CHAPTER VI.

"O, you Gods, think I, what need we have any friends if we should never have need of them? they were the most needless creatures living, should we ne'er have use for them; and would most resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keep their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished myself poorer, that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits: and what better or properer can we call our own, than the riches of our friends? O, what a precious comfort 'tis to have so many, like brothers, commanding one another's fortunes!"

THERE had been great doings at the Hall of late. The church bells sent forth their pealing din from sunrise to sunset. For miles around it was one continued jubilee. Feasts had been given to the Squire's friends, tenantry, cottagers, and villagers, and for a week past the

huge kitchen chimney had never ceased to belch forth a volume of sooty vapour as the preparations proceeded for the celebration of the general joy. There was now no doubt as to whom the, estate would descend, as the Squire had proclaimed our hero his heir, to the glee and satisfaction of everybody; for no one whose inclination to please all could have more completely succeeded than his protégé. With the rich, his unassuming manners, gentlemanly address, and handsome exterior, had won their admiration and esteem; and with the poor, his affability, kindness, and generosity, linked him to their best affections. Wherever

he went, a smile greeted him, and a blessing echoed in his footsteps.

Tobias Smith, who had taken up his quarters at the Hall, with no hesitation and little ceremony, seemed to be quite at home in his new abode. He quickly made himself acquainted with the mysteries of the cellar and the larder, and took upon himself the arrangements of

both these depôts for stores of good things, much to the silent wonder and annoyance of the old steward and the butler. It is quite impossible to say how he effected the position. of general in command over these particular localities; but scarcely had he become an inmate in the Hall a little month, than he installed himself a sort of major-domo, and exercised unlimited authority.

"Our friend, Mr. Smith," observed John Hardy to the Squire, upon one occasion,

most obliging and useful person.

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is a

Very much so," replied the Squire, drily. "And he makes himself so much at home," rejoined John.

"In every respect," returned his friend, in the same tone.

"I wonder," added John, hesitatingly, "if ever he intends to leave us, Harry?"

"Certainly not," responded the Squire. "Nothing is farther from his intention."

"Dear me!" ejaculated his companion. "How very remarkable."

"It may be to you, John," said the Squire; "but it is by no means to me. There are many such spirits in this world, who, when

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they come, are very difficult to get rid of.”

"I don't exactly want to get rid of him,' said John;" but," continued he, "I think it high time that he should start on the fulfilment of the duty he is so well qualified to perform, and which he imposed upon himself."

"That of discovering-"

"Yes, yes, Harry," interrupted John hurriedly, "to be sure. And it seems to me that we have been too dilatory in the matter."

"But a short space of time has elapsed since we got upon the trail," rejoined the Squire. "However," continued he, "after the revel, I will speak to our mercurial friend, and despatch him at once upon the mission."

"He requires a little urging, I must say," remarked his companion.

"You must remember," said the Squire, "that he has not, perhaps, the same feeling of interest with ourselves."

"He appeared to take a very great deal of

interest," replied John Hardy,

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upon his

offering to undertake the responsibility."

"Well, well," added the Squire, "I'll take especial care that he shall no longer lie idly upon his oars; for if not driven a little, I see very clearly that he'll hang in covert here till doomsday."

With this decision to start Tobias Smith from the Hall, John appeared perfectly satisfied, and here the object of discussion made his appearance by suddenly entering the apartment, accompanied by our hero, who was indulging in a hearty laugh.

"The arrangements are completed, gentlemen, I am happy to inform ye," said Tobias Smith, whose person, from head to heel, was covered with flour, treacle, soot, grease, and dirt of many kinds and descriptions. "The arrange