[Illustration: There was no happier couple in all the settlement thanHanz and Angeline Toodleburg. Page 13. ]

THE

VON TOODLEBURGS;

OR, THE HISTORY OF A VERY DISTINGUISHED FAMILY. 

BY

F. COLBURN ADAMS, AUTHOR OF "MANUEL PERIERE, OR THE SOVEREIGN RULE OF SOUTH CAROLINA;""OUR WORLD;" "CHRONICLES OF THE BASTILE;" "AN OUTCAST;" "ADVENTURES OFMAJOR RODGER SHERMAN PORTER;" "THE STORY OF A TROOPER;" "THE SIEGE OFWASHINGTON, " ETC. 

ILLUSTRATED FROM ORIGINAL DRAWINGS BY A. R. WAUD. 

PHILADELPHIA:

CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, 819 AND 821 MARKET STREET

1868. 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by

F. COLBURN ADAMS, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for theEastern District of Pennsylvania. 

PREFACE. 

I never could see what real usefulness there was in a preface to a workof this kind, and never wrote one without a misgiving that it would domore to confuse than enlighten the reader. 

The good people of Nyack will pardon me, I know they will, for takingsuch an unwarrantable liberty as to locate many of my scenes andcharacters in and around their flourishing little town. I have no doubtthere are persons yet living there who will readily recognize some of mycharacters, especially those of Hanz and Angeline Toodleburg. That thevery distinguished family of Von Toodleburgs, which flourished soextensively in New York at a later period, as described in the secondseries of this work, will also be recognized by many of my readers Ihave not a doubt. Nyack should not be held responsible for all the sinsof the great Kidd Discovery Company, since some of the leading menengaged in that remarkable enterprise lived on the opposite side of theriver, many miles away. 

The reader must not think I have drawn too extensively on my imaginationfor material to create "No Man's Island" and build "Dunman's Cave" with. About eighteen years ago I chanced to have for fellow traveller an oddlittle man, of the name of Price, (better known as Button Price, ) whohad been captain of a New Bedford or Nantucket whaleship. He was anearnest, warm-hearted, talkative little man, and one of the strangestbits of humanity it had ever been my good fortune to fall in with. Hehad lost his ship on what he was pleased to call an unknown island inthe Pacific. He applied the word "unknown" for the only reason that Icould understand, that he did not know it was there until his shipstruck on it. He regarded killing a whale as the highest object a manhad to live for, and had no very high respect for the mariner who hadnever "looked round Cape Horn, " or engaged a whale in mortal combat. Hewas on his way home to report the loss of his ship to his owners. An actof kindness, and finding that I knew something of the sea, and couldsympathize with a sailor in misfortune, made us firm friends to the endof our journey. 

To this odd little man, then, I am indebted for the story of the oldpirate of "No Man's Island, " and what took place in "Dunman's Cave;" forit was in just such a place, according to his own account, that he losthis ship. Much of his story, as told to me then, seemed strange andincredible--in truth, the offspring of a brain not well balanced. 

Time has shown, however, that there was much more truth in this oldwhaleman's story than I had given him credit for. "No Man's Island" issomewhat better known to navigators now, though still uninhabited andbearing a different name. "Dunman's Cave, " too, has been the scene ofmore than one shipwreck within six years. 

Those who have carefully studied the causes producing "boars, " or "tidalwaves, " as they appear in different parts of the world, and the singularatmospheric phenomena which at times accompany them, will not find itdifficult to understand the startling changes which took place in"Dunman's Cave" when the "_Pacific_" was wrecked. They will understand, also, why the "_set_" was so strong at so great a distance from theentrance, and why the "boar" rose to such a height in a narrow gate, orentrance formed by steep rocks, before it broke, and went rushing androaring onward with irresistible force. They will also understand whatproduced the noise resembling the sound of a mighty waterfall. 

 F. C. A. 

 WASHINGTON, D. C. , _January_, 1868. 

CONTENTS. 

BOOK I. 

Chapter. Page. 

I. Ancient Heads of the Family, 9

II. Coming into the World, 16

III. The New Comer, 21

IV. Changed Prospects, 25

V. Tite Toodleburg and a Modern Reformer, 30

VI. A Little Family Affair, 39

VII. The Town moved with Indignation, 46

[Transcriber's note: Chapter VIII is missing in book. ]

IX. Tite takes his Departure for the South Sea, 57

X. Mr. And Mrs. Chapman disagree, 63

XI. Mr. Chapman cultivates New Acquaintances, 70

XII. Strange Gentleman, 81

XIII. Captain Bottom, the Whale-Killer, 88

XIV. The Coming Winter and a Merry-Making, 100

XV. Mrs. Chapman and the Upper Circles, 109

XVI. A Night Expedition, 113

XVII. Mr. Gusher is introduced to Mattie, 123

XVIII. Rounding Cape Horn, 135

XIX. Making a Fortune, 143

[Transcriber's note: Chapter XX is missing in book. ]

XXI. Coming Events cast their Shadows, 158

XXII. The Chapmans move into the City, 166

XXIII. Mrs. Chapman gives a Ball, 176

XXIV. Very Perplexing, 186

XXV. An Unlucky Voyage, 196

XXVI. Dunman's Cave, 204

XXVII. Old Dunman and the Pirate's Treasure, 213

XXVIII. Mr. Gusher sustains his Character, 225

XXIX. Changed Circumstances, 230

XXX. A Terrible Calamity overtakes the Family, 237

XXXI. A Very Perplexing Situation, 247

XXXII. Harvest-Sunday, 251

XXXIII. Returned Home, 260

XXXIV. He brings Joy into the House, 273

XXXV. How He got away from the Island, 277

XXXVI. An Interesting Ceremony, 282

THE VON TOODLEBURGS, OR THE

History of a very Distinguished Family. 

CHAPTER I. 

ANCIENT HEADS OF THE FAMILY. 

Not more than a mile from the brisk little town of Nyack, on the Hudsonriver, and near where the road makes a sharp turn and winds up into themountain, there lived, in the year 1803, an honest old farmer of thename of Hanz Toodleburg. Hanz was held in high esteem by his neighbors, many of whom persisted in pronouncing his name Toodlebug, and alsoelecting him hog-reef every year, an honor he would invariably decline. He did this, he said, out of respect to the rights of the man lastmarried in the neighborhood. It mattered not to Hanz how his name waspronounced; nor did it ever occur to him that some of his more ambitiousdescendants might be called on in a court of law to explain thecircumstances under which their name was changed. I speak now of thingsas they were when the old settlers around Nyack were honest andunsuspecting, before Fulton had astonished them with his steamboat, orthose extravagant New Yorkers had invaded the town, building castlesoverlooking the Tappan Zee, and school-houses where the heads of honestDutch children were filled with wicked thoughts. 

Hanz Toodleburg was short and stout of figure, had a full, round face, alarge blunt nose, and a small gray eye. Indeed, there was no mistakinghis ancestors, in whose language he spoke whenever the Dominie paid hima visit, which he did quite often, for Hanz had always good cheer in thehouse; and a bed for a stranger. In short, it was a boast of Hanz thatno traveller ever passed his house hungry, if he knew it. And itincreased his importance with his neighbors that he raised more bushelsto the acre than any of them, and sent better vegetables to the New Yorkmarket. More than that, he would tell all the big folks in the village, with a nod of his head, that he owed no man a stiver he could not paybefore the sun set, and in such a way as to convey a sly hint that itwas more than they could do. The neighbors consulted Hanz concerningtheir worldly affairs, and, indeed, received his opinions as goodauthority. In fine, Hanz and the Dominie were called in to settle nearlyall the disputes arising between the country folks for miles around. Andit was said by these simple minded people that they got their rightsquicker and less expensively in this way than when they went to law inthe village and trusted to the magistrate and the lawyers for justice. 

As, however, there always will be idle and gossiping people everywhereto say unkind things of their neighbors, especially when they are moreprosperous than themselves, so there were gossips and mischievous peoplein the settlement who, when engaged over their cups, would hint atsuspicious enterprises in which Hanz's ancestors were engaged on theSpanish Main. Indeed, they would hint at times that it was not sayingmuch for his family that his father had sailed with Captain Kidd, whichwould account for the doubloons and Mexican dollars Hanz could alwaysbring out of a "rainy day. " That Hanz had a stock of these coins putsafely away there could not be a doubt, for he would bring them out attimes and part with them, declaring in each case that they were thelast. But how he came by them was a mystery not all the wisdom of thesettlement could penetrate. It was conceded that if there was any man inthe settlement who knew more than Jacques, the schoolmaster, it wasTitus Bright, who kept the little inn near the big oak; and these twoworthies would discuss for hours over their toddy the question of howHanz came by his dollars and doubloons. But they never came to adecision; and generally ended by sending their listeners home with theirwits worse perplexed than ever. It was all well enough for old Jacquesand the inn-keeper to show their knowledge of history; but the gossipswould have it that if Hanz's father had sailed with Captain Kidd he, ofcourse, knew where that bold pirate had buried his treasure, and hadimparted the secret to his son. Here was the way Hanz came possessed ofthe doubloons and dollars. Indeed, it was more than hinted that Hanz hadbeen seen of dark and stormy nights navigating the Tappan Zee, alone inhis boat, and no one knew where he went. Another had it that he was sureto part with a doubloon or two shortly after one of these excursions, which told the tale. There were others who said it did not matter a figif Hanz Toodlebug's doubloons were a part of Kidd's hidden treasure; butit was selfish of him not to disclose the secret, and by so doing givehis neighbors a chance to keep as good cows and sheep as he did. Hanzwas not the man to notice small scandal, and continued to smoke his pipeand make his friends welcome whenever they looked in. Once or twice hehad been heard to say, that if anybody was particular to know how hecame by his doubloons and dollars he would tell them. There was a placeup in the mountain where he made them. 

I will say here, for the benefit of my readers, that the little oldhouse where Hanz Toodleburg lived, and about which there clustered somany pleasant memories, still stands by the roadside, and is an objectof considerable curiosity. It is much gone to decay now, and a verydifferent person occupies it. There are persons still living in thevillage who knew Hanz, and never pass the place without recurring to themany happy hours spent under his roof. That was in the good old days, before Nyack began to put on the airs of a big town. There is thelatticed arch leading from the gate to the door; the little veranda, where the vines used to creep and flower in spring; the moss-coveredroof, and the big arm chair, made of cedar branches, where Hanz used tosit of a summer evening contemplating the beauties of the Tappan Zee, while drinking his cider and smoking his pipe. It was in this littleveranda that business of great importance to the settlers would at timesbe discussed. The good sloop Heinrich was at that time the only regularNew York packet, making the round voyage every week. Her captain, oneJonah Balchen, was much esteemed by the people of Nyack for his skill innavigation; and it was said of him that he knew every rock and shoal inthe Tappan Zee, and no man ever lost his life who sailed with him. Thearrival of the good sloop Heinrich then was quite an event, and wheneverit occurred the neighbors round about would gather into Hanz's littleveranda to hear what news she brought from the city, and arrange withCaptain Balchen for the next freight. Indeed, these honest old Dutchmenused to laugh at the idea of a man who would think of navigating theTappan Zee in a boat with a big tea-kettle in her bottom, and making thevoyage to New York quicker than the good sloop Heinrich. 

I have been thus particular in describing Hanz Toodleburg's little home, since it was the birth-place of Titus Bright Von Toodleburg, whoflourished at a more recent date as the head of a very distinguishedfamily in New York, and whose fortunes and misfortunes it is my objectto chronicle. 

Having spoken only of one side of the family, I will proceed now toenlighten the reader with a short account of the other, "Mine vrow, Angeline, " for such was the name by which Hanz referred to his goodwife, was a woman of medium size and height, and endowed with remarkablegood sense and energy. Heaven had also blessed her with that gentlenessof temper so necessary to make a home happy. They had, indeed, beenmarried nearly twenty years, and although nothing had come of it in theway of an offspring, not a cross word had passed between them. It wassaid to her credit that no housewife this side of the Tappan Zee couldbeat her at making bread, brewing beer, or keeping her house in goodorder. The frosts of nearly forty winters had whitened over her brows, yet she had the manner and elasticity of a girl of eighteen, and a faceso full of sweetness and gentleness that it seemed as if God hadordained it for man's love. Angeline's dress was usually of plain bluehomespun, woven by her own hands, and with her cap and apron of snowywhiteness she presented a picture of neatness and comeliness not seen inevery house. 

There was a big, square room on the first floor, with a little bed roomadjoining, and an old-fashioned bed with white dimity curtains, fringe, and tassels made by Angeline's own hand. Snow white curtains also drapedthe windows; and there was a tidy and cosy air about the little bed roomthat told you how good a housewife Angeline was. An old-fashionedhand-loom stood in one corner of the big, square room; and a flax and aspinning-wheel had their places in another. A farm-house was notconsidered well furnished in those days without these useful implements, nor was a housewife considered accomplished who could not card, spin, and weave. Angeline carded her own wool, spun her own yarn, and weavedthe best homespun made in the settlement; and had enough for their ownuse and some to sell at the store. In addition to that there was nohousewife more expert at the flax-wheel, and her homemade linen wasfamous from one end to the other of the Tappan Zee. Hanz was, indeed, soskilful in the art of raising, hetcheling, and dressing flax, that allthe neighbors wanted to borrow his hetchel. And if needs be he couldmake reeds and shuttles for the loom, while Angeline always usedharnesses of her own make. And so industrious was this good wife thatyou could rarely pass the house of a night without hearing the hum ofthe wheel or the clink of the loom. 

The good people about Nyack were honest in those days, paid their debts, were happy in their very simplicity, and had no thought of sending toParis either for their fabrics or their fashions. 

Now Angeline's father was a worthy blacksmith, an honest and uprightman, who lived hard by, had a house of his own, and owed no man ashilling. This worthy blacksmith had two daughters, Angeline andMargaret, both remarkable for their good looks, and both blessed withloving natures. And it was said by the neighbors that the only flaw inthe character of this good man's family was made by pretty Margaret, whowent away with and married one Gosler, a travelling mountebank. Thisman, it is true, asserted that he was a Count in his own country, andthat misfortune had brought him to what he was. His manners were, indeed, those of a gentleman; and there were people enough who believedhim nothing more than a spy sent by the British to find out what hecould. 

CHAPTER II. 

COMING INTO THE WORLD. 

It was mentioned in the last chapter that Hanz Toodleburg had seentwenty years of the happiest of wedded life; and yet that Angeline hadnot increased his joys with an offspring. Thoughtless people made muchado about this, and there were enough of them in the settlement to gettheir heads together and say all sorts of unkind things to Hanzconcerning this family failing. I verily believe that the time ofone-half of the human family is engaged seeking scandal in themisfortunes of the other. And I have always found that you got theripest scandal in the smallest villages; and Nyack was not an exception. No wonder, then, that Hanz had to bear his share of that slander whichone-half the world puts on the other. Not an idle fellow at the inn, where Hanz would look in of an evening, but would have his sly joke. Many a time he had to "stand" cider and ale for the company, andconsidered he got off cheap at that. And when they drank his health, itwas with insinuating winks and nods; one saying:

"What a pity. He ought to have somebody to leave his little farm to. "

"Yes, " another would interrupt; "if he had a son he'd be sure to leavehim the secret of Kidd's treasure. "

The gossips of the village were to change their tune soon. Dame rumorhad been whispering it around for a month that there was something inthe wind at Toodleburg's. And, to put it more plainly, it was addedthat Hanz was soon to be made a happy man by the appearance of a littleToodleburg. This change, or rather apparent change, in the prospects ofthe family did not relieve Hanz from the tax for ale and cider levied onhim by the idle fellows at the inn. Indeed, he had to stand just twicethe number of treats in return for the compliments paid him as a man anda Christian. It was noticed, also, that the Dominie took tea morefrequently at Hanz's table; and that Critchel, the little snuffy doctor, who had practised in the settlement for a quarter of a century, and, indeed, assisted in bringing at least one-half of its inhabitants intothe world, and of course was considered very safe in such cases, hadincreased his visits at the house. 

Now these honest old burghers had almanacs made with strict regard totruth, and if they prognosticated a storm it was sure to come. Theywould not consider it safe to navigate the Tappan Zee on a day fixed bythe almanac for a storm. On the 5th day of January, 1805, in the almanacthat never failed Hanz, there was this: "Look out for a snow storm. "This time, however, the snow, if not the storm, was ahead of thealmanac. Indeed, it had been falling slowly and gently for two days; anda white sheet of it, at least three inches deep, covered the ground onthe morning of the 5th. The weather had changed during the night, andnow the air was sharp and cold. Dark, bleak clouds hung along thehorizon in the northeast, the distant hills stood out sharp and cold, and a chilling wind whispered and sighed through the leafless trees. Then the wind grew stronger and stronger, the snow fell thicker andfaster, making fantastic figures in the air, then dancing and scuddingto the force of the gale, and shutting the opposite shore from sight. Nyack lay buried in a storm, and the Tappan Zee was in a tempest. Snowdrifted through the streets, up the lanes, over the houses, and putnight-caps on the mountain tops. Snow danced into rifts in the roads andacross fields, and sent the traveller to the inn for shelter. Lowingcattle sought the barn-yard for shelter, or huddled together under thelee of some hay-stack, covered with snow. Night came, and still the snowfell, and the wind blew in all its fury. 

It was on that cold, stormy night that a bright light might have beenseen burning in the little house where Hanz Toodleburg lived. The stormhad shook its frame from early morning; and now the windows rattled, discordant sounds were heard on the veranda, wind sighed through thecrevices, and fine snow rifted in under the door and through thelatch-hole, and tossed itself into little drifts on the floor. Nyack wasburied in a storm that night. There was an old clock on themantle-piece, and it kept on ticking, and its ticks could be heard abovethe storm. And the bright oak fire in the great fireplace threw outshadows that flitted over the great loom, and the wheels, and thefestoons of dried apples, and the pumpkins that hung from the beamsoverhead. And old Deacon, the faithful watch-dog, lay coiled up on theflag hearth-stone. 

The old clock had nearly marked the hour of midnight as Hanz came out ofthe little room in an apparently agitated state of mind. The dog raisedhis head and moved his tail as Hanz approached the fire and threw somesticks on. "Dere's no postponin' it; and it sthorms so, " muttered Hanz, shaking his head. Then he put on his big coat and boots, drew his capover his ears, and went out into the storm, leaving the big dog onguard. How he struggled through the snow that night, what difficulty hehad in waking up his two nearest neighbors, and getting one of them tosend his son for Doctor Critchel, and what was said about such thingsalways happening of such a night, I will leave to the imagination of myreader. 

It was nearly an hour before Hanz returned, bringing with him two stout, motherly-looking dames. The storm had handled their garments somewhatroughly, and they were well covered with snow. The old dog was pleasedto see them, and wagged them a welcome, and made sundry other signs ofhis affection. And when they had shaken the snow from their garments, and taken seats by the fire, Hanz gave them fresh pipes, which theylighted and proceeded to enjoy while he went to preparing something warmfor their stomachs, and doing various other little things regarded asindispensable on such an occasion. 

The storm had caught the little house by the shoulders, and was givingit one of its most violent shakes, when the dog suddenly started up, gave a growl, then walked solemnly to the door and listened. A footstepin the old veranda, then the stamping of feet, and a knock at the doorcame. It was Critchel, the little snuffy doctor, who entered, lookingfor all the world like an enlarged snow-ball. These were the occasionsin which the doctor rose into the most importance, and as his coming hadbeen waited with great anxiety, great efforts were made by those presentto assure him of the esteem in which he was held. Even the dog would notgo to his accustomed place on the hearth until he had caressed thedoctor at least a dozen times. Although held in great respect by thesettlers, Critchel was what might be called a shabby-looking little man, for his raiment consisted of a brown coat, which he had wornthreadbare, a pair of greasy pantaloons that were in shreds at thebottom, a spotted vest, and a Spitlesfield neckerchief. Indeed, he wasas antique in his dress as in his ideas of the science of medicine. Hehad a round, red face, a short, upturned red nose, and a very bald head, which Hanz always declared held more sense than people were willing togive him credit for. There was no quainter figure than this familiar olddoctor as seen mounted on his big-headed and clumsy-footed Canadianpony, his saddle-bags well filled with pills and powders, and ready tobleed or blister at call. He was considered marvelously skilful, too, atdrawing teeth and curing the itch, with which the honest Dutch settlerswere occasionally afflicted. I must mention, also, that an additionalcause of the great respect shown him by the settlers was that he tookhis pay in such things as they raised on their little farms and couldbest spare. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE NEW COMER. 

The storm ceased its fury at four o'clock, and a cold, bright, and calmmorning succeeded. The hills stood out in sharp, clear outlines, motherearth had put on her cleanest cap, and there was not a ripple on all theTappan Zee. Hanz Toodleburg was now the happiest man in Nyack, forHeaven had blessed his house and heart during the morning with as plumpand healthy a boy as ever was seen. There was a fond mother and a happyfather in the little house now; and the sweet innocent babe, their firstborn, was like flowers strewn along their road of life. It was somethingto live for, something to hope for, something to brighten their hopes ofthe future, and to sweeten their love-dream. 

In spite of the snow drifts, news of this important event ran from oneend to the other of the settlement before the sun was an hour up, andset it all aglow. The roadmaster was early at the door to warn Hanz outto break roads, but excused him when he heard how happy a man he hadbeen made during the night. And when the merry men came along with theiroxen, and their sledges, and their drag-logs, ploughing through andtossing the snow aside, and making a way for the traveller, there werecheers given for honest Hanz and the little gentleman who had just cometo town. And as they ploughed along through the drifts, they struck up amerry song, which so excited Hanz's emotions that he could not resistthe temptation to put on his coat and follow them. And when they reachedTitus Bright's inn that ruddy-faced host met them at the door and badethem welcome under his roof, and invited them to drink flip at hisexpense. Hanz was treated and complimented in steaming mugs, and thehealth and happiness of mother and son were not forgotten. Even theDominie was sent for, and made to drink flip and tell a story, which hedid with infinite good humor. Then the school-master, who was not to bebehind any of them when there was flip in the wind, looked in to pay hiscompliments to Hanz, for the snow had closed up his little school-housefor the day. But, in truth, the pedagogue had a weakness he could notovercome, and when invited to take flip tossed off so many mugs ascompletely to loose his wits, though his tongue ran so nimbly that hewas more than a match for the Dominie, who declined discussing aquestion of religion with him, but offered to tell a story for everysong he would sing. Four mugs of flip and two songs and theschool-master went into a deep sleep in his chair, where he remained forthe rest of the day. 

The question as to who should name the young gentleman at Hanz's housewas now discussed. The names of various great men were suggested, suchas George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Hanz shook his headnegatively at the mention of these. "It vas not goot to give a poy toopig a name; t-makes um prout ven da grows up, " he said. It was finallyagreed that the young gentleman should be called Titus Bright, after thelittle ruddy-faced inn-keeper. And the little man was so pleased withthe idea of having his name engrafted on that of the Toodleburg family, that he promised a fat turkey and the best pig of the litter for thechristening dinner. More flip was now drank, and the merry party shookhands and parted in the best of temper. 

Hanz felt that as Heaven had blessed him and Angeline with this fineboy, and so increased their joys, he must do something generous for hisfriends. So, on the morning following he sent the Dominie a pig and apeck of fine flour, for which that quaint divine thanked him and prayedHeaven that he might send more. He gave the school-master a big pipe andtobacco enough to last him a month. He also ordered the tailor to makethe pedagogue a new suit of homespun, something the poor man had not hadfor many a day. School-mastering was not a business men got rich at inthose days, and poor Wiggins, for such was his name, had a hard time tokeep the wolf from his door. Indeed, he thought himself well paid withfour dollars a week and his victuals, which he got around among theparents of his scholars. His worldly goods consisted of little else thanhis birch and pipe, and the shabby clothes on his back. And as thelength of his engagements depended on his good behavior, which was noneof the best, he was frequently seen tramping from village to village insearch of a job. 

As for Doctor Critchel, Hanz felt that he owed him a debt of gratitudehe could never pay, even were he to give him the farm. It was no useoffering the doctor a new suit of clothes, as he was never known to wearsuch things. As for snuff-boxes, he had at least a dozen. Hanz sent hima goose to roast for his dinner, a fat sheep, and a bag of extra flour, just from the mill. 

I may have been too particular in describing how and when this younggentleman came into the world, but my reason for it is that there maybe those among my readers who will recognize the great and verydistinguished family of Von Toodleburg, which not many years ago amazedNew York with its brilliancy, and be anxious to know some of the ups anddowns of its early history. 

CHAPTER IV. 

CHANGED PROSPECTS. 

Twelve years have passed since that stormy night when Titus BrightToodleburg--for the young gentleman as I have said before, was namedafter the inn-keeper, came into the world. Great changes have takenplace since then. Tite, as the neighbors all call him, is now a bright, intelligent boy, and a great favorite in the village. Hanz and Angelineare proud of him, and he promises to be the joy of their decliningyears. Hanz had always held to the opinion that men with too muchlearning were dangerous to the peace of a neighborhood, inasmuch as itcaused them to neglect their farms and take to pursuits in which thedevil was served and honest people made beggars. He had, however, sentTite to school, and now the young gentleman could read, write, andcypher; and this, he declared, was learning enough to get a man safethrough the world if he but followed an honest occupation and saved hismoney. In addition to so much learning, the young gentleman had earlydiscovered an enterprising spirit, and a remarkable taste fornavigation. When only six years old he had his tiny sloops andschooners, rigged by himself, on every duck-pond in the neighborhood. And he could sail them with a skill remarkable in one so young. Indeed, these duck-ponds were a source of great annoyance to Angeline, forwhenever one of Tite's crafts met with an accident he would wade to itsrelief, no matter what the condition or color of the water. 

Hanz shook his head, and felt that no good would come of this taste forthe sea on the part of Tite. He intended to bequeath him the farm, sothat he could spend his life like an honest man in raising goodvegetables for the New York market. Following the sea, Hanz urged, was avery dangerous occupation, and where one man made any money by it, morethan a dozen lost their lives by storms. But Tite was not to be put offby such arguments. The spirit of adventure was in the boy, and all otherobjects had to yield to his natural inclinations. And now, at the age oftwelve, we find Tite a smart, sprightly cabin-boy, on board the goodsloop Heinrich, making the voyage to New York and back once a week, andtaking his first lessons in practical seamanship. 

Wonderful changes had been developed along the beautiful Hudson duringthese twelve years. People in the country said New York was getting tobe a very big, and a very wicked city. Already her skirmishers, in aline of little houses, were pushed beyond the canal, and wereobliterating the cow-paths. The honest old Dutch settlers shrugged theirshoulders, and said it was not a good sign to see people get rich sofast. Indeed, they declared that these fast and extravagant New Yorkers, who were building great houses and sending big ships to all parts of theworld, would bring ruin on the country. 

A ship of five hundred tons had been added to the old London line, andher great size was an object of curiosity. But the man who projected herwas regarded by careful merchants as very reckless, and not a safe manto trust. 

That which troubled the minds of these peaceable old settlers most wasMr. Fulton and his steamboat. Steam they declared to be a verydangerous thing. And, as for this Mr. Fulton, he should be sent to aninsane asylum, before he destroyed all his friends, and lost all hismoney in this dangerous undertaking. He might navigate the river with abig tea-kettle in the bottom of his boat, but he would be sure to setall the houses along the river on fire. And who was to pay the damages?Steam was, however, a reality, and the little Fire Fly went puffing andsplashing up and down the river, alarming and astonishing the peoplealong its banks. She could make the voyage from the upper end of theTappan Zee to New York in a day, no matter how the wind blew. HanzToodleburg called the Fire Fly an invention of the devil, and nobodyelse. The bright blaze of her furnaces, and the long trail of fire andsparks issuing from her funnel of a dark night, gave a spectre-likeappearance to her movements, that rather increased a belief amongst thesuperstitious that she was really an invention of the evil one, sent forsome bad purpose. 

A meeting was called at Hanz Toodleburg's house to consider thedangerous look of things along the river. The Dominie and theschoolmaster, and all the wise men in the settlement, were present, andgave their opinions with the greatest gravity. If this Mr. Fulton, itwas argued, could, with the aid of the evil one, build these steamboatsto go to New York and back in a day, why there was an end to thebusiness of sloops and barges. And if the honest men who owned thesevessels were thrown out of business, how were they to get bread fortheir families? These new inventions, Hanz argued, would be the ruin ofno end of honest people. 

The schoolmaster, who assumed great wisdom on all such occasions, andwho had tossed off several pots of beer during the evening, put thewhole matter in a much more encouraging light. He had read somethingabout steam, he said, and knew that it was a very dangerous thing for aman to trifle with. Mr. Fulton had built his steamboat one hundred andnine feet long; and he could get to New York and back in a day, ifnothing happened to his boiler, which was all the time in danger ofbursting. Then if the boiler bursted, very likely the boat and all inher would go to the bottom. Just let that happen once in the Tappan Zee, and there would be an end to Mr. Fulton and his invention for gettingpeople to New York quick. Just let him set the Tappan Zee afire once, and people would make such a storm that nothing more would be heard ofhis inventions. When there was such danger of losing one's lifetravelling in this way, what careful farmer, who had a family dependingon him, would think of either going himself or sending his produce tomarket in such a way? There was no wisdom in the thing. The people wouldstick to the sloops. That was the only safe way for sensible people toget to market. Let them stick to the sloops, and Mr. Fulton would notbuild a castle of what he got by his inventions. 

The meeting was highly gratified at what the schoolmaster had said, and, indeed, felt so much relieved that Hanz ordered a keg of fresh beer tobe tapped. These noisy, splashing steamboats would frighten people, andby that means the good old-fashioned way of getting to market would notbe interfered with. It was also a source of great relief to these honestpeople, that when those extravagant New Yorkers had spent all theirmoney on such wild and dangerous experiments, they would be content tostay at home and mind their own business. Another source of great alarmto these honest people was that several New Yorkers had come to Nyack, and were building large houses, and otherwise setting examples ofextravagance to their children, when it was reported that they did notpay their honest debts in town. The people of Hudson, too, were goingwild over a project for establishing a South-sea Company, and sendingships to the far off Pacific ocean--where the people were, it had beensaid, in the habit of eating their friends--to catch whales. Now, as thepeople of Hudson had no more money than was needed at home, thisdangerous way of spending all they had was not to be justified. 

Satisfied that they had settled a question of grave importance, and inwhich the great interests of the country were involved, these honestDutchmen smoked another pipe and drank another mug of beer, and thenwent quietly to their homes, feeling sure that the world and all Nyackwould be a gainer by what they had done. 

CHAPTER V. 

TITE TOODLEBURG AND A MODERN REFORMER. 

Young Tite Toodleburg has grown up to be a boy of sixteen. A bright, handsome fellow he is, every inch a sailor, and full of the spirit ofadventure. There is something more than Dutch blood in Tite, and itbegins to show itself. His figure is erect and slender, his hair softand flaxen, and his blue eyes and fresh, smiling face, almost girlish inits expression, gave to his regular features a softness almost feminine. And yet there was something manly, resolute, and even daring in hisactions. There was no such thing as fear in his nature. He had acquiredsuch a knowledge of seamanship that he could handle the good sloopHeinrich quite as skilfully as the skipper, and, indeed, make the voyageto New York as promptly as the greatest navigator on the Tappan Zee. Hewas expert, too, at taking in and delivering out cargo, could keep thesloop's account, and drive as good a trade as any of them with themerchants in Fly Market. In this way Tite made a host of friends, whobegan to look forward to the time when he would have a sloop of his own, and be in a way to do friendly acts for them, perhaps to make a fortunefor himself. 

Tite thought very differently. Navigating the river in a sloop, to bepassed by one of Mr. Fulton's steamboats, was not the sort of sea-faringthat suited his ambition. He had seen big ships come home, after longvoyages, and the majesty of their appearance excited his spirit ofadventure. He had also spent his evenings reading the works ofcelebrated navigators and travellers; and these very naturally increasedhis curiosity to know more of the world and see the things they hadseen. He had also looked out through the Narrows of New York harbor, andhis young heart had yearned to be on the broad ocean beyond. If he couldonly master all the mysteries of Bowditch, be a skilful navigator, andcapable of sailing a ship to any part of the world, and see strangethings and people--that day might come, he thought to himself. He hadlistened, too, for hours at a time, to the stories of old sailors whohad come on board the sloop while in port. One had been to India, andanother to Ceylon; and both told wonderful stories concerning thevoyages they had made and the people they had met. Another had seenevery port in the North Pacific, had been wrecked on Queen Charlotte'sIsland, and told wonderful stories of his adventures in rounding CapeHorn. His adventures among the South Sea Islands were of the mostromantic kind, and colored so as to incite the ambition of a venturesomeyoung lad like Tite to the highest pitch. There was another old sailorwho had sailed the South and North Pacific, had killed his score ofwhales, and been as many times within an inch of losing his own life. 

These stories so fired the young gentleman's imagination that heresolved to try his fortune at a whaling voyage as soon as the people ofHudson sent their first ship out. There was the wide world before him, and perhaps he might find the means of making a fortune in some distantland. But how was he to break this resolution to his kind parents, whomhe loved so dearly? What effect would it have on his mother, who dotedon him, and for whom he had the truest affection? His mind hung betweenhope for the future and duty to his parents. Regularly every Saturdayafternoon Tite had come home, received his mother's blessing, and puthis earnings into her hands for safe-keeping. There would be an end ofthis if he went to the South Sea. Then his parents were both gettingold, and would soon need a protector, and if anything serious happenedto them during his absence how could he ever forgive himself. Week afterweek and month after month did Tite ponder these questions in his mind, and still his resolution to see the world grew stronger and stronger. 

It was about this time that there settled in Nyack a queer and veryinquisitive sort of man of the name of Bigelow Chapman. He was arestless, discontented sort of man, very slender of figure, with sharp, well-defined features, keen gray eye, and wore his dark hair long andunkept. His manner was that of a man discontented with the world, which, he said, needed a great deal of reforming; indeed, that it could bereformed, ought to be reformed, and that he was the man to do it. He hadbeen the founder of Dogtown, Massachusetts, where he had built up a veryselect community of keen-witted men and women--just to set an example tothe world of how people ought to live. Dolly Chapman, his wife, (forwhat would a reformer be without a wife, ) was a ponderous woman, weighing more than two hundred pounds, and a proof that even inmatrimony the opposites meet. She was a fussy, ill-bred woman, spokewith a strong nasal twang, and a sincere believer in all the reformsadvocated by her husband, though she differed with him on one or twopoints of religion. And there was Mattie Chapman, a bright, bouncinggirl of fifteen, with rosy cheeks and fair hair, ambitious for one ofher age, and evidently inclined to make a show in the world. Theseconstituted the Chapman family. 

Dogtown, of which I made mention, was a creation of Chapman's. With ithe was to demonstrate how the world could be reformed, and how theprejudices were to be driven from other people's minds. Strong-mindedpeople from various towns in Massachusetts came and settled in Dogtown, invested their money, were to do an equal share of work, and receive anequal share of profits, and live together as happily as lambs. ButDogtown did not long continue a paradise. Indeed, it soon became famousfor two things: for the name of Bigelow Chapman, and for having morecrazy and quarrelsome people in it than could be found in any other townin Massachusetts, which was saying a good deal. The brothers andsisters, for such they called themselves, got to quarrelling amongthemselves on matters of politics and religion, though charity was athing they made no account of. In truth, there was more politics thanreligion in their preaching. 

Chapman constituted himself treasurer of the community, and some littleprivate speculations of his led to a belief among the brothers andsisters that his mind was not solely occupied with schemes for reformingthe world. To tell the truth, Bigelow Chapman was not so great a fool ashis followers. He had intended, when Dogtown got thoroughly under way, to sell out, put the money in his pocket, and employ his geniussomewhere else. He, however, undertook the enterprise of building achurch on speculation, being persuaded to do so by an outside Christian. 

The church was to be a large, handsome building, with a butcher's shopand a grocery, a shoe store and a confectionery in the basement, and aschool and a dancing academy up stairs; so that the brothers andsisters could get everything they wanted, religion included, in onelocality. But the enterprise failed for want of funds to finish it, andDogtown went to the dogs, and the Chapman family to Nyack. Report has itthat the church was afterwards finished and converted into an insaneasylum, where several of the brothers and sisters lived for the rest oftheir lives. 

It was hinted that Chapman had brought some money to Nyack with him, butexactly how much no one knew. The only thing positively known about himat that time was that he had a great number of new ideas, all of whichhe was in great haste to develope. Indeed, he soon had Nyack in a stateof continual agitation. He declared it his first duty to open the eyesof the Dutch settlers to truth and right; then to get them to thinking;and finally to make fortunes for all of them. He begun business, however, by quarrelling with nearly everybody in the village, andasserting that he knew more than all of them. 

Twice he had Titus Bright, the inn-keeper, up before the magistrate andfined for selling liquor in opposition to law. He proclaimed it highlyimmoral to sell liquor at all, and told Bright to his teeth that nohonest man would do it. For this he had been twice kicked out of the innby Bright, who damned him as a meddling varlet, not to be tolerated in apeaceable village. Again he had Bright up before the magistrate, whojustified the aggression, but fined the aggressor ten dollars a kick, which Bright considered cheap enough considering what was got for hismoney. Bright declared it a principle with him to give his customerswhat they wanted, and let them be the judge of their own necessities. Bigelow Chapman held that mankind was a big beast, to be subdued andgoverned by laws made for his subjection. It never occurred to him, however, that there might be reason in the opinions of others. Finding, however, that he could not get the better of Bright in any other way, heorganized a company and set up an opposition tavern, where a travellercould feel at home and have none of the annoyances of beer. The new innwas to be conducted on strictly temperance principles, and the price ofboard was to be reduced a dollar a week. But the principle of temperancewas carried out so rigidly in the fare that travellers, although treatedpolitely enough, found it difficult to get anything to eat, to saynothing of drink. 

While this was going on Mrs. Bigelow Chapman was busying herself gettingup an anti-tea-and-coffee-drinking society. She declared that thiscoffee and tea-drinking was nothing less than an oppression, breakingdown people's health and making them poor, while the grocers who soldthe stuff were getting rich. It was evident, also, that she was carryingher principles out on the table of the new inn. However commendablethese reforms might be in the eyes of a true reformer, they were notexactly the thing to satisfy the wants of hungry travellers. The new innsoon got up an excellent reputation for giving its customers nothing butpoliteness and clean linen. This not being satisfactory to thetravelling public generally, the establishment had to close its doorsfor want of customers. Chapman was surprised at this. He could notunderstand why reformers were not better appreciated about Nyack. Thestock-holders, however, had lost all their money, and were glad to sellout to Chapman, which they did for a trifle, and that was all hewanted. 

People began to inquire what the big building would next be turned into. Mrs. Chapman and her dear husband, as she called him, were alwaysprojecting something new. Indeed, she saw two fortunes in the futurewhere Chapman only saw one. The thought invaded her mind that there wasa fortune to be made by turning the big house into a great moralprogress boarding-school for young ladies, where "all the proprieties"would be strictly attended to. Yes, "the proprieties" would take withsteady-minded people. She could attend to the proprieties, and dearChapman could look after the little money affairs. She did not want totrouble herself with the sordid things of this world; she only wanted toreform it. And to do that you must begin at the bottom. You must teachyoung people, and especially young ladies, the value of reforms. In thatway you enable them to reform their husbands when they get them, andalso make them comprehend the value of new ideas. As for old people, shedeclared it time wasted to try to get new ideas into their heads. 

Chapman congratulated his dear wife on this new and grand idea. Heagreed with her that a woman was just the thing to straighten up ahusband in need of mental and physical reformation. But it would not doto start the enterprise until you could get people to take stock enoughto insure a sound basis. He did not care about money himself, still itwas necessary to the success of all great enterprises. And seeing thatthe inn had failed, though based on great moral principles, he was notquite sure that the people would hasten to take stock in the newenterprise. 

It was also an objection with Chapman that with such an institutionthere would be nothing to run opposition to except a few beer-drinkingschool-masters, who got their victuals and fifteen dollars a month fordriving a knowledge of the rule of three into the heads of little Dutchchildren. How different it would be with a church. And then the big inncould be made such an excellent church, at such a small expense. A manowning a church could feel himself strong in both politics and religion, and have all the quarrels he wanted. Chapman was delighted with this newidea of his; and his good wife supposed it was infinitely superior toher own. It was another proof to her that there was no greater man inthe world than her dear Chapman. Once get the church going, and with apreacher of the Dogtown school, to preach out and out transcendentalism, and another ism or two, and they could get up an opposition that wouldbe popular with the people. In that way the thing would be sure to go. 

Chapman declared this a golden opportunity. He had felt for some timelike getting up something that would drive the devil and all theDutchmen out of Nyack and into the Tappan Zee, and establish an entirenew order of things. 

It was agreed between Chapman and his good wife that the church shouldbe put on its legs without delay; that the work of reforming Nyack andthe rest of the world should begin at once. As funds were necessary toall great enterprises, and Chapman was inclined at all times to husbandhis own, the good woman got up a regular season of religioustea-parties, exclusively "for ladies. " Mrs. Chapman was intent onpopularizing the enterprise, and to that end had inserted on her cardsof invitation, "exclusively for ladies. " There was nothing like tea whenyou wanted to make a great reform movement popular. Chapman had morethan once said that woman, under the inspiration of tea, made a mightyengine in moving the world. Under its influence they gave enlargementand development to progressive ideas. It had been charged that greatgenerals won their most celebrated battles under the influence of strongdrink. He had known great generals to win great battles under theinspiration of tea alone. Tea and women were prodigious in their way. 

The tea parties were not only got on their legs, but soon became verypopular. There were women enough in Nyack to give them, and neither rainnor hail would keep them home of a Thursday evening. The great value ofprogressive ideas was thoroughly discussed over these cups; and the factthat their husbands were to be brought into a line of subjugation notbefore anticipated had an inspiring effect. In short, female Nyack beganto carry a high head, and to make male Nyack feel that he was no longermaster in its own house. Dolly Chapman presided at these tea-partieswith that smartness peculiar to women of her class, taking particularpains to explain how much could be done for Nyack and the world--if onlythe women could get the direction of things into their own hands. Achurch as the means of carrying out these new and grand ideas wasexactly what was wanted. The tea-party women all took up the idea, andthe enterprise was made so popular that each resolved herself into abegging committee, and soon had collected the sum of seven hundreddollars, an amount sufficient to put the thing on its legs. 

CHAPTER VI. 

A LITTLE FAMILY AFFAIR. 

While the heads of the Chapman family were engaged in their great workof reform, and Hanz Toodleburg, as the head of the Dutch settlers, waspreparing to resist all their efforts, Mattie Chapman and young Titewere engaging in a matter of a very different nature. A little flame oflove had begun to burn in their youthful hearts, and was giving out suchmanifestations of tenderness. I have noticed that when once the littleunder-current of love begins to ebb and flow in young and innocenthearts, it will break over whatever obstacles you put in its way, andrarely stops until it has reached that haven of happiness calledmatrimony. The parents of these young people seemed to have been cast inopposite moulds, mentally and physically. Their modes of thought, theirexpectations, and their manner of living differed entirely. HanzToodleburg was simple-minded, honest, contented with his lot in theworld, smoked his pipe, and lived in peace with his neighbors. And thesehe esteemed the greatest blessings a man could enjoy. Chapman wasrestless, designing, ambitious of wealth, and ready always to quarrelwith those who did not fall in with his opinions. Indeed, he neverseemed happier than when he had a quarrel on hand; and he had the raretact of turning a quarrel into profit. 

It was very different with the young people. In their innocent heartsthe fires of love had been kindled, and they were burning brighter andbrighter every day. The thought that they should incur opposition fromtheir parents never entered their minds. They would meet together of aSunday afternoon, and walk by the river side. They would meet and talkover the gate as Tite passed and re-passed Chapman's house. And Mattiewas sure to meet him at the gate as he passed on his way to New York. And then there would be an affectionate good-bye, and Mattie would watchhim until he had disappeared beyond the hill. The ordinary observerwould have seen in Tite's blushes and confused manner, whenever he metMattie, how the current of his love was setting. And when he returned atthe end of the week there was something for Mattie, some little token ofhis affection; a proof that he had cherished her in his thoughts whileabsent. 

This little love affair did not fail to attract the attention of theChapman family. Nor was honest Hanz Toodleburg indifferent to what wasgoing on. Indeed, the gossips at the inn had joked Hanz about it, hinting at a future connection of the two families. To all of which Hanzwould reply that Tite was only a boy yet, and had a good deal of otherkinds of business to do before thinking of what sort of a wife hewanted. "If ta torter ish like ta fader, sho quarrelsome, t'man whatgets her for a vife don't lives in t'house mit her, " Hanz would alwaysconclude. 

Young as Tite was, he began to look on the matter seriously. The whalingvoyage was still exciting his ambition, however, and he began to enquireof every one he thought likely to know, when the people of Hudson wouldsend their first ship to the South Sea. Then the thought of leavingMattie would depress his spirits, and for a time shake his resolution. The trouble with him at first was how he could separate from hisparents; now his love for Mattie was added to his obstacles. 

Chapman had not failed to notice this little affair of the affectionsbetween the young people. He had noticed, also, that it had attractedthe attention of his wife. But neither had spoken of it. In short, Chapman was anxious to have his wife refer to it first, to see in whatlight she viewed it. And Mrs. Chapman was equally anxious to have herdear husband, as she called him, express an opinion on the subjectbefore she gave one. He had once or twice noticed that when the youngpeople were at the gate she would call Mattie and tell her it was timeto come in; that she ought not to stay there so long talking to asailor-boy. Mattie would yield obedience with blushes and an air ofreluctance, the meaning of which her mother properly understood. 

The truth of the matter was that the affair had engaged Chapman'sthoughts for some time; and it suddenly occurred to him that the wholething might be turned to profit. Toodleburg was a man of someconsequence among the people; they had great confidence in hisintegrity, and implicitly believed him possessed of a secret that wouldmake the fortune of every man in Nyack. He had been evolving that secretin his mind for some time, and if he could in any way get the confidenceof Hanz, and obtain the secret, or allow himself to be used inconnection with it, he could make money enough to live like a lord inNew York. And that was exactly what Mrs. Chapman wanted. The good woman, however, had been so much engaged of late getting the new church on itslegs, and negotiating for the services of the Reverend Warren Holbrook, of Dogtown, Massachusetts, who was to spread the doctrines oftranscendentalism, and a variety of other isms, before the people, andturn Nyack out of doors, religiously speaking, that she felt that shehad not performed her whole duty towards Mattie. 

