70 ; THE HISTORY OF DAME MITCHELL

well founded, hastened to apprize Lady Greenford, who
advised her to take no notice, but send for the butler.

«* Have you got any ratsbane?” said she.

«Yes, my lady, I must have some left.”

“Put it in the ante-chamber then; you have not yet
thought to do so.”

“No, my lady; I did not know there were rats in that
part of the mansion.” ~

Lady Greenford wrote to a celebrated chymist, who,
having analysed the pie, declared that it contained a pro-
digious quantity of poison. ‘The butler’s crime was now

 

 

 

 

 

 

made manifest; but fresh charges were soon raised against
him. The adventure of the two hosiers of the Strand,
Shorthose and Cotton, had spread abroad; Nicholas heard
it related, and discovered a witness who had seen Sharpphiz
throw the cat over the bridge. The butler, confounded
and overwhelmed, did not wait to be discharged; he fled