en an eventful one," he answered.

"Then," said Fred, refilling his pipe, and composing himself in an
easier attitude, "you will be kind enough to tell it for our
entertainment."

"I'll villingly do that, sir, if you'll promise not to go to sleep."

"We can give no pledges," replied Fred, with a grin. "Whether we go to
sleep or keep awake remains with the historian to decide."

"Veil, then, I'll do my best," and Steel Spring crossed his right leg,
as though it had helped him on many occasions.

I will relate his account of his life, although I shall leave his
cockney expressions out, as much of it may mar the beauty and humor of
the recital. I don't vouch for the truth of what he told us, and, in
fact, I don't believe that Steel Spring himself meant that we should.
However, he always swore that he spoke the truth, and, in lack of
evidence, we were bound to believe him.

"I was born twenty-six years ago, in the vicinity of Belgrave Square,
London, and as the locality was an aristocratic one, I need not mention
that my parents were wealthy, and circulated in the highest circles in
the kingdom. There was great rejoicing when I came into the world, and I
have been told that Parliament adjourned in honor of the event."

"I wish to ask if the narrative is to consist of lies?" inquired Fred.

The fellow grinned as though he had been complimented, and without
replying, continued,--"I was sent to Eton when I grew old enough, and
all that money could do was expended towards completing my education.
Latin and Greek, however, are languages which I was never able to
master, and it's owing to my dislike to them that I am now here. I will
explain the reason, so that you may not interrupt me with expressions of
astonishment. I was destined, when only ten years of age, to succeed the
ambassador to Greece, an uncle of mine, who was full of years and
honors, and wished to retire on half pay, like an invalid soldier or
gouty bishop. You will see the reason why I was supplied with Greek
roots, until I thought my brain would turn in digging them. But tasks
and whippings were in vain. The more I was beaten the less I learned,
and the upshot of the matter was that I was sent home, and then kicked
out of doors by an indignant father, who swore in good English that if
my head was only as long in proportion as my legs, I should have
comprehended the dead languages in less than a month.

"Alas! how little do parents understand the feeling