There had been a religious tea-party at Chapman's house, where theaffair of the new church had been talked over, and the opening dayarranged. Mrs. Chapman was in her best dress, with a profusion ofribbons streaming down her back, and a puffy cap on her head. She hadreceived a letter from the Reverend Warren Holbrook, accepting the offerof three hundred dollars a year and board and washing, and saying, thatin addition to transcendentalism, he would advocate the equality of thegreat human family. If these poor, benighted Dutch people who livedabout Nyack would only be regenerated and made progressive. Mrs. Chapmanfound great consolation in this letter, and sat down to read it to herdear husband, who had moved up nearer to the lamp and opened the lastgreat-work on the new doctrine. 

When she had finished reading it she paused for a moment, and thenspoke. "Have you noticed, my dear, " she enquired, and again hesitating, "what has been going on between our Mattie--?" Again she hesitated. 

Expecting what was coming, Chapman interposed by saying, "Don't beafraid to speak, my darling; I know what you mean. "

"I meant, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, blushing and looking very serious, "Imeant, have you noticed the attention that sailor-boy--(young Toodlebugdid you call him?) horrors! what a name--was paying to our Mattie?"

"Burg, my dear, not bug, " rejoined Chapman. 

"People are beginning to talk about it, and they say such things!" Thegood woman blushed, and assumed an air of great seriousness. "The youngman may be well enough, but then the Toodlebugs are only a common Dutchfamily. "

"Toodleburgs, my dear, not bugs. The name makes a great difference withsome people, " rejoined Chapman, correctively. "Very natural, my dear, very natural. The most natural thing in the world for young people tomake love. And the most natural thing in the world is that people shouldtalk about it. It is according to the principles of true philosophy. Youmust not be alarmed, my dear, when you see young people make love. Harmrarely comes of it, and it generally ends in a very small affair. "

"Yes, my dear, " replied the good woman, "and experience has proved to methat it sometimes ends in a very large affair. A little flirtationbetween young people--"

"Should be encouraged, my darling, " interrupted Chapman. 

"I was going to say, " she continued, "was not objectionable. But whenlooks come to be serious, the equality of things should be enquiredinto. Time's a coming when we may be rich, and live in New York, and besomebody, and move with the best of people. I looks forward to it, mydear; and I am sure the enterprises we have on hand will be a success. It will never do to marry our daughter to a sailor-boy, to say nothingof connecting ourselves to a common Dutch family--"

"You talk like a philosopher, my darling; but I have known worse thingsdone, and great results flow from them. That young man promises well, and as for old Hanz, he is a man of more importance than you think. Some of these Dutch people are slow, but solid, " rejoined Chapman, shutting up the book. "I have an object in view, and this little, innocent flirtation may help to improve it. At least, it can do noharm. "

"It is not good to let anything go on that might lead to harm, " resumedthe good woman. "Mattie has good looks, and I intend that she shall havea polished education, and shine in society some day. You have alwaysagreed with me, my dear, that it was good to look forward. How couldMattie shine in society with such a husband, and such a name? The veryname of Toodlebug would sink us. Yes, my dear, sink us right down--"

"Wrong again, my dear; Tutle-burg. You may put an _e_ in it instead ofan _r_, if you please. That's where the difference is, " interruptedChapman. 

"I don't care, my dear; these polite people would turn up their noses, and get it Too-dle-bug. They are very nice on names. If the young manshould get up in the world and keep a carriage, people would say 'theregoes Too-dle-bug's carriage--oh! what a name. What low people they musthave been. ' If they should own a house in the fashionable part of thecity. We should both look forward to that, you know. Would'nt it be ahorrid name to read on the door? Toodlebug!"

"Tutle-burg, my dear; there's a big difference, " interposed Mr. Chapman. 

"As you says; but nice people would not pronounce it except with a bug, "continued the good woman, looking discomfitted. "You have given so muchtime to progress and reforming the world, that you don't understandthese matters as well as I do. I am sure there would be blushes andsmiles enough over such a name. Think of our daughter being Mrs. Toodlebug, (I pronounce it with a b-u-g, you see, ) and inviting nicepeople to her reception. There would be people enough at that receptionto make light of the name. Yes, Mr. Chapman, you might as well have hermarried to a Mr. Straddlebug. It's so very vulgar, my dear. "

"As to that, " replied Chapman, "the world is a great vulgarity, and onlyputs on politeness for appearance sake. The young man might have hisname changed, or he might add something to it to soften it. How wouldyou like Von Toodleburg, my dear?"

"Never can be softened; never! The Von would do something to lift afamily up into respectability. And then, socially speaking, there wassuch a wide difference between them distinguished Dutch families andthem common Dutch families. "

"What would you have me do about it, darling?" enquired Chapman, submissively. 

"Oppose it, my dear!" replied Mrs. Chapman, bowing, and becomingearnest. "Oppose it. You know how to oppose everything, and surely youcan oppose this. "

This reply troubled Chapman considerably. He had for once foundsomething he would rather encourage than oppose. But he had a motive forhis action, as will be seen hereafter. 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE TOWN MOVED WITH INDIGNATION. 

It was less than a week after the scenes we have described in theforegoing chapter took place, that the good sloop Heinrich arrived, having made her weekly voyage to New York and back. A small, ill-favoredman, with a very long red beard, and very long red hair, might have beenseen stepping ashore, with a book and an umbrella under his arm, andwending his way up the lane, followed by Tite, carrying a corpulentcarpet-bag. There was a combative air about the little man, who staredwith a pair of small, fierce eyes, through a pair of glaring spectaclesat every one he met. He was dressed in a shabby black suit, that hungloosely on his lean figure. This, with a broad, rolling collar, a pairof russet brogans, and a common straw hat, turned up at one side, completed his wardrobe, and gave an odd appearance to the man. Indeed, the gentleman had no taste for the vanities of the world, and parted hishair in the middle to save trouble. The ordinary observer might easilyhave mistaken him for a school-master out of employment and in distress. That such a man was to upset the settled opinions of a big town, fewpersons would have believed. Such, however, was this odd-looking littleman's mission, and there was no end of new ideas contained in thatlittle bumpy forehead of his. 

The new arrival was the much-expected Reverend Warren Holbrook, fromDogtown last. As I have said before, he looked askance and inquisitivelyat every one he met as he walked up the lane. He bowed, too, and had asmile for all the females; then he enquired the name and condition ofthose who lived in each house he came to--how many children they had, and whether they were boys or girls. Now he paused and rested on hisumbrella when he had reached a bit of high ground, and gazed over Nyackgenerally, and then over the Tappan Zee. Here was the new field of thegreat labors before him. How often he had taken Dogtown by the neck andshaken her up severely. The day might come when he would have to takeNyack by the neck and give her a good shaking up, morally andreligiously. Mrs. Chapman had written him to say that Nyack was a badplace, secularly and otherwise. 

The whole Chapman family (including the big dog) was out at the door towelcome the stranger; and such a warm greeting as he got. Mrs. Chapmanassured him that the best in the house had been prepared for him, andthat she had got the town in a state of great anxiety to see him. Totell the truth, this busy, bustling woman had been blowing a noisytrumpet for him in advance, and enlisting a large amount of femalesympathy by stating that he was preeminent as an advocate of woman'srights in all things. 

Of course the Reverend Warren Holbrook's arrival soon got noised overNyack, and the female mind was in a state of great agitation. Beforebed-time a number of curious and somewhat aged women dropped in to paytheir respects to the gentleman, and see for themselves what this man ofgreat natural gifts, who was to reform all Nyack and the worldgenerally, was like. 

There was one member of the Chapman family, however, not pleased withthe way things were going, and that was Mattie. When the older Chapmanshad taken their guest into the house, she embraced the opportunity tohave a talk with Tite, and reproached him for what she had seen him do. 

"Now, Tite, " said she, looking earnestly into his face, "if you have anyrespect for me, never walk behind a man, carrying his carpet-bag--never!And such a looking man as that! You are as good as he, or anybody else, and if you don't think yourself so, other people wont think so for you. Never think you are not as good as somebody. Don't act as a help foranybody, for if you do you will be set down for nobody all your life. "

At first Tite hardly knew what to say in reply. The nature of the rebukeshowed the deep interest Mattie felt in him. "If I had taken pay, " saidTite, hesitating, "'twould have been different. I carried hiscarpet-bag, I know, but then I did it as a favor; and, as you saw, declined to take the sixpence he offered me. But I'll do as you say, Mattie, and won't do so again; for I want to please you, you know. " Thewords fell nervously from Tite's lips, and there was a throbbing at theheart he could not suppress. 

"My mother, " resumed Mattie, in a frank, girlish manner, "brought thisman Warren Holbrook into the house at Dogtown, and he got father intosuch a deal of trouble. He was always quarrelling with somebody. He gotup a disturbance in the church. And then the church all went to pieces. Oh, what a church it was! And mother thinks he's such a nice man. Idon't. Don't carry his carpet-bag again, Tite. Don't make a menial ofyourself for anybody. " After saying this she walked part of the way homewith Tite, and then they parted with a sweet good-night. 

The following day being Sunday, and the Reverend Warren Holbrook havingbrought several prepared sermons with him, service was held in the newchurch at the regular morning hour. The women gathered in great numbers, and nearly filled the church; and the odd appearance of the little man, as he took his place in the pulpit, was a subject of general remark. 

His sermon, I may here state, was one of the most singular andpyrotechnical ever preached in Nyack. He began by saying that Christ hadrisen, and was with them in person. He had come to Nyack, he added, totell the truth and preach to sinners, for he understood the devil hadhad things his own way for a long time in the town; and he understoodalso there were sinners enough in Nyack to sink it. The world hadreached a stage of wickedness when it needed reforming. It must bereformed, or it would sink under the weight of its wickedness. Peoplewere getting rich, and with great riches there always came pride andwickedness. He continued in this strain for nearly an hour, mixing uptranscendentalism, rationalism, unitarianism, and a number of otherisms, so unartistically as to astonish and confound his audience, andgive his hearers something to talk about for a week. 

Then he suddenly broke away from his disputed points, as he called them, and took up the subject of woman's wrongs. "My hearers, " said he, pausing and pointing upward with the fore-finger of his right hand, "What would the world be without woman? From the very beginning of theworld she has been the victim of wrong, great wrong. Man has sinnedagainst her by making her his inferior. God never intended that sheshould be the inferior of man. He never would have created her with aform so beautiful, and a voice so soft and musical, if he had notintended her for man's superior. And the day will come, and come soon, too, when she will have her rights, and her voice will be heard in thegovernment of the nation. The angel that she is! Woman is a great power. She has made kings and conquerors, and she can unmake them. She hasinfluenced the acts of statesmen, and made children of grave Senators. Yes, my hearers, her power can be made greater than the throne. And yethow few husbands appreciate their wives as they should do. " Here thereverend gentleman paused for a few seconds, and cast meaning glances atseveral of his male hearers, who were evidently not inclined to receivehis remarks with favor. Indeed, Mr. Holbrook, while making a high bidfor popularity with the female portion of his audience, was throwing animmense fire-brand into the family circle of a number of his hearers. 

"My hearers, remember this, " resumed this odd little man: "Manage awoman right, and you have a mighty power to carry out the greatestproject the world ever saw. "

Disjointed and illogical as this sermon was, it was just what Chapmanand Mrs. Chapman wanted to put the church of the new ideas firm on itslegs. It was popular with the women; and with their favor Holbrook couldride triumphantly over any number of quarrels. 

Mrs. Chapman intimated to another admiring female that the little manthey had just listened to was very like an oyster--looked better whenopened. In short, it was the general opinion of the women that Mr. Holbrook had preached a very sensible sermon; and they were delighted, notwithstanding what their husbands said to the contrary. "We have got apreacher now, " said the women, "who will stick up for our rights. Youmen have had it all your own way long enough. " Some of the men, however, were not inclined to let these taunts pass quietly, declaringthat they had never listened to such nonsense before. One shook hishead, and declared that no good could come of such preaching, sincethere was no true religion in it. Another snapped his fingers, sayingthe man was not only a fool, but a mischief-maker. A third said all thetrouble in the world had been made by just such meddlesome men. Thechurch of great moral ideas might be a good enough church for somepeople; but such a preacher as this made more infidels than honest men. 

The whole town soon got into a dispute as to whether the Reverend WarrenHolbrook was a wise and good man, or simply a mischief-making egotist. The women took the side of Holbrook, and stuck to it, like true women. He preached the right sort of religion, they said, and was a wise andgood man, or he could not preach as he did. The men did not believe aword of it, but seeing that their wives were inclined to have it alltheir own way, and would not hear a word against the new preacher, quietly submitted, as men generally do. That is to say, they surrenderedtheir authority. 

Chapman was delighted at the nice little turn his preacher had made inthe affairs of the town. Nothing pleased him better than to have a dozendisputes on hand at a time. If only well nursed they could be all madeprofitable. Woman was the great pillar of Chapman's hopes. He had alwaysregarded her as the great foundation of any church. She could make itpopular if she pleased, and she could make it profitable, too. This, ina measure, accounted for the unlimited admiration Mrs. Chapman had forthis great progressive clergyman. His great progressive religion wasjust exactly the thing needed in Nyack. He must next attack theDominie, and drive him out of his pulpit, for it would not do to havemen preaching in an unknown tongue at this enlightened day. 

In less than two months from the time this teacher of great progressiveideas landed at Nyack, he had not only got the town by the ears, but sodivided his flock that it was now composed almost exclusively of women. The men stayed at home and nursed their wrath. And it was good for themthat they did, for the women had things all their own way generally, andWarren Holbrook, ill-favored and formed, was their idol. The pew rentsran up, however, and the contributions of a Sunday increased nearlydouble. Indeed, the Chapmans felt that they were now on the road tofortune, and Mrs. Chapman's ambition increased accordingly. 

All great enterprises, however, are liable to sudden checks, andmisfortune too often comes when one least expects it. And so it was withthe Reverend Warren Holbrook, the man of the great progressive ideas. Hewas discovered paying what ladies of strict propriety regard as morethan ordinary attentions to a fair young damsel, the daughter of one ofthe most active members of the church--a woman who had carried her headhigh, and was so much given to wearing more finery than her neighborsthat the few friends she had were always ready to say ill-natured thingsof her. The young woman was ready enough to embrace matrimony at anymoment; but the attentions she received from the reverend gentlemancaused great distress among a number of other young women of his church. It was agreed among them that the reverend gentleman was neitherfascinating nor handsome, but he had mind, and was smart. Smart was thething a man most needed in a New England village. 

I have said before that the mother of this damsel carried a high head, as well in as out of the church. She seemed also to have more rightsthan ordinary females, and would give herself a great deal ofunnecessary trouble in asserting them, so much so that many of her lessstrong-handed sisters regarded her with fear. The gentleman's attentionshad not progressed far when it was evident to all attentive observersthat there must soon be a split in the female division of his church. Indeed, the quarrel in the female division of the church of the greatprogressive ideas was waged with great fierceness, and had such a numberof nice little scandals mixed up in it as to make it quite interestingto people of a contemplative turn of mind. 

Every meddlesome old woman in the church must put her finger in thereverend gentleman's love pie, and would speak her mind plainly enough, especially if she had daughters of her own. To use the poor man's ownlanguage, he found himself spiked on all sides; and all for love, athing which has brought no end of mischief on the world. In short, frombeing an idol he found himself between fires that threatened to consumehim, so fiercely did they burn. 

The gentleman's position was indeed becoming perilous, when anunforeseen circumstance afforded him the means of relief. There arrivedin Nyack late one Saturday night, a man of tall, slender figure, dressedin a suit of plain black, and having the appearance of a young clergymanjust from the country. He put up at Titus Bright's inn, gave out that hewas from Dogtown, Massachusetts, and after partaking of supper, enquiredof the landlord where he could find the Reverend, so to speak, WarrenHolbrook. There was something serious in the man's manner, like one whohad been grievously wronged. Being told where he could find the objectof his search, he paced the room thoughtfully for a few minutes, thenmuttered to himself, "I must see him to-night. The sooner settled thebetter. It will not do to wait until morning. "

Half an hour later, and the two reverend gentlemen (the stranger andHolbrook) might have been seen seated at a table in a room of Chapman'shouse. Their conversation had evidently not been of a very pleasantnature, for the stranger, rising to take his departure, said: "You haveonly to do her justice, and show to the world that you are an honorableman. She is my sister; and unless you keep your promise, solemnly madeto her, I will follow you to the end of the earth, and make you thescorned of men. Mark this well: it is the haunted soul of the hypocritethat burns him through life; that makes him a very torment to himself. "The stranger returned to the inn, where he paced the room for nearly anhour, and then retired for the night. 

The bells rang on the following morning, and the good women of Nyackwended their way to and had nearly filled every pew in the church ofgreat progressive ideas. The choir sung one hymn, and then sung another. But no pastor came. There was something wrong, evidently. Hope and faithwere enjoined by a few. Some watched the door, others the pulpit. Whispers succeeded wonder, and murmurs took the place of curiosity. Thechurch was clearly without a pastor; and what was a church to do undersuch circumstances? At length the whole congregation got into a state ofprofound agitation. What was the matter? where was the pastor? would'ntsomebody speak? These and similar questions were on every tongue. Itwas suddenly discovered that the Chapmans were also absent. 

An indignant female got up and proposed that some one "go for" theChapmans, and make them explain what it all meant. Another, equallyindignant, took a more sensible view of things. "If there's to be noservice, " said she, "I'm going home to read my Bible in quiet. " And sheleft the church, followed by the rest of the congregation. And as nobodyexplained, of course every one had his or her own reason for thissingular turn in the spiritual affairs of the new church. There was nogetting over the fact that the new church had been brought to a standstill. To be plain about the matter, the Reverend Warren Holbrook hadput his great progressive ideas into practice during the night byleaving the town, and also by taking with him the young woman to whom hehad been paying such marked attentions. The Tappan Zee had never beenmore troubled in a storm than was the moral sensibilities of Nyack atthis news. The very atmosphere was rank with scandal. The men laughedand jeered, and the women shook their heads and talked of nothing else. "After that, " said the women, "who can we trust. "

"Served you right, " replied the men, "for making much of such a fellow. Women never take such men into their confidence without bringing dirtywater to their own doors. " It was fortunate for Holbrook that he leftduring the night, for, seeing the temper Nyack was in during that day, there would have been some stones thrown had he remained. 

The Chapmans took the matter very cool, however, counted the profits, and put up the church shutters. Such things had happened before, Chapmansaid. It was a weakness that had marked the history of the world; andit had been a failing with the greatest of intellects. They would yetshow to the people of Nyack what could be done with the right sort ofenterprise. The honest old Dutchmen were in high glee over the turnaffairs at the new church had taken. They got together in HanzToodleburg's veranda, drank their beer, and smoked their pipes, andwished the devil might get the new preacher, "what comes t'down to raiset'tevil mit de peoples, and raises t'tevil mit he self. "

The stranger, of whom mention has been made, was more seriouslytroubled. He heard the news of Holbrook's departure with a sad heart, for he was the kind brother of a young woman to whom the delinquent hadmade a solemn vow to marry. But that solemn vow he had recently brokenin the most heartless manner, and left her hopes blighted and her heartsad. He declared, however, that he would follow Holbrook if he went tothe end of the earth, and bring him to justice before God and man. 

CHAPTER IX. 

TITE TAKES HIS DEPARTURE FOR THE SOUTH SEA. 

High above all this hypocrisy, this intrigue, this selfishness anddissimulation, there was something more pure and good. It was love, pureand simple, binding the thoughts and hearts of Mattie Chapman and youngTite. That love which forgets everything else in its truth and purity, had been gently binding their young affections together. And now nothingcould separate them. 

What sweet joys and touching sorrows are mingled with the wonderfulhistory of love. How surely it marks its objects. It seeks its mostprecious captive in the strongest and bravest of hearts. Love hasdethroned kings, built up empires, set great nations at war, and madestatesmen weep with sorrow. Yea, it has made the mightiest to unbend, and brought them bowing before its altar. It holds its capricious empirein every heart, prompts our ambition, guides and governs our actions, makes us heroes or cowards, and carries us hoping through the world. 

It was love, then, that was holding its court on the occasion I am aboutto describe. It was one of those bright and breezy spring mornings, whenNature seems to have decked herself in her brightest colors, giving sucha charm to the banks of the Hudson. The young, fresh leaves were out, and looking so green and crisp. The leak and the moss were creepingafresh over the rocks; wild flowers were budding and blossoming, andgiving their sweet odors to the wind; birds were singing their touchingsongs; brooks rippled and murmured their mysterious music; and allNature was indeed putting forth her beauties in one grand, sweet, soul-stirring harmony. 

How I envy the being who, free from the cares of the world, can elevatehis soul by holding sweet communion with nature, at spring time. Earthhas nothing so pure as the thoughts inspired by such sweet communionwith the buds, the blossoms, and the flowers of spring. 

It was one of these soft, breezy mornings in early spring, I have said, that Mattie and Tite sat together in a little clump of woods, where thebranches formed a sort of bower overhead, and overlooking the TappanZee. Every few minutes Tite would get up, advance to a point commandinga view of the river above, and gaze intently in that direction, as ifexpecting some object of interest. 

"She is not in sight yet, Mattie, " he said, as he returned after one ofthese intervals. "But she will be down to-day, I know she will, and thenwe must part. Think of me when I am away, and I will think of you. Yes, Mattie, I am only a sailor now, but I shall see the world, and that'swhat I want, because it will make me something better. It will be threeyears before we meet again; three long, long years. But I will think ofyou and dream of you through all that time. And I will be so happy whenthe day of our meeting comes. Be good to my mother and father while I amgone. Be good to them for my sake. You will, won't you, Mattie?"

Mattie's blue eyes filled with tears, the wind tossed her golden curlsover her fair neck and shoulders, and there was something so tender andtouching in the picture of these young lovers. "I have made you asolemn promise, Tite, " she replied, in broken accents. "That promiseshall be kept sacred. I shall think of you, and pray for you. Yourparents shall be my parents. I will count the days until you return. "She paused for a moment and wiped her eyes. "Neither storm nor tempestshall trouble you, Tite, for I will follow you with my prayers that Godmay carry you safe through all dangers, and bring you safe back to us. But, Tite, take this advice from me. Do all you can for yourself. Riseas high as you can; make all the money you can; and don't forget what wemay come to be. People who get money, and take care of it, are sure torise in the world. People that don't get money never do. But, God blessyou, Tite; think of me and I'll think of you. " This advice to the youngsailor to make all the money he could, and given on the eve ofdeparture, may seem out of place to some of my romantic readers; but itwas, perhaps, the best Mattie could have given him. She was a girl ofstrong affections, and it was only natural that she should havesomething of the propensity so strong in both her parents. But beyondand above this there was something frank and generous, something of realgood in her nature. Young as she was, she saw in Tite's courage andambition traits of character that promised well for the future. Thismade her forget that which was so objectionable to her mother--that hewas only the son of common Dutch people. 

Tite had been looking for the object of his anxiety several minutes, when, turning toward Mattie, he exclaimed: "Here she comes! here shecomes!" and they kissed and took an affectionate farewell, eachhastening to their homes. The object he had watched for so intently wasthe ship Pacific, belonging to the Hudson Company's fleet of whaleships, and bound on a voyage to the South Sea, as it was called in thosedays. There was something grand and imposing about this fine old ship asshe moved majestically down the stream, her starboard tacks aboard, thebreeze filling her sails so nicely, for she had her royals set. Then hernew, white canvas contrasted so strikingly with the green hills that yetshut her hull from view. Who could tell what might befall her in theeventful voyage she was bound on?

A few minutes more and she braced her yards sharp and rounded the point, and stood on her way down the Tappan Zee. Every outline of her hull nowcame clearer and clearer. There were her heavy quarter-davits, herhoisting gear, and whale-killing gear; her long, sharp boats, lashed socarefully, some to her davits, others athwart her quarter-deck frames;and about all of which there was a mysterious interest. These whaleships were at that day an object of distrust in the minds of the honestDutchmen along the banks of the Hudson, who never saw them go to seawithout shaking their heads and predicting all sorts of disasters, suchas would be sure to bring ruin on the men unwise enough to risk theirmoney in such enterprises. 

As the ship neared Nyack a group of ten or a dozen persons were seennear the landing, with a boat and two men to take Tite off. There wasHanz, old and grey; and Angeline, her eyes filled with tears, but herface as full of sweetness and tenderness as it was twenty years ago. Tite had been the joy and hope of her life. And now he was going toleave home and sail to the other side of the world, among strangepeople, and would have to brave dangers of the worst kind. 

[Illustration: Who could tell what might befall her in the eventfulvoyage she was bound on? Page 60]

There, too, was Doctor Critchel, and the good Dominie, and Titus Bright, the inn-keeper; the first wearing his old brown coat, and looking assnuffy as on the stormy night when he assisted in bringing Tite into theworld. They had all come to see Tite off, to say God speed, and to givehim some little token of their affection to carry with him on his voyageafter whales. 

And now that time which so tries a mother's heart had come. "Good bye, mother, good bye, and may God be with you and protect you, " said Tite, throwing his arms around his mother's neck, and kissing her wet cheek. "I will come back safe, and never go to sea again. " Then he took leaveof his father, and each of his friends in turn. In another minute theboat in which he stood waving his handkerchief was pulling swiftlytoward the ship. There was not a dry eye in that little group as eachfigure in it stood gazing out upon the calm waters, and watching theobject so dear to the hearts of all in it. And now the boat has reachedthe ship, men are seen in the gangway, a line was thrown to the men inthe boat, the ship luffed a little, and in another moment Tite mountedthe ladder and was on deck. The first officer welcomed him, for therewas something in his appearance that indicated respectability and truecharacter; and his ship-mates gathered about him, each giving him a warmshake of the hand and a friendly word. Then the good ship movedgallantly down the stream, and Tite appeared on the forecastle, andwaved adieus until she disappeared among the green hills of thePalisades. 

There was a heart that fluttered, and a hand that waved signals, from apoint on the shore recognized by Tite, and responded to, but not seen bythe little sorrowing group waiting the return of the boat. It wasMattie's heart that fluttered, and it was her hand that waved the lastadieu as the ship passed out of sight. There she stood, a touchingpicture of truth and love, shedding her tears and waving a last farewellto the object of her heart, and whom she might never see again. 

Such are the transmutations of commerce that it would be a curious sightat this day to see a whaleship, under full sail, proceeding up or downthe Hudson river. It was no uncommon sight then. The enterprising peopleof Hudson shared the whale-fishery business with New Bedford andNantucket; their fleet of ships were fitted out in the very best manner, and some of the most famous whaling captains sailed from that port. 

CHAPTER X. 

MR. AND MRS. CHAPMAN DISAGREE FOR THE FIRST TIME. 

A bright light burned in Chapman's parlor that night, and the ponderousMrs. Chapman sat nursing her dignity in a great new rocking-chair. Herlittle pale-faced husband, with keen eyes, and his hair somewhat longerthan usual, sat beside the lamp on the round table pouring over a book. There was an air of improvement about the parlor, an evidence, indeed, that the Chapmans had renounced their Dogtown habits, and were bent ongetting up in the world. New carpets, new mirrors, new furniture, andwindow-curtains such as had not been seen in Nyack before, had been gotfrom New York. You must make your style of living, Mrs. Chapman said, keep pace with the progress of the family. And it would not do to letthose new, rich, and stylish people who were coming up from New York getahead of you in the way of elegance. 

Mrs. Chapman no longer condescended to prepare the sausage meat andpumpkin pies; in a word, to do the work of her own kitchen. She couldafford, she said, to keep two "helps, " a cook and a chambermaid, to takeit easy and put on the lady, and to give evening parties that quiteoutdid in the way of nice little suppers anything their neighbors couldgive. There was, however, a number of people in Nyack who shook theirheads at the pretensions of the Chapmans; said they were putting on toomany airs, and made no response to Mrs. Chapman's invitations. Others, when a little scandal was necessary to keep up the interest of anevening, would insinuate that they had "originally" been very common andvulgar people. But now, like most New England people of that class, theywere not only trying to force their opinions down other and honesterpeople's throats, but had a way of meddling with business that did'ntconcern them, and making themselves disagreeable generally. WhenHolbrook disappeared in disgrace, there were persons malicious enough tosay that the Chapmans had better mend their own morals before they wentto patching other people's up. 

Mrs. Chapman could dress of an evening in silk, wear kid gloves thatcame from France, and had plenty of real French lace on her caps. Fewpersons in Nyack at that day could do such things and pass for honestpeople. 

"My dear, " said Mrs. Chapman, addressing herself to her small, butintellectually great, Mr. Chapman; "my dear. " She paused for a moment, as her face assumed an air of seriousness. "We must turn our backsentirely on Dogtown. Dogtown won't do to elevate the family on. We nevercan rise in the world with Dogtown on our shoulders. And if we wouldlive down that scandal brought on us by Holbrook, (an indiscretion, Ithink you called it, ) we must keep our heads up. " She paused, shook herhead in pity, and raised her fat, waxy hands. "I can't sleep of nights, thinking of it. Lays a body's feelings out terribly. But he was sowonderfully clever. " Her face brightened up as she said this. "Wonderfully clever, " she interpolated. "It was his mental greatness Ialways subsided to and admired. Clever people have their weaknesses aswell as people what are not as clever. I sometimes thought you hadyours, my dear--"

"My dear!" interrupted Chapman, with an air of surprise, "what do youmean? Hav'nt I been a finished husband, and a loving father?"

"You are just as good, my dear, as husbands can be made. " Mrs. Chapmansaid this condescendingly, and with an air of admiration truly grand. "But then, you know, " she said, more mildly, "there was that handsomewidow you used to be so polite to, my dear. You know I detected herwaving a handkerchief once. Then you said it was one you left at thehouse; and so I never thought of it again. "

"I never let the past trouble me, my dear, never. A man of forethought, of progressive ideas, looks always ahead, and by his acts proves that heis up square with the spirit of the age. I have a new conception. Yes, my dear, a new conception. Nothing figurative about it, my dear. I havea new and grand conception, which I have been evolving in my mind forsome time, and now I am getting it into a scheme which I am sure will beprofitable. "

"My dear husband, " said Mrs. Chapman, in a strain of intense excitement, "do let us know what it is. "

"Of great importance to us both, " he replied, with great seriousness, ashe brushed his long black hair back over his parchment-like forehead. 

"I'll be bound it refers to what took place to-day between our Mattieand that young sailor. I saw it all; and you saw it all, too, my dear, and you never said a word. We never can agree on that matter, my dear, never. On everything else we can. You can't mistake what two youngpeople mean when they go to waving handkerchiefs, and picking wildflowers in the woods. This little love matter must be stopped before itgets into a big one. Yes, it must, my dear. So fine a young woman asour daughter condescending to marry a sailor! As I said before, my dear, you know I have had experience in these matters--"

"In other matters, you know, Mrs. Chapman, I have always yielded toyou--"

"And I have always yielded to you, " resumed the anxious woman, "andnever considered it a condescension. But in this I must have my ownway. " And Mrs. Chapman got up and walked to a window overlooking theTappan Zee. The night was bright and starlight, and shadows wereflitting and dancing over the smooth waters. The picture of the ship, with Tite waving Mattie an adieu from the forecastle, haunted her mind. 

"If that ship goes to the bottom of the sea, not a tear shall Ished--not a tear!" resumed the speaker, in an agitated tone. "And I haveas tender a heart as anybody. But we must elevate the family. That'slaudable, you know. Nice people are very particular about these things. And you know how much there is in names. Think of elevating the familyby taking a man by the name of Toodlebug into it! Think of our going tolive in New York with such a name. Everybody would say Toodlebug!Toodlebug! and nobody would come to our daughter's parties. " The goodwoman ran on in this way for several minutes, compelling her dearChapman to keep the peace. At length she settled back into her rockingchair, and there was a pause. 

"My dear, " said Chapman, meekly, "I have always held that a man couldcommit no greater folly than that of quarrelling with a woman on aquestion of family pride. In such a contest the man is sure to get theworst of it. I say this understandingly, my dear. " And Chapman shut uphis book, and looked up into his wife's face, as if to watch the changesof her countenance. 

"We may agree on that matter yet, my dear. A man is never so low bybirth (I mean in this country, at least, ) but that he may rise to thehighest office of honor and trust--"

"Not with such a name as Toodlebug--never!" Mrs. Chapman interrupted, curtly. 

"That's a mistake, my dear. Names never distinguished people. A man'smerit and money are the things that do it. This is a free country. Awoman may have as many quarrels as she pleases, and have her own way inthings generally. Nothing personal, my dear. 

"But to go back to what I was pondering over when you interrupted me. Afamily never gets through the world easy without a solid basis; and Iwas thinking how to give a solid basis to our little family. Marrying isall well enough in its way; but the woman who marries a man without asolid basis, either in money or character, marries into misery. That'smy philosophy--"

"Exactly!" interrupted Mrs. Chapman, with a stately nod of the head, andrubbing her fat hands. "Now you talk as I like to hear you. There's nogetting up in the world without money. "

"I intended to make that point in my logic, and was coming to it, mydear. You see, we have got the building and everything in it, all ourown. And we have got two or three thousand dollars, all put away for awet day. Property all honorably made. Heaven knows I would not have adollar that was not. That, my dear, is a good beginning for a goodbasis. We must keep adding to it; keep the tide flowing in the channelof success. I was thinking, my dear, of inventing a new religion. "

"My dear!" exclaimed Mrs. Chapman, with an air of astonishment, "what aninventive head you have got. But you have said so often that there wastoo much religion in the world, and not enough of true goodness. "

"Of the old kind, I meant, my dear;" resumed the little man. "What Imean is to invent a religion that is new and novel, has something broadand attractive in it, and that people of a curious turn of mind wouldpay for enjoying. That's the kind of religion that pays, you see. And ifwe could put the church on its feet again with something of that kind. It's the propensity people have to go galloping after new things inreligion that we must study and turn to our advantage if we would beprosperous. " The little man fretted his fingers nervously through hisunkept hair, and his face assumed an air of great seriousness. 

"How, my dear, " enquired Mrs. Chapman, "could you put the church on itsfeet with such a load of scandal on its back? Could'nt you inventsomething else that would be novel and profitable?"

"There's where my new conception was coming in. That's the point I wasconsidering when you interrupted me with Mattie's love affair, " Chapmanreplied, looking more serious than ever. 

"It struck me that we might do something profitable by getting up acompany for the discovery of Kidd's treasure. 'The Great Kidd DiscoveryCompany' would be a good name, my dear. You must always give a company agood name. Then you must manage it with tact and prudence. A prodigiousenterprise, my dear. These simple-minded and honest Dutch people wouldfall into it like a flock of sheep. They honestly believe Kidd was abold pirate, who amassed a great fortune by plundering towns on theSpanish Main. That, having more gold and silver than he could invest toadvantage, he buried it on the bank of the river, a few leagues abovethis place, where he entered into an agreement with the devil to standguard over it until he returned. They believe, also, that HanzToodleburg, whose father knew Kidd well, and perhaps had something to dowith his adventures, is the only man now living who possesses the secretof where that treasure is buried. "

CHAPTER XI. 

MRS. CHAPMAN CULTIVATES NEW ACQUAINTANCES. 

It was spring-time of the year 1824. A new era in the history of thenation's wealth and progress seemed to have fairly begun. Strong andvigorous intellects ruled in the councils of the nation and inspiredconfidence in the people. Science was breathing new life into ourenterprise, and leading us rapidly into new fields and richer prospects. It was also brushing away the prejudices that had narrowed our thoughtsand confined our action to things of a past age. Steam was an adjustablepower now, a reality; still there were sensible men who shook theirheads in doubt; and the men who declared it would soon revolutionize thecommerce of the world were set down as not safe to do business with. 

Steamboats of improved model and of increased size seemed to spring upevery day, and might be seen passing up and down the Hudson night andmorning. Now a company of reckless New Yorkers proposed to build asteamboat two hundred feet long, and with an engine of one hundred andfifty horse power, to navigate the Hudson to Albany at the rate ofthirteen miles an hour. This great experiment, regarded so hazardous atthat time, sent the honest and peace-loving Dutchmen along the banks ofthe river into such a state of alarm that they called meetings, and inthe most solemn manner declared that no man's life would be safe whilesailing at such a dangerous rate of speed. And they further declaredthat all these new-fashioned methods of putting an end to the lives ofhonest people must be stopped. In fine, they predicted nothing butdistress and ruin on all who had anything to do with them. 

It was at one of these meetings, held in Nyack about this time, andpresided over by the school-master, that a number of these honest andpeace-loving old settlers resolved, after much grave deliberation, thata man who paid his debts and was contented with what he had was the onlytrue Christian. And it was further resolved, that the world was gettingto be very wicked and very full of foolish people, who were in such ahurry to get to the devil before their time that they had devised thesesteamboats to carry them. And seeing that it was neither wisdom norprudence for honest people to travel on such craft, they would also notsend their vegetables to market on them. 

This resolution was kept good for a number of years, the honest peoplewho made it firmly believing that all good and prudent persons wouldfollow their example, and in that way drive the steamboats from theriver. Alarming as these things were, there were others which fairlyfrightened these honest people out of all their courage. The gossips hadgathered in force at Titus Bright's inn one night, to enjoy a pipe and amug of his new ale. There was the school-master, and Doctor Critchel, and Hanz Toodleburg, and other choice spirits, who knew all about theaffairs of the nation. When they had discussed all manner of subjects, Titus drew from his pocket a newspaper and read, to the astonishment andevident alarm of his guests, that a man in England had invented amachine to do away with horses. The doctor set down his ale and adjustedhis spectacles, and gazed at the speaker with an air of surprise andastonishment, while Hanz and the school-master suddenly ceased smoking. 

"Now don't get alarmed, my friends, " said Titus, watching with evidentdelight the increasing alarm of his guests. "It is all here, and true. He has invented a steam-horse, with an iron stomach and wheels; and theanimal can, with good management, be made to run over a road at the rateof twenty miles an hour. Yes, " added Titus, with a look of greatseriousness, "people are already risking their lives by riding in thisway. "

The doctor heaved a sigh, and, half raising his pipe, gave it as hisopinion that a man who would invent such dangerous machines must be inleague with the devil. This profound opinion was endorsed by both Hanzand the school-master. The latter, in short, suggested that such menwere generally vagabonds, whom it were well to throw into the TappanZee, with stones around their necks. 

"If the world was going to the devil in this way, what was the use ofliving in it, " inquired the school-master, finishing his ale, andpassing his mug for a fresh draught. 

"Sure enough, sure enough!" a number of voices ejaculatedsimultaneously. 

"Truly, the dragons are to be let loose upon us, " resumed Bright, passing the schoolmaster his mug of ale. "An' here's now in New York, that's got to be so wicked honest folks can't live in it, a lot o' crazymen talking about building one of these here steamboats big enough tocross the Atlantic. "

"Der won't be much heerd of de mans nir de vomans vat goes in um, "interrupted Hanz. 

"Peoples is not sho crazy as t'too any un de sort. 'Tis all hombug;"joined the doctor. 

"So I say, doctor!" interposed the school-master. 

"Here it is, gentlemen, " resumed Bright; "all down in the newspaper. Nogetting over that. " Thus was this important subject discussed until alate hour, the gossips going to their homes with serious faces and heavyhearts. 

It is a very well established fact that the question of buildingsteamships large enough and strong enough to cross the ocean wasdiscussed by a number of New York merchants who were ready to embarkcapital in the project, several years before the keels of the RoyalWilliam, the Savannah, the Sirius, or the Great Western were laid. Butwe must leave this subject for the present, and return to our friends, the Chapmans. 

These people professed to be plain and practical, brought up accordingto the creed of New England. They also affected to despise the smallvanities of the world. The effect of prosperity, however, on theirnatures was singularly instructive, since it entirely changed theirmanners. No sooner did fortune favor them than Mrs. Chapman began todisplay an ambition for vulgar show, such as well-bred people neverindulge in. She never failed to remind her friends that she was broughtup in Boston, where everything was very refined. She regarded it as acompliment to herself that she had an intellectual husband. He had a bighead, if he was small, and could carry any number of books in it. Thatwas what Boston people liked. Her thoughts seemed continually navigatingbetween religion and the fashions. She had no deep affection or love forany one, not even for her daughter Mattie, whom she viewed in the lightof a rather valuable ornament, in the disposal of which she must makethe best bargain she could, not so much for the girl's sake as her own. She could toss her head as disdainfully as any of your fine dames; andshe could discourse as glibly about genteel society as a successfulmilliner just set up for a lady. She had plain Mrs. Jones for aneighbor, and would drop that honest woman a nod now and then, out ofmere politeness. But she never condescended to associate on terms ofequality with the Jones family. Mrs. Jones's husband was a common, unintellectual sort of person, who retailed groceries for a living. 

A singular and mysterious change had now taken place. Chapman no longergot up quarrels with his neighbors. Indeed, he had a good word to saywhenever he met Titus Bright. He could shake hands with Doctor Critchel, and agree with the Dominie on matters of religion. In fine, if he waseverybody's enemy before, he was now everybody's friend. He admired theDutch for their honesty and true-heartedness. This singular change gavethe gossips of the town something to talk about for a week. The Chapmansand the Toodleburgs were now the very best of friends. Chapman could beseen of an evening sitting in Hanz's little ivy-covered porch, enjoyinga pot of ale. And Hanz had been seen smoking his pipe in Chapman'sgarden. All this meant something, the gossips said, and something ofgreat importance. Where two such men got their heads together, and pipesand ale were called in, there was sure to be something deep going on. Hanz Toodleburg, they said, never smoked his pipe with a man likeChapman but that there was something in the wind. Then Mrs. Chapman andher gushing, blue-eyed daughter had condescended to visit atToodleburg's, and could make themselves quite agreeable at Angeline'stea-table. And then Angeline, good, kind Angeline, with her face stillbright with gentleness and love, was always so happy When Mattie called. Then there was something so simple, so frank and straightforward inMattie's nature. Angeline could not help loving her. And the affectionshe cherished for Tite, who was the idol of her thoughts, strengthenedthe ties of their love. 

"We have not forgot you, you see, " said Mrs. Chapman, as she bowedherself into Toodleburg's little house one evening. "We expected companyat home to-night, but says I to my dear husband, 'you know, my dearhusband, ' (here Mrs. Chapman bowed to her dear husband, who had followedher, ) 'we have been promising so long to visit Mr. And Mrs. Toodleburg. '"

Angeline bowed and invited her visitors to be seated, while Hanz gaveChapman a hearty shake of the hand, and an assurance that no man wasmore welcome under his roof. "Always glad to see mine friends, " saidHanz. "You shall take seats, and be shust so much at home as you is inyour own house. " And he drew one big chair up for Chapman, and anotherfor Mrs. Chapman. "Peoples always makes themselves at home in minehouse. "

"You must excuse our humble little place, " Angeline said; "we are plain, every-day people. " And she made Mrs. Chapman a low courtesy, as thatstout, bustling woman, apparently overcome with the heat, settled hersolid circumference into a chair. 

"Dear a me, " rejoined Mrs. Chapman, "what happy people you ought to be. Everything so comfortable round you, you know, and all your own. What ablessing to have things all your own. " Here Mrs. Chapman raised herbonnet carefully and used it as a fan. 

"Yes, we are quite unpretending people, " Angeline repeated. "What wehave got is our own. We are getting old now, and if we die owing nobodya shilling we shall die in peace. " And her sweet face lighted up with asmile, the true reflex of that goodness her heart was so full of. 

"It's so warm--I'm about melted, " rejoined Mrs. Chapman, not appearingto notice what Angeline had said. "And this is my new bonnet, you see. Bonnets cost so much money now. People are getting so fashionable, andto be anybody you must keep up appearances. " She held her bonnet upadmiringly. "And my dear, good husband there--he's such a goodhusband--says I'm a very expensive wife. Always buys me what I want, though. " Here she raised her waxy, fat hand, and dropped a bow ofapproval to the little husband, who was quietly surveying the scene fromHanz's big chair. "My husband is so intellectual, and does so much forother people. He's always doing for other people. But he's a treasure tome, for all that--"

"My dear, my dear, " interrupted Chapman; "what a kind way you have ofpaying compliments. Mrs. Toodleburg will not understand you, my dear. What more than any one else have I done for other people?"

"You have been a perfect Christian, my dear, so you have, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, giving her head a toss and pressing the fore-finger of herright hand on the arm of the chair. "Why, Mrs. Toodlebug--pardon me; Inever did pronounce names correct. " She turned condescendingly toAngeline. "You must know that my dear husband created a whole town once. Then he built a great and flourishing church, founded on advanced moralideas. And he intended to have sold it for the good of others, and wouldhave sold it, but for an unforeseen circumstance. "

"A very unforeseen circumstance, my dear, " rejoined Chapman, shaking hishead admonishingly. "You see, I have got one of the very best wives inthe world. She has a philosophy of her own, and we agree in everything. "

"Shust like me and mine vife, " said Hanz. "We agrees in everything. Lived dese forty nor more years togeder, mitout a quarrel. " Hanz hadbeen sitting where a pale shadow of the dim light played over his broad, kindly face, and, with his long, white hair curling down his neck, gavea clearer outline to the picture. 

"Never had even a little quarrel?" resumed Mrs. Chapman, inquiringly. "Ihave heard married people say it was so nice to have a little quarrelnow and then. But my dear husband is such a good husband, Mrs. Toodleburg. Just like yours. " Here she turned toward and droppedAngeline a bow. "I never want to live to see the day when I shall haveto marry a second husband. " Here she turned and dropped a bow to herdear Chapman. "I should be always praising you, my dear. And unless mydear second husband was a saint there would be trouble in the house, youknow. My dear, let us drop this subject. It is not pleasant to look tofar into the future. " Here she turned to Angeline, who had proceeded toget some strawberries and cream for her guests. 

"You are so nice and comfortable here, " she resumed; "it takes one backto the good old times, when everything was true and simple. " Mrs. Chapman gave quicker motion to her tongue. "You have your loom, and yourspinning-wheel, and homespun made by your own hands. How delightful. "

"My dear, my dear, " interrupted Chapman; "what a homily on the beautiesof economy you are reading our friends--"

"Don't interrupt me, my dear, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, and she againturned to Angeline. "Do you know, Mrs. Toodlebug, that I have alwaysfelt that we ought to be the best of friends?"

