upon the word story, all were silent. 'Gentlemen', said he, I am always pleased when I have an opportunity of remarking the flourishing condition of trade; I remember a wonderful operation for the better in this very company of yours within these forty years, and I think I can give you a remarkable instance of it. When I was a young fellow,' continued Dyer, gravely, 'I was but low in the world, myself; and I observed that the nearest way to wealth was through the road of frugality; and therefore I pitched upon a chop house, in Grubstreet, where I could dine for two pence. The mistress of the house was remarkably neat and civil, particularly to those who were her constant customers; and the room where we dined was, by means of a curtain, or more properly a blanket hung upon a rod, partitioned off into two divisions, the inner and the outer; the inner division the good woman kept for the better sort of folks, of which I had the honor to be accounted one, and the outer for the casual and ordinary sort. It happened one day, however, as I was drawing the blanket to go in as usual, the mistress of the house pulled me hastily by the coat, 'You must not go in

and whispered in my ear, there today, Sir.' 'Why so?' said I in some heat. I beg your pardon, Sir,' said the woman; but indeed you can't be admitted.' What the devil's the matter, that I cant be admitted? said 1, swaggering. Why said the woman, with joy in her countenance, the master and wardens of the Cordwainer's company do me the honor to dine with If

me to day, and I must keep my best parlor empty for their worships' reception! I thought it indeed but decent to give place to that worthy body, and so was pacified.' The company upon hearing this story, began to lay their heads together, to know who this gentleman was, which Dyer observing, took that opportunity to slip away.

HAUNTED
House"

E AMUSING COMPANION.

123

THE HAUNTED HOUSE.

ge, some distance from town, there lived ole family, who had once occupied an ouse, which, on account of the frequent and disturbances they had heard and therein, they were under the disagreeaty of leaving. Mr Goodwin, the owner ad incessantly endeavored to let it, but he report was too prevalent, and the ame a sad burden on his hands; he had ertised it, and, indeed, offered it at so low at several were induced to try it. An old ho had more than once buffeted all the dangers of war, now begged permission to lodge in it a few days upon trial, promising, if it were possible to inhabit it, that he would immediately take a lease on the terms proposed.

Permission was readily granted for this essay and this old follower of Mars, who deemed the whole story but a mere empty report, determined to sleep by himself that night in the house; for which purpose, he left in the day time a loaded pistol, and a broad sword, near the room which he intended for his bed-chamber, and solaced himself with the pleasing idea of having obtained a very comfortable bargain; having now properly secured the hall door, resolving that there should be neither egress nor ingress, except to himself, he went to

take a sufficient quantity of stout beer, and prepare himself for the attack.

It was rather late before he returned, and he went to bed somewhat mellow, laughing at all the nonsense of ghosts, spirits, and hobgoblins. After a sleep of about two hours, a dreadful noise awoke him: he listened—and heard a foot ascending the stairs so plain, that he thought it expedient to run into the next room for his pistols; accordingly he armed himself with two, one in each hand, and now on the top of the stairs, he perceived a horrid figure, which undauntedly stood before him, apparently very furious, and nodding with seeming anger.

Our hero repeatedly inquired, who and what he was, whether dead or alive; but there was no answer; he then threatened to fire, which so evidently exasperated the figure, that he stamped several times with his foot against the ground, and made such a violent noise, that the very stair-case shook with it; the soldier presented and fired, but the figure did not seem at all dismayed; on the contrary, he smiled with disdain; finding this without effect, he now discharged the other, which, instead of intimidating his unknown antagonist, rendered him, if possible, more resolute and fierce; the soldier seemed somewhat surprised, and apprehended that it was neither flesh or blood, since his pistols had failed; however, not willing to remain longer defenceless, he hastened for his broad sword: the spirit pursued him, and ere he could enter the room where it was, gave him such a violent blow, as al