raise. Why the other day I
cut a rich looking young lady's reticule from her arm in Broadway and
got clear off with it; but upon examining my prize, I found it contained
nothing but a handkerchief and some letters. The _wipe_ I kept for my
own use; as for the letters, here they are--they are not worth a
tinker's d----n, for they are all about love.'

As he spoke, he carelessly threw upon the table several letters, which
were taken up and examined by Ragged Pete, who being requested by others
to read aloud, complied, and opening one, read as follows:--

'_Dear Mistress_,--Since your marriage, I have not enjoyed any
of those delicious private _tete-a-tetes_ with you, which
formerly afforded us both so much pleasure. Send me word when
I can find you alone, and I will fly to your arms.

'Your ever faithful Nero'

'By Jesus!' exclaimed Bloody Mike--'it's a mighty quare name me
gentleman signs himself, any how. And it's making love to another man's
wife he'd be, blackguard! Devil the much I blame him for that same, if
the lady's continted!'

'Here,' said Ragged Pete, taking up another letter, 'is one that's
sealed and directed, and ain't been broke open yet. Let's see what it
says.'

Breaking the seal, he read aloud the contents, thus:--

'_Dear Nero_,--I am dying to see you, but my husband is with
me so constantly that 'tis next to impossible. He is kind and
attentive to me, but oh! how infinitely I prefer _you to him_!
I do not think that he has ever suspected that before my
marriage, I * * * _Fortunately for us_, Mr. Sydney has lately
been in the habit of absenting himself from home evenings,
often staying out very late. Where he goes I care not, tho' I
suspect he is engaged in some intrigue of his own; and if so,
all the better for us, my dear Nero.

'Thus I arrange matters; when he has gone, and I have reason
to think he will not soon return, a light will be placed in my
chamber window, which is on the extreme left of the building,
in the third story. Without this signal, do not venture into
the house. If all is favourable my maid, Susan (who is in our
secret,) will admit you by the back gate, when you knock
thrice. Trusting that we may meet soon, I remain, dear Nero,

'Your loving and faithful JULIA.'

'Hell and furies!' exclaimed one of the company, starting from his seat,
and seizing the letter;