"You are very kind, " said Angeline, "very kind. We are very plainpeople. "

"That's why I like you all the better, " Mrs. Chapman resumed, with anair of condescension. "My husband and your husband must also be the bestof friends. They can make a fortune by it, you know. You see, my husbandproposes to make your husband's fortune. He is the greatest man to makeother people's fortunes. Yes, he is. My husband's head is full of greatprogressive ideas. And he has made the fortunes of so many men. " HereMrs. Chapman lowered her voice to a whisper, and drew her chair a littlenearer to Angeline. "There is another little matter that should make usfirm friends. I would not mention it, you know; but I feel that it is nosecret. " Here she dropped one of her most significant bows. "I havetaken such a liking to your son. Such a promising young man, he is. Thatvoyage will make a man of him; who knows but he may come home with alarge fortune. I have known stranger things than that. I have beenencouraging a little love affair between him and my daughter Mattie. Youhave seen my Mattie? She is clever, wonderfully smart, handsome, too;and if she gets the right kind of a husband, will shine in society. "

"My poor boy, my poor boy!" exclaimed Angeline, her eyes filling withtears at the mention of his name. "How, how, how I should like to seehim to-night. There is where he used to sit, (here her voice yielded toher emotions, ) and here is the chair we always kept for him. Perhaps weshall never see him again. He was so good and so kind to us. I hope Godwill be good to him, and will watch over him, and carry him safe throughdangers, and bring him back to us. Oh, I know God will be good to him. We are both old now, and have nothing to live for but him. " Again shegave way to her grief, and as the tears flowed buried her face in herhands. 

"My dear, good friend, " rejoined Mrs. Chapman, rising from her chair, and placing her hand consolingly on Angeline's shoulder; "there isnothing in the world to weep for. Nothing in the world. I would be proudof a son who had courage and ambition enough to go on one of thesevoyages. It is proof, my good woman, that he has something in him. Andif he should bring home a fortune, you know. Oh, he'd have so manyfriends. Don't weep, my good woman, don't weep. He'll be such a joy toyou when he comes home. And I will encourage Mattie to think of nobodyelse. "

CHAPTER XII. 

A STRANGE GENTLEMAN. 

Angeline had just recovered from her grief, and was setting strawberriesand cream before her visitors, when a loud knock was heard at the door, which Hanz proceeded to open; when a tall, well-dressed man, with dark, well kept hair, piercing black eyes, features of great regularity, andhaving the manners of a gentleman, entered and introduced himself as Mr. Luke Topman, just from New York. "I am a stranger to you all here, " hesaid, in a deep, clear voice, "and I owe you an apology for calling atthis seemingly late hour. I said I was a stranger, " he repeated, "butthe business I am on may make us acquaintances. " The stranger stood fora moment, with his eyes fixed on Chapman. Still no recognition passed, and their manner was that of strangers who had never met before. 

The figures here grouped together were of the most opposite kind, andpresented a picture at once striking and effective. A table stood in thecentre of the little room, and on it burned a candle, casting a pale andshadowy light over and giving clearer outline to each figure. There wasthe old loom, with its harnesses, its reed, and its shuttles; theflax-wheel and the distaff, forming a quaint setting, but representing apast age and the primitive habits of the people who used them. 

There was Hanz and Angeline on one side. Time was writing its record indeep lines on their faces, and whitening their gray hairs. Frank, simple-minded, honest, and contented, they had enough to carry themthrough life comfortably; and why should they, Hanz said, troublethemselves about anything more? They represented an age and a peopleperfectly happy with what it had pleased God to give them. On the otherside there was Chapman and Mrs. Chapman, exact types of the people theyrepresented. Ambitious of making a show in the world, grasping, restless, selfish, intriguing, seeking always for means to advancethemselves, studying the future for their own advancement, and ready touse even religion as an assistant to gaining their objects. Such was thecontrast presented in the picture before us. 

Again apologizing for calling at what seemed a late hour, the strangerproceeded. "I am in great haste, madam. I came all the way from New Yorkto-day. Crossed the ferry only an hour ago, and am somewhat fatigued. Mybusiness is of great importance, and with Mr. Toodleburg. I was directedhere, and am glad to find him so comfortably situated. "

"Very well, very well, " rejoined Hanz, his face lighted up with a smile, and his white hair flowing; "dat's me, mine friend. You be's welcome tomy little home. Yees, mine friend, you shall be so welcome as I can makeyou. " Hanz shook him heartily by the hand, and invited him to sit down. "You be's had no shupper, eh?" he resumed. "Der's no man what comes norgoes hungry to my house. "

The stranger bowed and said, "Thank you--you are very kind; but I suppedon the other side of the sea, and have no need for any more. "

"Mine gracious!" exclaimed Hanz. "You comes all de way from New York toshe me. You eats anoder shupper, shure. "

The stranger persisted that he would eat no more that night. Theappearance of the man at so late an hour excited serious apprehensionsin the mind of Angeline lest he should bring news of some disaster tothe good ship Pacific. 

Then turning to Mrs. Chapman, he said, "I hope, madam, I have notintruded on your privacy here to-night?"

That lady, having dropped him one of her best bows, assured him therewas nothing private so far as she was concerned. "We are friends andneighbors of these good people, " she replied with a forced smile and anair of condescension. "We like to be neighborly, and just dropped in tomake a friendly call. That's all, sir. "

"I am very glad to meet Mr. Toodleburg. Very glad to find him such anexcellent person, " the stranger repeated, turning to Hanz, and againtaking him by the hand. "Topman, I said my name was; Luke Topman, seniorpartner of the enterprising house of Topman and Gusher, doing a largemiscellaneous business in Pearl, near Wall street. You are, doubtless, well acquainted with the reputation of the firm. " Here Mr. Topmancompressed his lips, brushed his fingers through his hair, and addressedhimself to Chapman, who up to this time had maintained an air ofindifference to what was going on. 

"Perfectly well, " replied Chapman, with an air of surprise. "Highlyrespectable and equally responsible house, that. Why, sir, it issomewhat curious that we should meet here. A relative of mine didbusiness with that house a long time. Highly satisfactory--highly. "

"We endeavor to make everything satisfactory with our customers, "resumed Mr. Topman. "Happy to have met a gentleman so familiar with thereputation of our house. Pray, may I enquire to the name?"

"Chapman--Bigelow Chapman. My wife, Mr. Topman; my enlarged and betterhalf. Mr. Topman, my dear, of the firm of Topman and Gusher. Doing alarge miscellaneous business, and highly respectable. "

"What a strange meeting this is. You used to know each other? Howcurious!" interposed Mrs. Chapman, rising from her seat and dropping Mr. Topman one of her most stately bows. 

"By reputation. Perhaps I should have said general reputation, my dear, "returned Chapman. During all this time Hanz was kept in ignorance of theobject of the stranger's visit. Yet the whole scene was such as couldnot fail to excite his curiosity to the very highest pitch. 

"And now, " said the stranger, "as the night is warm, and ladies nevercare to hear anything about business, I propose, Mr. Toodleburg, that weretire to the porch. You can enjoy your pipe, there; and, if you willpermit me, I will enjoy a cigar. Our friend, here--he will permit me tocall him so--will join us. "

The three now proceeded to the porch; where, when they had becomeseated, the stranger discovered the object of his visit. "I have beeninformed on good authority, " said Mr. Topman, "that you possess thesecret of where Kidd's treasure is buried--"

"Vel, vel, vel!" exclaimed Hanz, raising his hands in astonishment; "ifdat ish'nt so pig a lie as ever vas told. No, mine friend, I knowsnothin' apout dis Mr. Kidd, nor his money. Dis one big lie de peoplespout here gits up, as has nothin' petter to do. "

"It's somewhat singular, " said Chapman, fixing his keen black eyes onthe stranger, "it was that that brought me here to-night. Mr. Toodleburg may be innocent of all knowledge of Mr. Kidd, as he says. Butthe people sincerely believe that he does, and that he possesses thesecret of where his treasure is buried. The belief is just as good asthe reality, and may be made equally profitable. "

"Exactly, " interposed Mr. Topman, "exactly! Just what I was going tosuggest. " Here Mr. Topman put his thumbs in the arms of his waistcoat, and drummed on the front with his fingers. "If these honest peoplebelieve Mr. Toodleburg knows where the money is buried, why, sir, there's your solid basis for a grand joint stock company, dividendstwenty per cent. , payable quarterly. That's what takes. God bless me, Mr. Toodleburg, here's a fortune in your fingers. Capable heads, sir, and capable hands. There's all, sir, that is required to give the thingpopularity and insure its success. " Mr. Topman paused for a moment, threw himself back in his chair, and cast a patronizing glance at Hanz. "Progressive idea, sir. Grand Kidd Discovery Company. Capital onehundred thousand dollars, all paid in. The man fortunate enough to gettwenty shares is sure to make a fortune. "

"Den if he pe so grand, why you don't make all de fortune, and keep himyourshelf?" said Hanz, rubbing his head and dropping his pipe. 

"Having the secret, " resumed Mr. Topman, blandly, "of course you areindispensable to the success of the enterprise. Think of it, sleep overit, and I am sure, sir, you will wake up in the morning resolved toplace yourself in the hands of Topman and Gusher. " Mr. Topman madeanother pause, and threw his hands over his head. "No matter whether youhave the secret or not. Stick to it that you have; and refer your mento Topman and Gusher. "

Again Hanz shook his head, and smoked his pipe thoughtfully. The wholething was new and strange to him. Never in his life before had anythingtaken him by such surprise. He had enough to carry him through the worldcomfortably, and something to give his poor neighbors when they stood inneed. Why should he trouble his head about Mr. Kidd. He did not knowwhere a dollar of his money was buried. 

"Mine friends, " said Hanz, "I likes you poth. And I thanks you, and ishmuch opliged to you for dis offer to makes my fortune. But, what I domit sho much moneys, eh? My neighbors all say 'Hanz Toodleburg stealshim, ' Maybe I gits prout mit him. Den everypody says Hanz Toodleburggits apove his pisness. Mit a fortune perhaps t'tivel gits into minehead. Der ish nopody now put me und mine Angeline--"

"There's your son, Mr. Toodleburg, " interposed Chapman, who until nowhad remained almost passive. "You ought to regard him above everythingelse, you ought. I feel a deep interest in that young man, you know. Ifyou could have a fortune for him when he comes home--well, that would bethe making of him. "

"Shure enough, dere ish mine poor poy, Tite. He ish such a goot poy. Itmost preaks his muder's heart to have him go dis long voyages, " saidHanz, taking the pipe from his lips, as his eyes filled with tears. "IfI only could have a fortune und de little farm for mine poor Tite whenhe gits home. "

"Give us your hand, sir, " said Mr. Topman. "You talk now like a man, anda father. I'm a father, sir, and know how to feel for you. Had a son atsea four years. Gave him a fortune when he came home. A mostenterprising and highly respected merchant now. Has ships at sea, ridesin his carriage, and a balance in his bank. " The thought of providing afuture for Tite was more than Hanz could resist, and his unsuspectingnature yielded to the temptation. 

"And now, " said Mr. Topman, rising from his chair, "if Mr. Toodleburgwill sign these papers--they merely set forth that he possesses and willconfide to the house of Topman and Gusher, their heirs or assigns, thesecret of where Kidd's treasure is buried, and that he shall have atenth interest in all the profits. A sure gain and no risk, you know. "

The three gentlemen now returned to the little room. Topman handedChapman the paper, and requested that he would read it, which thatgentleman affected to do. 

"Perfectly straightforward and correct, " said Chapman; "perfectly! I amsure you are very kind to these people, and I wish the great KiddDiscovery Company every success. "

Angeline brought the little old ink-bottle, and Hanz, with feelings ofhesitation, it must be confessed, signed the papers, when the visitorsretired for the night. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

CAPTAIN BOTTOM, THE WHALE-KILLER. 

On the morning of the 24th of June, the good ship Pacific was sailinggallantly down the coast of Brazil, all her canvass spread to a lightbreeze, her port tacks aboard, and heading for Bahia. 

The air was hot with the breath of tropic winds, and the horizon to thewest and south was festooned with fierce red clouds. The sun was justsetting, and spreading the broad ocean with a crimson light, giving aweird and curious outline to every feature of the ship. There wassomething grand, even enchanting and sublime, in the picture here spreadout, presenting as it did the highest example of God's goodness andreality. 

The scene changed suddenly, as the sun disappeared. The fierce, redclouds melted into softness and tenderness. A pale, yellow light spreadalong the heavens and over the sea; and the ship that a few minutesbefore had looked like a white-winged phantom floating over a sea offire, now assumed the appearance of a maiden decked in her bridal robes. 

A man of short, stout figure, a sort of compromise between an aldermanand a dwarf, with very short legs, a broad red face, wide mouth, crispygrey hair that stood nearly erect on his head, a red, punky nose, andkeen, grey eyes, paced watchfully up and down the quarter-deck. He wasdressed in white pantaloons and jacket, both fitting tight to his skin, and wore a Panama hat, with a long black ribbon streaming behind. 

He would pause at the hand-rail every few minutes, scan eagerly alongthe sky from north to south, as if studying the strange and suddenchanges that were going on in the heavens. Then he would exchange a fewwords with the officer of the watch, and resume his walk. Eight bellshad just struck, the wind began to freshen and veer to the southwest, and the sky became overcast and filled with white, fleecy clouds. 

An order was given to take in studding-sails and get the ship "snug" forthe night, and quickly obeyed. Order and regularity prevailed on boardthe good ship Pacific; and the promptness and cheerfulness with whichboth officers and men performed their duties showed that they had a morethan ordinary interest in the ship and her voyage. Fashion had not thenmade slaves and idlers of our young men of wealthy parents, and it was, indeed, thought no disgrace for a gentleman of position to send his sonson one of these voyages, to do duty before the mast. It taught them howto face danger and endure hardships. It developed their manliness, andmade them more self-reliant. It gave them a knowledge of the world theycould not get elsewhere, and laid a good foundation for a fixed andlasting character. Indeed, some of our richest and most enterprisingmerchants have dated their prosperity from one of these voyages. 

The short, bluff-looking man pacing the quarter-deck was Captain PriceBottom; and a more honest-hearted old salt never sailed the sea. Hisgreat skill in killing whales had made him famous among whalementhroughout the Pacific. He had made three successful voyages, bringinghome cargoes that had enriched his owners, put money in his own pocket, and secured him a reputation he esteemed of more value than a fortune. In truth, he regarded whales just as a terrier does rats, and found hishighest enjoyment in killing them. And yet nothing pleased him betterthan when a whale showed pluck, as he called it, and made a square, fierce fight for his life. A man had a chance then to show his skill andpower over the brute, he said. He held, too, that man's highest objectin life was to know how to kill a whale skilfully; and he heartilydespised the whale "as would submit quietly to the harpoon, and die likea lubber. " He also affected great contempt for the landsman who hadlived like a gentleman, and never killed a whale in his life. 

"There's no lunar to-night, " said Captain Bottom, pausing at thequarter-deck rail, and addressing himself to the officer of the watch. "There's a goin' to be dirt, sir, there is; and them royals andtopgallant-sails is got to cum in. Would'nt surprise me if we had todouble-reef topsails afore mornin'. Tell you what it is, Mr. Higgins, there's that ar north star with a towel over her face again. Sink me ifthere'll be any lunar took to-night. " The captain shook his head, gavehis Panama a tip, and walking aft, stood beside the binnacle watchingthe compasses for several minutes. Then returning to where the officerof the watch stood, he resumed:

"Never made a bad landfall in my life, Mr. Higgins. Never shall be saidof Captain Price Bottom that he lost his reckonin'. It's judgment; yes, Mr. Higgins, it's good judgment and sound sense what makes a goodsailor. A man may cram his skull till it hurts with Bowditch, but if hehain't sense he'll never be a sailor. Same in killin' whales. If a manhain't got sense, the whale is sure to get the advantage of him. " Againhe paused, as if courting a reply; but Mr. Higgins merely bowed assentto everything the captain said, every few minutes keeping an eye aloftat the sails. 

"Man what gets his navigation aboard ship knows his business. Got minethere; yes, sir! Did'nt know a Bowditch from a Bible when I went aboardship. Can do my amplitude and variations now without looking at anautical almanac. Can, sir, by Jove!"

The ship bounded gallantly over the sea, leaving in her wake a longsilvery train of phosphoric light. Drawing no response from Mr. Higgins, the captain raised his night-glass and scanned along the heavens to thewest. "We'll get somethin' out o' that quarter, butt end foremost, " saidthe captain, lowering his glass. 

Mr. Higgins was first officer of the ship, a position secured to him, not because he had worked his way up to it, but through the influence ofa rich father, who was a large owner in the ship and her venture. He wasa tall, well-formed, fine-looking young man, with delicate and well-cutfeatures, and black hair. He was also a fine scholar and a perfectmaster of the theory of navigation, and a voyage or two to Europe hadgiven him a slight knowledge of the practical part of it. Yet he wasmore an ornamental than a practical sailor; and it was this that madeCaptain Bottom, the whale-killer, hold him in no very high respect. Indeed, he had several times said, in the presence of Mr. Higgins, thatit was all very well for a young gentleman to be a scholar; but a sailorwhat had his head full of books never made a fortune for his owners. 

"Eight and forty hours more, Mr. Higgins! Yes, sir, eight and fortyhours more--keepin' her as she's going--and we have the land off Bahia. "Captain Bottom gave his head a significant shake as he spoke. "Usingjudgment, you see; not books, Mr. Higgins. Captain Price Bottom hassailed seventeen years, and never was deceived by that chart. Don't makecharts now as they used to make 'em, Mr. Higgins, " he concluded, shrugging his shoulders. 

The wind now came over the sea roaring like a fierce lion, indicatingthe rapid approach of the gale. 

"If we make land off Bahia in forty-eight hours, then I'm mistaken, "rejoined the first officer, satirically. "There's something coming thatwill give us enough to do before morning. "

The words had hardly escaped his lips when the full force of the galestruck the ship, roaring and shrieking through her shrouds, and nearlythrowing her on her beam ends. The sea was soon lashed into a tempest, and made a clean sweep over her decks. The canvas was carried clean fromthe bolt-ropes, the sheets were let go, and the lighter sails clewed up, and an attempt made to get the ship's head to the wind and lay her to. But the mizzen-sails were all gone, and she fell off, and refused toobey her helm. The lashings had given way, and the larboard, waist, andquarter boats were all swept from the davits, the frames sprung, andevery timber in the good ship's hull worked, and strained, andcomplained, like a frail thing that must soon go to pieces. Every order, however, was obeyed promptly and cheerfully, for both officers and crewfelt that their lives, as well as the saving of the ship, depended onthe way in which each man performed his duty. 

Just before the gale came up five young men, including Tite, might havebeen seen grouped together in the waist of the ship, pondering over achart. Several books and nautical instruments were lying around. Theywere all, except Tite, young men of wealthy parents, who had joined theship to enjoy the excitements of a whaling voyage. These young men, withTite, had formed a school of instruction, and every evening got togetherin the same place to improve their knowledge in practical navigation. One of them, a young man who had endeared himself to all on board by hiscourage and the gentleness of his manners, was third mate, and took aleading part in instructing the others. It would, indeed, have beendifficult to find two young men whose characters bore a strongerresemblance than his and Tite's. Between them there grew up thestrongest friendship. 

The ship was now laboring in the trough of the sea, when a loud crashwas heard aloft. The fore, main, and mizzen top-gallant masts had gonein rapid succession, and the swaying mass of wreck was threatening thedestruction of the ship. Death now stared every one in the face. Therewas no hope of saving the ship and the lives of those on board, exceptin the strength and courage of those willing to go aloft and clear awaythe wreck. But who was there to do this perilous work?

Amidst the confusion caused by the excited elements there was the sturdylittle captain, calm and cool, and giving his orders with that clearnessand decision which had always characterized him. Men were called for togo aloft and cut away the swaying wreck, and save the ship. The first toobey this summons was young Tite Toodleburg, whose example was followedby the young man I have described as third mate, and one of hiscompanions. They mounted the fore, main, and mizzen rigging, and workingwith all their strength and skill soon had the swaying wreck cut away, and the ship relieved of her strain. But in descending, the third mate, who had so gallantly performed his duty, lost his hold, and the shipgiving a terrible lurch, he was plunged into the sea, and seen no more. 

The ship now gradually righted, and with the aid of a storm-sail in hermizzen rigging, for her top-sail had been torn into shreds, her head wasgot to the wind. 

In that latitude gales of this kind are of short duration, generally;and in half an hour from the time it struck the ship there was a calm, smooth sea, and all hands were engaged repairing damages. 

On the following morning the ship was proceeding on her course, with alight breeze from the north and a clear sky. Captain Bottom was there onthe quarter-deck, directing affairs, and in a talkative mood. 

"She's a good ship, sir, this old Pacific is, Mr. Higgins;" said he, again addressing that officer. "Never knew her get off her feet before. "He always spoke of the ship as if she were a thing of life. "Bless herstaunch old soul! Made her timbers talk, eh? Wants a man as has gotconfidence in the craft what's under him. Then if she goes down, why hefeels like being a hero and keeping her company. 

"But it makes me feel bad, Mr. Higgins, that we have lost our thirdmate, poor fellow! He was a good sailor, and a brave young man, and hadsuch good friends at home, who thought so much of him. " And as he saidthis tears glistened in his eyes, and ran down his cheeks. "I'm sorryfor that young man, I am, so I am, Mr. Higgins, " said the old sailor, wiping the tears from his bronzed cheeks. "I do hope his soul will sailin peace in a better world. " Again he shook his head sorrowfully, andthen paused for a minute as if to regain control of his feelings. "Godforgive me, " he resumed, "for making a woman of myself. Don't do itoften, Mr. Higgins. "

"Shows that you have a kind heart, sir, and can shed a tear when it istouched. I appreciate you for it. There is something manly in the tearof a brave sailor, " returned the officer, coldly, but politely. "Weshall get a good observation to-day, and if the men work hearty all thespare spars and sails will be up by nightfall. " Mr. Higgins's mind wasevidently on his duty, and not being inclined to enjoy the captain'sconversation, he took every opportunity to change the subject. 

"Give us your hand, Mr. Higgins, " said he, rather unannoyed thanotherwise by what that officer had said. "But look you here!" He loweredhis voice as he took the officer's hand, "There'll be no whales to killwhere that poor fellow has gone. Not a whale. I promised his poor oldfather--a good old red coat killer he was, too, in the Revolution--thatthis here son of his should kill the first whale. Yes, I did, Mr. Higgins. And that's what mortifies me. He's dead, you see, poor fellow. T'was'nt my fault that I did'nt keep my promise. There'll be no whalesto kill where he's gone, poor fellow!" Again he shook his headfeelingly, then raising his hat, wiped the sweat from his bronzed brow. 

He now sent for Tite, who came upon the quarter-deck nervously, andsaluted his superior. "Well, my hearty, " said Captain Bottom, "here's myhand. You're a sailor, every inch on you. And a brave man, too, ifCaptain Bottom does say it. " Tite was not a little surprised at thisfamiliarity on the part of his captain, for he had before coming onboard been led to believe that the most severe discipline ruled on boarda whale ship. 

"There's the true sailor in you, my hearty, " continued the captain, again shaking Tite warmly by the hand. "You saved the ship, my hearty. There'd a bin no more of the good old Pacific--God bless her! nor noneof us standin' here, but for you, my hearty. "

"I only done my duty, sir, " rejoined Tite, modestly, as the color cameinto his face. "I hope, captain, to merit your praise to the end of thevoyage. " The young sailor made a bow, and was about returning to hisduty. 

"Avast, a bit, " interrupted the captain. "Your name's Toodlebug, is'ntit, my hearty?"

"Yes, sir, " replied Tite. "Titus Bright Toodleburg; usually called Tite. Hope, sir, to improve myself in navigation and seamanship under yourcommand. I shall always feel proud, sir, that I sailed with you. Someone may trust me with a ship some day. "

"That's the talk, my hearty; keep a sharp look ahead, " rejoined thecaptain, his face lighting up with a smile. "Cram Bowditch into yerhead, and keep a sharp look ahead. Have ye so ye can bring the sun downto dinner and put the north star in yer pocket afore ye get round CapeHorn. You'll be a sailor yet, my hearty. " Again Captain Bottom shookTite by the hand warmly. 

"Git yer head full of navigation; and with good judgment to help ye out, ye can look an owner in the eye without winking, and tell him ye want aship. And if that recommendation don't do, tell him you have killedwhales with Captain Bottom, a man what never let a whale git the betterof him. And if he has never heard of Captain Price Bottom, of the goodold ship Pacific, then he never should own a ship, and don't sail forhim. That's my advice, my hearty. So keep a sharp look out ahead. " Herehe tapped Tite on the shoulder, exultingly. 

"It's very kind of you, " returned Tite, modestly, "to take this interestin me, a stranger to you. I shall do my best to merit your confidenceand respect. "

"A stranger, eh? Not a bit of it!" resumed the captain, quickly. "Lookye here, my hearty. Your good old father and me was old friends. Thatwas years ago, you know. Meeting you brings an old love affair of thirtyyears right back to my heart again. Yes, my hearty, that old feelin'sjust as good as new this minute. God bless yer father; and God bless yermother, too! Here's a hand what'll always give a warm welcome to the sonof old Hanz Toodlebug--"

"Then you knew my father? I hope, sir, I may never do anything to lessenyour respect for him. "

"Know'd him?" resumed the captain. "Yes, sir, and yer mother, too. Andwhen Captain Price Bottom says he know'd a man, he means it. Your fatherand me was rivals!" Here he touched Tite on the elbow, and winkedsignificantly. "That is--well, it's rather a delicate subject--hecourted yer mother, and so did I! There, sir, there's just what it is. She was as trim a young craft then as ever spread sails, and as full ofgoodness and good looks. " Captain Bottom again paused for a moment, shook his head despondingly, and placed his hand on his heart. "A numberof young bloods like me trimmed their sails, but did'nt overhaul her. Many a heart-flutter she caused me in them days. And just when Ithought, says I to myself, 'I'm to wind'rd, ' and had got ready to makefast to her--" Here he paused for a moment, and then lowering his voice, continued: "Well, what does she go and do? Blow me, my hearty, if shedid'nt go off and marry your father. That's what dismasted me. Neverbore him nor her any ill-will. 'God bless ye both, ' says I; 'may ye behappy and have a large family!' And it does me good to know that theywas prosperous. Your father had a home to take a woman to, and that iswhat a woman should look to. Price Bottom was poor then, and without ashillin' in his pocket. It was disappointment that made me take to thesea, though. Went from the fo'castle t'where you see me now--CaptainPrice Bottom, sir, of the good ship Pacific. It's a man's own exertionthat lifts him up in the world. There's my poor old woman at hometo-night--God bless her and the two little ones! thinking of me, andpraying for me, and wondering where we are. Laid her up a nice littlefortune; wolf can't bark at her door. That's a gratification, my hearty. Made three successful voyages, you see. This, our fourth one, is to bethe last. Keep a sharp look ahead, and there's a future for you, too. Ah, there'll be a heap of happiness a'tween me and my old woman whenthis voyage is ended. A true wife at home, and a lovin' husband atsea--ah, my hearty, them's jewels!"

Tite listened with surprise to the story of this strange and eccentricman. He had never heard either of his parents mention his name. He, however, regarded it as very fortunate that he should be on board a shipcommanded by a captain who held his humble parents in such high regard. The jolly old sailor finished his story by enjoining Tite to keep whathe had said a matter of confidence. He also made him third mate, to fillthe place of the young man who fell from the fore-mast into the seaduring the gale. 

"You shall take a hand at killing the first whale; shall command thelarboard boat. And you shall never want a friend while Captain PriceBottom treads this quarter-deck, " he concluded. 

Tite bowed, and thanked his benefactor again. He then proceeded to hisduty, as the ship headed for Bahia, with a fair wind. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE COMING WINTER, AND A MERRY-MAKING. 

November was come now. The day I write of was damp and cheerless. Grey, vapory clouds swept over the Tappan Zee, and a sad, sighing wind tossedit into crests. A drizzling rain fell over Nyack, and the little townlooked as if it had just taken a bath and gone to sleep for the night. The hills wore a cold and bleak look, the foliage had lost its bright, golden tints, and now looked faded and colorless. The leaves, too, werefalling, and the naked trees seemed weeping and cold. Sheep browsed onthe hill-sides, or nibbled coldly under the branches of shelteringtrees. In the wet, dripping barn-yard cattle were seen huddled togetherunder a lee, now seeking warmth in the fresh shocks, now proclaimingtheir troubles in subdued lowing. 

The very landscape seemed weeping and melancholy. Even the summer birds, whose songs give such a charm to the woods, were gone. And there was theloon upon the lake gabbling his welcome to the approaching winter. Therain, too, had filled the brooks, and their waters were gurgling downdeep, shadowy dells, mingling their touching music with the sad, sighingwind. There were pleasant memories entwined in that departing summer;and it now seemed as if all nature was joining in a requiem to itsfading beauties. 

The settlers had gathered their winter fruit, and the cider-presses hadfinished their work for the season. Squashes were hung up in the cellar, the corn was shucked and in the bins, and heaps of ripe, lusty pumpkinsstood in the fields. In the houses fresh flitches of bacon hung by thefireside, while festoons of dried apples decorated the beams overhead. There, too, were the young nut-gatherers, coming home of an evening withtheir well-filled satchels. There was to be peace and plenty at thesettlers' fireside this winter, for an all-wise Providence had soordained it in an abundant harvest. 

It was a custom with Hanz Toodleburg, as it was also with many other ofthe settlers, to entertain his friends and neighbors with a merry-makingwhen the harvest was gathered. Hanz had invited his neighbors on theevening of the day I have described, and notwithstanding the cold andcheerless character of the night, the little house was full ere it wasdark. The bright, happy faces of the women, and the jolly, ringing laughof the men, all dressed in their neat new homespun, presented a pleasantpicture of rustic life. Each man came armed with a long pipe, while hisgood vrow had some little present for Angeline. Hanz had a warm, heartyshake of the hand for each of his guests. Indeed, he welcomed each ofthe good vrows with a kiss and an admonition to be happy while they wereunder his roof. And these good vrows put their hands to the wheel, andassisted Angeline in preparing the feast. Indeed, she soon had her tablespread with as good and well-cooked fare as could be found in thecounty. 

There was the cold boar's head, decorated with flowers; the fattestturkey, roasted before the great fire; boiled beef, bathed in odorouskrout, and declared delicacies by every sturdy Dutchman; a spiced ham, decorated with vegetables. Then there were apple and pumpkin pies justbaked, cuddled apples, and jam, and fresh cranberry sauce. And thesewere backed up with new cider and home-brewed ale, and coffee. Such wasthe supper Hanz had prepared for his friends, and which he invited themto eat and be happy. 

The good-natured Dominie was there, and so was Doctor Critchel and theschool-master. Nor was Titus Bright, the inn-keeper, forgotten. Theywere equally important characters in the settlement, and no honestDutchman, who had any regard for his reputation for hospitality, wouldthink of giving a merry-making without them. The good Dominie was fondof puddings and pies, and preached that the three highest objects a manhad to live for were peace, contentment, and a good dinner. The Dutchregarded this as good enough religion for them--better, perhaps, thanthat preached by the man of the church of progressive ideas. Theschool-master could sing a good song, and, although an idle, shiftlessfellow, got more invitations to supper than any other man in thesettlement. As for the inn-keeper, he was a merry little man, who madeeverybody laugh, and was held in high esteem by all the good vrowsaround Nyack. 

Now that the supper was ready, there was a general exchange of vrows, for it was not considered etiquette to sit at table with your own wifeduring one of these feasts. Then the Dominie invoked God's blessing onthe bounties He had spread before them, thanked Him for the bountifulharvest, and for the love He had shown these happy people. He thenproceeded to carve the boar's head, while every man and woman presentwent to enjoying the feast. 

When supper was over and the table cleared away the men took to theirpipes and discussed their crops, and the women discoursed of carding, and spinning, and housewifery in general. Then there was a dance aroundthe apple-basket, and a dance in which every man kissed every otherman's vrow, and in which the Dominie joined, and was as jolly as any ofhis flock. And they danced to the music of a fiddle, played by LameGeorge, who lived up in the mountain. Then the Dominie told a number ofamusing stories, and the school-master sang them several of his bestsongs, and cider and ale was drank. 

And while the pleasantry was at its highest, a loud knock was heard atthe door. The revelry ceased for a moment. There was the postmaster'sboy, bearing a letter with several curious stamps on it. Hanz wasoverjoyed. He shook the boy's hand, and then scanned over the letter. "God pless mine poor poy, Titus!" he exclaimed. "He wrotes dat ledder. Yes, he does; mine poor poy Titus does;" and he struck his hands on hisknees, and laughed with joy. "He ton't forgets his old fadder. He be's agoot poy, mine Titus. " And he shook hands with the Dominie and theinn-keeper. Indeed, he seemed so completely unmanned that he waspowerless to open the letter. Then he took a candle in his right hand, and again scanned and scanned the superscription. "Sumthin' goot in datledder. Mine poor poy Titus writes him!" he ejaculated, in a subduedtone. 

[Illustration: Then tears gushed into her eyes and moistened her palecheeks. Page 102. ]

During all this time, for it seemed long to Angeline, she became palewith anxiety. Then tears gushed into her eyes and moistened her palecheeks. But they were tears of joy, not sorrow--the wealth of that pure, honest heart now beating so violently in anticipation of the goodtidings. When Hanz had somewhat controlled his feelings he sat down inthe big chair, and with Angeline looking anxiously over his shoulderand holding the candle, opened and began reading the letter "Yesh, t'ismine poor poy Titus as writes him, " he said, pausing for a moment. "Hishname shust as he wrotes him when a poy. " The rest of the company lookedon and listened in silence. Then he resumed the reading. "Vell, derewash a pig sthorm, and t' ship most goes down to t' pottom. Den shedoes'nt go to t' pottom. No, she no goes to t' pottom. Den mine poy, heshaves t' ship. " Hanz went over the letter in this incoherent manner, and then handed it to the Dominie to read for the entertainment of thecompany. The letter was dated at Bahia, where the ship had put in forfresh supplies, as was the custom with whalers. He gave a glowingaccount of the voyage, and the storm, and the persons he found on board. The good Dominie was several times interrupted by some one of thecompany invoking a blessing on Tite's head. And when it was announcedthat he had been made third mate of the ship, an expression of joy brokeon every lip. The school-master shook Hanz warmly by the hand, and theinn-keeper declared it would not surprise him if Tite came home captainof the ship. 

"High, high!" exclaimed the Dominie, re-adjusting his spectacles;"here's news. An old acquaintance has turned up. " Then turning toCritchel, he touched that odd old gentleman on the elbow, saying: "Youremember the old grave-digger of thirty years ago, oh, Critchel?"

"Well, very well, " replied Critchel; "he was a clever old man, and didhis business well. He used to say I brought people into the world, andhe sent them out. "

"Bless me!" resumed the Dominie; "if here is'nt his son come to lifeagain. The poor fellow! we all knew him well. Tite says here that he hasfound a good friend in the captain, an old acquaintance of his mother. And who do you think it is?"

Not one in the company could answer, although Angeline blushed, andlooked confused. "Price Bottom, son of that clever old man, thegrave-digger, " concluded the Dominie. 

"How strange, " said the inn-keeper. "Old Bottom had many a glass of aleat my house, and never troubled anybody, except to dig their graves. "

"He was very poor, " rejoined Critchel, in a subdued voice, "and diedleaving my bill unpaid. But he was an honest man, and paid when he hadit. "

"The son was a queer young man, " resumed the Dominie. "Nobody seemed tocare anything about him. And when he left the settlement it was thoughthe had got into the city and became a worthless. But here he is, made aman of himself and has not forgot his old friends. "

This was good news to Angeline and Hanz. Still the name of Price Bottom, the grave-digger's son, revived old if not pleasant memories. The oddold captain had not forgotten his first love. The flame of that lovealways burns, but never dies out. Disappointment may cross it, may for atime veil its charm, but never can quench it. How strange, Angelinethought, that her darling boy, the consolation of her heart, should havemet this once discarded lover, and under such circumstances. And that heshould be such a friend and protector to her boy only showed how good aheart he had. 

The good news gave an additional charm to the evening's entertainment. One after another shook Hanz and Angeline by the hand, and congratulatedthem on the happy prospect. Indeed, they seemed the happiest people onearth. Mugs of fresh cider were filled and drank to the health ofCaptain Price Bottom, of the good ship Pacific--the poor fellow who hadonly a grave-digger for a father, and left the settlement friendless andwithout a shilling. 

And now these sturdy settlers again took to their pipes, and havingsmoked in silence for at least five minutes, embraced and kissed theirhosts, and parted for the night. 

CHAPTER XV. 

MRS. CHAPMAN AND THE UPPER CIRCLES. 

Let us go back, gentle reader, into the village of Nyack on that samedamp, stormy night, and into the house of Bigelow Chapman, the reformer. A very different picture was presented there. The reformer was upstairs, studying plans for the future. His spacious parlor was furnishedwith a profusion of furniture, of the most approved style, and such aswas not common in the country at that day. They have got a new piano, too; and a nice young gentleman in reduced circumstances, a foreigner, is expected up from New York to give their daughter lessons on it. Thislittle affair of the piano and the foreigner has set the whole town totalking, and people are putting on grave faces, and inquiring how theycan afford it. But it seems they do afford it, and also to have the bestof carpets on their parlor floor. And they have shown a taste for art inseveral engravings hung on the walls. 

The Chapmans expected company from the city that night. A bright coalfire and a globe lamp on the centre-table are shedding a soft, mellowlight, and adding an air of comfort and cheerfulness to everything inthe room. 

Mattie was sitting alone in the parlor reading a letter by the light onthe centre-table. Her dress was a plain black silk, made high at theneck, and with an open stomacher, disclosing an aggravating bit of whitelace. There was always something neat and becoming in Mattie's dress, and the white ruffles that now encircled her neck and wrists added thecharm of simplicity to her appearance. Her hair, too, was almostgolden, and hung in long, careless curls down her shoulders. 

There was something of deep interest to her in that letter, for she readand re-read it, as her soft, blue eyes, so full of love and tenderness, almost filled with tears. Then she kissed it, and kissed it, and pressedit to her bosom. "Oh, how I wish he was here to-night, that I could tellhim how much I love him;" she said, resting her head on her handthoughtfully. "I would tell him all my thoughts and feelings, just as hehas told me his. He is so true to me, and it never shall be said that Iam not true to him, poor fellow!" she mused, and putting the letter toher lips again she kissed and kissed it. "They never can get me to loveany one else, never!" she resumed, when the door opened and Mrs. Chapmanentered, arrayed in her best millinery, and her front hair screwed intothe tightest of curls. The good woman had evidently resolved to put onher very best appearance. 

"These disappointments are very annoying, my daughter, very, " she spoke, advancing and fretting her hand nervously. "If our company does not comethen--well, all our dressing will be for nothing. I wanted you so muchto see Mr. Gusher, my daughter. He's such a nice young gentleman, soclever and agreeable--and has such a distinguished look, my daughter. "Mrs. Chapman expanded herself, while emphasizing the word distinguished. She then filled the great arm-chair with her weighty person. "To getprepared for company, and city company at that, and then have companynot come!" she resumed, casting a glance at Mattie, to see if she coulddiscern in her countenance what impression she had made. But Mattieremained silent and thoughtful. 

"It's not Mr. Gusher's fault, though. We must charge it all to thestorm, I suppose. Then I did want you to see Mr. Gusher so much, mydaughter. He is such a nice young man--and has such prospects. Andprospects is what a young woman should look to when gentlemen comeseriously inclined to matrimony--"

"Mother, " said Mattie, interrupting, "I have got such a nice letter. Ithas made me so happy. I know you would like to read it. You always liketo read my letters, you know. " And Mattie looked playfully in hermother's face, and handed her the letter. "You will be delighted to hearfrom him. He says so many kind, good things. "

Mrs. Chapman took the letter and scanned over it hastily. "And so it hascome to this, has it?" she said, looking admonishingly at Mattie. "Aletter from that sailor-boy, the son of them common Dutch people. Yourfather shall see this. Our daughter has stooped so low as to pledgeherself to such a common man!"

"I love you, mother, " said Mattie, "and I don't want to be disobedient;but I love him, and I know he loves me. Yes, mother, I love Tite just asmuch as if he was a rich man's son. I dreamed last night that he camehome a rich man, and brought me so many nice things; and that we weremarried, and were so happy. " And she threw her arms around her mother'sneck and kissed her so affectionately. "Who knows, mother, but that hemay come home rich? But even if he comes home poor, I know he will begood and true to me, " she concluded. 

"How very sentimental you are, my daughter, " rejoined Mrs. Chapman, thelittle curls about her brow seeming to get tighter as her broad facegrew redder. "Sentimental people never prosper, though--never knew oneyet that did. Was silly and sentimental once myself. That was before Imarried your father. "

"Oh, " rejoined Mattie, playfully, "I am real glad that you rememberthose things, mother. Was father rich when you were married?"

Mrs. Chapman shook her head, and looked confused for a moment. "He wasnot rich, my daughter. But then he was so clever--and had suchintellectual prospects. Brought up as you have been, my daughter, andwith such accomplishments, and such prospects!--to throw yourself awayon a sentiment. Just think of it! What would my mother have said if Ihad gone off and married a man just for sentiment's sake? I brought youup in strict regard to all the proprieties, and now you insist that youwon't be a lady. "

"Don't fret so, mother, " said Mattie, again putting her arms around hermother's neck, and kissing her. "I will be a real good, obedient girl, and do anything you bid me. But then--" Here Mattie paused for a moment, and looked roguishly up into her mother's face. 

"But then--what?"

"Well, I don't think we shall agree about Mr. Gusher. The truth is, mother--I don't know why--but then I don't think I ever can love him. But then, you know, mother, I have not seen him yet; and you would'nthave me love a man before I saw him?"

"Perhaps not, my daughter; but I would have you look up, remember yourquality, and consider what you may be. If you condescend to look down onthat sailor-boy, there's no hope of the family ever moving in the uppercircles. But he'll never come back. That ship'll go to the bottom assure as the world. Something tells me she will go down, and I know shewill. "

At this Mattie's eyes filled with tears, and she buried her face in herhands and gave vent to her emotions in sobs. "Mother, mother, " sherejoined, after a short pause, "how cruel of you to say so, even if youthought so. He was so manly, and so kind to me. "

At this Mrs. Chapman rose from her chair with an air of injured dignity, and walked in silence up and down the room for several minutes. Then sheheaved a sigh, extended her hand, and resumed: "Your tears, my daughter, are what tear down my pride. No use, I see; my advice is all thrownaway--all thrown away! Oh, what a thing it is to have a daughter, andyet not have a daughter. I mean to have a daughter that will have herown way. " Again Mrs. Chapman resumed her chair, and became thoughtfuland silent. 

"You know I love to please you, mother, for you are such a good motherto me in everything else, " rejoined Mattie, kneeling beside her mother, placing her arms on her knees, and looking up lovingly in her face. "Youknow I like to please you, mother, " she repeated; "and I won't marryanybody until Tite comes home. But then you must not say anything moreto me about Mr. Gusher. "

"That's poor consolation--very poor consolation, my daughter, " repliedMrs. Chapman, rebukingly. "Exactly what I did'nt want you to promise. Then you have promised yourself to the young man? I'd never have gotyour father if I'd made such a promise to such a young man. I havealways looked forward to the time when we should have a fine house onthe Battery, and move in the higher circles. "

Chapman now entered the room, which put an end to the conversationbetween Mattie and her mother. Chapman smiled for once, and wasevidently in a pleasant mood. After rubbing his hands and taking a seatby the fire, and looking first at Mattie and then at her mother, hesaid: "I have good news to tell you. The storm has prevented Gusher fromgetting here to-night. But the Kidd Discovery Company matter is settled, and will be a great success. No need of inventing a new religion now. Hanz has got his head full of the project. Has made all his Dutchneighbors believe there is a fortune in it for them all. We go on anexpedition up the river to-morrow night, in search of the d----l'ssounding-rock. That's the place where Kidd buried his treasure, you see. These honest old Dutchmen firmly believe that Kidd had an understandingwith the devil when he buried it there. Just show them how to start anenterprise and make money, and they are as ready to make it asanybody. "

CHAPTER XVI. 

A NIGHT EXPEDITION. 

The wind and the cold had moderated, and a heavy grey mist hung over theTappan Zee on the following night. Hollow, echoing sounds came over andthrough the mist clouds, and re-echoed up the mountain. The scene wasone common at that season of the year; still there was something strangeand mysterious in the very atmosphere that composed it. Gloom hung overeverything, and touched a melancholy chord in one's feelings. Curiousfigures, dim and indistinct, seemed to move and dance up and down, andthread their way through the curtain of mist, like phantoms in windingsheets. They were but delusions, betraying the eye. But there is areality now; a steamer is seen cutting her way through the deep gloom, and throwing a long trail of light high up over the grey mist andreflecting curiously in the heavens. 

Two stalworth men were seen walking down the road that night about eighto'clock, dressed in a style common to boatmen. One carried a pair ofoars over his shoulder; the other had a well-filled haversack slungacross his, and a crowbar in his right hand. They halted on reachingBright's inn, and having stacked the oars and the bar against the littleporch, entered, and were greeted by a number of friends alreadyrefreshing themselves at the counter. The appearance of these men--forthey were known to be the best boatmen on the Tappan Zee--greatlysurprised Bright and the gossips who were enjoying his ale around alittle table. One and then another invited them to drink, but theyrefused, saying they had merely dropped in to light their pipes and lookfor the men who were to join them. Various questions were now put tothem concerning their mission and its object. But the boatmen affected amysterious air; and all that could be got from them was that when theyreturned it would be with money enough to buy all Nyack. They seemedsomewhat disappointed at not meeting some one, whose name they would notdisclose, at the inn. 

Bright now mixed warm punches and set them before the boatmen, sayingthat on such a night they were just what were needed to prop a man'scourage up. The men, however, steadily refused all invitations to drink, and when they had lighted their pipes, and bid the host and hiscustomers good night, left the inn and proceeded to a landing at thebank of the river, where a boat with two men in it was waiting them. 

The manners of the boatmen had so excited the curiosity of theinn-keeper and his guests, that no sooner had they left the inn thanBright and several others put on their hats and followed, resolved tosee for themselves what was going on. Imagine, then, what must have beentheir surprise to find the men in the boat Bigelow Chapman and HanzToodleburg--both with heavy overcoats on. The boatmen were welcomed bythe men in the boat, whose voices were plainly heard, and afterexchanging a few words they threw in their oars carelessly and followedthemselves. In another minute the little craft was heading up thestream, and disappeared in the thick mist. 

