conversation when the joke began to be too practical,
that the whole company, without reference to the compliment of the
host, declared to each other, as they met for months and years after,
that in their lifetime they had never realized such elegant luxury and
such unmitigated pleasure in an entertainment.

Mr. Sidney again and again endeavored to speak a word confidentially
to Mr. Burchard, but circumstances, and especially his devotion to
Malcolm, prevented.

Both Malcolm and Sidney were to take the night train for New York, and
the time of its departure was near at hand. At last Mr. Sidney bade
the host good-night, saying he should see him again before many days,
but hoped he would soon recover from the infirmity in his eyes. Mr.
Malcolm was the last to leave.

* * * * *

Early on the following morning, while Mr. Burchard was at breakfast,
he received the following note:

BERNON BURCHARD, ESQ.:--

MY DEAR SIR,--After leaving your hospitable mansion last
night, and while I was hastening to the station to take the
night train for New York, I was accosted by two watchmen who
arrested me, as they say, for burglary, and have detained me
at the police station till now. In order that I may keep my
appointment in New York, I have waived a preliminary
examination before the magistrate, and desire you will
become my bail, that I may be immediately released to the
important duties devolving upon me elsewhere. Before many
days the occasion of my haste will be ascertained, and that
it had no reference to the watchmen; and the prosecution
will be voluntarily _nol prosed_.

Your friend and servant,
MALCOLM.

Mr. Burchard dropped his cup, and without communicating with his wife,
hastened to the assistance of his relative, gave the required bail,
and released his friend to proceed on his journey, all the while
delighted with the thought that Winfield Burchard would sooner or
later be informed that his letter of introduction was of some real
value to his nephew.

Before his departure, Malcolm handed to Mr. Burchard a draft for one
thousand dollars, not to secure him