A SECRET CHARACTER UNVEILED. AVY

“Not ’Tis very strange you do not know the name
of the person who supports you: but where does he
live P”?

“I know nothing at all of him, but the good he has
done for me.”

“Then how did you first become acquainted with
nim ?” |

“I was in the hospital, and just going to be turned
out of it meurable, and was thinking that I had nothing
for it but to beg or starve, when the gentleman, who
visited the hospital, learned my story ; after I had been
cuscharged, he came to my poor lodging and gave me
a guinea to buy some necessaries, and told me, that if
1 would do all that I was capable of to maintain my-
self, he would take care that I should never want.
Hrom the serious and kind manner in which he spoke,
I believed that he would do something for me, and
ever since he or his man-servant has brought me five
shillings a week.” :

“This story will hardly pass; but tell me what
trade you worked at before you lost the use of your
limbs FP”

“| was an engraver.”

“Oho! then you understand working in metals!
Circumstances are very suspicious—you must be kepu
until further information 1s obtained of you.”

The poor man in vain protested that he had no con-
nexion with the party in the adjoining room, and that
every word he stated was true. He offered to bring
proof of his honesty and regular life from among his
neighbours; but that could not be received, and he
was remanded for further examination. The officers
were leading him to prison, when he perceived his
benefactor crossing the street. He called aloud, and
desired them to stop him; and then, in a piteous tone,
told him his story, entreating that he would go back
with him to the justices, and bear witness in his
behalf, This he could not refuse. They were ad-