"I have it all!" said Bright, turning to his companions with an assuringnod of the head, and lowering his voice. "Toodleburg--Chapman--aDutchman and a Yankee--pick-axes, crowbars, and big ropes. Put them alltogether; add going off at night to it--dark and misty night atthat--and there's something we'll all hear from in the wind. If Hanz andthat quarrelsome Yankee have got their heads together, then the devilwill get cheated out of Kidd's money. Sarves him right, too. Now themtwo is after Kidd's money. Always knew old Hanz could tell where itwas. "

The inn-keeper and his friends now returned to the inn and discussed thematter over warm punch until nearly midnight, or until their wits becameso confused that the four men in the boat increased to forty. In short, Nyack waked up on the following morning to find herself filled with thewildest reports concerning this midnight expedition and its object. 

The little boat moved on steadily up the stream, her sturdy oarsmenpulling at a measured stroke through the bewildering fog. In this waythe boat was kept on up the river until past midnight, a glimpse of theland being caught here and there, an assurance to Hanz that they werenot far out at sea. Indeed, Hanz began to get somewhat uneasy, and towish himself back with Angeline in the little house. As this expedition, however, was to establish a solid basis for the great Kidd DiscoveryCompany, out of which a fortune for Tite was to come, he was willing torun the risk of being lost in the fog for a night or two. 

Towards morning the men became uneasy and hungry, and began cursing Kiddand all connected with him, and enquired of Chapman if he knew where hewas going. Indeed, one of them declared it his belief that they had beenbrought on a fool's errand. Chapman, however, assured them that he knewexactly where Kidd had buried his treasure--that it was on a point notmany miles below the Highlands, and under a big rock called the d----l'ssounding stone. That if they kept on they would reach the place beforedaybreak. Hanz assured the men that every word Chapman said concerningKidd was true, and this inspired their confidence, for they honestlybelieved his father to be an intimate friend of the pirate, and ofcourse ought to know all about his money. 

The boatmen now rested their oars and proceeded to refresh themselves. And while they were doing this, and wondering what this night expeditionreally meant, Hanz smoked his pipe and nursed his courage. In his heart, however, he wished himself out of the affair and in a more honestoccupation. As for Chapman, he told a number of stories tended to excitethe cupidity of the boatmen. After resting an hour or two the partyproceeded about five miles further up the river, and landed just atdaybreak on a point jutting into the west side of the river, and justabove which there was a dilapidated little cabin, inhabited by alaboring man and his wife. 

It would not do to disturb these poor people at so early an hour, Chapman said, nor to tell them what sort of a mission we were on. Thereupon Hanz and he proceeded up the bank of the river, to make, as hesaid, a discovery. So the boatmen were left to take care of themselves. The boatmen waited for nearly two hours, still neither Chapman nor Hanzreturned. Where they had gone was fast becoming a mystery. The men atlength became alarmed and disappointed, and proceeded towards the littlehouse to enquire the name of the place, and see what they could do toget breakfast. Before they reached the house, however, the door openedand two half-naked, tow-headed urchins came toddling out, and as soonas they saw the strangers scampered back in a state of great alarm. Alusty dame, ragged and shoeless, and with her hair hanging loose abouther neck, now came to the door, with a broom in one hand and afrying-pan in the other. 

"Where on arth are you two come from?" enquired the woman, in a surlytone, as she raised her broom. "Another lot o' fools com'd to look forMr. Kidd's money, " she continued, without waiting for a reply. "Seems asif all the folks atween this and Yonkers had got crazy about Mr. Kidd, and was a comin' up here to dig for his money. "

The men confessed that she was right in regard to their mission, andbegged that she would get them some breakfast, for which they would payher liberally. 

"Yes!" rejoined the woman, angrily, "I know'd what you'd cum fur. Tharain't nothin' in this house to get breakfast on--nothin' fur my poor oldman and the two little children. Work's hard to get up here. And themfools what comes up here to dig for Mr. Kidd's money eat up what littlewe had, and did'nt pay fur it, nither. Go home, like honest men, and getsome honester work than comin' up here thinkin' you kin find Mr. Kidd'smoney. Don't believe in Mr. Kidd--I don't!" The woman kept swinging herbroom as she spoke. Then the two children ventured back and peered frombehind her skirts at the strangers. "Don't believe he had any money, anyhow. If he had he was a mighty fool to come up here and bury it. People round here would 'a stole every dollar on it long ago. There's aYankee and a Dutchman diggin' a big hole a piece above here--expectin'to find Mr. Kidd's money. "

Such was the reception these boatmen met with at the hands of Mrs. Brophy, whose husband, a short, thick-shouldered, bullet-headed son ofthe Emerald Isle, with a short, black pipe in his wide mouth, and in hisshirt and trousers, came to the door and seated himself on the sill. 

"Is it Misther Kidd's money ye's is afther?" he enquired, querulously, putting his elbows on his knees and resting his head in his hands. "Muchluck may ye's have finding it. Divel a cint meself iver saw uv MistherKidd's money, an' we've liv'd here this two years an' more. It's mightylittle uv any other man's money--not enough, troth, to get bread for thechildher--have we seen. "

The boatmen enquired of Mr. Brophy if he could tell them where thedevil's sounding-stone was. There was indeed a superstition amongstthese poor people that Kidd had buried his money under a rock he gavethat name to; and that there was an agreement with his satanic majesty, who was to stand guard over it, and allow only those who had thetalisman to lay hands on it. This talisman, it was also believed, wouldopen the devil's conscience, and cause him to lift the stone and unlockthe great iron chest containing the gold and silver. Loud noises, it wassaid, were heard under the stone, which was the voice of the devilrebuking the follies of the men who came in search of this treasure. These poor people also believed that Kidd had murdered a woman in coldblood, and buried her under the same stone; that she would come to lifewhen it was lifted; and that her ghost haunted the spot every night, andnot less than a score of Dutchmen had seen it. The more religious ofthem declared that the ghost would hold communion only with a certainpriest, who came once a year, at midnight, to invoke in an unknowntongue a blessing on her troubled spirit. 

"The divel's soundin'-stone is it ye's wants?" ejaculated Mr. Brophy. "Shure, it's beyant--a mile, about--perhaps two--perhaps not somany--perhaps more. Much good may it do ye's when ye's finds it. An', an', an', the ghost standin' there ivery night. " Mr. Brophy resumed hispipe, and after two or three whiffs resumed: "Ye's may dig holes tillyer childhers wears rags, as mine does, an' not a mouthfull uv bread inthe house, an' not a cint of Misther Kidd's money ye'd git. An' theghost standin' there, too!"

Being satisfied that these poor people had nothing to give them to eat, the boatmen presented the woman with two dollars and what liquor therewas in their flask, telling her to spend the money in bread for thechildren. This little act of kindness so softened the poor woman'sfeelings that she invoked numerous blessings on their heads; adding atthe same time that it was more money than she had seen for a month, though persons in search of Kidd's gold and silver had beset her house. 

The men now returned to their boat, and breakfasted on what they had intheir haversack. And when it was nearly noon, and they were beginning toget alarmed, Chapman returned, apparently in the best of spirits, andaccompanied them to a comfortable farm-house, about a mile up the bank. Here they found Hanz, very contentedly smoking his pipe, in the companyof two others, who at first affected to be strangers. It soon becameapparent, however, that these men had met Hanz and Chapman here byappointment. And it was also apparent that they were engaged in the samebusiness of searching for Kidd's treasure. One was an ill-favored, talkative little man, who wore spectacles and the shabbiest of clothing, and seemed to pride himself in a bushy red beard and hair. In short, hewas about as dilapidated a specimen of rejected humanity as Nature inone of her wildest freaks could have produced. Indeed, I may as wellinform the reader that this person was Warren Holbrook, who, since hisdeparture from Nyack, had been enlightening the people of thisneighborhood by preaching the gospel of the "great advanced ideas, " andin that way picking up enough to keep the wolf from the door, though itwould not put clothes on his back. 

Holbrook declared that the world had not used him well generally; but henever thought of looking into himself for the cause. He was willing, however, to relinquish the gospel of the advanced ideas for a businessthat would put money in his pocket and clothes on his back. Here he was, then, engaged in the business of getting up the great Kidd DiscoveryCompany, by which every man who invested in it was to make a fortune. 

The other was a slender, well-formed young man, perhaps twenty-five orsix years old, of dark olive complexion, and black, oily hair thatcurled all over his head. His large black eyes were full of softness andwere well set under beautifully arched-brows. There was, indeed, amoorish cast about his features, which were prominent and well lined;and when he spoke, which he did with a foreign accentation, he discloseda row of white, polished teeth, every one set with perfect regularity. His hands, too, were soft and delicate, and on each of his littlefingers he wore a large seal ring. He wore, also, a heavy goldneck-chain, and his dress was of plain black, made in the latest styleand in great good taste. Romantic young girls just out in society mighthave been excused for selecting just such a man as a model lover. 

The young man I have described above so neatly dressed, was PhiloGusher, of the great accommodating house of Topman and Gusher, extensively engaged in making discoveries and fortunes for all personskind enough to honor them with their investments. 

The boatmen found these men in a room at the farm-house, seated around atable on which stood a bucket half filled with what appeared to be uglyblack sand. Just as they entered Mr. Gusher rose from his seat andexclaimed:

"Greatest discovery what was ever made. There is nothing like it inhistory. I tell you it is a great thing, gen-tle-men!" Here he raisedhis right hand, and then lowering it ran his fingers into the dark sand, and drew out a number of discolored Mexican and Spanish dollars. "Wiszat--what is in zat bucket, gen-tle-mens--and ze ouse of Topman andGusher (me) is on a solid basis, as you shall see. " Here he rang a dozenor two of the discolored dollars on the table, adding, "Zis KiddDiscovery Company is one zing so great as you ever did see, gen-tle-men. "

"And we are indebted to this good, honest old man for all of it--Ishould say, " rejoined Chapman, checking himself, "for selling us thesecret. " Hanz had been smoking his pipe quietly, and seeming to take butlittle interest in what was going on. Chapman now slapped him on theshoulder violently, and shook his hand. "We are indebted to you for thisgreat and successful enterprise, eh? See the fortune now, don't you?"

"Perhaps I toes, und maybe I ton't, " replied Hanz, relieving his mouthof the pipe. "I shees t' shand, und I shees t' tirty tollars--how I knowwhere he comes from, eh?" Hanz began to have his suspicion aroused, andto feel that he had got into queer company. "T' tollar might get back tot' tivel when you gets him, if I vas only back mit mine Angeline!" saidhe, shaking his head doubtingly. 

"It is very generous of our friend here, " interposed Holbrook, runninghis fingers through his tufty red hair, and looking askance through hisspectacles at Hanz, "to affect that he cares nothing about ourdiscovery. Very kind of him. But we found the treasure exactly where hesaid it was buried. "

Hanz shook his head, and looked with an air of surprise at the speaker. "If I tells you where dat gold und dat tirty shilver be's buried, undyou goes dar und finds him, ten I be's asleep, und ton't know what Itells you. "

"Te gen-tle-man, " interposed Gusher, going off into a rhapsody ofdelight, "is very modest. It is very good of him to be so modest. Buthe, I am sure, will accept ze thanks of Topman and Gusher. Tis Kidd, gen-tle-men--he must be one jolly, generous fellow. I loves tisgen-tle-man Kidd. He bury his dollars here in bushel baskets full. Wefind him, eh?" Here he again ran his hand into the sand, and drawing outseveral more discolored dollars threw them on the table. "Te great bigKidd Discovery Company is one great fixed fact--one grand success, gen-tle-men. When ze customer come wiz his money, we shall say here isze zing what makes you one grand fortune; invest your money and put yourtrust in Topman and Gusher. "

Here, indeed, was the capital stock on which the enterprising firm ofTopman and Gusher had started a great and flourishing joint-stockcompany. The boatmen listened to what they had heard with surprise andastonishment. They, in short, firmly believed that what they had seen inthe bucket was treasure taken from the place in which it had been buriedby Kidd. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

MR. GUSHER IS INTRODUCED TO MATTIE. 

The Reverend Warren Holbrook was left in the farm-house to furtherdevelop the discovery, and lift the great enterprise into popularityamong the confiding people in that portion of the country. The rest ofthe party, including Gusher, returned to the boat near sundown and setoff for Nyack, the sturdy oarsmen singing a merry song. There in thebottom of the boat was the bucket containing the black sand anddiscolored dollars--the capital stock of the great Kidd DiscoveryCompany--which Chapman and Gusher affected to guard with particularcare. 

They reached Nyack the next day about noon, looking fatigued andcareworn, for they had enjoyed but little sleep since leaving. Duringtheir absence all sorts of wild rumors had been circulated concerningthe object of the expedition. Imagination had made some of its highestflights, and even found a relative of Kidd, who was to join theexpedition a few miles up the river, and who possessed the power to makethe devil surrender sounding-rock--in case he proved obstinate andrefused to acknowledge Hanz's authority. Titus Bright's inn was theplace where all the wisdom of the settlement concentrated of a night. And it was here that all the various features of the great expeditionwere discussed over ale and cider. Sundry honest Dutchmen shook theirheads suspiciously, and declared no good would come of it if Chapman gothis finger in. Others said it was all clear enough now where HanzToodleburg got his dollars and his doubloons. It was no wonder that hewas so much better off than his neighbors. Another declared that he hadmore than once told Hanz he would never get to heaven, and that secreton his mind. 

When the boat reached the landing a number of persons were gatheredthere, all anxious to know what success had attended the expedition, andwhat discoveries had been made concerning Kidd's money. News that theexpedition had returned soon spread over Nyack, and the town was greatlyagitated. The arrival of Gusher, a gentleman of such distinguishedpersonal appearance, tended still further to increase the agitation, andto give wing to wilder rumors. Hanz was received with salutations ofwelcome, for every one seemed glad to see him back. But where thisforeign-looking gentleman came from, and what was his history, werequestions they confounded their wits over without finding a satisfactorysolution. 

Considerable ado was now made in getting the bucket and its contents onshore, which was done with as much care and ceremony as if every grainof black sand it contained had been gold. And when a number of the coinshad been exhibited to the bystanders, and the genuineness of the metalthey were made of shown to be beyond doubt, the boatmen ran a polethrough the handle and carried it on their shoulders up the road, creating such a sensation in turn that they were followed by a curiousand astonished crowd, which seemed to increase at every step. 

The effect was exactly what Chapman wanted. He had the precious treasurecarried to his house and deposited, while Hanz and the boatmen proceededto their homes, stopping at Bright's inn on the way, where they gave amarvellous account of their expedition and what they had discovered. 

The portly figure of Mrs. Chapman, arrayed in her best millinery, stoodin the door ready to welcome her dear husband and Mr. Gusher, who hadproceeded in advance of the crowd. 

"Allow me to welcome you to my house--such as it is, Mr. Gusher, " saidshe, making a low courtesy, and then extending her fat, waxy hand. Mr. Gusher bowed in return, and received the hand formally. 

"Madam, I am so very happy to have ze pleazure to zee you in your ownhouse, " replied Mr. Gusher, raising his hand to his heart, then liftinghis hat and making another formal bow. 

"I am sure you will forego all ceremony, Mr. Gusher, and make yourselfat home. We are plain, unpretending people, and like to receive ourfriends in a plain, unpretending manner, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, escorting her guest into the parlor, and begging him to be seated. "Itseems so very long since we met in New York, Mr. Gusher. I never shallforget that visit, made so pleasant by your kindness. I have spoken ofyou so often, Mr. Gusher, to my daughter, that we both feel as if wewere well acquainted with you--"

"Madam, " interrupted Mr. Gusher, again putting his hand to his heart andmaking a formal bow, "you do me so many compliments as I don't deserve. I have anticipated ze pleazure and ze honor so much to zee yourdaughter. I am zure I shall be delight wiz her. If I shall speak Englisso well as you, then I shall be so happy. Then I makes myself agreeableto your daughter, I am so sure. " Mr. Gusher was indeed quite embarrassedat the number of compliments Mrs. Chapman seemed inclined to bestow onhim. 

"Nyack is so dull and stupid--so very dull, Mr. Gusher. We only endureit, you know. And there are so few nice people in it--so very few wecare about associating with, " resumed this fat, fussy woman, giving herhead a toss and extending her hands. "A few, a very few nice people havecome up from the city--we find them very agreeable society, quite arelief. We intend to set up a residence in the city. How delightful tolook forward to the day. We can then live in a style more agreeable toour taste. "

"Oh! madam, " rejoined Mr. Gusher, "I am sure you must be very happy. Your house is so very elegant. I should be so happy in zis house. (Pardon, madam, I cannot speak Englis so well. ) And zen, wiz yourbeautiful daughter. " Mr. Gusher placed his hand to his heart again, bowed his head gracefully, and assumed a sentimental air. "Oh, I shallbe so happy to have my home like zis. And your beautiful daughter--shewould sing to me, and she would play me sweet music, and read to me somepoetry. You shall zee I am so proud of ze poetry--"

"How very kind of you, " interrupted Mrs. Chapman, bowingcondescendingly; "how very kind of you, to pay my daughter this highcompliment. And, then, coming from so distinguished a foreigner. Indeed, Mr. Gusher, I have had a mother's responsibility in educating mydaughter up to the highest requisitions of society. Then she's only ayoung, thoughtless girl yet, you know. Indeed, Mr. Gusher, if it was notthat she is so intellectual--I say this out of respect to her father, whose intellectual qualities she inherits--I should feel alarmed abouther. Indeed I should. She is so much admired. And there is nothingspoils a young, ardent girl so much as admiration. "

Chapman now entered the room and suggested that Mr. Gusher, their guest, must be very much fatigued after so arduous an expedition. Mr. Gusherwas thereupon shown to his room, and left to his own contemplations. Intruth, he was glad enough to escape in this way from a continuation ofthis fussy woman's compliments. He had, however, created in his mind abeautiful picture of Mattie, with oval face, fair complexion, soft blueeyes, flowing golden hair, and a form that Diana might have envied, anda voice so sweet in song. As to her parents, they knew nothing of him, (perhaps it was well they did not); and he knew nothing of them. Therewas a mystery overhanging the means by which he had been brought incontact with these peculiar people. But the more he revolved thebeautiful picture of Mattie over in his mind the more his anxiety to seeher increased. 

Mr. Gusher rested for two hours, and then re-appeared in the parlor, soexquisitely dressed and made up. Every hair on his head seemed to havebeen curled so exactly. The gentleman had evidently taken great pains toget himself up in a style that should be faultless. I may mention, also, that Mr. Gusher regarded himself as a very valuable ornament in theatmosphere of fashionable society--just such a nice young man as anambitious woman just setting up in society would require at least adozen of to make her first reception a success. 

Mrs. Chapman and Mattie were already in the parlor, waiting to receiveMr. Gusher, "My dear sir!" exclaimed Mrs. Chapman; "you are looking somuch improved. I hope you are rested? And now, sir, allow me to presentyou to my daughter--Miss Mattie, my only daughter. This is Mr. Gusher, my daughter. You have heard me speak of Mr. Gusher so often. " Mattieblushed and looked confused, then courtesied in a cold and formalmanner. 

"I am so glad to make you my compliments, " said Mr. Gusher, making oneof his best bows, and moving backward with a shuffling motion, "I am soglad to make you my friend, " he continued, bowing and placing his righthand on his heart. Mattie's beauty was quite up to the picture Mr. Gusher had drawn of it in his imagination. But her manner was so coldand formal that it not only disappointed but annoyed him. Instead of anardent, impressible, romantic and even demonstrative girl, bubbling overwith warmth and vivacity, here she was, as cold and formal as a charityschool matron of forty summers. 

"I hope, sir, that you will find your visit to Nyack pleasant, " shereplied, tossing her long, golden curls bewitchingly over her fair, fullshoulders with her right hand, then motioning Mr. Gusher to be seated"Nyack is a very dull place, though. I am sure you will not find much init to interest you. My mother tells me you are to make but a very shortstay. I don't wonder you are anxious to get back, sir--"

Mrs. Chapman was at this time in a state of great alarm lest Mattieshould say something not strictly within the rules of propriety. Sheshook her head and cast a significant glance at Mattie, then raised thefore-finger of her right hand to her lips, admonishingly. 

"My daughter has not heard of the great enterprise yourself and my dearhusband are engaged in--"

[Illustration: "I am so glad to make you my compliments!" said Mr. Gusher, making one of his best bows. Page 128. ]

"Why, yes, mother, I have, " interrupted Mattie; "did'nt Mr. Toodleburgand father go up the river to buy up all the vegetables for the New Yorkmarket?"

"Oh, horrors! horrors! Why, my daughter, what put such a strange thoughtin your head? Think of it. Your intellectual father going into thevegetable business--and with a common old Dutchman! Oh, horrors, mydaughter! What could have put such a thought in your head?" The fat, fussy woman affected to be overcome, and raised her hands in the veryagony of distress. 

"My daughter, Mr. Gusher, has a way of talking so at times. A littlesatirical, you know--inherits it from her father. "

"My mother has spoken of you frequently, Mr. Gusher. I almost feltacquainted with you before you arrived. You do business in the city, shesays. The weather is so very bad, I am sure you will not enjoy such adull place as this, " said Mattie, turning to Mr. Gusher and resuming theconversation, cold and emotionless. 

"No, no, miss, " rejoined Mr. Gusher, smiling; "I am zure I shall be sohappy wiz you. Wiz you to zay so many good zings to me, my heart shallbe in ze paradise. " Here Mr. Gusher made a bow, and pressed his hand tohis heart. "Wiz you for ze bird of zat paradise, oh, I shall be sohappy. "

"Then you and father are going into business, Mr. Gusher? I do hope youwill be successful. If you can only get father to stick to business, "resumed Mattie. "He is smart at inventing new religions, and otherthings. Mother, (here she turned to her mother, who was in a state ofgreat alarm, ) how many new religions has father invented? I know howmany churches he has built--"

"My daughter, my daughter!" exclaimed the impatient and perplexed woman. "Such things as churches don't interest Mr. Gusher. Mr. Gusher moves indistinguished society, and goes to a fashionable church. "

"Oh, yes, madam, I go to ze very fazionable church. I go to zee zeladies, and to enjoy ze sentiment of ze music. Zen I shall enjoy myselfwiz your daughter more as well in your house. I shall do zat. Yourdaughter, she shall zing to me, and she shall play to me, and she shallread to me some poetry. I am so much love ze poetry. "

"Truly, Mr. Gusher, I should make but very poor work in entertaining youby singing or playing, " replied Mattie; "and as for poetry, I never hadany taste for it. Father made me read Pilgrim's Progress until it hasgot to be a favorite book with me. Did you ever read it, Mr. Gusher? Itis very interesting. "

"Nevare, nevare!" returned Mr. Gusher, shaking his head and extendinghis hands. "I nevare read ze book of ze Progress Pilgrim. I read ze bookwhat describe to me ze paradise of ze heart--love. " How veryaggravating, thought Mr. Gusher. Instead of a girl with a whole volumeof poetry in her soft blue eyes, here was one whose very nature seemeddevoid of sentiment. Still there was something in this cold and reservemanner, this indifference to Mr. Gusher's attractions, that tended toexcite his ambition, for he was excessively vain. 

"Your dear mother say I go to ze fazionable church. Yes, I go to zefazionable church. I zee so many nice ladies, so many beautiful ladies, all my friends; and za make me so many compliments. Oh, yes, MissChapman, I have so many beautiful young ladies for my friend in zechurch. "

"I don't see how it can be otherwise, Mr. Gusher, " returned Mattie, bestowing a look of admiration on him. "I am sure you would have agreat many admirers if you lived in Nyack. But, then, you would notthink of living in such a dull place. "

"You do me so much honor, miss, " rejoined Mr. Gusher, rising and makinga bow. "I hope it shall be my honor to count Miss Chapman--what shall Isay?--well, I will say as one of my so good friends. "

"Indeed, Mr. Gusher, I have no such ambition. You have so many beautifulfriends now. You would not, I am sure, condescend to include a simplecountry girl like me among them. I assure you, Mr. Gusher, I am notambitious. "

"You will have discovered by this time, " said Mrs. Chapman, rising andmaking a low courtesy, "that my daughter delights in being eccentric. Oh, sir, she says a great many things she never means. She has gotambition enough. She would'nt be a Chapman if she had'nt. "

Dinner was now announced. "I shall be so happy to escort you, " said Mr. Gusher, nearly doubling himself in a bow, and extending his arm. 

Mattie hesitated for a moment, blushed, and seemed confused. "Please, Mr. Gusher, " she said, bowing and extending her right hand, "escort mydear mother. " Here was an awkward situation. Mr. Gusher's knowledge ofetiquette was for once put on trial by a plain, simple-hearted countrygirl. But his offer was intended only as a compliment, and surely, hethought, the girl would accept it in that light. 

Turning nervously to Mrs. Chapman he extended his arm, saying: "Pardon, madam, pardon. You will understand?"

"Oh, certainly, Mr. Gusher, " returned the ponderous woman. "You are sovery kind--so very kind, Mr. Gusher. "

Never before had Mr. Gusher escorted a woman of such ponderouscircumference. Mattie followed, her roguish smiles indicating that sheenjoyed what she considered a joke played at Mr. Gusher's expense. Thepicture presented by the meeting of such extremes was indeed a ludicrousone. 

I will not weary the reader with a description of or explain a familydinner such as that generally spread by the Chapmans, nor with the manyapologies made by Mrs. Chapman that they had not something better to setbefore so distinguished a guest as Mr. Philo Gusher. Chapman was alreadyseated at the table, busy with a huge fork and carving-knife. 

"We don't stand on ceremony here, " said he. "Our visitors are alwayswelcome, and expected to make themselves at home. (Pointing with thecarving-knife to opposite sides of the table. ) Take seats, take seats, now, " he concluded. 

Mrs. Chapman made a motion to seat Mattie on Mr. Gusher's left, an honorshe did not seem to appreciate, for she insisted on taking a seatopposite--her proper place. 

When dinner was over Mr. Gusher escorted Mattie back into the parlor. "You shall understand me better, miz, I am sure you shall, as we getbetter acquainted. And now you shall zing to me, and play me somemusic, " said he, opening the piano and arranging the stool and music. "You will zee I shall make myself agreeable, " he repeated two or threetimes, then extending his hand. But instead of accepting it Mattiereturned a cold, formal bow, and proceeded to the piano unaided. 

"The truth is, Mr. Gusher, " said Mattie, running her fingers up and downthe keys, and looking up archly in Mr. Gusher's face, "I am only takinglessons, and can't play or sing so as to interest you. "

"Excuse, miz. You want I pay you ze compliment. Well, I shall do zatwhen I hear ze music. "

The fair girl now tossed her golden curls back over her shoulders, andbegan singing one of the most solemn and melancholy of pieces, to herown accompaniment. Her voice was indeed full of sweetness, and she couldsing with some skill and effect; but she was just at this time moreinclined to play on Mr. Gusher's feelings than to do justice to hermusical talent. 

"There's something sweet and touching in this melancholy music, I likeit, Mr. Gusher, " she said, pausing and looking up in his facetantalizingly; "don't you?"

Mr. Gusher shook his head disapprovingly, and shrugged his shoulders. "No, no, miz; I nevare like ze funeral music. I go to ze funeral of myfriend wiz music like zat. "

"I am very sorry to hear you say so, Mr. Gusher. I play it whenevermother will let me. And I enjoy it so much. Reminds me of a dear youngfriend now far away. "

"Now, miz, I makes my discovery, " returned Mr. Gusher, turning over aleaf of the music, and looking enquiringly into Mattie's face. "Zatyoung friend, so far away, wiz his memory so near ze heart. Well, Ishall think no more of zat. You shall zee I shall make my compliments, and shall cut out zat one young friend what is so far away. You shallzing me some grand music, so full of ze love, and ze poetry, so as myheart shall lift up wiz joy. " Here Mr. Gusher flourished his hands andexecuted several waltzing steps, as an expression of how his feelingswere excited by music. 

Mattie turned suddenly around to witness this peculiar exhibition, whenTite's letter fell from her bosom to the floor. 

"Ze revelation! Ze re-ve-la--what shall I say? If I only speak ze Englisso good as you, now!" exclaimed Gusher, affecting a loud laugh. Andstooping down quickly, he attempted to seize the missive. Mattie was tooquick for him. Regaining possession of it she restored it carefully toher bosom, an expression of joy and triumph lighting up her countenance. 

Disappointment now took possession of Mr. Gusher's feelings. His mannerindicated what his heart felt. Never before had his expectations and hisambition been so lowered, or his vanity so exposed. He had expected tofind a beautiful, simple-minded country girl, ready with hand and heartto become a willing captive to his charms. And yet he had failed to makethe slightest impression on her. Nor was that all. Her heart and herthoughts were evidently engaged in another direction. What, he enquiredof himself, could her mother have meant by the encouragement she gavehim to visit her home and see her daughter? His curiosity to find outwho it was that held such possession of this beautiful girl's affectionswas now excited to the highest pitch. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

ROUNDING CAPE HORN. 

Mr. Gusher, with his pride wounded, and a heavy heart, took leave of theChapmans early on the following morning, and crossed the ferry on hisway back to New York. The black bucket containing the capital stock ofthe great Kidd Discovery Company, in which his fancy pictured a dozen ormore fortunes, and which he bore with him, afforded no relief for hisdisappointment. It might be the means of his owning a fine house, ridingin his own carriage, and being considered a rich man by society. But, after all, riches only embodied the hard features of dollars and cents. Who could find romance in the pursuit of dollars and cents? he thought. You could carry fame into the grave with you. Dollars and cents mightbuy you a fine coffin, and bring rich friends to your funeral; but theyleft you at the tomb door. 

Had Mr. Gusher gone back to New York in the belief that he had made animpression on the affections of that pretty, simple-hearted countrygirl, Mattie Chapman, what a happy man he would have been. He resolved, however, not to be vanquished in this way--not to give it up--but tocontinue his attentions, and if possible gain a victory over heraffections. 

And now, gentle reader, you must accompany me to a very different partof the globe, and see what is going on there. 

The ship Pacific had been refitted and put in sailing order at Bahia, and was now on her course for the Straits of Magellan. On reaching thelatitude of the straits strong adverse winds set in, and gale succeededgale until the sea became lashed into a tempest. The weather, too, wasbiting cold, and the crew suffered intensely. Not a gleam of sun hadbeen seen for three weeks, and the ship's progress had to be worked bydead reckoning. 

Morning after morning the sturdy old captain would come on deck, thrusthis hands deep into the pockets of his pea-jacket, and look intentlyover the wild watery scene. Then he would shake his head despondingly. "Never caught it this way afore, " he would say, addressing the officerof the watch. "Never caught it this way afore. Somebody's brought badluck aboard, or we should'nt have such weather as this. " Then he woulddisappear into the cabin and ponder over his chart, trying to work outthe ship's position. But a strong current and the high wind, bothsetting in one direction, had carried him far beyond his reckoning, andinto the vicinity of the Faulkland Islands. 

All the light spars had been sent down, and for fifteen days the shiphad labored in the sea under close-reefed topsails and jib, trying tomake weather, but without gaining a mile. 

On the sixteenth day the weather cleared up a little and the sun cameout, and an observation was got, which showed that the ship had beencarried into the vicinity before described. For once the sturdy oldwhale-killer had got drifted away from his course. But he declared itwas all owing to the sea getting tipsy, the compasses getting tipsy, thechronometers getting tipsy, and the sun keeping himself rolled up in ablanket. You could'nt, he said, get a ship to look the wind in the eyewhen all the elements were tipsy. He was a lucky mariner who could getround Cape Horn without being tossed off his feet for amonth--everything seemed to stagger so. 

The wind now changed suddenly and blew as fiercely from the oppositedirection, and the cold increased. The ship was at once got on hercourse for the straits, her reefs were shook out, and she bowled overthe sea at the rate of nine knots. Still the sky continued black andcloudy, and the horizon misty and dim. The sea ran high, and broke andsurged, filling the air with a cold, cutting spray, while the shiplabored and strained in every timber. 

Have you, my gentle reader, ever seen the broad ocean in an angry moodon a cold, pitiless winter day, when the horizon was hung with cold, penetrating mist, when all overhead was black with fleeting clouds, whenthe seas broke in their fury and threatened to destroy the frail barkunder your feet, and when rain, hail, and snow alternately swept throughthe atmosphere, like showers of keen-pointed arrows--have you, I say, ever contemplated this sublime and impressive scene withoutacknowledging within yourself how omnipotent was God, and how feeble andinsignificant a thing was man?

There is, perhaps, no other place in the world where Nature so combinesall her elements to give an emphatic expression to the power and realityof the Divinity, as in the vicinity of this famous old Cape. 

The bold, rugged headlands of Patagonia were sighted on the morning ofthe 4th of December. The wind had subsided a little, but a strongcurrent was setting through the straits, and short, sharp seas, such asare experienced in the Bay of Fundy, indicated the ship's position asclearly as if a good observation had been got. Snow and ice nearlycovered the ship, and the men continued to suffer from the cold. Therewas a feeling of encouragement now that the ship would round the Capewithout any further trouble. But before noon a violent snow storm setin, and the bold, bleak hills of Patagonia disappeared from sight. Thewind, too, veered ahead again and increased, and the ship had to beheaded for the coast of Terra del Fuego, on the other tack. 

Early on the following morning the look-out's attention was attracted bylarge spots of white light--now opening, now shutting--high up in theheavens ahead. It was Tite's watch on deck, and the look-out pointed himto the curious phenomena, which had not before attracted his attention. At the same time a painful and piercing chill seemed to pervade theatmosphere, and to seriously affect the feelings of the men on deck. 

Tite watched these curious phenomena for several minutes, withoutcomprehending what they meant. He thereupon called the captain, who camequickly on deck. As soon as his eye caught the gleam of light, he walkedaft to the binnacle, and stood watching the compasses for a minute ortwo. 

"There's trouble ahead, " he said. "Call Mr. Higgins, and all hands--callthem quickly. We are close upon an iceberg. "

The first officer and all hands were quickly on deck, ready to obeyorders. Every eye on board was now watching in the direction of thelight. 

"It's an iceberg, and a big one, too, Mr. Higgins. If she strikes it, there's an end of us!" said Captain Bottom, addressing the firstofficer, who seemed indifferent to the danger that threatened the ship. A rustling noise, as of strong tide-rips breaking ahead, was heard, thesound increasing every minute. The braces were now manned, the order to"go about" given, and the helm put down. But the ship had hardly begunto gather headway on the other tack, when she refused to obey her helm. It seemed, indeed, as if she was under the influence of a powerfulattraction, drawing her to destruction. 

Another minute and she struck with a deep, crashing sound, that madeevery timber in her frame vibrate, so great was the shock. A gleam ofgrey light now began to spread over the fearful scene. It was daylight, that friend which so often comes to the mariner's relief. The ship hadstruck broad on, and the berg seemed to have grasped her in its arms ofdeath and refused to let her go. Each succeeding sea lifted the helplessship, and then tossed her with increasing violence against the jaggedice-cliff. And as her yards raked the boulders, huge blocks fell withcrushing force on her deck. Stanchions were started, the bulwarkscrushed away from the knight-heads to the quarter-deck, on the portside, and the deck stove in several places. It seemed as if there wasbut a minute between those on board and death. Still the staunch oldship forged ahead, lifting and surging with every sea, and seeming tostruggle to free herself from the grasp of the berg. All hope of savingthe ship seemed gone now. Both officers and men waited in suspense, expecting, every lurch the ship made, to see her go to pieces. 

It was one of those moments when presence of mind and seamanship seem ofno avail to save a ship. On sounding the pumps it was found that theship's hull was still tight, and that she had made but little water. Still she forged ahead, and great blocks of ice continued to fall on herdeck. 

When all eyes were turned towards the captain, and each waited withbreathless anxiety, in the hope that he would give some order that wouldat least be a relief to their feelings, even though it were folly toexecute it, Tite mounted the fore-rigging to the top-mast trees, thesurging ship threatening to dash him against the ice wall every minute. In that fearful position he remained for several minutes, scanning overthe scene ahead, and hoping for some gleam of hope. 

There was still a hope of saving the ship. He waved a signal ofencouragement to those below, and quickly descended to the deck. Abouthalf or three-quarters of a mile ahead there was a point indicating thetermination of the berg. If the ship could be kept forging ahead shemight possibly round the point and clear the berg in safety. 

Tite communicated to the captain what he had seen, and his belief thatthe ship could be saved. All hands now went to work cheerfully, clearingthe deck forward of the ice that had accumulated there. Then thefore-top-sail was clewed up, the spanker set, the yards braced up sharp, and the ship continued forging ahead with increased motion. Every yardof distance gained was measured with a watchful eye, and increased theconfidence of those on board. 

"We shall save her yet, captain, " said Tite, a smile of satisfactionplaying over his face. "We won't give up the good old ship!"

"God bless you, my hearty, God bless you!" returned the old captain, grasping Tite's hand warmly. "It's you shall have the credit of it ifshe weathers the point. Yes, sir, you. Killin' a whale is killin' awhale. Gives a sailor fair play in a square fight. But this being rundown by an iceberg, and ship and all hands crushed to powder, gives asailor no chance to show what there is in him. When a man gets killedaccording to his liking, why, then he's satisfied. But there's no wayyou could get satisfaction in being killed by an iceberg. It was'nt myown life I was thinking about, Mr. Toodlebug. Not a bit of it. " Here heagain grasped Tite firmly by the hand, and lowered his voice to awhisper. "It was my good old woman, sir, and the two little ones. Heavenbless them and keep them from harm!"

The ship still made fearful surges, and the ice grated and cut herplanking; but she neared the point gradually, and this brought a feelingof relief to all on board. Open water beyond, and the bold, sharp linesof the point, made it almost certain that the berg terminated there. Thepoint was reached at last. The ship seemed to give a leap ahead, and, asif by mutual consent, payed off and parted from the icy grasp of themonster. Cheer after cheer went up as the old ship, in her distressedcondition, swung away and was out of danger. 

The ship was now headed for Puntas Arenas, where many years ago theSpaniards founded a penal settlement. Intermarrying has, however, reduced the people to mere dwarfs in stature; and they have soretrograded in civilization that they are the greatest thieves and theworst savages to be found along the coast. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

MAKING A FORTUNE

Kidd Company stock was a feature in Wall street. The firm of Topman andGusher, having luminated the great Kidd Discovery Company, had got itfairly on its feet in that mart of the money-changers. The firm wasconsidered highly respectable now, and had counting-rooms in Pearlstreet, near Wall, second floor, furnished in a style of elegance itwould be difficult to surpass, even at this day. If you would fortifythe standing of a great and enterprising firm, Topman said, in hispolite way, you must do it with elegant and elaborate furniture in yourcounting-room. Show is the thing two-thirds of the people in the worldare attracted and deluded by. 

The newspapers, too, were telling curious stories as to how Kidd'streasure was discovered, and also making statements of a very unreliablenature, setting forth that already several million dollars had beenrecovered, and that any man engaged in it would surely make a fortunefor his heirs, no matter how numerous. The more unreasonable thesestatements were, the more readily did people invest in the stock. Not asolid man in Wall street had heard of the firm of Topman and Gushereight months ago. The great beacon lights of the street now condescendedto bow and shake hands with Topman, to take more than a glance at thefirm's name when it was brought to their notice on certain bits of paperwhich the enterprising firm, for mere convenience sake, gave now andthen as "equivalents". In short, Mr. Topman was a man of suchimpressive manners that he quite captivated Wall street, and to havethose solid-pocketed old gentlemen speak encouragingly of the house, was, he considered, gaining a great financial victory. In addition tothis Topman lived in a fine house, sumptuously furnished, on the westside of Bowling Green, had a servant in livery to open the door, androde in his own carriage. 

Mrs. Topman was a showy, dashing woman of thirty-five, or thereabouts, tall and slender, and somewhat graceful of figure, and might have passedfor a beauty at twenty. But there was a faded look about her now, andshe had a weakness for loud talking and overdressing. She was evidentlya woman of doubtful blood, and "no family, " as society would say inthese days. Indeed, first-rate society, such as Bowling Green boasted ofin those days, considered itself very select, and dealt out its favorsto new-comers with a cautious reserve. 

As little or nothing was known of Mrs. Topman's antecedents, first-ratesociety cut her--did'nt even condescend to drop her a sidewalkrecognition. But, as pushing one's self into society was quite as muchpractised then as now, and as Mrs. Topman was a pushing, vigorous woman, she resolved that if she could not carry the outworks and compel asurrender on the part of first-rate society, she would at least have acircle of her own. And she had just as good a right, she said, to callher circle of society first-rate, as her neighbors who kept their doorsshut had to "consider" themselves such. It was only an assumption atbest. So the aspiring lady received what she called select company on aTuesday, and entertained generally on Thursday evenings. But herneighbors tossed their heads, and said they were only third-rate peoplewho went there. 

Gusher, however, flourished in what might at this day be consideredelegant hotel society. He was such a nice young man, dressed in suchgood taste, and had such unexceptionable manners. And there was such adistinguished air about Gusher, that Bowling Green was half inclined tolook on him with favor. Mr. Gusher was a stock beau as well as a stockboarder at the City Hotel, where he was an object of admiration with allthe languishing young ladies of the house. Indeed, the landlord of theCity Hotel regarded Mr. Gusher as a valuable parlor ornament for theentertainment of his female guests of an evening, for he was anexquisite dancer, could sing, and make such gracious bows. Now and thena sensible girl had been heard to say she thought him a little soft; buther companions usually set that down to envy. Then it got whisperedabout that he was an unfortunate foreigner of a very distinguishedfamily, and had been exiled from his native Spain for engaging in arevolution. Such were the prospects of this distinguished firm, sociallyand financially. 

Nyack, too, had been kept in a state of agitation all winter over thediscovery of Kidd's treasure, and wonderful stories were circulated ofthe fabulous amounts that were recovered every day. 

Spring had come again, and the hills around Nyack looked so fresh, andgreen, and beautiful. Chapman had got Kidd stock into high favor withall the honest old Dutchmen in the county. And it was curious to see howthese heretofore cautious people parted with their money for whatChapman called a "profitable equivalent. "

Mrs. Chapman seemed to have increased in circumference and loftiness. She could get new and expensive dresses, and silk ones at that, everytime she went to New York, and she went quite often now. And none of herneighbors could wear such fine lace on their caps. It was surprising tosee how this fat, fussy woman could toss her head and talk of commonpeople now. It was very annoying, she said, to have to live in a littlecountry town like Nyack, and mix with everybody. Then her dear littleintellectually great Chapman was such a jewel of a husband, and was soclever at inventing the means of making a fortune for other people. 

The brain of Nyack was terribly disordered over the fortunes that wereto be made in a month for all who invested in Kidd Discovery stock. Eventhe good Dominie, led away by the temptation, had invested all hissavings, and had his pockets full of Chapman's "equivalents, " from whichhe looked for a fortune in a very short time. Finally the innocentsettlers began to regard Chapman as a great genius, who had inventedthis new way of making their fortunes out of sheer goodness. "I want totell you, my good friends, " he would say to them, patronizingly, "youwill appreciate me better as we become better acquainted. Invest yourmoney, and there's a fortune for you all. " And they took his word, andinvested their money, and, many of them, everything they had. 

We must go back into the city now. It was a morning in early May. Knotsof men were standing on the corners of Wall and Pearl streets, eachdiscussing in animated tones some question of finance or trade. Men withhurried steps and curious faces passed to and fro, threading their waythrough the pressing throng, as if the nation was in peril and they wereon a mission to save it. And yet it was only an expression of thateagerness which our people display in their haste to despatch someobject in the ordinary business routine of the day. 

It was on this morning that a woman of small and compact figure, dressedin plain green silk, a red India shawl, and a large, odd-shaped strawbonnet, called a "poke" in those days, on her head, and trimmed insidewith a profusion of artificial flowers, the whole giving her an air ofextreme quaintness, was seen looking up doubtingly at the door openingto the stairs at the top of which Topman and Gusher had theircounting-rooms. She had the appearance of a woman in good circumstances, just from the country, where her style of dress might have been infashion at that day. Her age, perhaps, was in the vicinity of forty, forher hair was changing to grey, and hung in neat braids down the sides ofher face, which was round and ruddy, and still gleamed with thefreshness of youth. Her shawl-pin was a heavy gold anchor and chain, andher wrists were clasped with heavy gold bracelets, bearing a shield, onwhich was inscribed a sailor with his quadrant poised, in the act oftaking the sun. I ought also to add that she carried a big umbrella inher left hand, and a small leathern satchel in her right. 

This quaint little woman's manner was exceedingly nervous andhesitating. Twice or thrice she advanced up the passage to the foot ofthe stairs, hesitated, returned to the door, and looked up at thenumber, as if still uncertain about some project on trial in her mind. 

Men were passing in and out, and up and down the stairs hurriedly, as ifsome important business required all their attention. The little womantook no heed of any of them, and indeed seemed confused in her ownthoughts. Drawing a newspaper from her leathern bag she read in awhisper, at the same time tracing the lines with her finger, "Great KiddDiscovery Company. Capital $150, 000. All paid in. President, LukeTopman. Corresponding Secretary, Philo Gusher. No. ---- Pearl street. "The little woman nodded her head, and looked up with an air ofsatisfaction. "I'm right. This is the place, " she muttered to herself. Then putting the paper carefully into her pocket, and hugging the bigumbrella close to her side, she advanced with a more resolute step upthe passage, and was soon at the top of the stairs. 

Again the little woman paused, for the number of names over doors seemedto confuse her. Just across the passage in front of her, however, sheread over a half-glass door, and in large gilt letters, "Topman andGusher, General Commission Business. " And just below, and across thepanes of ground glass, were the significant and attractive words: "KiddDiscovery Company. Capital $150, 000. Luke Topman, President. PhiloGusher, Corresponding Secretary. "

The little woman advanced and knocked timidly at the door, which wasopened by a nicely-clad and polite youth, whose business seemed to be toadmit customers. The little woman bowed and returned the young man'ssalutation. 

"A lady visitor, Mr. Gusher!" said the young man, motioning the lady toenter. "That is Mr. Gusher, madam; junior partner of the firm. "

A polished mahogany railing separated the vulgar customer from thehighly dignified looking clerks inside. Indeed, there was an air ofelegance about the establishment that somewhat surprised the littlewoman at first, and caused her some embarrassment. 

"Ah, madam; pardon! pardon!" said Mr. Gusher, rising from his desk atthe announcement and advancing to the railing. "I shall do myself zepleazure, and ze honor of receiving such commands as you shall confideto ze firm, " he continued, smiling and bowing gracefully. 

