QA THE WEASELS OF HOLM-WOOD.

Mr. Sharp Weasel was well pleased to see so excellent a client
as old Mr. Marten, and received him with many smiles. The two
quickly laid down a plan of proceedings, and Mr. Marten produced
his account-book, and proved that young Ferret owed him for the

following goods sold and delivered, viz. one young rabbit; item,

one wood-pigeon; item, one brace of partridges ; item, one cock-
pheasant ; item, one duckling; item, one fat gosling.

For this account young Ferret was next day summoned be-
fore Judge Fox, who, after hearing the case, immediately gave
judgment in favour of plaintiff; and as young Ferret had not
sufficient funds to meet this unexpected demand, he was forth-
with arrested and sent to prison.

Old Mr. Marten chuckled and was well pleased at the success
of his stratagem, and was on his way to his son Longtail to tell
him of what he considered the good news, when he met Mr. Ban-
tam of Holm-farm, searching for his wife and daughters, who had

wandered for a walk. Bantam, it was evident, did not particularly

wish for this meeting, for his comb grew very red, and he strutted —

off at a quick pace in an opposite direction; but old Marten ran

through some bushes, and caught him just as he was getting clear
of the wood.