"A little investment, " returned the visitor, nervously. "I have a littlemoney, left by my husband, who is at sea. I have no immediate use forit; but want to put it where it will be entirely safe. Entirely safe, above all things; a good dividend will not be objectionable. I am sure, sir, you understand that--"

"Ah, madam, you shall zee. Pardon! you will enter and take one seat. "Mr. Gusher now condescended to open the gate, as he called it, bring thelittle woman inside, and bid her be seated. "Ze Kidd Discovery Company, madam, is one grand enterprise. You shall zee. And ze profit shall be sogreat you will not know where to put him. For ze safety of zeinvestment, (pardon, madam, ) you shall accept ze honor of zis firm. O, madam, I cannot speak ze Englis so well. If my partner is here you shallzee he will satisfy you as ze reputation and ze honor of zis firm willbe so great. You shall invest your money, and you shall zee zat ze honorand ze reputation of zis firm shall makes him safe. " Mr. Gusher made alow bow, and pressed his hand to his heart in confirmation of what hehad said. 

A number of suspicious-looking men now entered the office and advancedto the railing, all affecting great eagerness to purchase and pay theirmoney for Kidd Discovery stock. "You shall zee, mad-am, " said Mr. Gusher, extending his right hand and shrugging his shoulders, "how muchze demand for ze stock in zat grand enterprise is. Ze rush for him isso great ze price will be double very soon--as you shall zee. "

"Don't know how my husband would like it if he was here, " replied thelittle woman, who had been nervously twitching and working her fingers, now opening the satchel, then shutting it. "Leaves me money enough tokeep me comfortable when he goes away. Good provider, my husband is. Commands a ship, he does. Says 'look ahead, my darling, ' when he goesaway. 'Take good care of the coppers, darlin', don't let rogues andthieves get them; and remember that one-half the world is hard at workslanderin' t'other. Keep an eye t' wind'rd, darlin'. We've sailed alongsmoothly enough through life together, but there may be a dismal stormahead. Life storms are dangerous. Here's a kiss, good little woman--goodbye. ' Then he goes away, and I sees no more of him for three years. That's a long time, sir. But he is so fond of the children, and such adear, good husband to me. "

"Mad-am, " said Gusher, again bowing and pressing his hand to his heart, "wiz so good a lady for his wife, I am sure he shall be so happy and soproud. " Detecting the small vein of eccentricity in the little woman'scharacter, Mr. Gusher was evidently inclined to encourage it, hopingthat it would still further develop her generosity. 

"You are sure my investment will be perfectly safe?" enquired the littlewoman, looking up anxiously in Mr. Gusher's face. 

"Oh, madam!" rejoined Mr. Gusher. "Oh, mad-am! Perfectly, as you shallzee. Ze honor of ze firm is pledged to zat. "

The little woman now drew two thousand dollars from her satchel, andafter counting it on her knee, passed it to Mr. Gusher. "I will investthis, " she said, again looking up anxiously at Mr. Gusher, and thenfumbling over the contents of her satchel, as if it still containedsomething she was in doubt how to dispose of. "I will take your word, "she resumed, as if some sudden change had come over her mind. "Life'sshort, and speculation uncertain. I am from Yonkers. You have heard ofYonkers, sir? Yonkers on the Hudson. People of Yonkers are boiling overwith excitement about the great discovery. Thank you for your kindness, sir. I hope the shares will go up. If I should double my money, as yousay I will, how father would laugh when he comes home. I call my goodhusband father, you know. " The little woman ran on in this strange andconfused manner until Gusher began to think she was never going to stop. 

"Invested my money--independent--don't want nobody to know it. Willinvest another thousand dollars if it turns out right. Yonkers peopleexpect to get rich soon by Kidd shares. Nobody'll know it, you know. Don't want nobody to know it, you know. Come down here to invest sonobody would know it, you know--"

"I am so glad, " interrupted Mr. Gusher, receiving the money, "you putyour confidence in ze house. You shall zee zat ze honor of ze firm shallbe your protection. " As he proceeded to arrange the little equivalentswith the picture of the big spread eagle at the top and the coffer damat the bottom, the little woman fixed her gaze on the counting-roomfurniture, which seemed to attract her attention to an uncommon degree. Elaborately-finished and highly-polished mahogany desks were arrangedaround the room, the floor was covered with a soft carpet, and therewere carved oak chairs, upholstered in green plush. The walls were hungwith engravings and paintings representing favorite ships andsteamboats, and a huge safe stood wide open, displaying shelves anddrawers filed with books and papers. It was, indeed, a part of thefirm's philosophy that what you lacked in substance you must make up inshow. 

There, too, was a door leading into Topman's private office, furnishedwith exquisite good taste. Topman was the great financial monument ofthe firm. Gusher did the elegant and ornamental. 

George Peabody, the great philanthropist, made his fortune and his famein a little dark, dingy office in Warnford Court, London. Thepretensions of the great firm of Topman and Gusher were not to beconfined by any such examples of economy. 

A very clerical-looking man, with a round, smooth face, a somewhatportly figure, a high forehead, and a very bald, bright head, fringedwith grey hair, and nicely trimmed grey side whiskers, stood at a desk, turning and re-turning the leaves of a big ledger. He was dressed in aneat black suit, and wore a white neckerchief. There was ledger No. 1, and ledger No. 2, and ledger No. 3, all so elegantly bound, andexpressive of the business relations of the great firm of Topman andGusher. It looked very much, however, as if the portly gentleman wasonly a part of the ornamental department of the great firm, for, havingturned and re-turned the pages of No. 1, he would take up No. 2, andcontinue the occupation. It is true, he would pause now and then, andexchange a smile and a bow with some one of the customers waiting forstock. 

There was also a slender, mild-mannered, and precisely-dressed youngman, standing at another desk, and looking through a pair ofgold-framed spectacles into a ledger. This was Mr. Foblins, registryclerk to the great firm. Mr. Foblins had a brigade of figures in column, and seemed continually busy putting them through a course of tacticsknown only to the firm. Mr. Foblins had his customers in column, withthe number of shares and the amount invested, in front and rear ranks. 

The word "Cashier" was painted over a third desk. And here a rollicking, talkative little man, with a round fat face, and a round bald head--asort of fat boy that had been overtaken on the road of life bymaturity--and who seemed to have a joke and a pleasant word foreverybody, and was in the best of humor with himself, stood counting andre-counting, and passing out and receiving in money. This was Mr. Books, the merry little man of the establishment. Books entertained anexcellent opinion of himself, and was in high favor with the customers, for he was witty, musical, and talkative. More than that, he was astately little man, and well informed in all the great politicalmovements of the day, and would entertain customers on the condition ofthe nation while counting their money. It was evident that Mr. Books wasnot in sympathy with the great enterprise his employers were developing, for he was continually saying witty but malicious things about Gusher, and would even point significantly with his thumb over his rightshoulder. When a more than ordinarily verdant customer would come withhis money, Mr. Books would shrug his shoulders, drum with his fingers onthe desk, and hum a tune to the words--

 "Fortunes made, and fortunes lost; Fools seek the phantom here at last, " &c. , &c. 

Books had several times intimated an intention to set up a greatenterprising banking and miscellaneous firm of his own. Indeed, hispopularity with the patrons of the house was doing Mr. Books no good, especially as it entailed the necessity of his taking so great a numberof drinks during the day that he would offer to bet the reputation ofthe firm that he was the tallest man in the establishment, and a politerman than Gusher. So good an opinion had Mr. Books of himself when underthese little delusions, occasioned accidentally, as he would say, thatit became a serious question with him whether his proud position was dueto Topman and Gusher or his own great merits. In fine, it had more thanonce occurred to him that the firm was indebted to his personalpopularity for its great reputation. 

Mr. Gusher consulted Mr. Books, and entrusted him with the littlewoman's money. Then he proceeded to Mr. Foblin's desk, that gentlemanturning over the pages of his big ledger preparatory to making an entry. 

"What name did you say? I have the amount, " enquired that gentleman, looking up earnestly over his spectacles. 

"If you please, madam, " said he, approaching the little woman with abow, "you shall have no objection to give me your name. It is necessaryas we shall keep ze book so correct. "

The little woman hesitated for a moment, fingered the handle of hersatchel nervously, then looked up inquiringly in Mr. Gusher's face. Thentouching him timidly on the right arm with the fore-finger of her lefthand she whispered, "Nautical, nautical, my nautical name?" Then herlips motioned and her finger pressed on Mr. Gusher's arm. Mr. Gusherlooked at the little woman with an air of surprise and astonishment. 

"Nau-tick-el? I do not understand zat, madam. "

"Elizabeth Judson Bottom. That's my name, " resumed the woman, raisingher voice, and seeming to speak with a feeling of relief. "Bottom is myhusband's name. " Here she lowered her voice again. "Nautical. Commands aship. Is away off in the South Sea, my husband is. There's nobody got abetter husband than I have. " The little woman said this with an emphasisand a smile of satisfaction lighting up her face. "You may have heard ofmy husband, sir? He is well known among nautical people. My husbandsails the celebrated ship Pacific, and has made three successfulvoyages. You hav'nt had much to do with ships if you hav'nt heard of myhusband. There, there, that looks just like the ship he sails in. " Thelittle woman pointed to the picture of a ship under full sail hanging onthe wall. 

"Madam, I am sure I shall know your husband, " said Mr. Gusher, returningwith the paper representing the number of shares the little woman hadpaid her money for. "I shall be so happy to zee him when he shall comehome. " Mr. Gusher handed her the paper, saying: "Now, madam, you shalltake good care of zis. Your money, it shall be perfectly safe. "

While this interesting little episode was being performed up stairs, anopen carriage, showily caparisoned and drawn by a stylish pair ofwell-groomed bays, drew up at the door. A desperate effort had evidentlybeen made to get the coachman into some sort of livery, for he wore atall black hat, with a broad velvet band, and a buckle in front as bigas an ordinary sized horse shoe. His coat, too, was of green cloth, covered all over with large brass buttons, and he seemed proud of hiswhite gloves and tight-fitting breeches, which he kept looking down atevery few minutes. 

This was Mrs. Topman's new "turnout, " which she had recently set up inopposition to one indulged in by a circumspect and very aristocraticneighbor. Topman alighted from the carriage, received and returned thebows of several persons on the sidewalk, and soon came hurrying into thecounting-room, where he was received with great respect by the combineddignity of the firm. 

"Madam, " said Mr. Gusher, again addressing the little woman, "allow meto have ze pleazure as I shall present to you zis gentleman. " Here Mr. Gusher introduced Topman, his partner, and gave him a short account ofthe business she was on. 

"Why, my dear, good lady!" said Topman, grasping her hand with a freedomindicating that they had been old friends. "Your husband and me--why, wewere old friends. If there is any man in the world I respect and admire, that man is Captain Price Bottom. If there is any man living I wouldrather make a fortune for than do anything else, that man is CaptainPrice Bottom. Yes, madam, not many years ago I used to swear by CaptainPrice Bottom; and if Captain Price Bottom was here to-day, I willventure to assert, on the word of a gentleman, there is no man who wouldsooner swear by your humble servant--"

"I am so real glad! My husband made friends wherever he went, "interrupted the little woman. 

"Glad! glad!" resumed Topman, "so am I. God bless him, wherever he goes!Go back, madam, and get all your neighbors interested in this greatenterprise. Tell them the managers are old friends of your husband. Getthem to bring in their money, madam, and secure a fortune!" Mr. Topmannow showed the little woman the discolored dollars, a matter of greatimportance, which Mr. Gusher had omitted. 

"Our motto is, madam, 'Never invest your money until you have seen yourbasis. ' If you see your basis, and it is satisfactory, then come downwith your money and await your fortune. You see the basis, now put yourfaith in the firm!" concluded Mr. Topman, politely bowing the littlewoman out. She took her departure for home, fully satisfied that she hada good friend in Mr. Topman, and that she had made a permanentinvestment. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

COMING EVENTS CAST THEIR SHADOWS. 

The Great Discovery Company had run its race of prosperity. A few monthspassed, and the prospects of those connected with it began to change. Chapman went about Nyack shaking his head despondingly, and saying thathe had been deceived by Hanz Toodleburg, who had deceived them all withhis story about Kidd's treasure, and would be the cause of their losinga large amount of money. 

"I never would have been caught in such a trap, but I believed HanzToodleburg to be an honest man, a very honest man, and I put faith inhis word. But I have been deceived. Well, it is not the first time myconfidence has been abused in this way, " Chapman would say, holding uphis hands, while his face assumed an expression of injured innocence. 

Hanz, on the other hand, protested his innocence. Never in all his life, he said, had he taken a dollar of money not his own, and honestly made. He was persuaded to do what he had done by the gentlemen whom hesupposed engaged in an honest enterprise. In truth, he had neversuspected them of a design to get honest people's money in a dishonestway. 

"If I toos t' shentlemens a favors, und ta makes t' money, und I makesno money, und t' peoples don't get no money pack, what I cot t' do mithim?" Hanz would say, when accused by the settlers of aiding designingmen to get their hard earnings. But all he could say and protest did notrelieve him of the suspicion that he was a participant in getting upthe enterprise. In short, there was the old story of his knowledge ofwhere Kidd's treasure was buried lending color of truth to thestatements made to his injury by Chapman. 

The innocent Dutch settlers would gather at Bright's inn of an evening, smoke their pipes, mutter their discontent at the way things had turned, compare their "equivalents, " and relate how much saving it had cost themto get the money thrown away on them. If it had not been for HanzToodleburg, they said, not a man of them would have believed a word ofthe story about Mr. Kidd and his money. Indeed, they would insist onlaying all their sorrows at Hanz's door. 

Chapman had also circulated a report, which had gained belief among thesettlers, that the trouble was caused by the devil refusing to surrenderthe key of the big iron chest; that he had been heard undersounding-rock, making terrible noises, and threatening to destroy everyman working in the shaft. Then it was said that the ghost had reappearedand so frightened the men that they had refused to work. Another storywas set afloat that the bottom had fallen out of the pit, and the ironchest containing the treasure had sunk beyond recovery. The simple factwas that the cunning fellows never expected to find a dollar. 

These strange stories agitated Nyack for several weeks, and under theirinfluence Chapman so managed to divide opinion that Hanz had to bear thegreater share of blame for bringing distress on the poor people. One andthen another of his neighbors would chide him, and say it was all hisfault that they had lost their money and had nothing to show for it butthese worthless bits of paper. 

To add to Hanz's troubles, Chapman entered his house one day, and openlyreproached him for bringing distress on his friends. "You know you havedone wrong, old man, " said he, assuming the air of an injured man. "Youwould not have deceived me--no man would--but that I took you for aChristian. And when I take a man for a Christian I put faith in him. That's why I put faith in you. I believed you honest, you see. "

Chapman's familiar and even rude manner surprised and confounded Hanz. In vain he protested his innocence, and offered to call the Dominie andDoctor Critchel to testify that he had never in his life wronged any manout of a shilling. 

"You sold us something you had not got, " continued Chapman, in an angrytone, "and in that you committed a fraud. Honest men don't do suchthings--never! Mr. Toodlebug. I thought you were a friend; but you havedeceived me--have deceived us all!"

The plot was now beginning to develop itself, and Hanz for the firsttime began to see what a singular chain of adverse circumstances Chapmanhad drawn around him. Never before in his life had a man openly chargedhim with doing wrong. Angeline was even more troubled than Hanz, andlistened with fear and trembling to the words as they fell fromChapman's lips. What could have worked this change in a person who hadso recently expressed such friendship for them? Her pure, unsuspectingsoul would not permit her to entertain the belief that her husband coulddo wrong. She attempted to speak and enquire what this strange andunaccountable scene meant; but her eyes filled with tears, her facebecame as pale as marble, and her resolution failed her. Her little, happy home had been rudely invaded, and a grasping, avaricious enemyhad shown himself where she expected to find a friend. 

"I don't want to distress you, Mr. Toodlebug, I don't, " said Chapman, keeping his keen eyes fixed on Hanz. "I don't want to distress you, Idon't. But you must show that you are an honest man. Honesty is the bestpolicy. I've always found it so, at least. You must make this thing allright, if it takes all you have to do it. " When he had said this he puton his hat and rudely took his departure. 

"Angeline, mine Angeline, " said Hanz, "if dish bat man should make meloose mine goot name, den mine life it pees very misherable. What I toesI toes t' oplige t' gentleman. How I toes wish mine Tite, mine poor poyTite, vas here. " He sat thoughtfully in his chair for several minutes, then sought consolation for his wounded feelings in a pipe. 

Chapman had not been long gone when Mattie came rolicking into thehouse, as if to form a bright and sunny contrast with the scene that hadjust ended. She carried a little basket in her hand, was dressed in aflowing white skirt and sack, wore a broad sun hat encircled with a blueribbon, and her golden hair was decorated with wild flowers. There wassomething so fascinating in that merry, laughing voice, something sopure, innocent, and girlish in that simple dress and that sweet, smilingface, that it seemed as if Heaven had ordained her to represent truthand goodness. Setting the basket down on the table she ran to Angeline, embraced and kissed her, not perceiving that trouble had depressed thatgood woman's spirits. 

"And you, too, good Father Hanz, " she said, turning to him, and salutinghim in her free, frank manner; "you shall have a kiss, too. " And shetook his hand and imprinted a kiss on his cheek. 

She suddenly discovered that something was the matter, paused, andlooked at Angeline with an air of surprise. Her first thought was thatthey had received bad news from Tite, which they were trying to concealfrom her. Almost unconsciously her gentle nature began to beat insympathy with Angeline's, and a tear stole slowly down her cheek. "Youhave heard from Tite; is he sick? have you heard bad news?" sheinquired, in rapid succession, as she watched every change in Angeline'sfeatures. 

Angeline shook her head, and looked up sweetly but sorrowfully inMattie's face. "Nothing, nothing, my good child, " she replied, kissingMattie's hand. But there was the tear of sorrow writing its tale on hercheek. "God will bless and protect our Tite, " she resumed; "but we haveheard nothing from him since the letter you saw. "

"I am so glad, " rejoined Mattie, her face lighting up with a sweetsmile. "I think about him every day, and I know he thinks about me. So, now, mother Angeline, you must cheer up. You will, won't you? It won'tdo to be sad when Tite is away. " And, after patting Angeline on theshoulder and kissing her cheek, "you shall see, now, " she resumed, bringing forward the basket, "what nice presents I have brought for you, Mother Angeline. Made these all with my own hands. "

Here the happy, smiling girl drew from her basket a number of frills andwristlets, a worsted-worked candle mat, and a cambric handkerchief, inone corner of which she had ingeniously worked Angeline's name. "Theyare all for you, Mother Angeline, all for you, " she said, tossing themone after another into her lap. "You are so good. Keep them all untilTite comes home. Then you can show them to him as a proof of what a trueand good girl I have been. "

Hanz viewed this act of kindness on the part of Mattie with an air ofsurprise and astonishment. It was in such beautiful contrast to herfather's rudeness and severity that he was at a loss how to account forit. 

"Vel, vel!" exclaimed Hanz, raising his hands, "you pees sho goot a galas I ever did she. Yes, mine shild, I never shees no petter gals as youpees. " And he rose from his chair, and approaching Mattie, patted her onthe shoulder encouragingly. "You pees such a goot girl, " he repeated, "and you will pe mine goot friend, eh?"

"Certainly I will. Why should I be anything else?" replied Mattie, looking up smilingly in his face. 

Hanz shook his head. "It pees sho now as nopody can shay who pees hisfriend, and who pees not his friend. I pees sho glad you pees minefriend. "

"I should like to know, Father Hanz, what troubles you?" resumed Mattie, whose quick eye read in his face the trouble that was making his heartsad. "Tell me what troubles you, Father Hanz, and I will be a friend toyou, no matter who it is. "

"Mine shilds, " replied the old man, drooping his head, "dar vas un man, he shay as he pees mine goot friend. Dat friend he pees mine enemy. Heprings shorrow into mine house. Unt he prings dat shorrow when mine poorTite he pees sho far away as I ton't know where he is. "

Tears again filled the old man's eyes as he spoke, and he paused, shookhis head, and buried his face in his hands. There was something in theold man's unwillingness to disclose who it was that had caused him thistrouble that excited Mattie's suspicions. 

"You must tell me, Father Hanz, " said she, encircling his neck with herright arm and patting him on the cheek encouragingly and affectionatelywith her left hand, "who has caused you all this trouble. "

Hanz looked up earnestly and enquiringly into her face. Still there wasa doubt in that look it was impossible to mistake. 

"You ton't know, eh? you ton't know, eh? Maype as he is petter as youton't know, mine shild. T' man what prings shorrow into mine house; t'man what shays I pees one tief t' mine neighpors--dat man he pees nofriend of mine. " Again the old man paused, and looked up inquiringlyinto Mattie's sweet face, as if anxious to trace the secret of herthoughts. And as he did so the breeze tossed the grey hairs over hisforehead, as if to cover up the wrinkles age had written on it. 

"Mine taughter, mine taughter, " he resumed, grasping Mattie's handfirmly, "I'se gettin' old now. Tare von't pe no more of old HanzToodleburg shoon. You never know'd nothin' pad of old HanzToodleburg--does you, mine taughter?"

"Never, never! Why, Father Hanz, nobody has been saying anything againstyou, " replied Mattie, smiling. 

"Dar has, too, " resumed Hanz. "What I lives for now is mine goot name, and mine poor Tite. I pees a friend to everypody what needs a friend, and now what I needs mineshelf is one goot friend. You she, minetaughter, if mine little farm he pees gone, and if mine sheep, and minecows, and mine everything pees gone, den der is nothin' for mine Titewhen he comes home. "

The old man paused for a moment. It was impossible for him to keep thesecret of his trouble from Mattie any longer. He opened his heart to herand disclosed the fact that it was her own father who had brought sorrowinto his home. Yes, it was her father who had led him like a child intotrouble, and then thrown around his acts such a chain of suspiciouscircumstances that you could scarcely find a man in the village, wherebut a short time ago Hanz was so great a favorite, who did not believehim guilty of inventing the Kidd Discovery Company, and bringing ruinand distress on his neighbors. There was the paper Hanz had signed, setting forth that he possessed the secret of where Kidd's treasure wasburied, and bearing the proof that he had sold it for a consideration. Chapman understood the value of this, and went about the village showingit as a proof that there was at least one man innocent, and that man washimself. There, too, was the old story that had clung to him throughlife--that he knew all about Kidd, his father having sailed with him onthe Spanish Main. And there was the expedition up the river, in which hehad played so prominent a part. 

Chapman well understood the effect these things would have on the mindsof the ignorant and superstitious, and he turned them against Hanz withsuch skill as to completely get the better of him. In short, he wouldassert his innocence with so much plausibility that the simple-mindedsettlers began to believe him the saint he set himself up for, and Hanzthe sinner who had got all their money. 

Mattie heard this strange declaration made by Hanz against her fatherwith feelings of sorrow and surprise. She hung down her head andremained silent for some time, for her mind was bewildered with strangeand exciting thoughts. Then, looking up, she said:

"Cheer up, don't be sad, Father Hanz. You will always find a friend inme. My father shall also be your friend. We are going to leave Nyack, but I will come and see you, and be your friend. Don't think bad of myfather, and he shall yet be your friend. " And she kissed Angeline andHanz and bid them good bye. 

Mattie had never for a moment entertained the thought that her fatherwould knowingly wrong these old people. Her heart was too pure, hernature too trusting, to entertain a suspicion of wrong. She had seen himengaged in transactions she did not understand; she had seen himassociate with men she did not like, but she never enquired what hismotive for so doing was. How he became acquainted with, and what hisbusiness with Topman and Gusher was, had been a mystery to her. Theobject was clear enough to her now. The conversation she had overheardone night between her father and Topman, relative to a meeting at Hanz'shouse, and getting him to sign a paper purporting to sell them a secret, was all explained. This conversation put a powerful weapon in her hand, and if used skilfully she could save her father from trouble and alsoprotect old Hanz. Indeed, her mind ran back over a train of curiouscircumstances, which now became clearer and clearer, and when linkedtogether discovered the object they were intended to effect. There wasno mistaking the motive. Still, like a true and loving daughter, she sawher father only in the light of innocence and truth. The more shecontemplated the matter the more sincerely did she believe him aninstrument in the hands of Topman and Gusher, of whose designs she hadheard others speak. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

THE CHAPMANS MOVE INTO THE CITY

Chapman had developed Nyack pretty thoroughly, had made money enough tofeel independent, and attributed it all to his own virtues. He had gotup no end of quarrels, invented new religions, established a hotel onprinciples of high moral economy, advocated broad and advanced ideas ineverything, and kept the settlement in a state of excitement generally. Chapman was indeed a great human accident. There was no confining him toany one thing, either in religion, politics, or finance. He had amorality of his own, which he said belonged to the world's advancedideas, and it was not his fault if there were so few persons enlightenedenough to understand and appreciate it in its true sense. 

Chapman was indeed not one of those men who carry blessings into acommunity with them, but rather one of those who seem to delight inplanting curses wherever they go, and leaving their victims to reap thebitter fruit in poverty and ruin. Himself a mental deformity, none ofhis enterprises had been of any real benefit to the community, while hislast and most reprehensible one had resulted in emptying the pockets ofthe old Dutch settlers, and leaving them bits of worthless paper toremember him by. 

And yet this man could talk of himself like a very saint. He had thepower, too, of making many of those who had suffered by his acts believehim honest. Indeed, while one portion of the community was cursing himfor a knave, another was defending him as a really useful man--anopinion Mrs. Chapman was always ready to endorse. In short, Chapman hadsupporters in Nyack who would have sent him to Congress out of sheerlove for his talents, which they were sure would have found a happyfield for their development. Mrs. Chapman always sought to conciliatethese friends, and would invite them to tea. On these little occasions, after discussing the merits of cider-vinegar and homemade pumpkin pies, and the care respectable people should exercise over the company theykept, for there was pure New England "grit" in the lady, she would recurto her dear husband. 

"All Nyack will confess how intellectually great he is, " she would say;"and show me the person who has done more to elevate the moralrespectability of Nyack. Nyack was such a dull, sleepy place when--whenwe first honored it with our company. See what it now is. My dearhusband worked up these low Dutch people so; yes, and he improved theirmorals. And I flatter myself I have elevated its society--a little. "

Chapman had now thoroughly developed Nyack, financially and religiously. He had saved up a nice little fortune, enough with care and goodmanagement to keep him comfortable and give Mrs. Chapman a wider fieldfor the exercise of her love of display. There was now little chance ofmaking any more money out of Nyack, either by getting up quarrelsbetween neighbors or inventing new religions. So the Chapmans resolvedto go into the city and set up for very respectable people. As nobodywanted the big house for a church Chapman rented it to Titus Bright foran inn, and as nothing was said about moral restrictions, that worthyfriend of the thirsty and weary traveller kept it in the goodold-fashioned way of giving customers what they wanted and asking noquestions. He would much rather, Chapman said, have seen it put to aless profane use, but as Bright was a responsible tenant, and could paymore rent than any one else, the morality had to sink in the necessity. 

A few months passed and the Chapmans were set up in New York, in aspacious and well-furnished house on the east side of Bowling Green. Chapman was soon busy looking after the affairs of the great firm ofTopman and Gusher, which I need scarcely tell the reader was a creationof his. Mrs. Chapman soon had enough to do at pushing her way intosociety. But the more she pushed the more did little social obstructionsseem to rise up and defeat her efforts. She would associate withfirst-rate society, she said, or none; and Mattie should be introducedand shine in the "upper circles. "

Bowling Green stood on its dignity in those days. There were very niceand very old families living there then, and they kept themselves rolledup in their wealth and comfort, and looked coldly down on all new andpretentious people. West Bowling Green, too, put on airs of superiorityover East Bowling Green, which it affected to designate with the term"rather vulgar. " They were quiet, well brought up people on the Westside, people who had made a family name and were proud of it, whosesuperior enterprise and genius had raised them above ordinary people, and who had acquired wealth by honorable means. 

There was, indeed, a charm about these families, made more attractive bythe simplicity and gentleness of their manners, for they were refined, and entertained their friends generously. In short, West Bowling Greenand a portion of the Battery had at that day a social empire of itsown, which had a flavor of rich old wine about it, and was as distinctas distinguished in all its surroundings. It rode in its own carriage, had orderly and well-dressed coachmen, wore an air of greatcircumspection, dined at five o'clock, and lived like a well-bredgentleman. 

East Bowling Green had begun to lose cast, and, indeed, was under acloud socially. Its society was made up of new, fast, and somewhat showypeople, whose antecedents it was difficult to get at, (at least WestBowling Green said so, ) and who, for want of a family reputation, put onthe airs of a vulgarian. These people spent their money freely, andseemed to have enough of it, but they aspired to make a show rather thansecure real enjoyment. They associated with third-rate people, and viedwith each other in giving parties and balls to which all the youngswells in town were invited. In fine, East Bowling Green had a cheap, retail flavor about it which all its show and extravagance failed eitherto conceal or atone for. 

Mrs. Chapman had resided three months in Bowling Green, and yetfirst-class society had kept its doors closed--did not even condescend asmile. This was very mortifying to a lady whose pretentions were quiteequal to her dimensions. A few second and third-rate people had made aformal call, or left a card. But it was merely as a matter of ceremony. Mr. Pinks, the elegant old beau of the Green, who was looked up to byfirst-rate society everywhere, and considered himself born to standguard over it and protect it from vulgar contact, and who was acceptedas authority in all matters of etiquette, and had standing invitationsto dinner with all the best families, had called to pay his respects andcongratulate the lady. But Pinks considered this strictly a matter ofduty--to make an observation. 

When Beau Pinks reported the result of his call to the Warburton family, who were first-rate people, and the Warburton family spread it throughWest Bowling Green, there was great amusement in the neighborhood. 

"Won't do, the lady won't, " said Pinks, lowering his voice to a whisper, and shaking his head. "Lady weighs two hundred pounds and more. A deadweight on the back of any society. Very pretentious, but makes shockingwork of the King's English, and discovers low origin in her conversationgenerally. Puts on finery without regard to color or complexion, told mehow many new dresses she had making, has big, fat hands, and wearscommon gold rings. Worse than all, " continued Pinks, raising his hands, "the lady wanted to know if I could tell her how to reform servants, andif I liked rhubarb pies for breakfast. "

With such a report from Pinks it was no wonder first-rate society didnot take kindly to the lady. The rhubarb pies for breakfast settled thequestion in Pinks' mind, and he never called again, though he kept up abowing acquaintance with the lady. Mrs. Chapman now fell back on areception. A reception would be the thing to make Bowling Greensurrender. The day was set and cards sent out, and notwithstanding Mr. Gusher, who was her standing ornament and idol, assisted her in drummingup recruits, the affair turned out to be very unsatisfactory. The nicepeople she invited sent regrets; and those who did come were second andthird-rate people, who never miss a reception on any account, seeingthat it affords them the cheapest means of showing themselves. Therewere cheap people then, just as there are cheap people now, readyenough to put in an appearance at a lady's reception, especially if shegave nice suppers and had daughters to be admired. Nor was it anuncommon thing, even at that day, for a pretentious woman who had justset up in society, and taken to the business of reception-giving, tofind herself made the target of a little innocent satire by the niceyoung gentlemen she had invited to pay her homage. 

Chapman differed from his wife, inasmuch as he regarded society as agreat bore. Mrs. Chapman, however, was not a little disappointed at theway things had turned. They were flashy and rather fast people who cameto her reception; people whom nobody of established respectability knewor cared to know--thoughtless young men, overdressed young women withmatrimonial expectations, and a few needy foreigners with small titles. To make the matter worse, some of the lady's guests wore eye-glasses, through which they persisted in gazing at her, and conducted themselvesvery unbecomingly. Indeed, they eat up all her supper, spoiled hercarpet, insulted her servants, and paid her certain left-handedcompliments because she had neither coffee nor wine on her side-board. The foreigners, too, were inclined to be merry at the lady'scircumference, and at the awkwardness of her movements, as well as to besevere on the style of her dress and the way she wore her hair. 

"Who are these people?" enquired a young man, adjusting his eye-glass. 

"Very new people, " whispered another in reply. 

"Vulgar, evidently--just set up to be somebody--don't understand it, "rejoined a third, shrugging his shoulders. 

Mr. Gusher, who had assisted the lady in beating up her recruits, hadassured them that the Chapmans were very distinguished people. 

Mrs. Chapman was not more successful in setting up a carriage of herown. She had done a great deal of pushing without affecting a lodgmentin the society she had set her heart on. With a carriage of her own shefelt that she would be just as good as any of those high old BowlingGreen people. She had read of a lady in her carriage driving right intosociety and forcing a surrender. 

Unfortunately the fools were not so plenty as formerly, the demand forKidd Discovery stock had greatly diminished, and the expense of keepingup appearances in the city had far exceeded Chapman's calculations. Indeed, he had already begun to talk of the necessity of economy. Topmanwas already drawing heavily on the income of the firm to keep upappearances, and the future must not be overlooked. The lady had, therefore, to content herself with a one-horse turn-out, anestablishment not very popular in Bowling Green even at that day. Although the lady had to accept the necessity, there was no gettingalong without a coachman, and Mr. Napoleon Bowles was engaged to wear alivery and wait on the lady in that capacity. Now Bowles stood aboutfive feet four inches in his boots, was very fat and very short-legged, and very black, for he was a person of African descent and establishedcolor. Bowles weighed at least two hundred and fifty solid, so that whenhe drove his mistress out for an airing of an afternoon the wholeestablishment made so shabby and yet so comical an appearance as toafford the whole neighborhood a subject for amusement. Nor was there amore self-important person in all Bowling Green than Bowles--except, perhaps, it might be his mistress. But it was only when he got himselfinto those tight-fitting drab trousers, and that bright blue coat withdouble rows of brass buttons, and mounted that small, tall hat with thehuge buckle in front, that he fancied himself seen to advantage. 

Bowles not only became a feature in Bowling Green society, but indeedconsidered himself necessary to the dignity of the family he wasserving, and in duty bound to fight any coachman who would make theslightest insinuations against it. This got him into numerousdifficulties, for there was not a coachman in the neighborhood that didnot set him down as a fair subject for unpleasant remarks. One calledhim a dumpling-stomached darkey; while another said he must have beenbrought up in the family and fed on puddings. 

"Can't be much of a family, " a third would say, "to have such ashort-legged shadow as you for coachman, and only one horse. And such alivery as that! Why don't your mistress dress you like a man?"

Mr. Bowles had several times found himself measuring the pavement andhis hat in the gutter, as a reward for his attempts to resent suchindignities, which he considered were offered to the family rather thanhimself. There was so close a resemblance between the circumference ofthe lady and her coachman as to seriously damage the pretensions of thefamily, and bring down upon it no end of ridicule. 

There was another serious impediment to the lady's pretentions, and thatwas no less a person than Mrs. Topman. No sooner had the Chapmans set upin Bowling Green than that lady took them into her keeping, promisingthem no end of introductions to nice people. Now, Mrs. Topman was oneof those social afflictions which are found everywhere, whose touch islike contagion, and who take strangers into their keeping only to dothem more harm than good. I have called them social afflictions for wantof a better term. Mrs. Topman was the highest example of the species. She had been beating about on the outskirts of society without gainingan entrance into it until she was like a faded bouquet that had lost itsfreshness and perfume. In short, she was a tall, rakish looking craft, with ingeniously painted head-gear, carrying an immense amount of sail, and flying colors not recognized by good society in Bowling Green--atleast not on the West side. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

MRS. CHAPMAN GIVES A BALL. 

It was a cold, dark night in December. The wind was blowing fresh fromthe northeast, the tall trees on the Battery were in commotion, and theships in the harbor, seen through a pale mist, were straining at theiranchors. A thin, pale mist hung over the sombre old fort on the Battery, over the trees, over the ships, over everything within the eye's reach. And the mist and the solemn beating sound of the sea-wail, in which thesailor fancies he can read all his sorrows, gave a weird and mysteriousappearance to the scene. The Battery was nearly deserted that night, forat the time we write of only two old men could be seen, leaning over therailing on the sea-wall and watching in the direction of a ship atanchor in the stream, and looking as if she was just in from sea. 

Mrs. Chapman was to give her ball that night. The lady had for severalweeks given all her mind and energy to the preliminaries of this grandaffair. Who was to be invited, what sort of new dresses she and Mattiewould appear best in, who was to provide the supper, and what the wholewould cost, were subjects which so engaged the lady's attention that shecould think of nothing else. In vain did Chapman demur to the greatexpense and the folly of keeping up appearances under suchcircumstances. In vain did he insinuate the probable necessity ofinventing a new religion as a means of bringing his revenues up to hisnecessities. A necklace of pearls and a diamond ring had been got forMattie, and now a demand was made for a new and expensive dress. Ifthere was anything in the world Chapman admired and submitted to it washis wife. In his thoughts she was above everything else, and he wouldsurrender to her demands, no matter at what sacrifice. As for Mattie, henever seemed to care much about her, nor indeed to regard her withanything more than ordinary affection. 

There was no getting along without the ball, Mrs. Chapman said. WestBowling Green had given two or three balls, and had not condescended tosend her an invitation. It was very mortifying to get the cut direct inthis way. She must bring West Bowling Green down by showing that shecould give a ball of her own. And then it would be such a relief to herpride. And, too, it would be just the thing to show Mattie off to thebest advantage. Mr. Gusher would shine brilliantly in a ball room, andso would Mattie, and if the young people could be reconciled in thatway, why it would be money well spent. 

Mrs. Topman was delighted at the prospect, and so was Gusher. And bothhad been going about among their friends for a week sounding the trumpetof Mrs. Chapman's ball, as well as telling their friends that theChapmans were rich and very distinguished people. Bowling Green, then, was in a flutter that night. Chapman's house was brilliantly lighted, and carriages began to arrive and set down their gaily-attired occupantsere St. Paul's clock had struck nine. Then there was such a tripping ofdelicately turned little feet, such a flashing of underskirts, such awitching of perfumed silks and satins, such a display of white arms andwhite shoulders, as each bevy of beauties vaulted up the steps and werebowed into the house by the polite Mr. Bowles. Bowles felt himself animportant element in the dignity of the family that night. His mistresshad got him a new blue coat with large brass buttons, and a whitewaistcoat that reached nearly to his knees, and gave him the appearanceof a huge ball of snow surmounted by an illuminated globe painted black. Bowles had delivered most of the invitations, and firmly believed thathis mistress was indebted to him for the success of her ball, inasmuchas he had solicited guests worthy of her favor. Nor was he sure that theball was not given by his mistress to show him off in his new clothes. Bowles had a bow and a smile for each of the guests. "My missus is rightglad to sees you--she is. Be a heap o' dancin' did to-night, " he wouldsay, as he bowed the guests into the hall. 

At ten o'clock the brilliantly-lighted parlors were filled, andpresented the appearance of a garden of flowers variously colored. Therewere merry, laughing voices, graceful forms, young and happy faces, forming the light and shade of the picture presented to the eye. Theponderous figure of Mrs. Chapman formed a sort of central object. Thelady was indeed got up in a gorgeous style of dress, for she wore allthe colors of the rainbow, without their blending, had flounces nearlyto her waist, giving her the appearance of an half-inflated balloon; andshe had made a very flower-basket of her head. In short, the lady hadmade a bold attempt to improve on all known styles of dress, and at thesame time to show her contempt for what other people might call taste insuch matters. Thus elaborately arrayed she fancied herself as much alady of quality as any of your fine old West Bowling Green people. 

A number of exquisitely dressed young men had gathered about the lady, and although they paid her all manner of compliments, and said variouspretty things in admiration of her charming daughter, it was evidentthat they regarded her as a rare curiosity, whose mental defects wereaffording them a subject for amusement. There the lady stood, receivingthe congratulations of her friends and introducing her daughter Mattie, who was dressed in a plain blue silk with white trimmings, a wreath oforange blossoms on her head, and her golden hair hanging in simple curlsdown her shoulders. Indeed, the lady suffered by comparison with herdaughter, whose charms were made more fascinating by the simplicity ofher dress and the quietness of her manners. 

In truth, Mattie had no taste for the show and extravagance her motherwas so fond of indulging in. Nor could she see what object her motherhad, or what really was to be gained by giving this ball. She felt inher heart that it was a piece of extravagance her father could notafford as an honest man, and she saw prominent among the guests personsshe had long mistrusted of being his enemies. Gay as the scene was ithad nothing in it to interest her. Her thoughts were engaged insomething more real and true. They were wandering just then into adistant ocean in search of the object dearest in her affections, wondering how it fared with him. Then the picture of Hanz and Angeline, in their humble little home, revealed itself to her, and her mind filledwith strange fancies as to the part she might have to perform in savingthem from the trouble she saw foreshadowed in her father's conversationwith Topman and Gusher. She little knew what sorrow had been broughtinto Hanz's home since she left Nyack; nor did it occur to her that oldFather Hanz, as she playfully called him, might even then be within thesound of her voice. 

The company had all assembled, the musicians were beginning to tunetheir instruments, and the time for dancing was drawing near. Mrs. Chapman flattered herself that Bowling Green would wake up in themorning to find that she had carried its outworks. But notwithstandingall the pushing she had done, and all the pushing her friends had donefor her, she had not succeeded in catching the sort of people she hadthrown her net for. There was Topman and Mrs. Topman, moving here andthere in all the elegance of full dress. There were a number of others, who were always ready to accept an invitation where there was dancing tobe done, or an opportunity afforded to show themselves in their bestclothes. They were second and third-rate people, after all--people whoget a cheap position in society through their proficiency in dancing, which they accept as the highest object a man or woman has to live for. 

Poor Chapman moved about here and there like a raven among birds ofbrilliant plumage; and never did man look meeker or more submissive. There had been a curious change in his worldly affairs since the timewhen he preached humility and economy at Dogtown, and was ready toquarrel with any man who did not agree with him that show andextravagance were carrying the country to the devil. 

"My wife, my dear wife, gives this ball, " he would say, referringtimidly to the subject. "My dear wife enjoys these things. Mrs. Chapmanis very fond of young society, you see. I hope you are enjoyingyourselves. There will be dancing soon--I never dance--and supper attwelve. "

There was no man more elaborately got up that night than Gusher. Everyhair on his head was trained into exact position, and his tailoring wasfaultless. In short, Gusher had got himself up with a view to making thegreatest destruction on the female heart. He whisked about here andthere, making himself useful as well as ornamental, for he felt that hehad got the Chapman family on his shoulders, and was responsible for itsreputation as very distinguished. 

"Miz, you shall permit me ze pleazure, and ze 'onar, to open ze dancewiz you, " said Gusher, approaching Mattie with his right hand on hisheart, and making one of his extensive bows, "You shall do me ze 'onar, I am sure, " he continued, and as he raised his head with an air ofconfidence, expecting to see her extend her hand, his eye fell on thefamiliar face of a young man standing at her side, engaging her inconversation. He paused suddenly, his face changed color from pale tocrimson, and his manner became nervous and agitated. His whole system, mental and physical, seemed to have received a sudden and unexpectedshock. 

"Yes, my daughter, you must open the ball with Mr. Gusher. How very kindof you, Mr. Gusher, " said Mrs. Chapman, with a courtesy. "It will be sovery appropriate, my daughter, for you and Mr. Gusher to lead off. " Mrs. Chapman had not noticed the singular change in Mr. Gusher's manner. He, however, recovered himself in a minute, and affecting not to notice theyoung man at Mattie's side, who still kept his eyes fixed on him, heresumed:

"Do me ze 'onar, Miz, and you shall make me so happy. "

"I am sure, mamma, " returned Mattie, "Mr. Gusher will excuse me. It wasvery kind of you to remember me, " (turning to Mr. Gusher. ) "But really Ishould appear very awkward dancing with you, who are so good a dancer. Iam sure you will excuse me for the opening dance, Mr. Gusher, and Ishall have the pleasure, if you will condescend to honor me, of dancingwith you during the evening. "

"My daughter, my daughter!" interrupted Mrs. Chapman, motioning with herfan, "pray don't be eccentric to-night. Accept the honor Mr. Gusherintended and please me--if only for once. "

"I am sure, mamma, I always try to please you, " returned Mattie, "and Iappreciate the honor Mr. Gusher would do me, knowing how much my dearmamma admires him. " Here Mattie paused for a moment and tapped herfingers with her fan, as the young man who had stood by her side turnedand walked away for a moment. "It was very thoughtless of me, mother, "resumed Mattie, ("you know I am only a thoughtless girl, after all)--butthe truth is I am already engaged for the first dance. "

"Engaged, my daughter, engaged?" Mrs. Chapman rejoined. "Pray, who to?It was very strange of you!" Here the young man returned to Mattie'sside. 

"Allow me to introduce you to my mother, Mr. Romer, " said Mattie. "Mr. Romer, Mr. Gusher, --a friend of our family. " Mrs. Chapman made acourtesy, and the two gentlemen bowed formally and coldly. 

"If I mistake not, " said Mr. Romer, who was a young man of polishedmanners, slender of form, with a frank, open countenance, and evidentlya gentleman, "we have met before. " He kept his eyes fixed on Gusher, asif resolved to read his thoughts in the changes that were going on inhis countenance. 

"Pardon, pardon, monsieur, " returned Mr. Gusher, affecting an air ofself-confidence supported by innocence. "I ne-var re-mem-bar as we hasmeets before. You shall zee I shall make you my respects. We shall meetagain, I am sure of zat, zen we shall be such good friends. But I ne-varre-mem-bar zat we meets before. "

"You were living in a castle then, " returned the young man, coolly, "andI was only an outsider. People who live in castles at times don'tremember common people. "

It was a strange and curious meeting. Mattie saw there was somethingembarrassing between the two gentlemen, and came quickly to theirrelief. 

"I am Mr. Romer's partner for the first dance, " she said, addressing Mr. Gusher, with a bow. "It was very thoughtless of me. You were so verykind. But I am sure you are too generous not to excuse me. "

"It is my great misfortune, miz. But you shall zee as I ne-var intrudemyself. I shall have ze pleazure during ze evening. " Gusher blushed andwithdrew to another part of the ball room, where he captured Mrs. Topman, who was delighted at having such a partner for the first dance. Mrs. Topman was indeed popular as a dancing lady, and nothing pleasedher better than to show her skill in the art in company with Gusher, whom all the pretty young girls said moved so nice on his feet. 

The music now struck up and fell softly and sweetly on the ear, and thedancing began, and each figure seemed floating in the very poetry ofmotion, until the bewitching scene carried the mind away captive in itsgyrations. 

Mattie had never seen Mr. Romer, nor indeed heard of him before thatnight. She knew nothing of the relations existing between him andGusher. She was equally a stranger to Mr. Gusher's antecedents. Her mindhad, however, for some time been engaged trying to solve the mysteriousagency that had brought him into business relations with her father. Being a girl of fixed character and good common sense, it was onlynatural that she should entertain an instinctive dislike for Gusher, inwhom she saw a nature, if not really bad, at least frivolous andartificial. 

The unexpected meeting between Romer and Gusher threw a shadow over theentertainment, so far as it affected the latter. Here he had been forweeks sounding the trumpet of Mrs. Chapman's ball, and looking forwardto it as the means of making a temple of triumph of himself, andcaptivating no end of female hearts, Mattie's included; but how sadly hewas disappointed. It had suddenly thrown around him a chain ofdifficulties that might blast his ambition, destroy all his hopes, andcause the veil he supposed was forever drawn over his past life to belifted. The only way he saw of extricating himself from thesedifficulties, of cutting through them as it were, was by the force andskilful exercise of great coolness and impudence, and these he resolvedto use, and use quickly. 

And while the dancing was progressing a number of young fellows, whofound more congenial enjoyment in their glasses and cigars, were seatedat a table in a room down stairs, which Mrs. Chapman had provided as asort of free-and-easy for such of her guests as were inclined to enjoythemselves in their own way. Chapman had provided generously, both ofwines and cigars, which might have seemed strange to one of his Dogtownacquaintances. He had, however, so modified his ideas as to whatconstituted strict morality as to believe it would be nothing against aman in the other world that he had drank a glass of wine and smoked acigar in this. 

The young gentlemen were conducting themselves in a manner notrecognized in the rules of propriety. Indeed, they had smoked so many ofChapman's cigars, and uncorked so many bottles of his wine, and drankthe health of the family such a number of times, that they were fastlosing their wits. When, then, Bowles made his appearance in the room, to see if there was anything he could do for the gentlemen, he foundthem talking so strangely of his mistress, and making so free with herpersonal appearance, that he considered it an indignity he was bound todefend by putting on the severest look he was capable of. 

"Say, Charles, " said one of the young men, addressing a comrade as heraised his glass, "who did you get your card through? What sort of afamily is it, anyhow?"

"Got mine through Gusher. He's a kind of a spoon, you know. Don't knowanything of the fellow, particularly--met him outside, you know. He'smighty sweet on the filly. She's pretty. Would'nt mind being sweet onher myself. I'd be a little afraid the old one would want to throwherself into the bargain. What a crusher of a mother-in-law she'd make, "returned the young man. 

"An odd-sized lot, anyhow, " interrupted a third. "How frightfully theold lady's got herself up, eh? What a melancholy little specimen ofhumanity she's got for a husband, eh? Who are the Chapmans, anyhow?"

"Devilish new, devilish new, " rejoined a fourth. "What a mixed lot theyhave got for company. "

"Fill up! fill up! gentlemen. Here's a bumper to the beautiful daughter. Beauty and modesty carry us all captive in their charms. Let us drink tothe daughter. " And they filled their glasses and drank Mattie's health. 

"When my missus inwites pussons to de ball, my missus 'specs dem argemmens what is inwited to presarve dar qualifications. If gemmen amgemmen den dey don't cum'd to my missus's ball to suffocate her!" saidBowles, expressing himself, and assuming an air of injured dignity. 

Bowles had to pay dear for his speech in defence of the family, for theyoung gentlemen surrounded him, and, getting him into a high chair atthe head of the table, compelled him to perform all sorts of antics fortheir amusement, such as making speeches and singing songs. They alsomade Bowles drink so many times to the lady whose livery he had thehonor to wear, that he lost his senses, and fancied himself fighting anyman who had said a word against the family. Indeed, it soon becamenecessary to extinguish Mr. Bowles, and to that end the young gentlemenrolled him up in the table-cover, and put him carefully away in acorner, where he soon went into a sound sleep, and remained until hismaster woke him up on the following morning. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

VERY PERPLEXING. 

While these young gentlemen were thus enjoying themselves, and takingsuch liberties with Mrs. Chapman's favorite servant, Romer entered theroom, and was followed in a few minutes by Gusher. They had again metunexpectedly, for there was something nervous and hesitating in Gusher'smanner. Romer seemed to be a general favorite with the young men, andthey insisted that he fill his glass and join them in drinking thehealth of the family. 

"You will pardon me, " said Romer, turning to Gusher when they had setdown their glasses; "I took the liberty I did up stairs throughmistake. "

"It is no matter, mine friend, " returned Gusher, patting Romer on theshoulder familiarly. "I ac-cept ze ap-pology. You are one gentleman, Iam sure. We shall be very good friends. " It was curious to see how quickGusher regained his confidence and coolness. 

"I mistook you for a gentleman I once met in Havana. I understand youhave been there, " resumed Romer, keeping his eyes steadily fixed onGusher. 

"My farer, he has very large estates in ze Havana. Mine friend, I loveze Havana. " Here Gusher put his hand to his heart, and became exuberant. "It make me so much joy to zink of ze day when I shall be back in mineown Havana. "

"Knew I had seen you there. You would'nt be likely to remember me, however. Let us fill our glasses, and drink to the pleasant days we havespent there--"

"Oh, it is so many years since I was so happy zare, " interrupted Gusher, coolly. 

They filled their glasses and drank to the happy days they had spent inHavana. "At least the wine may quicken your memory as to the time wemet. About the time I refer to, " continued Romer, still watchingGusher's manner carefully, "which was about the time we met, a fellow ofwonderful audacity was flourishing, and so attracting public attentionby his skill in rascality that little else was talked of. Louis Pintowas his real name; but he regarded names as a matter of no consequence, and used the names of rich and respectable gentlemen whenever anecessity demanded. "

"You shall give me zat hand, " replied Gusher, extending his hand andtaking Romer's, with an air of refreshing coolness. "You bring zegentleman to my mind. When I shall speak ze truth I shall say he was onegrand rascal, I remember him just so well as you shall see. "

"I am glad, " resumed Romer, "that you know him for a grand rascal. Rascal as he was, I had great admiration for him. He had threeremarkable virtues--impudence, coolness, and audacity. I call thesevirtues because a man possessing them may go through the world and havea history of his own. It was Louis's ambition to do the State someservice one day and ornament society with his presence the next. One dayhe relieved a rich old gentleman of his pretty daughter and twelvethousand ounces, and did both so cleverly that his skill was moreadmired than condemned. Carrying off the daughter did not seem to offendthe old gentleman so much; but his grief was so great over the loss ofhis ounces that he employed means of recovering them, and with them thethief, whom he had sent to prison to repent of the sin. Louis was ratherfond of a change, and accepted prison life as a relief from the laborsociety required of him, and as a necessary benefit to his health ratherthan a punishment. He once relieved me of some diamonds, and in such amanner as to make me remember him for his skill. "

"I tells you, mine friend, " interrupted Gusher, "zat grand rascal 'onarme in ze same way. He gets ze diamond. And I ne-var gets zat diamondback. He make me so much trouble. I am mistake for him so many times. "Gusher now proposed that they should fill their glasses again, whichthey did, the rest of the company joining and drinking to the health ofthe family. 

"That he is taken for you, " resumed Romer, "might be considered acompliment, as far as looks go. If I remember right the fellow wasexceedingly handsome. "

This seemed to excite Gusher's vanity. Laying his hand patronizingly onRomer's arm, he looked up in his face with a smile of injured innocence. "I care nosin for myself; it is wiz mine friend he make me so muchtrouble. "

"You're to be pitied, sir, very much to be pitied. Of course you are notPinto, and yet the dashing, handsome fellow will insist in traffickingon your reputation. How very aggravating to a gentleman of yourposition. It requires a genius to do that well. That's what I admiredPinto for. The fellow had such a number of family histories at histongue's end, and could apply any one of them so cleverly to his owncase. In short, he knew exactly how to suit his customer. But you willremember, Mr. Gusher, the most amusing thing of all was the number offathers he had. To-day he had a Spanish father, who had been through allthe wars of Spain; to-morrow his father was a Frenchman who had smelledpowder in all the battles fought by Napoleon. They were generals, too. There was one bad feature about Louis's fathers. They were allunfortunate gentlemen, who managed to fight on the wrong side, and gottheir estates confiscated and their families left destitute. "

Romer paused for a moment, but kept his eyes fixed on Gusher. Stillthere was no change in his countenance. The young gentlemen who had beenso merry but a few minutes before, now put down their glasses andlistened with intense interest to the conversation. 

"You shall zee, mine friend, (wiz your permizion I shall call you minefriend, ") replied Gusher, still cool and nonchalant, and again givingRomer's hand a decided shake, "I have hear zat grand rascal tell ze samestory so many times. You shall know zat I meets ze grand rascal onBroadway--a few days ago--"

"You met him in New York, eh?" resumed Romer, affecting great surprise. "Looking just as fresh and rosy as ever, I suppose, and as ready to givehimself up to the business of ornamenting society. " Romer patted Gusheron the shoulder familiarly, and smiled. 

"If you should meet him again, " he resumed, playfully, "and it is morethan likely you will--stop him. He does'nt take offence easily. Keepyour eye on him. Tell him you are a friend of his, and have a lady witha fortune you would like to introduce him to. That will gain hisconfidence. Then slip this card into his hand. It contains my address. Tell him I am an old friend of his, and have some old and importantbusiness I would like to settle. Don't let your modesty interfere withyour intentions, you know. "

Gusher took the card, and after affecting to read the name placed it inhis pocket, without exhibiting the slightest change of countenance. "Youshall zee I shall do myself ze 'onar of being your diplomat, " said he, bowing himself formally out of the room. 

"Romer, old fellow, what's up?" enquired one of the young men. "A spoon, ain't he, Romer?"

"Not so much of a spoon, I take it, " said another. "Considers himself aplanet illuminating the social hemisphere of the Chapman family. "

"You must pardon me, gentlemen, " said Romer, "for introducing aconversation so strange to you. It refers to a matter which concerns thegentleman and myself, which he perfectly understands, and you may hearmore of soon--not now. "

Another, and very different scene from that described above, but whichforms an essential part of this history, was being enacted just outside. While the sound of the music was reverberating over Bowling Green, andmingling curiously with the sea-wail; while the dance went on, and allseemed gay and festive within, two old men, bent with age and poorlyclad, were seen in front of Chapman's house, one of them leaning on astaff. They were the two shadowy figures seen on the Battery in theearly part of the evening, looking anxiously out in the direction of aship at anchor in the stream. 

Their manner indicated that they were strangers in the city, uncertainof the location they were in. They would move slowly up and down infront of the house, then pause and listen to the music, the tripping offeet, and the sound of merry voices. The shadowy figures seen flittingthrough the curtains seemed to bewilder them. Then, after consultingtogether for a few minutes, and as if armed with some new resolution, they would ascend two or three steps, as if intent on seeking admissionto the house. Then their resolution would seem to fail them, they wouldhesitate, and return slowly and reluctantly to the sidewalk. 

Then he of the staff stood in the shadow of the street lamp, and as hedid so his kindly but wrinkled face, his white, flowing beard and hair, reflected in the dim light, formed a striking picture of age madetouching by sorrow. Then his eyes brightened and his lips quivered, andafter looking sorrowfully up at the scene before him for severalminutes, he motioned his companion to him, laid his trembling hand onhis arm, and said:

"Tar pees no shustice in dis. He prings shorrow hinto mine house, untshust now his house pees full of peeples what rejoices. I gits minepreat mit t' sweet of mine prow, so ven I ties I ties mit mineconscience so clear as I shays t' mine Got, ven I meets mine Got, darpees no tirt on mine hands. If I only gits some news from mine poorTite, Critchel, some shoy comes t' mine poor heart. " And he shook hishead as he said this, and leaned on his staff, and tears coursed downhis wrinkled face. 

The old man was overcome, and had no power to restrain his emotions. Itwas several minutes before he regained control of his feelings. Then heraised his head, and wiping his wet, dripping beard, he pointed with thefore-finger of his right hand upward, and resumed: "Critchel!" said he, in a tone as decided as it was touching, "Critchel! if tar pees un shustGot, un I knows in mine heart as tar pees un shust Got, He come to mineaid, unt He shows he pees angry mit t' man vat shays he pees minefriend t'tay un prings shorrow into mine house to-morrow. "

"God will make a just reckoning with us all--depend on that, Hanz, "replied the other. "But it will do no good to stand here. We must waituntil to-morrow. " And the two old men proceeded up Broadway and wereshut from sight in the mist. It will hardly be necessary to tell thereader that one was Hanz Toodleburg, the other Doctor Critchel. 

Two days before the sheriff of the county had seriously disturbed thepeace of Hanz's little house by walking in and making service of a legaldocument of immense length--Topman and Gusher vs. Hanz Toodleburg--andin which the names were recapitulated so many times, and in so manydifferent ways, as to bewilder Hanz's mind and send him into a state ofdeep distress. In short, Topman and Gusher, (Chapman's name was notmentioned, and for reasons which any sharp gentleman of the legalprofession will understand, ) had entered suit against Hanz, charging himwith having made certain contracts he had not fulfilled, of procuringmoney and certain other property for the sale of secrets he did notpossess, and indeed of having deceived and defrauded the plaintiffs, andof committing crimes enough to have sent at least a dozen men to thepenitentiary. And all this to the serious damage, as well in reputationas pocket, of the highly enterprising and rapidly advancing firm ofTopman and Gusher. And the plaintiffs prayed, as virtuous gentlemen areknown to pray in such cases, that the defendant's property might beattached, and such damages decreed as in the discretion of the courtjustice demanded. 

The great Kidd Discovery Company was bearing bitter fruit for Hanz. Never before had a sheriff darkened his door, for it had been the aimof his life to owe no man a shilling, and never to quarrel with aneighbor. But here he was with law enough for a life-time, and all fordoing a kindness for people he thought honest. He saw Chapman's fingerat the bottom of the transaction, but the more he pondered over histroubles the more his mind got bewildered. He knew that before a courthis simple story would weigh as nothing against the proof they couldbring that he had been associated in some suspicious way with all thecircumstances which led to the formation of the great Kidd DiscoveryCompany. There, too, was a paper, bearing his own signature, and indeeda confession of guilt. 

In the midst of his grief it occurred to Hanz that a man who hadinvented so many religions must be something of a Christian, so heresolved to see him face to face, and have an honest talk with him. Tothat end he persuaded Critchel, who was his friend and adviser always, to bear him company into the city. He forgot that there were religions, based on what are called advanced ideas, and invented so plentifully incertain portions of New England, having little of either heart or soulin them, and which are in truth a cheap commodity, used more to advancecommercial than spiritual purposes. 

There was still another reason why these two old men were found in thecity on that night. Nothing had been heard from Tite, or indeed the shipon which he sailed, for more than a year, and great anxiety was felt forher safety. A report, however, had reached Nyack that day that one ofthe Hudson Company's ships had arrived at New York, and the hope thatshe might bring some tidings of the ship Pacific quickened his actions. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

AN UNLUCKY VOYAGE. 

Let us go a little back, reader, and trace the course of the shipPacific and those on board of her. The iceberg had rendered her almosthelpless, and we left her bearing up for Punta Arenas. Having madetemporary repairs there she sailed for Coquimbo, where she wasthoroughly refitted and provided with new anchors and chains. The greatexpense and delay incident to this had seriously interfered with theprospects of the voyage, and to such of the crew and officers as were onshares left but little hope of returns. This naturally produced afeeling of discouragement and despondency. 

And when the ship was about to proceed on her voyage to cruise among theislands of the Pacific, the second officer disappeared mysteriously, andCoquimbo was searched in vain for him. Tite was accordingly promoted tofill his place. The crew had great confidence in him, for he had shownhimself not only the best sailor on board, but had exhibited in cases ofgreat peril such quickness and courage as are necessary to the higheststandard of seamanship. Hence it was that the change, while it did notdispel the gloom occasioned by the second officer's mysteriousdisappearance, gave satisfaction to all on board, except, perhaps, Mr. Higgins, the first officer, who had almost from the day of leaving NewYork regarded Tite with a feeling of undisguised jealousy. 

The lucky old ship Pacific, with her famous old whale-killing captain, had made a bad voyage of it this time. 

Fifteen months had passed since she took her departure off the Highlandsof New York, and now she had just weighed anchor, and with her canvasspread once more was bidding good bye to Coquimbo, and proceeding tocruise among the islands of the South Sea. 

Weeks passed and still the old ship tumbled and rolled about on theplacid waters of the Pacific, now touching at a port to get news of thewhaling fleet, now anchoring off some island to have a talk or tradewith the natives. But all the news the sturdy old captain could get wasbad. 

Bad luck had followed the whaling fleet through the Pacific that year. The habits of the whale in changing his locality at certain periods aresomewhat curious, and afford old sailors a subject for the most wild andunreasonable stories. The sailors, yielding to their superstitions, attributed the scarcity of whales to the appearance of a number ofmermaids, whom the natives on various islands had reported, and thesailors sincerely believed, had been seen and heard singing in variousparts of the Pacific that year, and under very suspicious circumstances. The sailors had also a superstition that whales entertain so great adislike for mermaids as to proceed to visit their friends and relativesin another sea as soon as they made their appearance. 

Captain Price Bottom declared he was too old a whale-killer to put anyfaith in the story of the mermaids. Whales, he said, had sense andpluck, and were not to be frightened away by such fish as mermaids. Hehad his deck cleared, his gear put in order, his boats' crews told off, and officers and men kept practising and made familiar with theirduties. Still not a whale showed his head, or blew a challenge to puttheir skill in practice. The bluff old captain began to feel at lastthat luck had left him. Morning after morning he would loom up in thecompanion way before the crew was up, gaze up at the lookout aloft, askthe usual questions concerning the night's sailing, then shake his headdespondingly. 

"Fifteen months out--sixteen months out--and not a whale killed!" hewould say. Then taking the glass he would make a turn or two of thequarter-deck, looking here and looking there, as if to satisfy himselfthat there was nothing between his ship and the horizon. Then loweringhis glass he would nod his head affirmatively, and say: "Mermaids ain'tgot nothin' at all to do with it. Somebody's been a tellin' them whalesI was comin'. Whales has got more sense some years than other years. Know when there's harpoons about as well as any of us, and keeps at acomfortable distance. "

One morning he appeared on deck in a more serious mood than usual. Titewas officer of the watch that morning, and the old captain, after pacingup and down the deck several times, apparently in deep study, approachedhim with his hand extended. 

"When I give a young man like you my hand, I gives him my heart, too. Ifthere's a man aboard of this ship what I respect, it's you, Mr. Toodleburg. Yes, sir, I respect you for your mother's sake, as well asfor your worth as a sailor and a man. " And he shook Tite cordially bythe hand, and spoke with such an emphasis. 

Then setting his glass down on the binnacle, he took Tite by the arm, and, whispering something in his ear, led him to the taffrail, as if hehad something of importance to communicate in private. 

"You have a sweetheart at home, I take it, Mr. Toodleburg?" he said, inquiringly, and assuming a very serious manner. "Every young man likeyou should have a sweetheart at home. Somebody to think about. Somebodyto cheer one up. Them we leaves at home is all men like you and me gothrough these hardships and disappointments for. "

Tite blushed and smiled, and made an evasive reply. 

"No use denying it, my hearty, " he resumed. "Knew ye had a sweetheartthinkin' of ye at home. Show her by yer conduct while yer away that yerworthy of her when yer get home. My sweetheart, God bless her! is allthe sunlight I have in a voyage of this kind. My little wife is mysweetheart, she is, Mr. Toodleburg. She an' the two little angels arethe sunlight of my heart. There ain't nobody sails the sea has a trimmerlittle craft of a sweetheart nor I have. " He paused for a minute, as ifto collect his distracted thoughts. "The man that would bring trouble toher door while I'm away--he would'nt be a man, Mr. Toodleburg, " heresumed, still preserving a serious countenance. "Had an ugly dream lastnight. That's what troubles me. Anything happens to me, Mr. Toodleburg, you're the man I looks to as a friend to my little sweetheart and themtwo angels at home. "

Tite assured him that he would do as he desired, and at the same timetried to dispel from his mind the gloomy forebodings impressed on it bythe dream. 

"Never had an ugly dream of that kind that it did'nt foretell somethin'bad, Mr. Toodleburg, " he replied to a remark made by Tite, that it wasnot wise to give one's self uneasiness concerning dreams. "There'ssharks a' land as well as sharks a' sea. Keep that in your mind, myhearty. And I dreamed that my time had come, and my poor littlesweetheart at home was surrounded by sharks ready to devour her. Made myblood boil, it did. Waked up feelin' for a harpoon to throw among 'em. My ghost'll haunt the man that wrongs my little sweetheart. 

"That's not all, my hearty. Somebody's brought bad luck aboard--that'scertain. A voyage begun in bad luck, as this ere voyage has been, neverends in good luck. But you're young, and so cheer up. Look ahead, andnever let present misfortunes discourage you. 

"England honors Scoresby to this day. And Scoresby was successful aftertwo voyages that ruined his owners. As to them mermaids frightening awaythe whales, it's all a superstition. The natives on Queen Charlotte'sisland have a superstition that there is an island down north of them, called No Man's island--for no man, as they say, was ever seen onit--where there is a subterranean sea peopled by these mermaids; andthat these mermaids have built them a palace, where they hold theirrevels and do all sorts of strange things, even to decoying navigatorsinto it. That story won't do. Don't believe a word of it, Mr. Toodleburg. "

That morning about ten o'clock the lookout aloft called, "Whale, O!" Theglad announcement sent a thrill of joy over every one on board. The crewturned out with cheerful faces, and every one looked eagerly in thedirection pointed to by the man aloft. 

"Where away?" was the quick enquiry from the deck. 

"Off the larboard bow--three miles. There he blows!" was the response. 

A light breeze was blowing, and the ship was bowling off four knots, with her port tacks aboard. There was no one on board more elated at theprospect than the sturdy old captain. Seizing his glass he looked for amoment in the direction indicated. 

"There he is!" he exclaimed, lowering his glass. "Clear away the boatsand bear away for him, my hearties. "

The lashings were cast away, the davit-tackle falls overhauled, and alarboard and starboard boat was launched and manned, and in a fewminutes they were dashing over the waves, the men pulling that steady, strong, and even stroke which gives such propelling force to thewhaleman's oar. The men on board cheered, and their cheers seemed toquicken the action of the boatmen. The sturdy old captain watched theirprogress through his glass, every few minutes giving expression to hisfeelings in words of hope and encouragement. 

"An old coaster, that whale is--thirty, yes, nearly forty barrels there. Got pluck, too, that whale has. Can always tell when a whale's gotpluck. Them old ones are ugly customers when they gets their pluck up, "he would say, nodding his head decidedly and encouragingly. 

The ship was now kept away a point or two, and proceeded under easysail. There was something thrilling in the scene, and every heart onboard beat with excitement as the boats went swiftly on, one commandedby the first officer, the other by Tite. Neither of these two young menhad seen a whale killed; but there were in the boats old whalemen, whohad successfully thrown both harpoon and lance. 

The huge monster could now be seen clearly with the naked eye by thoseon the ship's deck, sporting lazily on the surface, his bright blacksides now falling, now rising, like the hull of some water-logged ship, and throwing up thin white volumes of spray, over which the sun's raysreflected with singular brilliancy. Nearer and nearer the boatsapproached the monster, the first officer's boat being a little ahead. Now the stern boat ceased pulling, and the men laid on their oars. Thenthe other slackened her speed, and began pulling with cautious and quietstroke. The lookout announced that the head boat had made the whale, andthe men climbed the ship's rigging to witness the struggle. They weredoomed to temporary disappointment, however, for the whale, suddenlydiscovering his pursuers, made a vault and a plunge, tossed the sea intocommotion, and disappeared. 

"That's what comes of sendin' an amateur after an old whale, " said thecaptain, thrusting his hands deep into his nether pockets, shrugging hisshoulders, and pacing nervously up and down the deck. 

A signal was now made from the ship directing the boats what course tokeep, for experience had taught the old captain what course the whalewould take, and where he would be most likely to appear again. It wasnearly half an hour before the monster lifted his huge, dripping sidesabove the surface again, but so near the first officer's boat that aharpoon was let go. They had fastened to him, and the scene became moreexciting. 

"Bad strike, " said the captain, shaking his head and stamping his feet. "That whale's going to die hard. " The harpoon, in short, had fallenweak, had failed to touch a vital part, and had made one of those woundswhich excite a whale to attack his pursuers. 

The word "astern" was given as soon as the harpoon was thrown. Themonster threw up a thin wreath of slightly discolored spray, and set offat a velocity of speed almost incredible. Away he went, the boatfollowing in his wake and cutting the water like a thing of life--theboat-steerer and line-tender carefully watching every movement, for thelives of all on board depended on their vigilance. The whale struck hiscourse directly across the ship's bow, less than a mile away. The boatTite commanded followed, with all the strength her crew could put ontheir oars. 

It was easy to read in the captain's manner, however, that all was notgoing well with the boats. He quickly ordered a third boat launched, supplied with gear, and the best oarsmen on board to hold themselvesready to man it. 

"Thar'll be a fight when that ar whale rises, " he muttered, rather thanspoke. "Wants a lance in the right place, and a man to put it there. Mr. Higgins ain't the man for that work. "

The boat's speed began to slacken. The sharp, whizzing sound, caused bythe rapid paying-out of the line and its great tension, graduallysubsided. It was evident the whale was coming up to blow, perhaps changehis course, perhaps attack his assailants. He had crossed the ship'scourse, and the head boat was nearly two miles off the starboard bow, the stern boat rapidly coming up. 

The water just ahead of the boat began to quiver and curl into eddies, then the huge monster lifted himself, as it were, high above thesurface, struck his flukes, and lashed the sea into a foam. This lastedfor several minutes, the boat pulling for him with all the strength ofher oarsmen. But when nearly alongside of the whale she suddenlyslackened her speed, then stopped, then went "astern hard. " It wasevident to those on board the ship that something was wrong, for theboat seemed to be manoeuvring more for her own safety than to gain aposition from which a lance could be hurled with effect. 

"Too many landsmen in that boat!" said the old captain, who had beencarefully watching every movement through his glass; now hoping, nowfearing. He shook his head doubtingly, and paced the deck nervously forseveral minutes. Then, as if there was something it was necessary forhim to set right, he turned to the officer of the watch, and ordered himto have the third boat manned. In another minute he was standing in thebow, lance in hand. 

"Pull away for him, my hearty bullies, " he said; and the men plied theiroars, and away the boat went, skimming over the water like a sea-bird. There was resolution and courage depicted in every feature of thatbronzed face. 

The whale had now turned and was proceeding with open jaws to attack thefirst officer's boat. Another minute and he would have destroyed it, andperhaps all on board. Just at that moment Tite's boat came up, and witha quick, bold, and dexterous movement, rounded close under the whale'soff side, and with a strong arm sent a lance home. That lance made adeep and fatal wound. The enraged monster forgot in a moment the objecthe was in pursuit of, threw up a volume of deep red spray, then making adesperate plunge, disappeared. He had no intention of giving up thebattle, however. He merely sought relief for his wounds in deep water. The boats now waited and watched for the result. After waiting nearlytwenty minutes the monster rose again, directly ahead of the captain'sboat, and so near as to dash the spray into it. 

"Take that!" said the old captain; "that iron'll stop your fightin'. "And he hurled his lance, with quick and deadly aim, giving an order atthe same time to "astern hard. " But before sternway could be got on theboat, the infuriated monster made a sudden turn, dashed upon and stoveit into fragments. 

The famous old whale-killer had hurled his last lance, had killed hislast whale. The dying monster, in making a last struggle with hisenemies, had struck the captain with his fluke, and he sunk never torise again. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

DUNMAN'S CAVE. 

Flags hung at half mast the rest of that day, and minute guns were firedat sunset. And there was something sad and solemn in the dull, boomingsound as it echoed and reechoed over that broad and mysterious sea. Andwhen night came, and drew a dark curtain around the ship, and hertimbers murmured and complained, and every sail stood out in shadowagainst the clear sky, and the surface of the water seemed alive withsprites, flitting and dancing here and there, groups of sorrowing menwere seen gathered about the decks, giving expression to their grief atthe loss of their old captain. 

"God bless him! He was good to us all. There'll be no more whales tokill where he has gone. " These were the words of regret that fell fromlips that rarely invoked a prayer. 

At midnight, when the bells had struck, the crew gathered together onthe forward deck, and while one held a lamp another read the Episcopalservice for the burial of the dead. And as the light at times reflectedeach figure of the group, giving it a phantom-like appearance, thepicture presented was sad and impressive--such as can only be seen atsea, where each sound calls up some memory, and the sailor fancies hecan see the spirit of some departed friend in every flitting shadow. 

Officers and men alike began to feel how great was their loss. They werealone, as it were, on this broad and mysterious ocean, and they hadlost that odd old man who was their guiding spirit, and who never failedthem as friend and protector. All through that night the men watched andstrained their eyes in every direction, expecting to see the old sailorrise on some crest; and more than one sailor that night cheered hisdrooping feelings with the firm belief that some mysterious agency wouldgive them back the old captain before morning. 

There was no one on that ship, however, who felt the loss more seriouslythan Tite. It seemed to change all his prospects, to throw a shadow overhis future. He paced the deck, silent and thoughtful, until long aftermidnight. To him the captain had been not only a friend, but a father. Between them there had grown up the strongest of attachments. Tite hadlooked forward to the time when this odd old man would have lifted himinto the confidence of his owners, and perhaps secured his futureprosperity. 

All his hopes and joys seemed blasted now. Love, too, had been playingits bewitching part; amidst all these drawbacks and disappointments, love had been prompting his ambition with her dreams of a happy future. Mattie's image, so bright, so beautiful, had been with him everywhere, prompting his thoughts and actions as only the woman you love can, andmaking him more ambitious to secure that golden future his fancy hadpictured. Never before had his courage failed him. No matter what thedanger, he had felt that she was at his side, encouraging him. Now thegloomy thought of returning home penniless, with, indeed, nothing buthis adventures and misfortunes to offer her and his aged parents, beganto prey upon his mind, to make him sad and despondent. Then the adviceso often given him by the old captain, never to get discouraged, noteven under the most adverse circumstances, and that the brightest daywas sure to follow the darkest night, would cheer him up. 

When the whale had been taken aboard, the ship, under her new commander, Mr. Higgins, stood away into the North Pacific, where she cruised alongthe land, in the direction of Behring's Straits, for several weeks. Theprospect not seeming to brighten much, Mr. Higgins thought he would tryan experiment in what he called "high latitudes, " and to that end headedthe ship for the Auckland Islands. Now the crew had but little respectfor their new commander, and no confidence whatever in his skill as anavigator. 

After proceeding in this direction for ten days, one morning about fouro'clock the lookout called the attention of the officer of the watch tostrange sounds heard close ahead. It resembled the dull, sluggish soundof breakers on shore during a calm. The sounds became louder and seemedto be approaching the ship, but as her reckoning gave no land anywherenear, the cause of the sounds began to excite great alarm. The captainwas called and the crew turned out, and an effort made to put the shipon the other tack, but it was of no avail. An almost dead calmprevailed, and the ship refused to obey her helm. In short, the ship wasbeing carried rapidly forward in the grasp of a strong under-current. Aheavy fog hung like a pall overhead, enveloping the ship's royals andtop-gallant sails; and as the noise increased a strange feeling of aweand fear came over the crew, exciting their superstitions to the highestpitch. 

As the ship went on the sounds began to resemble the dashing and surgingof a heavy body of water forced by a strong tide through a narrowgorge. Still nothing could be seen of land, which increased the strangesensations produced by so singular a phenomenon. Nothing either crew orofficers could do would improve the situation, for in the ship'scondition they were as helpless as children. The lead was cast, andsixty fathoms called. It was now evident that there was land close by. But the trail of the line only showed the more clearly that the ship wasat the mercy of some rapid and dangerous current, perhaps being drawninto some whirlpool. Now the fog seemed to lift, and long lines of lightwere seen ahead, but it was only to be succeeded by greater darkness. Then the sounds began to change and vary; and while what seemed voiceswere heard singing and sighing overhead, the deep rush and roll ofwaters below had a strange and bewildering effect on the feelings. Nowthe moon seemed to be rising through the fog ahead, and a pale, whitelight gleamed for a few seconds, then disappeared, and all was darkagain. And as the ship advanced, the bold outline of a high and nearlyperpendicular bluff revealed itself above the fog, and had theappearance of hanging directly over the ship. There was no mistaking thedanger now. In a few minutes more the ship was between walls of rockthree hundred feet high, drifting swiftly through a narrow channel ofdeep and agitated water into a dark and dangerous cavern. 

The ship passed in under full sail; the atmosphere changed and becamesingularly oppressive; the very blood chilled; fear seized on all onboard, and men who a short time before were full of courage and strengthnow became as helpless as children. The current was less rapid inside, but the noise increased and became even more bewildering; while thebarometer would rise and fall quickly, and the compasses becameagitated under the influence of some strong magnetic disorder. Every fewminutes deep and rumbling sounds would break in the distance, roll alongthe cavern, and echo and reëcho through the great arches overhead. Andthese would be succeeded by soft, flute-like voices, mingling in chorus. The effect of this, in so dark and dungeon-like a place, where themighty hand of Nature had performed one of her wildest freaks, wasbewildering in the extreme, and gave wing to the strangest fancies. Hardly a word was spoken; not a brace manned, nor a sheet touched. Theship moved along as if directed by some unseen hand, for there was nowind in that deep, dark cavern. Then the water became broken, and thesurface checkered with phosphoric lights, flitting and dancing, like somany sprites on a revel. The arch overhead became covered with a palelight, which seemed to struggle against the darkness; then stars, orwhat appeared to be stars, were seen, as through a mist. Then they wouldsuddenly change into every variety of color, and reveal the existence ofmassive columns of basaltic rock supporting the arch. Still thedistracting sounds were heard, but no order was given concerning theship, scarcely a word exchanged between the men. They felt that theywere drifting into some unknown sea, perhaps some place of enchantment, where death was certain, and from whence nothing more would ever beheard of them. 

Could this be the mermaid's retreat of which the old captain had spoken, and of which the natives on Queen Charlotte's Island had such a strangesuperstition? Tite thought to himself. All the pleasant associations ofhome, all that he loved there, and all that he had hoped for, now roseup in his mind like a sweet and beautiful dream, only to be overshadowedby the terrible thoughts this strange and gloomy place had impressedupon him. There was no hope for him now; he felt that he should neverenjoy those scenes again. But what was that to the anguish of his poorold parents, who would linger on week after week, month after month, andyear after year, wondering and waiting in vain for some news of him, anddying of hope deferred. 

While he was thus musing a pale, aurora-like light broke in thedistance, directly ahead of the ship. Now it opened gently, now shutagain. Again it glimmered and gradually expanded until the whole cavernbecame aglow with light, and presented a scene of such enchanting beautythat all on board were spell-bound with admiration. Massive columns, grand and impressive, rose on every side to the very roof, and reflectedall the colors of the rainbow. And through them the gallant old shipcontinued to sail, like a phantom. 

This bright, bewitching scene continued for about fifteen minutes, whenthe light gradually died away, and all became dark and solemn. Thendeep, plunging sounds of falling water indicated with startling effectthat the ship was approaching a mighty cataract, down which she mustsoon plunge to her destruction. These sounds, made more terrible by thedarkness, were like death-knells, calling the men to prepare to meettheir doom. 

And while all on board were contemplating these sounds, the shipsuddenly careened a-starboard, a harsh, grating noise was heardoverhead, and quantities of broken crystallites began falling on deck. This was followed by a crashing sound, and the ship righted. Thetopmasts had fouled, and one after another were carried away and nowhung, a dangerous wreck. Then her gib-boom came in contact with one ofthe columns, and met the same fate. The ship now swung round and struckwith a violent shock on a sunken rock, and almost simultaneously hermainmast went by the board, she began to fill and settle down, and soonbecame a forlorn wreck. A short consultation was held between theofficers and men as to what was best to be done. There was, however, noalternative but to take to the boats, and make the best effort possibleto save life. There was no time to lose. Five boats were quicklylaunched, and manned, and supplied with such provisions and water ascould be procured in the hurry of the moment. An officer took command ofeach boat, and Tite managed to secure six of the best oarsmen on board. There was no excitement, no disorder. Everything was done with as muchorder and regularity as if nothing had occurred to interrupt discipline. 

And now when the five boats were ready, and the order given to "pullaway, " each man seemed to pause and take a last fond look at the oldship, as if a lingering affection caused him to part from her withreluctance. And as they stood taking this last look, the light againbroke forth, giving to the strange scene a weird and bewildering effect. 

The boats now pulled away, Tite's boat taking the lead. They had agreedto keep together as much as possible, (and to that end made signals atshort intervals, ) gain the ocean and seek relief along the shore. Darkness soon shut in again, however, and the noises were so bewilderingthat the signals from the boats could not be understood, and theyseparated never to meet again. 

We must now follow the fortunes of the boat commanded by Tite. He hadbeen fortunate enough to secure a compass, which, though it did himlittle good while in the cave, would be of great assistance to himoutside. The question as to how the entrance of the cave bore, and thesurest way of gaining it, was of most importance now. Tite estimatedthat they were at least ten miles from it, and that by steering directlyagainst the current, they could not fail to make it. After pullingsteadily for four hours, stopping only once to refresh themselves, theycame in sight of the entrance, and saw daylight beyond. A feeling of joynow came over the men, and three hearty cheers were given that echoedcuriously through the arches overhead. Still there was another andserious obstacle to contend with. A boar, or tidal wave, had made at theentrance, and was rushing in with a roaring noise and such force thatthe boat could not have stemmed it for a minute. It was therefore, necessary to seek safety behind some high rocks on one side of theentrance, and wait a change in the tide. After waiting in this positionfor nearly an hour they again put out, and headed for the entrance. Arapid current was still setting in, and the men had to pull with alltheir strength to stem it and gain the ocean. 

When they had gained the ocean they felt as if they had been suddenlytransferred to another world. After waiting several hours, and none ofthe other boats making their appearance, Tite headed his boat west andstood down the coast, close in shore, in the hope of finding a safelanding place, perhaps a friendly settlement. An almost perpendicularbluff of rocks, more than two hundred feet high, forming a walled coast, such as is seen in the Bay of Fundy, and at the foot of which the seadashed and broke, rendering it impossible to make a landing, extended asfar as the eye could reach. Along this frowning coast the boat sweptuntil nightfall; but not a human being was seen, nor a place where theycould land safely discovered. 

Three days and three nights they coasted along this bold sea-wall, andnow their provisions and water had given out, and such was theirsuffering from thirst, hunger, and cold, that two of the crew died fromsheer exhaustion. Indeed, it was only extraordinary exertion on the partof Tite, and his manner of encouraging the others, that kept them fromgiving up in despair. Early on the morning of the fourth day anindentation in the land was discovered, sloping into a quiet littlevalley, a place of welcome to the weary, through which a stream of waterwinded down into the sea. Each heart now beat high with joy. Deliverancehad come at last. The boat's head was directed toward the beach, but thewind had freshened, and a heavy surf was beating on shore, and unlessthe boat was skilfully handled there was great danger of swamping. Stillthe boat was kept on, and in less than half an hour from the time thebeach was discovered the boat was plunging through the breakers. 

On entering the surf an immense roller overtook the boat, lifted herhigh up on its crest, and, owing to some unskilful management, she wascapsized. The crew were tossed into the boiling surf, and left tostruggle with the receding waves for their lives. Tite's first thoughtwas to secure the boat, and seizing hold of the line he made a desperateeffort to gain the beach, and was successful, as were two of the men. The others were too weak to make much of a resistance, and were carriedaway by the undercurrent, and nothing more was seen of them. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

OLD DUNMAN AND THE PIRATE'S TREASURE. 

With only the drenched clothes they stood in, no means of lighting afire, and death from starvation staring them in the face, these threeshipwrecked men stood upon the beach of this strange island, stillhoping and wondering what was to be the next change in their condition. Was the island inhabited? By whom? What was the character of thenatives, and what sort of reception would they meet when found? Thesewere the questions which engaged their thoughts as they stood on thatlonely beach, hoping against hope, and every minute fancying somefriendly sail heaving in sight to relieve them from their perilousposition. After the darkest night comes the brightest day. This was everuppermost in Tite's mind, and he endeavored to impress its teachings onthe minds of his companions, who were fast yielding to their fears, andwould have given up in despair had not his stronger resolutionencouraged them still to hope for deliverance. 

There was an abundance of small shell-fish along the coast, and on thesethey subsisted. It was agreed to remain near the boat during the day, asa precaution against an attack from the natives, who might have seenthem approach the coast, and perhaps be watching their movements nearby. But the day passed and not a human being was seen. At nightfall acouple of goats and a pig, and some fowl that appeared to be keepingthem company, emerged from a thicket on a hillside, descended into avalley or ravine, and drank in the brook. The sight of these animalsfilled the hearts of the shipwrecked men with joy. It was to them aproof of civilization. New hopes, new joys, new strength came with thesight of these animals; and they advanced cautiously toward them. Butthe animals were shy, and scampered away up the hill at the first sightof the strangers. 

There was a high hill near by, and, encouraged by the sight of theseanimals, Tite started off just at dusk to ascend it and survey thesurrounding country, leaving his comrades on the beach to guard theboat. It was quite dark when Tite reached the top, but the stars wereout, and the atmosphere was clear. Not a habitation was to be seen, nothing but a wild, unbroken forest as far as the eye could reach. Hewatched there for an hour or more, his eyes quickened by anxiety, andhis mind becoming more and more excited, until his fancy pictured inevery shadow some moving object. Then, as his eye traced along down thedeep ravine, he discovered, or rather thought he discovered, a palewreath of smoke curling lazily upward, not more than a mile from wherehis comrades lay. What at first seemed only a fancy, now became areality, for the smoke increased in volume, and indicated with certaintya habitation of some kind. 

Descending the hill as quickly as he could, he found the two men fastasleep, overcome with fatigue and excitement, and it was with greatdifficulty that he could awake them. When, however, he told them what hehad discovered, their hearts filled with joy, and they sprang to theirfeet ready to follow him. Still they entertained a lurking fear that thesmoke might mark the bivouac of some savages who had watched theirmovements during the day, and lighted this fire to cook the eveningmeal. 

They followed the stream about two miles up the ravine, picking theirway over rocks and through a thick wood, until they came to a littlegurgling brook, cutting its way through a deep dell running at rightangles with the ravine. Here they rested for a short time, and carefullysurveyed the scene, excited by strange thoughts. A light suddenlyflashed from the opposite bank, not more than forty yards ahead. Thisevidently marked the object of their search. Then those familiar soundsmade by goats, fowls, and pigs were heard. Crossing the dell theyadvanced cautiously in the direction of the light. They had not gonefar, however, when an opening in the woods was discovered, in the centreof which a small, rude cabin, built of stones and mud, stood. A brightfire was burning inside, smoke was issuing from the rude chimney, andthe light shining through two square openings in the sides, wasreflecting curiously over the scene outside. 

Again the three men halted, and stood viewing the scene in silence, nowhoping, now fearing, now wondering what sort of beings inhabited thisstrange place. Still the domestic animals kept up those noises, sofamiliar to Tite's ear when at home. And these were broken at intervalsby what seemed the barking of a wolf. Now a strange and shadowy figurepassed and repassed in the cabin, its uncouth form reflecting every fewseconds in the light. Should they advance, enter the cabin, and see whothis strange being was, or return to the beach and wait until morning?This was the question which occupied their thoughts now. Impelled aswell, perhaps, by anxiety as necessity, Tite resolved to push on to thevery door. Leaving the men with orders to follow him at a shortdistance, he proceeded on cautiously until he reached the edge of theopening in which the cabin stood. 

He was now within a few paces of the door, when the fowls, which seemedto abound in the vicinity, discovering him, sounded the alarm. The cabindoor now opened, and there stood, in the shadow of the light, the figureof an old man bent with age, and dressed in the skin of a wolf, the longfur of which gave him more the appearance of an animal than a humanbeing. His face was like colored parchment, his mouth and cheekswrinkled and sunken, his eyes small, black and bright, his long, whitehair and flowing beard, his bony hands, which he raised every fewmoments and held over his long white eyelashes, as a shield to hissight, gave him a strange and witch-like appearance. 

There the two men, the figure in the door and Tite, stood for severalminutes gazing in silence, but with a look of astonishment, at eachother. The animals and fowls had gathered in a group about the old man, alarmed at the sight of a stranger. At length a thin, shrill voice brokethe silence by enquiring: "Who is it that comes here to disturb mypeace?"

"We are friends, " replied Tite, "shipwrecked sailors, in search ofshelter and food. "

[Illustration: The cabin door now opened, and there stood, in the shadowof the light, the figure of an old man bent with age, and dressed in theskin of a wolf. Page 216. ]

"Heaven pity you, and forgive me, " returned the old man, his eyesbeaming brighter and his whole manner becoming more earnest. "Heavenforgive me, you shall have both, and be welcome in my palace. Heavenforgive me, for this is my palace and I am king of this island. Come in, and such as I have you shall share with me. " And he advanced, took Titeby the hand, and led him into his cabin, the two men following. Spreading seal and wolf skins on the floor, he bid them be seated, whilehe prepared food for their supper. His motion was a shuffle rather thana walk, and he moved about the cabin more like an animal than a humanbeing. He seemed to have an abundant supply of dried fish, fowl, andfruit; of vegetables and roots, from which he made a beverage thatfilled the place of coffee. And with these and some goat's milk he soonset before them a supper, saying as he invited them to partake, "Heavenforgive me for all my sins, and they are many. Your are countrymen of myown, and speak the same language. Ah, I had almost forgotten it, as theworld has forgotten me. Now it all comes back, and makes me feel happy. I am old, very old now. Heaven forgive me. There will be no more of poorold George Dunman soon. When he dies he will die with great sins on hishead. If sin can be washed out with sorrow, Heaven knows I have hadsorrow enough. " He advanced towards Tite, and laying his hand gently onhis shoulder, looked earnestly and intently into his face: "you areyoung, very young, " he said, "crime has made no wrinkles in your faceyet. Mine is full of age and crime, and a heart filled with remorse, have burned their deep seals into mine. Look you, young man, " and hepointed to his eyes, "these eyes were not made to weep. But this poorheart of mine is crushed with its crimes. " Here he pressed his righthand to his heart, and raised his eyes upwards, as if imploring Heaven'sforgiveness in silence. 

This continued invoking Heaven's forgiveness excited Tite's curiosity toknow something of the old man's strange and wonderful history, for healready began to feel that there was a terrible crime at the bottom ofit. When they had partaken of supper and were all seated around the fireon their skins, and nothing but the music of the brook was heardoutside, the old man requested Tite to give him an account of hisvoyage, together with the place and manner of their shipwreck. Tite wasglad to comply with the old man's request, for it afforded him anexcellent excuse for making a similar one. 

The reader has already been made familiar with Tite's unfortunatevoyage, hence it will not be necessary to repeat it. The recitalinterested the old man deeply, and when he had reached that part whichdescribed their troubles in the cave, the old man's eyes sparkled, andhis whole nature seemed to warm into enthusiasm. 

"There's where my ship lays, guns and all, " he said, pressing his handson his knees. "My men used to call this island 'No Man's Island, ' andthey named that place 'The Cave of Enchantment. ' Then they named itafter me. The natives on an island ten leagues from this have a queersuperstition concerning it. They call it the devil's last resting place, and assert that it is peopled by mermaids, who get honest navigatorsinto it, and then destroy them. My ship lays there, guns and all, " herepeated. 

When Tite had finished his story, the old man began his by saying:"Heaven forgive me, for I am a great sinner, and have much to answer forin the next world. I was born in Bristol, England. My father was aclergyman of the established church. I have no remembrance of my mother, for she died when I was an infant. When I was fifteen years old I wassent to sea as a means of bettering my morals. I served first on boardan Indiaman, made two voyages to China, and was wrecked on the coast ofMalabar; and when I got home my father or friends procured me theposition of midshipman on board a man-of-war. I served on board thefrigate Winchester, and other of His Majesty's ships, I did, for fifteenyears, and was only a midshipman at the end. Heaven forgive me for mysins. It seemed there was no promotion for me. I was then transferred toHis Majesty's packet service, and assigned to the brig Storm, carryingsix guns, and the mails between Plymouth and the North Americanprovinces. She was a beauty of a craft, that Storm was. She used tocarry a crowd of canvas, and jump the seas like a sea-bird. I was fouryears first officer of that craft, was proud of what she could do, andthe devil took advantage of my ambition, and created within me a longingto be in command of her, and make myself heroic by roaming unrestrainedon the free sea. That feeling kept increasing until it become a passionwith me. Then it was my misfortune to fall in love. Yes, love was amisfortune to me. I had courted and was engaged to the daughter of arich old man who had made all his money in the West Indies, and stillhad plantations there. 

"We were to be married on my return, after a voyage to North America. But I returned to find her married to a young officer who had sailedcompanion with me on board man-a-war, and who had professed greatfriendship for me only to deceive me. He had professed to be my friendand confident; and it was this that carried the knife of disappointmentto my very heart. I was denied an interview with the woman I had loved, even worshipped. The man who had professed to be my friend now turnedhis back on me, and denied me even an explanation. " All the fire therewas left in the old man now seemed to kindle into a blaze, and thefiercer elements of his nature took possession of him. 

"To make the matter worse, " he continued, "our good, kind, and bravecaptain was relieved, transferred back to the navy, and this man, whohad outraged my confidence and made my life wretched, appointed to fillhis place. I resolved to be revenged. But how could it be got? How couldI punish the man who had so wronged me without rebelling against mycountry, against God's laws, and against society? The devil told me itcould be done. 

"As it was not a question of conscience with me, in the frame of mind Iwas then in, there was no trouble in following the devil's advice. Iconceived a plan for sending this captain out of the world by theshortest road, seizing the ship, and roving unrestrained upon the freesea. It was soon found that there was enough on board to join theenterprise and share the spoils, and the plan was carried out when wewere half voyage over. That was fifty years ago. I shall never forgetthe terrible struggle of that night, nor the bloody work that was done. Heaven forgive me. When I had got command I ran the Storm into theCaribbean Sea, landed all who were suspected, as well as such as moreopenly opposed the enterprise, on an island, and then put away for thePacific via Cape Horn. When we got into the Pacific, we hoisted--. " Theold man paused suddenly and hung down, his head. "Heaven forgive me formy crimes, " he resumed, evidently in doubt about acknowledging the fullforce of his crimes. 

"I may as well tell you it all--shake the load free from my conscience, and ask you to join me in invoking Heaven's forgiveness. We hoisted theflag that sees an enemy in every other flag, and for three years theStorm scourged these seas from Cape Horn to Sands' Head. When ships, sent in pursuit of us, were searching along the west coast, we weremaking war on commerce on the coast of China. We had a name for everysea we entered, so as to make our pursuers think there was more than onevessel, and so divide their attention. 

"Yes, for three years we scourged these seas, and made war on land aswell as sea--capturing, plundering, murdering--yes, committing crimesthat shame manhood, and make me fear the vengeance of a just God. Andall for gold, gold, gold. And what good can gold do a man with aconscience haunted by crimes committed in getting it? Gold can do me nogood; but man is a mean animal at best; and you can so teach him incrime that he will commit the most revolting out of sheer wantonness. 

"We soon had more gold and jewels than we knew what to do with. Some ofour men left us and went home with enough to make them rich for the restof their lives. And we have buried enough on these islands to buy acity. Gold lost its charms with us, and crime became an excitement andan entertainment. 

"We discovered this island while cruising from one ocean to the other, and found on it some sailors, whose vessel had been wrecked near whereyou landed. They had been seven years here, and it is to them we areindebted for these animals and fowls. They lived contented, for they hadgiven up all hope of getting away, and are all dead now. We made thisplace a retreat, had a settlement here, after the wreck of the Storm inthe cave, of forty men. They are all dead but me. I have been here fortyyears--nine of them passed alone; and now my time has almost come. Itook the name of George Dunman because I had disgraced that of myparents, and because I am an outlaw, and I want to die here and beforgotten. "

It was after midnight when the old man finished his story. His mannerbecame nervous and restless, and it was evident there was something morehe wanted to disclose, but hesitated to do. 

The strangers accepted the old man's invitation, and took up their abodeunder his roof, finding plenty of food and kind treatment. But they soonbecame weary of so monotonous a life, and longing for some means ofreaching their homes and civilization, would visit the coast nearlyevery day, in the hope of seeing some friendly sail and effecting theirdeliverance. This anxiety to get away on the part of his new friends sopreyed on the old man's mind that his strength began to fail fast, andat the end of two months it became evident that his sands of life hadbut a few more days to run. 

Two months passed, and the weather was becoming cold. The old man was upearlier than usual one morning; still he seemed more feeble. He totteredabout the cabin, his frame shook and trembled, and his whole systemseemed to be under some new excitement. He had formed a strongattachment for Tite, whom he now approached with his hands extended. "Like you, " he said, grasping his hand firmly and looking up imploringlyinto his face, "I was young and handsome once. I am old and ugly now. Crime has written its ugly finger all over my face; has thrust itspoison into this poor heart of mine. Never let it lay one ugly finger onyour face. Make yours a life of joy, so that you may die happy. Oh, these poor old gray hairs of mine, this head that has sinned so much. "And he raised his hard, bony hand to his head, and tossed the long whitehair back over his shoulders. 

"Come with me, come with me, young man, " he resumed, grasping Tite bythe arm nervously and tottering to the door. When they got outside hewhispered in his ear: "You shall see where it is buried before I die. Ithas made my life wretched; it may make yours happy. " He paused for a fewseconds, and looking back, saw the two men standing watch at the door. "Come, " said he, beckoning to them, "you may as well come, too. "

The men joined them, and when they had reached a spot about twenty rodsfrom the cabin, they came to a square pile of stones, in a dark wood onthe side of a hill. The old man sat down, and resting his arms on thestones, continued: "Here, buried three feet below these stones, is goldand silver enough to make you all rich for life, and perhaps happy. Churches, convents, ships, and even life itself have contributed to it. All I now seek is peace in Heaven; and yet I cannot get that with thisgold, for it is the price of crime and death. Take it, take it; and whenmy life of sorrow is ended, and these poor old bones shall move no more, divide it among yourselves; and if Heaven sends you a deliverance fromthis lonely island, so live that it may bring you blessings, not curses, as it has done me. "

Three days after what I have described in the above paragraph tookplace, Tite and the two sailors returned from the coast and were alarmedto find the cabin deserted. They waited for a short time, and thensearched the woods in the vicinity, but could find nothing of the oldman. The compasses were there, and his nautical instruments were stillhanging on the wall, and the fire was nearly burned out. It had been hiscustom to have supper ready punctually when they returned. There was nowa strange and mysterious stillness about the place. Even the fowls andthe animals seemed silent. 

On proceeding to the spot where the treasure was buried, they found thelifeless body of the old pirate. Old Dunman was dead, and lay there, with two of his pet goats nestling at his side. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

MR. GUSHER SUSTAINS HIS CHARACTER. 

"Husband, dear; husband, dear, " said Mrs. Chapman, for I must againreturn to that lady, as she addressed her meek-looking little husband, "how distressing it would be if Mr. Gusher should turn out not to be Mr. Gusher. He is such a nice young gentleman, and so popular in society. Ifhe should turn out to be somebody else? He has been such a favorite atour house, you know. I am sure I should never survive such a scandal asthat. I am sure it would kill me--at least I should faint; I feel as ifI should faint now!" "Pray don't faint, pay dear, " interrupted Chapman, submissively, as she handed him a letter she had received that day fromMr. Romer. And as she did so, she got up and paced the room in a stateof great agitation. 

"Never faint, my dear, " resumed Chapman, "until you know what you arefainting for. There is nothing to be made by fainting or borrowingtrouble. " This conversation took place in the parlor one evening aboutthree weeks after the ball. Chapman read and reread the letter, and thenremained silent for several minutes. "Very strange, if true, my dear. But there may be a personal difficulty at the bottom of it, and theyoung man has taken this method of damaging Mr. Gusher's character. "

Mr. Romer presented his compliments to Mrs. Chapman, and, seeing theintimacy there was between her family and a person calling himself PhiloGusher, begged to inform her that the name of that individual was LouisPinto, a notorious and well-known impostor, who had fled from Havana, where he had been several times imprisoned, to escape punishment for hiscrimes. 

"Anything but that, my dear husband. I am sure my pride would neversurvive it. And to happen just when society--yes, my dear, the very bestof your Bowling Green people were beginning to leave cards. Another balland we should have brought the best of them down. "

"Another ball, my dear?" returned Chapman, with a sigh. "A ball a yearought to satisfy any respectable family. " Chapman was indeed becomingalarmed at his wife's extravagance and weakness for society. Herworldliness he feared would bring him to grief ere long. The last ballhad entailed the expense of new carpets; and the young gentlemen hadquite taken possession of the house, which they held until afterdaylight, and then went home in a very unsteady condition of the limbs. To make the matter worse, Bowles had been very much demoralized eversince, and now demanded another horse or his discharge. He had nocomplaint to make either about his pay or livery; but to have it thrownup to him every day, and by all the coachmen in the neighborhood, thathe was in the service of a one horse family, was more than his proudspirit could bear. 

Chapman held that dancing was not the profession of a gentleman, andthat balls had done nothing for the great moral progress of the world. In fine, his mind had been engaged for some time back on something moreserious; and he delighted his wife by telling her that he had beenworking up a great scheme for freeing and vitalizing all mankind. 

The door bell rang, and in another minute Mr. Gusher, all serene andelegant, was ushered into the lady's presence. Never was young gentlemanmore exquisitely upholstered. 

The lady extended her hand and received him cordially, saying she hadbeen looking for him with unusual anxiety. 

"I am very glad you have come, Mr. Gusher, " interposed Chapman. "My dearwife is oppressed with a little matter I am sure you can relieve. "

Mr. Gusher turned and thanked them for the high compliment thus paidhim. "You shall ze as I shall be so grateful for dis 'onar. And yourdaughter--she is well?"

"Very well--she was speaking of you kindly to-day. Here is somethingthat reached me to-day, Mr. Gusher, " she resumed, rising from her chairand handing him the letter, with a dignity of manner quite uncommon toher: "I am sure you will pardon me, sir, but it contains matter which, as a friend of yours, I have taken the liberty to submit. I make it arule to stand by a friend, you know. "

Gusher took the letter and began reading it with an air of unconcern. Then breaking out into a hearty laugh, he replied: "Zis grand rascal aswrite dis let-tar is one par-tick-lar friend of mine--"

"I am sure, sir, " rejoined Mrs. Chapman, "he is an enemy of yours, andno friend. That you can explain it all satisfactorily, I have no doubt. "

"Pardon, madam, pardon; this grand rascal I call him one friend. Ze'onar, madam, he is so much dear to me as my life. Oh yes, you shall zeeas my 'onar and mine country is more dear to me zan my life. Zis grandrascal, he is my friend be-cause he do me zis injury so many times, andin ze end he do me so much good. You shall zee zar was a lady. Zat lady, ze grand rascal as writes zis letter--it is so many years ago, as Ialmost forget--pays to her his compliment. Pardon, madam, zat ladyprefar me to ze gentleman. Zen zat gentleman he pays to me hiscompliment like one grand rascal. He persecute my 'onar, and he make meso many friends--"

"Really, Mr. Gusher, " interrupted Mrs. Chapman, encouragingly, "then itis all the result of jealousy? I had a suspicion that there wassomething of the kind at the bottom of it. "

"You shall zee, madam, it was be-cause ze lady prefar me. Zen I give zegrand rascal one pistol. " Here Mr. Gusher flourished his right hand. "You shall give me ze satisfaction as one gentleman he give to ze oser, I say. I gives to ze grand rascal one small sword. I say I shall have zesatisfaction one gentleman he will give to ze oser. No, madam, ze grandrascal, he is one small coward. He will not give me ze satisfaction. Ishall show you as this grand rascal tells not one word of ze truth. "

"I told you, my dear, " said Chapman, "that Mr. Gusher was a gentleman, and would explain it all to your satisfaction. "

Mrs. Chapman expressed herself highly gratified at what she had heard. But in order to put the matter beyond question, and to prove to herentire satisfaction that he was not only an innocent, but a much injuredgentleman, Gusher returned on the following day armed with a largenumber of letters, some of them sealed with great seals, the writerssetting forth that they had known the young gentleman from his birthup, that he was of irreproachable character, and his parents verydistinguished people. 

Of course the Chapmans were entirely satisfied. Indeed Mr. Gusher soturned his guns on Mr. Romer as to make his position extremelyuncomfortable. Both were guests at the old City Hotel, where Gusher wasa great favorite with all the young ladies, and to whom he related hisdifficulty with Romer. In short, he so enlisted their sympathies in hisbehalf that they were ready to join him in ejecting Romer from the houseas a slanderer. One said what a mean thing he must be to slander thehandsome young foreigner in that way. A second tossed and turned herhead aside when she met him, and pouted her pretty lips to let him knowwhat she meant. A third refused to return his bow, while a fourth gavehim the cut direct. There was no standing up against such a storm offemale indignation as he now found blowing about his ears. He saw, also, that to have attempted to sustain his charges with proof would only besheer folly. In short, there was nothing for the plain young outspokenAmerican to do but surrender the field to the handsome young foreignerand his female admirers, seek respectful treatment beyond the sound oftheir voices--and wait. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES. 

Oh, what a sweet charm there is in hope. How it beguiles the ambitiouslover, causes him to build castles he finds crushed at last under hisdisappointments. How gently it lifts the drooping heart into an higherrealm of cheerfulness, still gilding and brightening the future. Dayafter day and week after week it carries the timid, desponding soul overits sea of trouble and disappointment, and pictures its love-dream incolors more and more beautiful. How it ensnares us, and then betrays uswith its false visions of future bliss. It beguiles both you and me withits featly spun tales of fame and riches, which it weaves so ingeniouslyinto its fascinating web. 

Such were the thoughts invading Mattie's mind as she sat at the parlorwindow one morning, looking out over Bowling Green, contemplating thestrange influences by which she was surrounded, and wondering what thefuture would bring her. There was something so earnest and yet so kindlyin that pale, expressive face, and those soft blue eyes. 

She had counted the days since Tite sailed. It was nearly three yearsago, and only one letter had been received from him. There was a reportin circulation now that the ship, with all on board, was lost. Andalthough this report could not be traced to any reliable source, it wascredited by the owners, who had heard nothing of the ship since she leftCoquimbo. 

The love Mattie bore Tite burned as brightly now as on the day whenfirst it was kindled. She had thought of him always, dreamed of him, prayed for him, for she had the heart of a good and true woman. Yes, shehad followed Tite in her love-dream through all the strange depths ofthat mysterious ocean. But the more she traced for him the more itseemed to deepen her disappointment. Still hope flattered her lingeringlove, cheered her, and brightened the star of her future. Hope came tocheer the heart that had longed for relief so lovingly, that had begunto yield to the stormy forebodings which hope deferred oppresses thesoul with. 

Notwithstanding all this, fear at times seemed to get the better of herresolution. How she had watched and waited, and yet there was no tidingsof his coming. 

Was Tite lost? If so, how, and where was he lost? Must she give him upas gone forever? Must she give him up, and see him, and hold sweetcommunion with him, only in her love-dream, among the flowers fancypictures in the garden of our hopes? Must she forget the idol of herlove, transport her affections, yield to her mother's wishes, which weredaily becoming more pressing, and marry Mr. Gusher, a man she did noteven respect, much less love? In gratifying a mother's ambition shemight, perhaps, make her own life wretched. If Tite was lost, what wasto become of his aged parents, Hanz and Angeline? Their welfare seemedto concern her even more deeply than that of her own parents. Hanz hadfound means of communicating with her, had made her acquainted with allhis troubles, and now the day set for a hearing of his case was near athand. 

Mattie knew nothing really bad of Mr. Gusher. He had seemed to her oneof those uncertain characters who float about on the surface of societywithout having any fixed position in it, who have no legitimateoccupation, depend on chance for everything, and lead an artificial lifegenerally. Such men, it had seemed to her, were poor companions to saildown the stormy sea of life with. In Tite she saw something real, good, substantial; one of those young men who prosper and build up their ownfortunes and future, because they apply themselves steadily andenergetically to the legitimate pursuits of life. 

The door opened suddenly, and Mattie's reverie was interrupted by hermother, whose portly figure quite filled the space, for, in truth, thelady had enlarged her hip circumference with an unpardonable amount ofpadding. Mrs. Chapman expected distinguished company that day, and hadarrayed herself in a tantalizing amount of finery. For the first time, too, she had put her hair up in puffs, which was the fashion of the dayin Bowling Green. Indeed the lady flattered herself that there wasnothing in Bowling Green that could excel her in the magnificence of herupholstery. 

"Expecting company to-day, very distinguished company, too, " said Mrs. Chapman, advancing and bowing her head oppressively, "and how veryannoying not to be dressed as one wants to be. " After viewing herself inthe glass for several minutes, turning first one side and then theother, viewing and reviewing her skirts, and training her puffs intomore exact platoon, she turned to Mattie, and resumed, "Now tell me, mydaughter, how do my skirts hang? Does my dress become me? Do puffsbecome me? You see my face is a little broad--puffs will, I am afraid, make it look disadvantageously broad. Tell me now, my daughter, am Ipresentable?" Mrs. Chapman waited with an air of self-admiration for areply. "You have such good taste in such matters, my daughter;" sheconcluded. 

"Why, mother, " replied Mattie, smiling and viewing her mother from headto foot, "how very worldly you are getting, and so vain. Never saw youlook better--and so young. "

"I appreciate the compliment, my daughter, " returned Mrs. Chapman, dropping a bow and a courtesy. "A woman of my complexion may be excusedfor refusing to get old. "

"I was only joking, " resumed Mattie, laughing heartily. "My dear mothertakes everything so serious--"

"Come, come, " interrupted Mrs. Chapman, her face coloring, "does mydress become me? Am I presentable?"

"You are elegance itself, my dear mother, and would be presentableanywhere, " returned Mattie, with a merry twinkle of the eye. 

"That's what I wanted to know, " said Mrs. Chapman with a bow, and aslight motion backward. "And now, my daughter, " she resumed quickly, "this is a good time for having a very serious talk on a very important, but very different matter. What we were talking about yesterday, youknow. I hope you have made up your mind to banish Toodleburg. " Mrs. Chapman drew herself up into a stately attitude, and assumed a look ofuncommon severity. "You know how much your parents dote on you, mydaughter, and how much depends on you to give the family a firmstanding. " The lady tossed her head haughtily and pretentiously. Mattieremained silent and thoughtful. 

"Toodleburg's at the bottom of the sea--that's my opinion. And if hestays there it wouldn't distress me--it wouldn't, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, giving way to her temper and becoming more earnest. Just then tearsgushed into Mattie's eyes, and as they coursed down her cheeks told thetale of her sorrow. 

"What I said was intended for good advice, my daughter, not to woundyour feelings, " continued Mrs. Chapman. "Even if the young man shouldnot be at the bottom of the sea, we should never be presentable with himattached to the family--never in the world. Such a name, and such commonpeople for parents! What would Bowling Green say, my daughter? We mustall yield to the force of circumstances; and the circumstances are allagainst this Mr. Toodleburg tumbling himself into our family. " Shepaused suddenly, and again viewed her ponderous figure in the glass, nowadjusting one side of her skirts and then the other. "I wonder if thisdress really does become me? Green and orange are in harmony with acomplexion like mine, " she said, turning to Mattie, and waiting for areply. But Mattie was trying to relieve her feelings of the grief thatwas filling her eyes with tears. 

"To return to what I was saying, my daughter, sentimental marriages, Iwas going to say, (well, I will say it, ) are fools' marriages. Yes, theyare. Your father understands that. Never would have got him--never inthis world--if I had been given to sentimental love. Toodleburg's a goodenough young man in his place--but he's never, never coming back, mydaughter. But even if he was to come back, there's no place for him inour family. View these things, always do, through the eye ofphilosophy--I do. " Mrs. Chapman again paused, bowed her headadmonishingly, and extended her fat, waxy hands. Mattie still remainedsilent. 

"After all the polishing you have had, my daughter, to let your mind runto such an unpolished young man. Drag a family down when a family isgoing up, and there's the end of that family--with society I mean. " Mrs. Chapman tossed her head, and again returned to the mirror, saying as sheviewed herself in it: "Drag a low bred fellow into a well bred family, Irepeat, and down that family goes. "

"Well, well, my dear mother shall have it all her own way, " repliedMattie, cheering up and assuming an air of indifference. "Anything torelieve your anxiety, my dear mother. How nice it would be to have ahusband you admire so much, and to think that I obeyed your wishes ineverything. The fact is I had a very serious talk with Mr. Gusheryesterday--"

"You didn't offend him with your eccentricities, I hope?" Mrs. Chapmaninterrupted, enquiringly. "Mr. Gusher is such a polished gentleman, andso very sensitive. "

"I don't know how sensitive he may be, mother; but I told him justexactly what I thought, as I would have told any one else. I told himhow much you admired him, and what a favorite he was generally; and thatif I consented to accept him for a husband, it would be solely toaccommodate my dear mother--"

"How very obstinate my daughter is, " interposed Mrs. Chapman. "How verydistressing to have a daughter always in rebellion. "

"I am sure you would not have me flatter Mr. Gusher with a falsehood, mother, " resumed Mattie. "I tried to impress him with the fact that Iwas not good enough for so accomplished a gentleman; but he insistedthat I was, adding that he cared nothing for riches or station. As forloving him, I told him plainly I didn't think I ever could, though therewas no knowing what changes time might work in my feelings. I gave himmy hand, nevertheless, and told him if he took me it must be with theconsequences. "

Mr. Napoleon Bowles announced visitors, and this put an end to theconversation. The reader must know that this was not a voluntaryyielding on the part of Mattie to the wishes of her mother. She onlyadopted this course as part of a plan by which she hoped to gain time, during which Tite might return, and thus afford her the means ofaverting a dilemma into which her mother was forcing her. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

A TERRIBLE CALAMITY OVERTAKES THE FAMILY. 

It was not to be expected that so pushing a woman as Mrs. Chapman wouldbe turned from the object she had set her heart on by the interpositionof ordinary obstacles. She had taken good care to have the engagementpretty well trumpeted over Bowling Green; and in less than three monthsfrom the time what is described in the foregoing chapter occurred, thelady had a day fixed for the wedding ceremony, which, she declaredshould be on such a scale of magnificence as would astonish all NewYork, to say nothing of West Bowling Green. And now she was distractingher wits, and the wits of her friends, over what she called thepreliminaries extraordinary. Weddings, the lady said, must beilluminated according to the position of the family. And to that end anadditional amount of elegant furniture was got for the house, a newcarriage was ordered, and Mr. Napoleon Bowles was to appear in a newlivery, with top boots. Nor was the family finery to be neglected, forat least a dozen dressmakers had been employed for a month plying theirneedles. In short, this great coming event in the history of the Chapmanfamily had afforded Bowling Green enough to talk about for a month. 

The lady's meek looking little husband pleaded in vain for economy;suggested in vain his almost empty pocket. "A quiet family wedding, mydear, with a few honest-hearted friends invited, will be so much better, you know;" he would say, submissively. "You know what nice quietweddings we used to have at Dogtown, and how cheap they were. "

"Don't mention Dogtown, my dear; pray don't, my darling, " the lady wouldreply, a curl of contempt on her lips. "We live in New York, now. I wishwe had never known Dogtown--only common people marry in that way in NewYork. Never bring Dogtown into the house again, my darling. "

"Have it all your own way, my dear, " Chapman would conclude, knowingthere was nothing for him to do but surrender submissively. 

St. Paul's Church was to be decorated with flowers, for the young peoplewere to be married there, surrounded by gay and admiring friends, whowere to make the picture bright and sunny with their smiles andcongratulations. And there was to be a grand reception and a sumptuoussupper at the house; and the happiness of bride and bridegroom was to bedrunk in sparkling wine; and music and dancing was to animate the souland add charms to their joy-dream. 

Mrs. Chapman, I may add here, had a great weakness for distinctions. Shehad cards printed in gold, in blue, and in red. Such as received cardsprinted in gold were to consider themselves particularly honored. Inshort, she divided her guests into three classes--select friends, friends, and acquaintances, and sent them cards accordingly. This mannerof distinguishing between guests got the lady into a deal of trouble, and gave rise to much ill-feeling between those who held cards printedin gold and those holding ordinary red ones. Beau Pinks had been honoredwith a card printed in gold, which he said was a proof of the highesteem he was held in by the lady. In truth, the Beau took great pridein showing this card to the best Bowling Green society, and, with asuggestive nod of the head, saying he had got his best clothes ready, and was waiting to put in an appearance. Mrs. Chapman had alwaysregarded Pinks as a valuable capture, and if he came to the wedding, why, that would in part be gaining the advantage she desired, and in ameasure pay off the old score she had against a few of these nice oldBowling Green people. 

It must be said to Pinks' credit that he never declined an invitation toa wedding, and rarely missed a chance to mourn at a friend's funeral. 

And while Mrs. Chapman seemed to think of nothing else, and talk ofnothing else but this great coming event, Chapman had been noticed towear a more serious look than usual, and indeed to be in a morethoughtful mood. Indeed it was evident there was something on his mindcausing him deep anxiety, even distress. It was noticed, too, that hehad for several days gone to business earlier than usual and returnedlater. And when Mrs. Chapman requested an explanation, he would reply bysaying: "Matters at the counting-house require examining into, my dear. "In truth, the financial affairs of the great Kidd Discovery Company hadbegun to exhibit those infirmities which are a sure sign of speedywreck. 

And now the day was come when Mattie was to be married to Mr. Gusher. Itwas three years to-day since Tite bid her good-bye and sailed on hisvoyage, and it was to be her wedding-day. How strange the changed sceneseemed to her. 

It was one of those soft and balmy mornings in May, when nature seems toenchant us, and hold sweet communion with us through all her beauties. There was not a ripple on the water; white sails dotted the calmsurface of the bay, which seemed like a silvery lake quietly sleeping inthe embrace of pretty green hills, softened by the golden gleams of therising sun. The trees were in blossom; birds were filling the air withdelicious melody, but not a leaf stirred. 

The Chapman family were up before the sun that morning, and the wholehouse was astir ere Bowling Green had fairly waked up, or the din ofBroadway had broken the stillness. Chapman had spent a restless night, and seemed sad and downcast, as if some trouble he would fain concealwas weighing on his mind. He breakfasted alone that morning, and went tobusiness an hour earlier than usual, promising to return at one o'clock. He returned, however, at twelve, and in such a state of distress as toalarm the whole house. Indeed he entered the house more like a madmanthan a philosopher, and so alarmed Bowles by the wildness of his mannerand appearance, that he proceeded in a state of great excitement toinform his mistress. When, then, that lady entered the parlor she foundher husband stretched on the sofa, with his right hand pressing hisforehead, and apparently in a state of great distress. To her repeatedenquiries as to what produced this great distress, he would only answerby shaking his head and giving vent to the most pitiful groans. 

The lady could not fail to see that some great misfortune had overtakenher husband--something that might blast the dream of her golden future. 

"I hope, my dear, it is nothing that will interfere with the weddingto-day?" she enquired, her face already beginning to give out signs ofalarm. 

Chapman made no reply, but got quickly up from the sofa and paced theroom hurriedly, his hair tossed in to disorder, and in a state offrenzy. 

After pacing up and down the room in this manner for two or threeminutes, which seemed like hours to Mrs. Chapman, who had kept her eyesfixed on his every movement, he approached the lady, and with a wildstare, muttered rather than spoke: "A funeral, funeral, my dear--not awedding to-day. " Chapman pressed his hands to his head again, and weptlike a child. "Boundless iniquity, " he resumed, "fraud--deception--crime--disgrace--folly--extravagance--disappointment--poverty. What a sham theworld is! All, all is gone! No need for a clergyman here to-day. Thesheriff will be here in an hour. "

"My dear, my dear, do explain yourself, so that I may understand ourposition;" Mrs. Chapman interposed, her whole system yielding to theforce of excitement. "If the trouble is only of a transient nature, wemay still give the wedding--"

"Wedding! my dear, " interrupted Chapman, wiping the tears from his eyes. "There can be no wedding in this house to-day, for Gusher has turned outan impostor, and is in prison--. " Before he had time to say any more, the lady threw up her arms with an exclamation, shrieked and swooned. Chapman attempted to catch her in his arms as she was falling, but shecarried him to the floor under her great weight, and indeed caused himto feel alarmed for his own safety. Fortunately, Bowles entered theparlor just as his mistress fell, and seeing the danger his master wasin, ran to his relief, and after extracting him from his perilousposition, assisted in getting his mistress safely on the sofa, whererestoratives, such as are common where ladies are given to such ills, were applied. 

Chapman was indeed a man to be pitied. He had now more than his head andhands full of trouble. The care it was now necessary to bestow on hiswife (for she was above all else in his mind) in a great measurerelieved him of the excitement caused by his great financialmisfortunes. When, then, Mattie entered the parlor and found himcomparatively calm, she fancied her mother had swooned fromover-exertion on her behalf. Taking a seat beside her mother, she kissedand kissed her cheek, and proceeded to bestow upon her those attentionsher case demanded, and in so kind and gentle a manner as to show howdeep and true was the love she bore her. 

Chapman soon relieved Mattie's mind, by telling her all that hadhappened. As he concluded she grasped his hand firmly and imprinted akiss on his cheek. "Heaven be thanked, father, " she said, "it is a kindProvidence that directs all our destinies. I am free now. You arefree--free in your intentions--free in your conscience. I am happynow--happy because I shall not have to interpose my oath against yours. You shall know what I mean by that hereafter. "

While this was going on up stairs Bowles, his eyes protruding, and in astate of great alarm, entered the kitchen, where Bridget, the cook, andKitty, the chambermaid were at work, and stammered out: "Der don't be noweddin' in dis house to-day--peers to me--no how. Quid mortibus, portendibus--my missus am most dead. "

"To the pots wid yeer latin, ye nager, " said Bridget, seizing the tongsand holding them threatingly over his head. "To the pots wid yeer latin, ye nager. Spake so a dacent woman can understand what ye mane. " Toappease Bridget's wrath and save his head, Bowles condescended to useplain English in describing what had happened up stairs. 

"Much good may the faint do the big, auld woman, " said Bridget, with anair of indifference. "The divel takes a mighty good care of his own. "

"Quid--mortibus--portendibus, " repeated Bowles, as Bridget ran to thedoor with the tongs upraised, causing him to beat a hasty retreat. 

"Bad luck to such a nager!" exclaimed Bridget, as Bowles shut the door. "Shure he thinks more about his latin and his livery an he do about hispriest. "

"Chapman, my dear Chapman, how crushing this all is, " the ladywhispered, as she began to recover her consciousness. "I feel more deadthan alive--I do. Send Bowles out. Do what you can to soften thedisappointment. Tell those who come it was all owing to unforeseencircumstances. Oh, my dear daughter, " she put her arm around Mattie'sneck, drew her to her and kissed her, "how can we look Bowling Green inthe face after this? We never shall, and yet your father is a scholarand a gentleman. "

Chapman's excitement began to return with his wife's recovery; indeed itsoon became her turn to soothe his troubled mind. 

"Gusher--the handsome young gentleman--is in prison, eh, and turns outto be--"

"My dear wife, " interrupted Chapman, again giving way to his feelings, "he turns out to be Louis Pinto, an impostor. That's the whole ofit--except what there may be in this paper. " He drew a newspaper fromhis pocket, and pointing to an article headed: "A Notorious Impostorcaught at Last, " said: "There, my dear, read that. " It gave a very longaccount, or rather history of the prisoner's exploits in Havana and NewOrleans, his operations in New York, financially as well as socially, and indeed all the circumstances attending his career since he arrivedin the city, his connection with the great Kidd Discovery Company, andnot forgetting to mention that he was to have been married this day to alovely and interesting young lady--the daughter of a highly respectablefamily. 

"Have read enough, my dear, " said Mrs. Chapman, putting the paper asidequietly. "Smelling salts, the ammonia, my daughter, " she whispered toMattie, and motioned her hand to bring them quickly. "I shall faintagain, I am sure I shall. "

"Don't let it worry you so much, mother, " replied Mattie, as she handedher the phial. "We ought all to be thankful that we have escaped with noworse disgrace. I at least am thankful. "

Mrs. Chapman shook her head, but made no reply for several minutes. Thenturning to her husband, she pressed her hands to her head and resumed:"My pride is crushed, and my courage all gone, gone, gone. BigelowChapman, my dear, when I married you I knew you were intellectuallygreat, and I looked forward to a brilliant future. The house is all darknow. "

"Extravagance, my dear, extravagance, " said Chapman, shaking his headsuggestively. "It is a master that will break down the best of us. "Topman and Mrs. Topman have been indulging in extravagance; Gusher hasbeen spending all the money he could get, and all the young men in theoffice went to doing the same. "And you, my darling--you know you havn'tlived--. " Chapman was going to say, "so economical. "

"But, my dear, " rejoined Mrs. Chapman quickly, and evidently inclined tochange the conversation: "It was not me who introduced the handsomeyoung gentleman into the house. "

"No, my dear--you only encouraged him when he was in, " replied Chapman, submissively. "I didn't tell you all, my dear, Topman is a forger, andis not to be found. And, and the worst of it is--and that is what hascaused all the trouble--the great Kidd Discovery Company is dead! That'swhere it is!"

"Dead, my dear, dead!" reiterated the astonished woman. "We call it goneup in Wall Street--"

"Couldn't you contrive some way, my dear, to lighten the disgrace?"

"Wall Street is in a state of excitement, the sheriff is in possessionof everything, and beggary stares me in the face--"

This conversation was interrupted by loud ringing of the hall bell, andin another minute Bowles opened the parlor door and the sheriff and oneof his deputies entered, and commenced their business. "Beg yourpardon, " said the sheriff, bowing politely, while his deputydeliberately took a seat and began a survey of everything within sight. "You must excuse any lack of ceremony on our part. It is a part of ourduty to do these things, and we try to relieve them as much as possibleof their painful features. " Then taking Chapman aside, he suggested thatthe ladies better be got up stairs. And while this was being done thedeputy entered the back parlor, and placing his hat on the pier table, began taking an inventory of all the furniture. 

"You will find my deputy a gentleman, " said the sheriff, addressingChapman when the ladies had left the parlor, "and if not such acompanion as you would prefer, I am compelled to leave him with you, andhope your esteem for him will improve on acquaintance. He will take aschedule of everything, and anything missing thereafter you will be heldresponsible for. " Thus saying, the gentleman bid Chapman a polite goodmorning, and hurried himself out of the house. 

Again the hall bell rang. This time Bowles brought in an unsealed note, grimy and discolored. Chapman immediately recognized it as from Gusher. He carried it up stairs to his dear wife, who read it aloud, for it wasaddressed to her, and read thus:

 "Pardon, madam, pardon. Zis one circumstance, he is so very disagreeable. My compliment to ze family, an Mr. Gusher, he beg to say as he shall be compel to forego ze pleasure of is marriage zis day wiz your daughter. He is one grand rascal what make me so much trouble. So many friend come to see me to-day. But ze suberscribed condition of my accommodation shall prevent ze carry out of my obligation wiz your lovely daughter. You shall zee, madam, as I am a man--yes, madam, a gentleman of 'onar. I shall get all my enemies undar my feet. Zen I shall do myself ze 'onar to marry your lovely daughter. Allow me, madam. I shall subscribe myself your friend. 

 "PHILO GUSHER. "

"Impudence to the very last, " said Mrs. Chapman; "he has brought thisdisgrace upon us, and now insults us in this way. " When Chapman returnedhe found the parlor doors locked, and was informed by the sheriff'sdeputy that he must confine himself to the kitchen and one room upstairs. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

A VERY PERPLEXING SITUATION. 

Wall Street was in a great flutter that day. A forgery, a defalcationthat to-day would cause but a ripple on the surface, would have at thatday sent the street into a tempest of excitement. A sheriff's deputystood at the door of the office of the great Kidd Discovery Company, anda crowd of anxious and excited people, who had invested their money andnow found they had lost it all, and had been made the victims of anaggravating fraud, surrounded the building. Threats and imprecations, enough to have sent a much more respectable house to the bottom of thesea, were heaped on the firm of Topman & Gusher. Nor indeed would ithave been safe for any one connected with that enterprising firm to haveshown his head in that assembly just at that time. 

"Gentlemen will understand that this consolidated establishment is in avery unconsolidated condition. No further business will be done untilits affairs are compromised;" the sheriff's deputy would announce, in aloud voice, as he endeavored to keep the crowd back. "There's only anempty safe, gentlemen, and some handsome office furniture, " he wouldejaculate. "You can't have them, you know. "

Extravagance had indeed swallowed up all the substance and left onlythese insignificant things for the crowd of anxious creditors to feasttheir eyes on. 

Rumor after rumor rang through Wall Street, each in turn increasing theamount of Topman's forgeries, and adding new names to the list of hisvictims. Bank ledgers were examined to see if the name of the firmappeared on them, and portly old directors put on their spectacles andcongratulated themselves that the concern did not owe them a shilling. Groups of excited men stood at street corners discussing in animatedtones the great event of the street. Everybody knew it must come. Nobodyexpected it would come so soon. 

The strangest thing of all was that no one knew anything of theantecedents of either member of the firm, or what the great KiddDiscovery Company was really based upon. Enterprising gentlemen hadbought and sold the stock, and made and lost money by it. That was allthey knew of it. The morning papers had given them an interestingaccount about Gusher; now some one was needed to tell them all aboutTopman--where he came from, who he was, and where he was to be found. There was enough to call him rascal now. Even those who had ridden inhis carriage, and enjoyed his dinners, and indeed thought him the bestof fellows a few weeks before, were now ready to give him the hardest ofkicks. 

In truth, the firm was a mystery in Wall Street, and its largestcreditors were in the greatest darkness concerning it. Some one hastruly said that in a great commercial city men are known only by theirenterprises and their successes; that their antecedents become lost inthe magnitude and rapidity with which events revolve. This isparticularly so with us. The firm of Topman & Gusher had fixed itself inPearl Street, and gone quietly into business without friends, acquaintances, or endorsers; and in a single year had secured bothcredit and respectability. And it had done this on what is toofrequently mistaken for energy and enterprise--show and pretension. 

Upon Chapman's shoulders, however, the crushing effect of this greatdisaster fell heaviest. Stripped of all he had, ruined, disgraced, hestood like one amazed at the suddenness of his own fall. He had builthis castles on sand, and now found them tumbling down, and crushing himunder the ruin. His avaricious nature had led him, not only to wrong, but to bring distress and ruin on the unsuspecting and simple-mindedDutch settlers. The wheel of fortune was turned now. He had himself beenruined, betrayed, and disgraced by the very men he had put confidence inand made partners of his guilt. He also had set a snare and invented aplot by which he expected to strip honest old Hanz Toodleburg of hisproperty, and now he had been caught in it himself. 

His daughter, Mattie, had already disclosed to him the fact that she hadoverheard the conversation between him and Topman, relative to themanner of entrapping Hanz, and knew the secret of their plot. And shehad appealed to him to save her the pain of bearing testimony that wouldconflict with his, to save an honest old man from poverty. The man ofgreat progressive ideas now found it necessary to invent some way ofescaping from what he saw would be worse than ruin and disgrace--acriminal's doom. His name had not appeared in the suit Topman & Gusherbrought against Hanz Toodleburg. Oh, no. Chapman was needed as a witnessto prove the signing of the papers, and all the circumstances relatingto the sale of the secret of Kidd's treasure. Poverty and misfortune hadnow stepped in to purify and direct a smitten conscience. 

He could not see his daughter further disgraced. Nor could he meet herin a court, giving testimony in conflict with his, and exposing hiscrime. He could only escape by coming out boldly, and doing justice tothe old man he had tried so hard to wrong. It would also be to hisadvantage to assume this virtue, for if the case were decided againstHanz he would gain nothing. The creditors would in that case get all theproperty, whereas, if he confessed his partnership in, and exposed theplot, and defeated the creditors, some benefit might result from it--atsome time. The son might still be alive, Chapman said to himself, and ifhe should form a connection with the family at some future day, (andthere was no knowing what might happen, ) why it was better to protectHanz and the property now. He well knew that Mattie had fixed heraffection on the young gentleman, and if he should ever return, nothingher mother could say hereafter would prevent their marriage. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

HARVEST SUNDAY. 

October was come again, the poetry of summer had almost departed, and itwas a quiet Sunday morning in the country. The bell on the little oldchurch by the hillside, at Nyack, was calling the plodding Dutchsettlers to morning service. The hard, hollow sounds of the old bellechoed harshly over the hills, and yet there was something in itsfamiliar sounds, and the quiet pastoral scenes it was associated with, that always moved our feelings, and prompted us to give them a pleasantresting place in our love. 

Cattle were resting in the fields, and their yokes hung on the gateposts that day. A soft, Indian-summer glow hung with transparent effectover the landscape; and a gentle wind whispered lovingly over the TappanZee. Autumn, too, had hung the trees in her brightest colors. 

It was Harvest Sunday, a sort of festive resting-day with the Dutchsettlers, who had gathered about the little church in great numbers, young and old, all dressed in their simple but neat attire. Others werequietly wending their way thitherward, along the lanes and through thefields. There they gathered about the little old church, a smiling, happy, and contented people, and waited for the Dominie, for it wastheir custom to meet him at the church door, and after exchanginggreetings, follow him like a loving flock into their seats. 

The Dominie was to preach his harvest sermon, and his flock was to joinhim in giving thanks to God for the bounties He had bestowed upon them. He had, indeed, blessed them with an abundant harvest that year; and nowthey had come to thank Him and be joyful. Conspicuous in the group wasthe little snuffy doctor, Critchel, looking happy among the people whoseills he had administered to for half a century. On Harvest-Sunday hecould kiss and caress the bright faced little children he had helpedbring into the world as fondly as a young mother. There, too, was theschoolmaster, with his ruddy face and his seedy clothes, ready to do hispart in making Harvest-Sunday pass pleasantly, for indeed the crop was amatter of importance with him. And there was Titus Bright, for the merrylittle inn-keeper would have considered such a gathering incompletewithout him. Titus was not so well thought of by the Dutch settlerssince he gave up his little tavern for a big one, and had taken toboarding fine folks from the city. 

And now the appearance of Hanz and Angeline, advancing slowly up theroad, for Hanz walked with a staff, created a pleasant diversion. Several of the young people ran to meet them, and greeted them with suchexpressions of welcome as must have filled their hearts with joy. 

When they had nearly reached the church, Critchel proceeded to meet themwith his hand extended. "Verily, good neighbor Hanz, " said he, aftergreeting the old people with a hearty shake of the hand, "the peoplehave had strange news to talk about for a week past. " Critchel shook hishead, looked serious, and taking Hanz by the arm, drew him aside. "ThisChapman has fallen to the ground, they say. "

"Mine friend Critchel, " returned Hanz, leaning on his staff, and castinga look upward. "I tolds you tar pees un shust Got; and now you shees howdat shust Got he pees mine friend. "

"Aye, verily, " rejoined Critchel, "and he lets them what builds castlesand lives like lords suffer their disappointments. Poor people like us, who work with their hands, stick to their lands, and pay their debts, have their castles in peace and contentment. "

"Tar pees shust so much wisdom in vat you shays, mine friend Critchel. In dis world tar pees nothin' sartin. Dis Chapman, he puts his money inhis pocket, and ven he gets his money in his pocket he gets rich andprout. Zen he goes to t' city so pig and prout as he can pe. Now hecomes pack from t' city, mit his pig vrow, and tar pees nobody as makesone pow to his pig vrow. Above tar pees one shust Got, Critchel. "

The misfortunes of the Chapman family, my reader must know, had beenfurnishing Nyack something to talk about for several months. But it wasonly with their return to town, which important event took place onemorning during the last week, that the quiet of Nyack was disturbed andthe gossips sent into a state of excitement. The family, indeed, returned as quietly as a family in misfortune could be expected to do, and put up at Bright's Inn, where, it was given out, they would live onthe wreck of their fortune until Chapman could see his way clear for anew start in the world. But little was seen of Mrs. Chapman, of whom itwas reported that she desired to live in retirement, and did not seevisitors. 

The lady, however, had resolved that Nyack should not turn up its nosewithout being kept in mind of the high social position the family hadheld in the city. And as a means of making the desired impression, andalso of finding relief for her injured feelings, she had broughtNapoleon Bowles into "retirement" with the family. And that faithfuldomestic accommodated his pride of a Sunday by dressing in his liveryand top-boots, and walking out, to the astonishment and amusement of acrowd of curious urchins, who were sure to gather about him. 

As for Chapman, he went about the town as if nothing had happened, renewing acquaintances, and declaring there was no honester man in thesettlement than Hanz Toodleburg; that the charges against his honesty, and his connection with the Kidd Discovery Company, were all scandals, got up by bad men; and that he had been deceived by them himself. 

During the few days Chapman had been in Nyack, he had made himselfappear so good a friend of Hanz that the honest settlers not only beganto express sympathy for him in his misfortunes, but to enquire what theycould do to put him on his feet again. When, however, he told them itwas not their sympathy he wanted, but their money to assist him inbuilding a steamboat two hundred feet long, and that he had matured aplan for a railroad, so that they might ride from Nyack to New York inan hour, they became alarmed, put their heads together wisely, anddeclared the man mad beyond cure. 

Here I must leave Chapman waiting to see his way clear. He came of thatold round-head stock which, wanting its way always, ready to meddle witheverything, never contented, ready to play the sycophant to gain power, selfish and arrogant in the use of it, is, nevertheless, found givingshape, action, and momentum to all our great enterprises. Out of all thetrouble Chapman had caused Nyack, there had come some good that wouldbe turned to account in the future. Misfortune had bowed, not broken hisspirit. He was again prepared to invent a new religion, to build achurch, to keep a boarding-house, to start a bank or run asteamboat--and all with modern improvements. 

The little church bell was still ringing, and the crowd still keptincreasing in numbers and cheerfulness. "The Dominie's coming! theDominie's coming! The Dominie's coming!" was lisped by a score of lips, as the attention of the people was attracted down the road. There theold Dominie came, mounted on a clumsy-footed, big-headed, bay cob--alittle bright-eyed girl, whose face was full of sweetness and love, anddressed in blue and white, riding behind him. His broad, kindly face, shadowed by a wide-brimmed hat, his flowing white hair, his quaintly cutcoat, with the ample side pocket, and his long, white necktie, presenteda picture so full of truth and simplicity as to be worthy of beingpreserved on canvas. He was, in truth, a figure belonging to an order ofthings that was fast passing way--at least along the banks of theHudson. 

Children clapped their hands and ran to meet him; girls greeted him withofferings of flowers; and when he had dismounted, both old and younggathered about him, lisping him a welcome and shaking him by the hand. There was nobody like Dominie Payson, and the love these people borehim, and now gave him so many expressions of, was true and heartfelt. And when he had kissed the children, and exchanged greetings and kindwords with their parents, he proceeded into the church, followed by hisflock. His sermon was, perhaps, one of the oddest ever listened to, forafter returning thanks for the bountiful harvest, and extending on thegoodness of God, and advising his flock to stick firmly to their farmsand their religion, that being the only true way of getting to Heaven, he turned his guns against Mr. And Mrs. Chapman, though he never oncementioned their names. He urged his flock to keep in mind always howmuch better off they were, how much more happy they were than those menwho came to town with the devil and a number of strange religions intheir heads. Such people, he added, always had the devil for a friend;and it was the devil who assisted them to get poor people's money. Andwith this money they dressed their wives in silks and satins, built bighouses, and lived like people who were very proud and never paid theirdebts, nor did a day's work on the roads. It was all well enough forthese men to talk of Heaven and put on pious faces, but Heaven wouldtake no notice of them while they gave themselves up to the temptationsof the devil and built steamboats and founded railroads, to kill honestpeople with, and ruin the country. 

"My friends, " said the Dominie, resting for a moment, and then charginghis guns for another fire at Chapman, "you have seen a man ready to sellhis soul for money enough to build a steamboat. Now he wants to build arailroad to get you out of the world quicker. " The Dominie shook hishead, wiped his brow, and again paused for a few seconds. "Let themdress their wives in satins and silks, let them ruin their country withtheir steamboats and railroads, let them build their big houses, go tothe city, get proud, waste all their money in folly and vice, and returnamong honest people with a sheriff at their heels, because they don'tpay nobody--but don't you go and do it. My friends--there will be anaccount to settle with these people who swell themselves up so big, whenroasting-day comes. You that have wives--look to them. Keep their heartspure and simple. Don't let them spend your money in silks and satins. Ifyou do, the sheriff locks up your door and puts the key in his pocket. "Thus the Dominie concluded, reminding his hearers that, as it wasHarvest-Sunday, they must not forget to be liberal with their sixpenceswhen the box came round. 

His hearers were greatly delighted, and declared they had not heard himpreach so good a sermon for many a day. And when he came down from thepulpit they congratulated him, and sundry extra pecks of wheat werepromised as a reward for the light he had favored them with. 

The day wore away pleasantly, and when evening came, when the gleams ofthe setting sun tipped the surrounding hills with golden light, anddusky shadows were creeping up the valley, the reader, if he had lookedin at Hanz Toodleburg's little house, might have seen one of thosequaint but pleasant pictures which are a fit ending of such a day. 

There, grouped around his table, sat the Dominie, Doctor Critchel, Bright the inn-keeper, and the schoolmaster, for Hanz had invited themto sup with him, and Angeline had prepared the best she had to setbefore them. There, too, was Tite's empty chair. There it stood, silentand touching, all the pleasant memories it once contained made sad nowby the mystery that enshrouded his long absence. There was his plate, and his knife and fork, all so bright and clean, set as regularly as ifhe were home, and guarded so tenderly. The eloquence of that vacantchair, appealing so directly to the finer sensibilities of every onepresent, left a deep and sad impression. Supper was nearly over beforeany of the guests had courage to refer to it. The Dominie at lengthraised his spectacles and addressing Angeline, said: "Heaven gives toevery house its idol. We have been blessed to-day, and made happy. Itwill yet please Heaven to bring back the idol of this house, and fillthat empty chair. I am sure we shall all be glad when the boy getshome. "

"When he does, there will be such a time at my house, " interposed theinn-keeper, nodding his head approvingly. "There's the parlor for him todo his courting in. And one of the prettiest little sweethearts iswaiting to give him such a welcome. God bless her--she isn't a bit likethe rest of them Chapmans--she isn't. "

"My school don't keep the day he comes home, " rejoined the schoolmaster, helping himself to another piece of pumpkin pie. 

The mention of Tite's name filled old Hanz's eyes with tears. He buriedhis face in his hands, and remained silent for several minutes, overcomeby his feelings. As soon as he had recovered control of them, he wipedthe tears from his eyes, and replied in broken sentences: "I vas shohappy ven mine Tite, mine poor poy Tite vas home. Peers as if now, minepoor poy he never comes home no more, he never prings shoy into minehouse no more. "

"Always look on the best side of things, neighbor Hanz, " replied theDominie. 

"Yah, put I gets sho old now. "

"It would not astonish me, " continued the Dominie, playfully, "if theyoung gentleman surprised us all to-night. Stranger things havehappened. " These remarks excited a feeling of anxiety. 

"I was on the other side of the river last night, " continued theDominie, "and the people there had a report from the city that thevessel he sailed in had been heard from. " Angeline quietly left thetable, for the wells of her heart were overflowing. 

"Tar shall come news as t' wessel mine Tite shails in comed pack, eh?"enquired Hanz, fixing his eyes steadily on the Dominie. 

"Not that she has arrived, " returned the Dominie, "but that there isnews of her--"

"Tar pees news, " muttered Hanz, his eyes glistening with anxiety. "Annopody tells me t' news before, eh? Tar pees shum news of t'at wessel, eh? Tar don't pee no news of mine poor Tite, eh?" The old man extendedhis trembling hand and grasped the Dominie's arm nervously, his facebecame as pale as marble, and his whole system shook with excitement. 

"Tar shall come news as t' wessel mine Tite shails in comes pack, " heejaculated, "an tar pees no news of mine poor poy, eh?" And he threw uphis arms, rested his head on the Dominie's shoulder and wept like achild. "No, mine Tite he ton't comes home no more, " he sobbed. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

RETURNED HOME. 

While the scene just closed was being enacted, a glance across the riverand down the road that skirts along the Hudson from Yonkers toTarrytown, would have discovered a light country wagon, drawn by asingle horse, and containing two men, advancing at a brisk pace. Theyhad nearly reached Dobbs' Ferry as the sun disappeared in the west. 

He who sat beside the driver, with his arms folded, and thoughtful, wasa tall, well-formed young man, with light hair that curled into hisneck, side whiskers, deep and intelligent blue eyes, a face that lightedup with a smile when he spoke, and which had been fair and handsome, butwas now scorched and sun-burnt. His hands, too, were small, but hard andweather-burnt, indicating that he had been accustomed to use them athard work. His dress was of blue petersham, looking neat and new, theshort coat buttoning square across his breast; and a tall hat set oddlyenough on a head evidently not accustomed to the fashion that dictatedsuch a covering. A broad, white shirt collar, turned carelessly down, was tied with a black silk handkerchief, the long ends of which hungoutside his coat. 

There was something mature and thoughtful in his manner, even beyond hisyears. The driver, an inquisitive fellow, had several times tried todraw him into conversation, that he might find out something concerninghim, for he seemed familiar with the names of places along the river, and yet kept up the disguise of a stranger. But on nothing, except thevessels passing up and down the river, did he seem inclined to becommunicative. On these he would make such remarks as showed familiaritywith the sea. Indeed his mind seemed absorbed in something of deep andpainful interest. 

They drew up at the little inn with the swinging sign near Dobbs' Ferry, for the driver said his horse was jaded, and needed feed and rest beforethey proceeded further, and were met by the short, corpulent landlord, who, after ordering the animal cared for, invited them into the house, saying there was a good supper ready. 

"It is sundown now, " said the passenger, in a tone of impatience, as healighted from the wagon, and received the landlord's extended hand, "andwe are still six miles away. You have forfeited the inducement I offeredto quicken your speed; but it is no offset to my disappointment. " Thiswas addressed to the driver, who muttered something, about the heavyroads, in reply, tossed his hat into a chair on the porch, and with anindependent and half-defiant air, walked into the house and took hisseat at the supper table. 

"'Tisn't the first time Sam's supped at my house, " said the landlord, bowing and inviting the stranger to walk in. "You'll walk in, sir, won'tyou? There's always a good supper at this house--kept it when KingGeorge's troops were about--only four shillin', sir, " the landlordcontinued, bowing and motioning his hand. But the stranger shook hishead negatively, drew a cigar from his pocket and politely requested thelandlord to give him a light. And when he had lighted his cigar, he drewa Spanish dollar from his pocket, and slipped it into the man's hand, saying it would pay for both their suppers, and he would take his whenthey returned. He, at the same time, begged the landlord to give himselfno concern about him, but to proceed to his supper, which he knew fromhis appearance he would enjoy. 

"Seein' how you're a gentleman, " said the landlord, bowing obsequiously, "there's three shillin' more for the horse--that squares it. "

"Certainly--I forgot the horse, " replied the stranger, drawing ahalf-dollar piece from his pocket and giving it to the landlord. 

"There's a shillin' comin' to you, " returned the landlord, putting themoney into one pocket, and feeling in the other, "Never mind theshilling, " said the stranger, "we will settle that another time. "

"Travellers always find a good bed at my house, and enough on the table. That's more than the fellow who keeps the house further on can say, "continued the landlord, again bowing and proceeding to his supper. 

The stranger now paced quickly and impatiently up and down the littleveranda, pausing every few minutes and looking out in the direction ofthe wagon, as if it contained something he was guarding with scrupulouscare. In short, the object of his solicitude was a stout, leathernvalise, in the wagon, and which was so heavy that it required thestrength of two ordinary men to handle it easily. 

Twenty minutes passed and the driver again made his appearance, wipinghis lips and buttoning up his coat unconcernedly. "Sorry to havedetained you, " he said, flapping his hat on. "Landlord says you'vesettled the shot--won't be long getting there now. " In another minutethey were in their seats and on the road to Tarrytown. 

It was nearly eight o'clock when they reached the old ferry, and foundit deserted for the night. The boatmen had ceased their regularcrossings nearly an hour before, and were quietly smoking their pipes athome. The moon was up, stars shone brightly in the serene sky, and not asail specked the unruffled surface of the Tappan Zee. Lights twinkled onthe opposite shore, and the little old town of Nyack was dimly seen. 

They waited a few minutes, and as no one appeared, the driver went insearch of the boatmen, saying a few extra shillings would make it allright with them. And while he was gone the stranger paced nervously andwith rapid steps up and down, every few seconds pausing at the pier-headand looking intently in the direction of Nyack. Was it joy heanticipated, or disappointment he feared? Something was agitating hisheart and filling his eyes with tears, for he several times turned hishead and wiped them away. And yet the more he watched in the directionof Nyack, the more restless and impatient he became. 

The driver returned after an absence of ten minutes, accompanied by twosturdy fellows, both of whom affected to be in bad humor at being calledon to ferry a traveller at that hour. With their hands thrust deep intotheir nether pockets, they moved reluctantly about, scanning thestranger from head to foot. "Couldn't stop this side till morning?"enquired one of them, in a grumbling tone. "I must cross to-night, "replied the stranger, in a decided voice. "Cross to-night, eh? Well, it's a long pull across there now, " muttered the man, blowing the ashesfrom his pipe and still affecting an air of indifference. Then raisinghis eyes and breaking a piece of tobacco between his fingers, heresumed: "Worth a matter of twelve shillin' extra--isn't it? Wouldn'tmind a trifle like that--I take it. "

"I must yield to your demands--of course. It is a necessity with me toget across as quick as possible, " replied the stranger, and drawing fromhis pocket two Spanish dollars, he gave them to the boatman, saying: "Wewill settle the matter now. Here is your pay in advance. "

The man took the money and at once became active and civil. "We must setthe gentleman across, Tom, " said he, addressing his comrade, andexposing the silver, "this makes it all right. "

The stranger now dismissed the driver with an extra dollar, for which heconsidered himself lucky, for he had not kept his promise to reach theferry by sundown. 

The boatman who acted as spokesman, in attempting to lift the valisefrom the wagon, let it fall to the ground, such was its great weight. "There's somethin' more nor clothes in that, " said the man, shaking hishead and raising his hands in an attitude of alarm. Then, with aninquisitive look at the stranger, he continued: "Hadn't no connectionwith them are Kidd Discovery Company folks? They was swindlers, theywas. "

"Never heard of such a company before. Get my things aboard, and let usbe away, " replied the stranger, in a tone of command. 

It required the strength of both boatmen to carry the valisecomfortably; and when they had got it aboard and the stranger seated inthe stern, for he said he could steer, they pulled away for the oppositeshore. Not a word was spoken for several minutes. At length the strangerbroke the silence. "How pleasant it seems, " he said, "to get back on theold Tappan Zee. Everything looks so familiar--"

"You have been here before, then?" enquired the man pulling the sternoar, and who had acted as spokesman. 

"Yes, " returned the stranger. "My home was just out of Nyack not manyyears ago. I may find things changed there now. Do you know many peopleover there?"

"Why yes--nearly everybody--"

"Dominie Payson--is he living?"

"If he didn't die since yesterday. He was over here yesterday. "

"And Doctor Critchel--you know him, I suppose? Is he alive?"

"Why, help you--he never intends to die. "

"And you know, I suppose;" here the stranger hesitated, and his voicethickened; "you know, I suppose, Hanz Toodleburg--and his--. Are theyliving?"

"Living! That they are--and right hearty, too. They tried to get the oldman mixed up in the Kidd Discovery affair--but they didn't. " The boatmanbent his head approvingly. 

"There was a Chapman family--are they still in Nyack?"

"They're there--but its not sayin' much for Nyack. They went to New Yorkproud, and as folks thought rich, for Chapman had his finger in schemesenough to get other people's money; but he com'd back poor as a crow, they say. "

The stranger's mind seemed to have been relieved of some great anxietyby these answers, and he at once became more cheerful and talkative. Heat the same time avoided saying anything that might discover who hewas. 

This caution excited the boatman's curiosity to such a pitch that heresolved to make a bold push to uncover the stranger. 

"Wouldn't take it amiss, would you?" said he, "if a man like me was toask what your name was? Needn't mind if there's any cause o' keepin' ita secret. "

The stranger smiled, hesitated, and stammered in reply: "Hanz Toodleburgis my father. "

"Well, well! Just what I expected. Didn't say nothin' you see; but Ithought as how you was him, " exclaimed the boatman. 

"I have been over three years away from home, " interrupted the stranger. 

"Then you are Tite--the old man's son, " resumed the boatman, "well, well!" Turning to him who pulled the bow-oar: "Stop pullin' a bit, Tom, "said he, "stop pullin'. "

The man now rested his oar, and rising from his seat, extended his handto the stranger, saying: "There's a hard old honest hand that welcomesyou safe back. John Flint is my name--called old Jack Flint generally. "And he shook Tite's hand again and again. "A heap o' people round herereckoned how you was dead--they did. I can't tell you how glad I am tosee you, my boy. Its fifteen years since you and me sailed comrades onthe sloop. Bin all round the world an' aint above shakin' the hand of anold fellow like me. That's what I like. " Again and again the old boatmanshook Tite's hand, and gave expression to such sentiments of joy asshowed how true and honest was his heart. 

"Yes, this is me, Jack, and I am as glad to see you as you are to seeme. But I wanted to get across without being recognized. "

[Illustration: "Wouldn't take it amiss, would you, " said he, "if a manlike me was to ask what your name was?" Page 266. ]

The old boatman felt in his pocket, and drawing forth the two Spanishdollars, insisted on returning them. "Them goes back into your pocket, "he said, shaking his head, "Never shall be said Jack Flint charged anold comrade a sixpence for settin' him across stream. "

"Keep it, keep it, Jack. I have enough for both of us, " replied Tite, motioning his hand for the boatman to return the money to his pocket. 

"Well, if you insist--an' I have to accept it, you see, it'll be out ofrespect and to please you. " And he looked at the money doubtingly, shookhis head, and reluctantly returned it to his pocket. 

The man now resumed his oar, and they proceeded on with increased speed. In less than half an hour from that time, they had landed at Nyack, andproceeding up the road had reached Bright's Inn, the two boatmencarrying the valise. Here they came to a halt, the men setting thevalise down, while Tite seemed in doubt what to do next. Bewildered withthe position he found himself in, hesitating and nervous, almostovercome by anxiety, his throbbing heart beat quicker and quicker thenearer he reached his home. But there was now a more violent strugglegoing on in his feelings. It was a struggle to decide between love andduty. Now he looked up the road in the direction of his home, andadvanced a few steps. Again he paused and looked up enquiringly at thehouse. The old boatman had told him that Chapman lived there, when allthe embers of that love he had so long cherished for Mattie seemed tokindle again into a living fire. And yet what changes might have takenplace since he left? If, however, she still loved him, and was true tohim, how could he pass the house, even at that late hour, without atleast letting her know he was in Nyack?

It was indeed late, and there was still a mile before he reached thehome of his parents. He could have more time in the morning to meetMattie, to unfold his heart to her, and to give her an account of themany strange things that had happened to him since he left. 

There was a bright light in two of the upper windows, but below thehouse was nearly dark, and Bright was in his bar-room, settling up thebusiness of the day. Suddenly the light in the windows became brighter, then the shadow of a female figure was seen crossing and recrossing theroom every few seconds. Tite watched and watched that flitting shadow, for he read in it the object of his heart's love, read in it the joythat was in store for him, perhaps--perhaps the sorrow. The figure wasMattie's, and it was her shadow that was causing him all thisheart-aching. Now the figure took the place of the shadow, and stoodlooking out at the window, as if contemplating the moon and the stars, for nearly a minute. Yes, there was Mattie, watching and wondering whathad become of the man who was at that moment contemplating hermovements. Then the figure and the shadow disappeared, but it was onlyto increase Tite's impatience to see her. 

The three men now proceeded to the door and the bell was rung. A movingof chairs and unlocking of doors indicated that the house had not goneto bed. The door was soon opened by Titus Bright, in his shirt sleevesand slippers, and holding a candle in his hand. "What's up, Flint?" heenquired, for he saw only the boatmen; "what brings you over at thistime of night?"

"There was a shillin' to be made, you see, Bright, and a passenger whatwanted settin' over, you see, " said the ferryman, his face beaming withgood nature. "Know you'd like to see him, you know, Bright, and to makehim as comfortable as you could for a night or so. Tom and me pulled himacross. " Tite now advanced towards the inn-keeper, who gazed at him withan air of astonishment, and held the candle above his head to avoid theshadow. 

"Come in, come in, " said Bright. "We will make the gentleman ascomfortable as we can. "

"You have forgotten me, I see, " said Tite, smiling and extending hishand. 

"God bless me!" exclaimed Bright, grasping his hand in a paroxysm ofdelight; "if here isn't Tite Toodleburg cum home. Come in, come in. Welcome home. " After shaking him warmly by the hand and leading him intothe parlor, the inn-keeper ran and brought his wife, who welcomed theyoung man with the tenderness of a mother. The good woman would have hada fire made and supper prepared, and indeed entertained him for the restof the night, expressing her joy over his return, had he not told herhow great was his anxiety to see his parents. 

"I know who it is the young man wants to see, " said Bright, touching himon the elbow and nodding his head suggestively. "And there'll be aflutter up stairs when it's told her you're cum home. "

The boatmen had remained in the hall. Bright now invited them into hisbar and filled mugs of ale for them, and joined them in drinking thehealth of the young man who had been round the world. He then dismissedthem, saying he would take care of the young gentleman's baggage; andstepping up stairs, tapped gently at Chapman's door. "We were allretiring for the night, " said Mrs. Chapman, opening the door slightly, and looking alarmed, for Bright was in a flutter of excitement, and itwas nearly a minute before he could tell what he wanted. At length hestammered out: "There, there, there--there's a strange gentleman downstairs, mam--and he would like to see Miss Mattie, I am sure he would. "

"Mr. Bright, " replied Mrs. Chapman, tossing her head and compressing herlips, "he can't be much of a gentleman to come at this hour of night. Mydaughter has no acquaintance who would presume to take such a liberty. Etiquette forbids it. "

Mattie now made her appearance, with a book half open in her left hand, and looking anxious and agitated. Then resting her right hand on hermother's shoulder, "Mr. Bright, " she enquired, in a hesitating voice, "what does the gentleman look like?"

"A nice gentleman enough, Miss--"

"Is it any one you know?"

"Why, Miss, " resumed Bright, with an air of reluctance, "wouldn'tintrude at this house, but I know you'd like to see the gentleman; andwouldn't be particular about the time. "

Mattie fixed her eyes on Bright with a steady gaze, her agitationincreased, her face changed color rapidly, her heart seemed to beat anewwith some sudden transport of joy. "Oh, mother! oh, mother!" sheexclaimed, tossing the book on the floor, "I know who Mr. Bright means. It's him! I know it's him! He has come back!" She rushed past hermother, vaulted as it were down the stairs and into the parlor. Theyoung man stood motionless. He was so changed in dress and appearancethat she suddenly hesitated, and for a moment drew back, as if in doubt. 

"It is me, Mattie, " said Tite, smiling and advancing with his handextended. The thought suddenly flashed through his mind that she mighthave expected some one else. He was mistaken, for she met his advancelike one whose heart was filled with joy. In short, the words had hardlyfallen from his lips when they were in each other's arms, and givingsuch proofs of their affection as only hearts bound together by thetruest and purest of love can give. 

"I knew you would come back to me--yes, I knew you would. There was anangel guarding you while absent, " she whispered, looking up as he kissedher and kissed her. And as her eyes met his her face brightened with asmile so full of sweetness and gentleness. 

"I knew what would happen, " said Bright, opening the door apace andlooking in. "Knew there would be just such a scene. " Just at that momentMrs. Chapman brushed past the exuberant inn-keeper, and stood like amassive statue, looking at the scene before her with an air of surpriseand astonishment, for Mattie was still clasped in the young man's arms. 

"My daughter! my daughter!" she exclaimed, raising her fat hands, "enough to make a mother faint to see a well-brought-up daughter sofamiliar? It shocks me, my daughter. I am sure I am glad to see theyoung man home. But familiarity of that kind's not becoming. Your fathernever would have married me if I had allowed familiarity of that kind. "

"You must blame me; it was all my fault, " said Tite, handing Mattie to achair, and advancing toward Mrs. Chapman. 

"You have been away a long time, haven't you, " said the lady, receivinghis hand in a cold and formal manner. "You are very much changed--theeffect of the sea-air on the complexion, I suppose? We shall be veryglad to see you at any time, Mr. Toodleburg. It was so late we didn'texpect visitors, and were not prepared for them. You said you had notseen your aged parents?"

"Not yet, " replied Tite, "but I shall proceed there soon. "

"It was very kind of you, " resumed the lady, "to pay us this compliment. How very anxious they must be to see you. "

"And I am equally anxious to see them, " he replied; "but I could notpass without seeing you--just for a few minutes. " Then turning toMattie, he exchanged kisses with her, kissed her good-night, to thegreat distress of her mother, who was compelled to look on. He alsopromised to call early in the morning, spend most of the day, and givean account of his voyage. 

A minute more and he was seated in a wagon beside Bright, and proceedingover the road toward Hanz's little house. 

When he was gone, and the Chapmans had retired to their room, "Ma, " saidMattie, her face coloring with feeling, "it was very unkind, even cruelof you to treat the young gentleman so coldly. "

"Done to balance the familiarity, my daughter--the familiarity! Neededsomething to balance that, " interrupted the lady, bowing her headformally. "Young man looks respectable enough. He may have come home andnot a sixpence in his pocket--who knows? In these matters, my daughter, it's always best to know where the line is drawn before building yourhouse. "

"He might have come home penniless; it would not have made a bit ofdifference to me, mother, I would love him just as much, " repliedMattie. "But I can forgive you, ma, for I know you did not mean what yousaid. " And she kissed her mother, and retired for the night, thehappiest woman in all Nyack. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

HE BRINGS JOY INTO THE HOUSE. 

All was silent and dark in the little house where Hanz Toodleburg lived, when the wagon containing Tite and the inn-keeper drew up at the gate. Adull, dreamy stillness seemed to hang over the place, and the little, old house was in the full enjoyment of a deep sleep. The two menalighted, and Tite stood for a few minutes viewing the scene around him. How strange and yet how familiar everything seemed. He was at theopposite side of the world only a few months ago, and time had sped onso swiftly that it seemed as if he had gone to bed at night on one sideof the globe, and waked up in the morning at the other. Then he was onan island almost unknown to the rest of the world, surrounded by scenesso wild, so strange and romantic, that the reader would not believe themreal. 

Here now was the old lattice gate, the vine-covered arbor leadingthrough the garden to the cracked and blistered-faced front door, thestack of hop-vines in the garden-corner, and the rickety veranda where, when a boy, he used to sit beside his father of a summer evening, for itwas here Hanz welcomed his friends and smoked his pipe. It was here, too, that Angeline, the spirit of whose sweet face had been with him inhis wanderings, used to sit at her flax-wheel, spinning thread that wasfamous in Fly Market. 

Could this be a sweet dream, a beautiful delusion, a spirit-spell thatmoves the soul with pictures of love and enchantment, and from whichsome stern reality would soon awake him and dispel the charm? No, itwas reality, appealing more forcibly to all that was true and kindly inhis nature, and filling his eyes with tears. 

The inn-keeper noticed the effect it was having on his feelings, andmade an effort to divert his attention. "Looks kind o' natural afterbein' round the world doesn't it, Tite?" he enquired. 

"Yes--seems like home again, " was the quiet reply. 

"Zounds!" exclaimed the inn-keeper, suddenly; "but there's somethin'heavy in it. " In attempting to lift the valise from the wagon it hadfallen to the ground under its great weight. The inn-keeper shook hishead and rubbed his hands. "Had a lucky voyage, I reckon, " he concluded. 

"More than eighty pounds of solid gold in that, " returned Tite, coolly. The mention of so much gold astonished and delighted the inn-keeper. 

"There'll be such a time when the town hears that!" said he. "There'llbe enough o' them that'll call you their friend. "

"Left three times as much more in the city, " resumed Tite. "And there'senough on an island in the Pacific to buy a town as big as Nyack. And Iknow where it is. "

"Eighty pounds of solid gold!" said the inn-keeper, looking enquiringlyat Tite, then stooping down and testing the weight of the valise withhis hands. "It's so. I always did know you'd come home a rich man. "

They now carried the valise into the veranda, knocked at the door, andlistened for footsteps within. The big old dog had been growling andbarking fiercely for several minutes. Now he recognized the friendlyvoice of the inn-keeper, and barked them a welcome. He then ran to thelittle room where Hanz was sleeping, and only ceased barking when he gotup. 

Soft footsteps were heard inside, a dim light shone through the littlewindow opening into the veranda, and a voice inside enquired: "Who comest' mine house sho late?"

"Open the door, friend Toodleburg, " replied the inn-keeper. "Shouldn'thave disturbed you at this hour; but there's a gentleman here would liketo see you--an' I'm sure you'd like to see him. "

The old man opened the door at the sound of Bright's voice, and stoodgazing at the visitors with an air of bewilderment. "You prings me gootnews, eh, Bright?" he enquired. "Yes, I am shure you prings me shomenews ash ish goot. "

"Father, father, " said Tite, advancing with his right hand extended, "you don't know me?"

"Ton't know mine own Tite? Mine poor poy Tite!" exclaimed the old man ina paroxysm of joy. "Yes I does. " And he raised his hands, and threw hisarms around Tite's neck, and wept for joy. "Ton't know mine own Tite, "he repeated, raising his head and looking up in Tite's face, "yes Idoes. Yes, I shay mine Tite will cum home; an' he cums home--and minepoor old heart he pees sho glat. Yes, he pees you, mine Tite. You pringsshoy into mine house. Mine poor Tite--he com'd home t' mine house. Tarpees no more shorrow now in mine house. " The old man was overcome withjoy. The idol of the house was home again, and true happiness reignedunder that little roof. 

"You ton't go away no more, mine Tite, " he continued, patting him on theshoulder and pressing his hand. 

Angeline heard Tite's voice and came rushing into the room frantic withjoy. "Thank God! thank God!" she exclaimed. "He has brought our boy safeback to us. " And she embraced him, threw her arms around his neck, andkissed him again and again. 

"And I am so glad to get back to you, mother, " he replied, returning heraffection, and pressing her to his breast fondly. "It is so good to bein my old home, where I can receive your blessings, and be good to you. "

And Angeline looked up in his face with such a sweet smile, as shepatted him on the shoulder, and their tears mingled in the sweetest ofjoy as she invoked God's blessing on his head. Truly, God had heardtheir prayer, had blessed them, and had again made their little homebright with joy. 

"I wish Chapman could look in here now, " said Bright, "there'd be alesson for him on what happiness is worth. " And he shook Tite by thehand, told him to remember that his house was always open to him, andleft for the night. 

Even the old dog seemed anxious to join in welcoming the young gentlemanback, for he would look up affectionately in his face, draw his bodyclose to his feet, and lay his huge paw on his knee. 

And now a fire was lighted, and Angeline prepared supper for Tite, forhe had eaten nothing since morning. The chair that had stood empty solong was filled now, and the happiness that reigned under that littleroof was such as gold could not purchase. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

HOW HE GOT AWAY FROM THE ISLAND. 

When supper was over, Tite proceeded to give his parents an account ofthe voyage, and the manner of escaping from the island with thetreasure. The reader has already heard that portion which carries thestory up to the death of old Dunman, the pirate. It will be onlynecessary then to give that part of it which relates to what took placeafterward. 

"Poor old Dunman, " said Tite, "he was so kind to us all, and tried somuch to relieve our sufferings and make us feel contented that we allliked him, and felt his death was a severe loss to us. There wassomething so terrible in the story of his life that we used to talkabout it at night, and fancy all sorts of strange spirits haunting theplace where his money was buried. It was this that made us all impatientto get away from the dreary place. Three or four days after we hadburied him, we removed the stones he said the gold was buried under, andthere found, as he had told us, bags and boxes of gold and silver, inbars and coin of various kinds, heavy silver and gold ornaments that hadbeen plundered from churches and convents, with pearls and diamonds andother precious stones, enough to fill two iron chests two feet squareand two feet deep. There was the thought that it was the price of somuch crime. And what good after all was this gold and silver to do us, if we were to die on the island, like old Dunman? We divided it amongus, just as we would something of little value, not caring which gotthe biggest portion. Then, after keeping out what we thought we mightwant, each buried his part in separate spots, and marked the places withpiles of big stones. 

"I always had a presentment that some vessel would come along, andafford us the means of getting away; but after several months ofdisappointment my companions began to despair, and saying they might aswell die one way as another, fitted up the boat, and with sails made ofprepared seal skins, and such scanty provisions as they could obtain, set sail in search of an island described by old Dunman to be twoleagues distant, inhabited, and a place where whalers had been known totouch. Each took two bags of gold with him, promising that if they weresuccessful they would return and rescue me. 

"I felt, and told them they were undertaking what was sure death, andbid them good-bye, never expecting to see them again. Week after weekand month after month passed, and nothing was heard of them. I wasalone, and nothing but the animals old Dunman had domesticated to keepme company. As a means of attracting the attention of any vessel thatmight be passing, I built a hut on a high hill near the coast, and usedto go there at night and build a fire as a signal. There wasn't a sailcame near. I had never feared death before; but to have to die on thisunknown island, with everything so strange and mysterious around me, andnever be heard of again by my parents and friends, excited all sorts ofcurious fears in me. And the more I thought of it the more I wanted toget away. 

"Well, it was five months since my companions set sail. Poor Ryder, poorDoane; these were their names. They were both young men from Cape Cod;and as brave and true-hearted as ever lived. I got up one morning torenew my signal-fire, and was wondering what had become of the poorfellows, and saying to myself how foolish they were to anticipate death. It was just in the grey of daylight. Happening to cast my eye down thecoast, I espied the dim figure of a sail advancing quietly up the coast. I shouted for joy at the sight, not thinking or caring whether it mightbring friends or foes. The wind was light, but fair, and the littlecraft, which turned out to be a taunt-rigged schooner of about a hundredand twenty tons, came gliding along like some white-winged thing oflife, for she had a square sail and fore and main gaff-topsails set. 

"Just before reaching the cove she furled her square sail and took inthe gaff-topsails--a proof that she was making port. I hastened down tothe coast, for it was broad daylight now, and watched her everymovement. She stood into the cove, rounded to, hauled down her jibs, anddropped her anchor. The men in charge of that vessel handled her as ifthey were familiar with the place. An hour passed, and no attempt wasmade to land. Men appeared on deck, moving about in the quiet dischargeof their duty, but no attention was directed to the shore. Then a manstood on the quarter with his glass raised, and scanned the shore frompoint to point. Then there was an aggravating pause, and the rest of themen seemed to disappear below. Then an increased number appeared ondeck, and began clearing the lashings from the stern boat. That was ajoyful moment, for it was a proof of their intention to land. Then theboat was lowered away and pulled alongside, when two oarsmen got in, andwere followed by two men who sat in the stern sheets, and who turnedout to be my old companions, Doane and Ryder. Deliverance had come atlast. 

"After being at sea three days and nights in the boat, they were pickedup by a New Bedford whaleship, and landed at Honolulu, where theychartered the schooner Lapwing and returned for me. Thinking itnecessary to keep our discovery a secret, lest it might excite thecupidity of the crew, who were all natives, we had to proceedcautiously, and disguise our movements as much as we could. It wasdecided to leave at least half of the treasure until we could find amore secure means of removing it, as well as one less liable to excitesuspicion at the points we would be compelled to land at on our wayhome. 

"We got what we agreed to take away quietly on board during the night, having filled Dunman's big old chest with shells and buried it amongthem. Then each swore on oath that he would be true to the other, andthat he wouldn't make an effort to remove what remained except by mutualagreement, and for the benefit of all equally. We disguised all ourmovements so well that not even the captain of the schooner, who was anold Spanish coaster, accustomed to suspicious transactions, mistrustedwhat we were doing. 

"When we got all ready, we bid adieu to No Man's Island, and set sailfor Honolulu, feeling as if we had been set free from a prison. We wereon the way home now, and that was enough to lighten our hearts. We werethree weeks getting to Honolulu; and had to remain there two months. Wewanted an American ship homeward bound, to take passage on. But as nonecame, we shipped on board the British whaleship Rose, of Halifax, NovaScotia, with a full cargo homeward bound. We got there after a long andstormy voyage, working our way as sailors before the mast. We werelooked on as poor, shipwrecked whalemen; and no one on board thought wehad an extra dollar in our pockets. At Halifax we found a vessel readyto sail for New York, and took passage on her, and here I am now, homeagain, and glad to get home. " It was long after midnight when Titeconcluded his story; and having received once more the caresses of hisparents, he retired to the little room he had occupied when a boy, tosleep and dream of joys that were in store for him. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY. 

The little sleepy town of Nyack had hardly waked up on the followingmorning, when the news of Tite's arrival was rung in it's ears. Marvelous stories, too, were told concerning the amount of money he hadbrought home, and the different countries he had visited. The inn-keeperdeclared at the breakfast table, intending that Mrs. Chapman should hearit, that he could say of his own knowledge, that the young gentleman hadbrought gold enough home to build a castle, have a coach of his own, andlive like a gentleman in the city all the rest of his life. 

"Has he really brought home so much money?" enquired Mrs. Chapman, raising her eyes and looking at Bright with an air of astonishment. "Theyoung gentleman never mentioned it last night. Well, after all, there'snothing like young gentlemen of his class seeking their fortunes awayfrom home. To say the least, it will give the young gentleman a fixedposition in society. "

"Yes, my dear, " rejoined Chapman, "I always had a good opinion of theyoung gentleman. I always knew he would distinguish himself if he had achance--"

"Good opinions are always plenty enough, " interrupted the schoolmaster, who was a boarder at Bright's that week, "when a man has money and don'tneed good opinions. "

Chapman made no reply. Indeed he was not prepared for such a thrust fromso poor a fellow as the schoolmaster. He understood, however, what wasmeant by it, for he had gone into court only a few weeks before andgiven such testimony as showed himself a knave and a hypocrite, thoughit saved Hanz Toodleburg from ruin. 

Mattie noticed the impression made on her mother by what Bright hadsaid, but preserved a dignified silence. She felt that she had gainedthe price due to her constancy, had risen above the vanities andtemptations designed to distract and mislead her, and by following thedictates of her own clear judgment would soon secure both happiness andfortune. 

Breakfast was scarcely over at Hanz Toodleburg's before the neighbors, one after another, began to drop in to shake Tite by the hand, andwelcome him home, and say "God bless you. " Many of them brought littlepresents, to show how true and heart-felt was the friendship they borehim. And when he went down into the village he found himself surroundedby friends, all anxious to shake his hand, and to welcome him back, andto hear something concerning his voyage. In short, he was an object ofcuriosity as well as respect, for at that day there was a mysteriousinterest attached to a young man who had been a voyage round the world, it being associated with spirit and daring of a remarkable kind. 

But it was not these friends Tite stole away and went down into thevillage to see. It was Mattie, at the mention of whose name a blushalways colored his cheek. The two lovers had arranged for a morningwalk, and were soon seen coming from the house together, smiling andhappy. Mrs. Chapman had condescended to see them to the door, and herponderous figure quite filled the space. "Don't forget, my daughter, "she said, as they were leaving, "don't forget to bring the younggentleman back to dine with us. We can't promise him anything very nice;but he is welcome, you know, and must try and accommodate himself to ourchanged circumstances. "

There is to me nothing more beautiful to contemplate than the picture oftwo young lovers brought happily together after years of trial anddisappointment, themselves representing what there is good and pure inthe human heart. It is then we seem to see the heart liberate itselffrom guile, and truth and right rejoice in their triumph over wrong. There was just such a picture presented by Mattie Chapman, thetrue-hearted American girl, and the active, earnest, persevering, andmodest, American boy, just at this moment. 

The day was bright and breezy, and there, high up on that hilloverlooking the Tappan Zee, under that clump of trees, with theirembracing branches forming a bower, in the very spot where they hadliberated their hearts and pledged their love, and bid each other a sadadieu on the morning Tite sailed on his voyage, the young lovers wereseated again. Hour after hour passed, and still they sat there, for Titewas recounting his adventures; telling Mattie the story of his strangevoyage, and listening in return to her recital of what had taken placeduring his absence. Indeed, so earnestly were they engaged relating whathad happened since they had been separated that they quite forgotdinner; and on returning to the house, found Mrs. Chapman in a state ofgreat anxiety. It was not that they had been absent so long; but theyoung gentleman would find things cold and unsatisfactory. The truthwas, Mrs. Chapman had dressed herself with a view to a little display, and was a little disappointed at not having the opportunity to make itbefore a full table. Mr. Bowles, too, had been ordered to appear brightand nice, in his new livery and top-boots, to wait on the family atdinner, and show, by his attentions to the young gentleman, that he wasa well-brought-up servant. In fine, the lady so embarrassed the younggentleman with her attentions, that he was glad when dinner was over. Iought not to forget to mention that Chapman, though he was lessdemonstrative, took several occasions to assure the young gentleman ofthe high respect he had always held him in--especially on account of hisfather and mother. 

Tite went home when dinner was over; but returned again in the evening, for there was an attraction there he could not resist. And it was thenthat Mrs. Chapman joined their hands, invoked a blessing on their headsand called them her children. 

"I always did like the young gentleman--I am sure I always did, " sheadded, with an air of condescension. "My daughter knows I always did. Itwas not on the young gentleman's account that I entertained a littlemisgiving (just a little) in reconciling the family connection. " Pausingsuddenly, the lady turned to Mattie in a somewhat confused manner: "Mydaughter, my daughter, " she returned, "you must overlook a number oflittle things. You will--won't you? Now, don't say I am vain. But it wassuch a queer--yes, such a vulgar and very common name to carry intosociety. "

"There's just one favor I have to ask, my daughter. I am sure the younggentleman won't object to it--I am sure he won't. " Again Mrs. Chapmanpaused, and seemed a little confused. 

"Certainly, ma, certainly, " replied Mattie, with a pleasant smile, "anything to please my dear mother. "

"Well, then, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, mildly: "There'll be no harm inchanging the name a little--just a little, for the sake of the effect itwill have on society. The young gentleman, I am sure he will (he has gotthe means to do it, you see) set up a nice establishment in the city, and (looking forward a little, you know) you will have a set of societyof your own. Things change so, you see. You wouldn't mind changing thename so that it will read Von Toodleburg? T. B. Von Toodleburg would beso much nicer. "

I may mention here that such was the name the family took and flourishedunder at a subsequent period, as will appear in the second series ofthis work. 

"Fix things, name and all, to your liking, my dear mother, " repliedMattie, laughing heartily. "I don't believe Tite cares anything aboutit. "

"Never was ashamed of my name, " replied Tite, with an air ofindifference, "never was. But it doesn't matter much what a man's nameis. They used to call me all sorts of names at sea. "

"Another little harmless request, " resumed Mrs. Chapman, with acondescending bow. "You see there is Bowles. Bowles is such an excellentservant, and so very respectable. He has such a presentable appearancewhen in his livery. I have great respect for Bowles--he understands meso well. You won't have any objection to his having a fixed position inthe family, will you?"

Mattie blushed, and drawing her mother aside, whispered in her ear: "Wecan settle such matters, my dear mother, when others of more importanceare disposed of. "

"But you know, my daughter, " she returned, with an air of greatseriousness, "he has done so much to make these common country peopleunderstand what our position was in the city. "

 * * * * *

Two weeks were passed in making preparations for the wedding. And nowthe day was come, and that ceremony that was to unite two loving heartsfor weal or woe, which was to seal their fortunes in one bond, was to beperformed in the little old church, quietly and unostentatiously, byDominie Payson, for it had been settled after some reluctance on thepart of Mrs. Chapman, that the job could be done by that worthy divine, and the world think none the less of the young people. 

Nyack, my reader must know, was in the best of humor that day, and whenit was four o'clock, appeared in a smiling face, and dressed in it'sbest clothes. Chapman, I may also mention, forgot his misfortunes, andfor once appeared neat and tidy, and in a happy mood. Indeed he hadkissed and congratulated his daughter several times during the day. Hehad also unburdened his heart by telling her how happy he felt that thefamily had escaped disgrace in the city. He had, indeed, something to bethankful for, since Gusher had been taken back to New Orleans, tried, convicted of his crimes, and sent for two years at hard labor in thepenitentiary. 

Mrs. Chapman, remembering that such events did not occur every day, resolved not to be outdone by any of them. She was sure a little displaywould not be wasted; and had spent four hours "getting herself elegant. "She had more than half a suspicion that there would be some New Yorkpeople present, and it would not do to be outshone by them inmagnificence of toilet. Nor must I forget Bowles, who appeared shortlyafter breakfast in his new livery, with a tall hat half covered with aband and buckle, white gloves, and bright new boots and breeches. Bowleswas a figure of immense importance, and contemplated himself with an airof amusing gravity, as he moved up and down in front of the house, muchto the amusement of the visitors at Bright's Inn. A bunch of flowers hadbeen provided for his button hole; and he was to drive the happy coupleto and from church, an honor he seemed to appreciate fully. 

There was an interesting scene, too, at Hanz Toodleburg's little house. Instead of making bridal presents of costly jewelry and works of art, asis now done, the worthy settlers sent the groom's father presents of avery different character. Hanz had found enough to do during the morningin receiving these presents and thanking the donors. There was a pigfrom farmer Tromp, a barrel of apples from neighbor Steuben, a bigcheese from farmer Van Beuskirk, a ham from the widow Welcker, a pan ofnew-made sausages from farmer Deitman, and a bushel of dried apples fromDominie Payson. In fine, one sent a cow, another a sack of wheat, another a barrel of cider; and in that way they had well neigh stockedHanz's larder for the winter. 

It was now nearly time for the ceremony. Neatly, but plainly dressedpeople were seen treading their way toward the little church, whilearound its door a number of bright-faced children, all dressed so neatlyin white, and with their hands full of flowers, stood ready to greet thebride and bridegroom. In short, the worthy settlers had come from alldirections to witness the ceremony. There were rustics, in their simpleattire, sauntering through the old church yard, or leaning listlesslyover the paling. And there in the old belfry sat Jonas, the ringer, withhis bald head and his weeping eyes, ready to ring out a merry peal assoon as the bride and bridegroom came in sight. 

A laughing, happy throng of people filled the little church as soon asthe door was opened. Then Dominie Payson took his place at the altar;and Hanz and Angeline, representing age beautified by simplicity, walkedslowly up the aisle, and took their place on one side, followed byCritchel, the inn-keeper and the schoolmaster, who stood just behindthem. A few minutes later and Mrs. Chapman, arrayed in all the majestyof her best wardrobe entered, accompanied by her meek little husband, and took their places on the opposite side, presenting such a contrastof characters. The picture only wanted the central figures now. 

A few minutes more, and there was a sudden, anxious movement on the partof those inside. All eyes were turned towards the door. The bridal partyhad arrived. Old Jonas was ringing his bell. The children at the doorwere tossing flowers at their feet; and their voices were heard singinga sweet and touching song. Then the bridal party advanced up the aisle, the bride dressed in simple white, and with flowers in her golden hair, and looking so sweetly. And as they took their place before the altar, there was something so full of love and gentleness, of truth and purity, in that sweet face as Mattie looked up and calmly surveyed the scene, that it seemed as if earth had nothing to compare with it. 

And as the simple, but impressive ceremony proceeded, and the younglovers once more pledged their love, and made that solemn vow never toseparate until death comes, and knelt in prayer to sanctify it; and asthe Dominie blessed them, and pronounced a benediction, and as the softrays of the setting sun played over and lighted up that beautiful face, it seemed as if some gentle spirit, sent from on high, was hovering overthe scene and whispering Amen.