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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
" Old Pyramid's" Christmas Day In The Drsert.
impostor , and I have to ask your forgiveness for having played off a bit of a joke . " The matter was afterwards explained , and no better friends or united family of relatives exists than the Fosters , Wallaces , and Douglases ; for the Captain has retired from the army , and with Katie for a wife is living on his snug little estate in Surrey .
"OLD P YRAMID ' S" YARN . I SHALL have to go a long way back to find any occurence during my almost uneventful life worth repeating , but I will relate an adventure which befel me when I tras about twelve years of age . My father was an extensive farmer in Herefordshire , and , besides his farm , carried on a large business in
buying and selling cattle . Consequently he had to attend all the cattle fairs for miles around our home . My two elder brothers assisted my father in his business ; I being tho thirteenth , and they the two seniors of our large family , there was necessarily a great disparity in our ages . At the timo I am going to speak of , railways had not
been opened in our part of the country ; in fact , the nearest station was more than twenty miles away . Consequently , we had to drive to the various towns in tho family gig . One very cold morning , about a week before Christmas , I was roused up about four o ' clock to accompany
my eldest brother , Tom , to a fair which was being held at a town twenty-three miles distant . My father not believing in drones , I had to go on many such journeys during my school holidays ; . After a substantial breakfast , wo drove off with " Meggy , " an old bay mare who had gained a reputation as ono of the best trotters in the county , and hy eight o'clock we had reached onr
destination . My brother had about twenty fat beasts to sell , which had been sont on two days previously ; and I remember well that ho got exceedingly gootl prices for the lotalmost as soon as he had got them into the street ( there were no country Smithfields in those days ) ; so that we had simply to give tho mare a gootl rest , and then
return homo . We left thc town about three o ' clock ; with the proceeds of the sales safely stowed away . We baited again about half way , antl by seven o ' clock had reached our market town , three miles distant from the farm . Tom pulled up at thc " Lion , " ns ifc was bitterly cold , and had what he called " a warmer , " and in a few minutes wo started on our last stage . It was a
beautiful moonlight night , so that we extinguished the side lights , and as old " Meggy" knew every inch of the road , and did not want any guidance , I took tho reins , and wo jogged along until we came to a steep hill , called " Summer Hill , " along one side of which runs a high wall , the boundary of a gentleman ' s park and game preserves . On tho other side is a wide grassy
slope , with gorse bushes here antl thcro . When we hatl got about half way up we saw something lying beside one of tho hushes , and on Hearing it found that it was a man , apparently very ill , as he was groaning piteously . I pulled up—Tom was descending from the gig to render the man assistance , and had got , out his pocket flask for that purpose , as thc night was bitterly cold—but before
he could reach the ground the man sprung to the mare s head , and two others rushed at my brother from behind the bush . All threo wore crape masks . In an instant Tom was back in tho gig , and had seized his ash-plant stick with ono hand , and with tho other fired off an old single-barrelled pistol , which was loaded with powder only , while I lashed the mare with tho whip , hoping by
that moans to shako off tho man from her head ; but ho stuck like a leech . Tho other two endeavoured to climb into thc gig , but Tom , with his stout slick , kept them well nt bay for some time . Tho succession of heavy blows from their bludgeons upon his arms and body was beginning to tell upon liim , and I every now and again came in for a blow , whicli nearly knocked me senseless .
Just ns they were getting the best of thc struggle , there was a shout of "Just in time , master . '" The two men were on their backs in a moment , and tho one at the mare ' s head was seized hy two powerful men . This almost magical font was accomplished by six watchers , who had been looking out for poachers inside the high wall I have mentioned ; and who , on hearing the report
ofthe pistol , providentially came to our aid . While the men were being secured I swooned , anil remembered nothing more of the matter until after several days , when I found myself in bed nt home . I was then told that the men hatl been committed for trial , the evidence of my brother mid lhe watchmen being deemed sufficient . I was grieved to find that one of tho robbers
was a labourer who worked on our farm , and whoso father and grandfather before him had worked for my ancestors , and whose mother was our old nurse in all our ailments . Ho had been led away by two well known poachers and hen-roost thieves . Early the next spring I was taken over to the county town to give evidence against them at the assizes . I
was fearfully nervous when put in the witness box , and what , with fright and my reluctance to hurt tho one man who had carried me many a mile on his back , 1 cnuld hardly be induced lo speak out . However , the old judge was not very pressing , and tho barristers and jury did not require much evidence from me , as the proof was so clear against the prisoners , so that they were convicted , and each sentenced to ten years
transportation . Some years after this , another brother of mine went out to Australia , ami , strange to say , met with a man who knew the one I have particularized , having worked in the same gang . Froin him my brother learnt that lie had been discharged , had been well employed , and saved some money , with which ho was about to return
" Old Pyramid's" Christmas Day In The Drsert.
to England ; but just before doing so he had been brutally murdered and robbed . On receipt of this intelligence his poor old mother , having lost her only hope of seeing him again , gradually sank away , and one morning ( she had become an in-door pensioner at the farm ) to our great grief she was "found dead in bed . "
During thc recital of this yarn , " Old Bill , " the fireman , became exceedingly restive and •excited , and at the mention of the old nurse ' s death , he jumped up and rushed to Old Pyramid , exclaiming , " God bless you , master I I thank God I ' ve set eyes on you again ! The man you have been speaking of was Joe Evans ; he was not murdered , but stands here now . It was me who
met your brother in Australia and told him the lie about the murder . " These exclamations astonished all of us , and Bill was unanimously called npon for an Australian yarn . After a gootl deal of pressing he consented to do his best , so we again sent round Ibrahim with the tobacco and charcoal , and when our tchabouks had heen refilled and lighted , we settled down
for—BILL ' S YARN . You must not expect much from me that will interest yon , gentlemen ; for although I have seen a good many of the ups and downs of life , in many parts of the world , I have nofc been used to speak of what I ' ve seen and done , as I have for a long time fought shy of the society of my fellow-men , always feeling like a black
sheep in a flock of white ones ; but I will try to spin out a bit of a yarn , as I feel to-day as though 1 had some new life put in me . I will not say anything about the horrible days 1 spent in prison or on board thc transport , when I was chained to a regular fiend ; nor will I refer to the time I worked on the convict , settlement , more than that
during the two years after my arrival there my conduct had so far satisfied the authorities that I was allowed to hire myself out , as shepherd to a settler on a station some distance up the country , on condition that I reported myself to the nearest police-station every month . As 1 had been uniler-shephenl to his father ( nodding towards Old Pyramid ) before my being
sent away , I knew more about shoe ]) and cattle than any man on the station , so that in about a year after my engagement 1 was promoted to head stockman , and my wages were raised to a gootl round sum , which 1 was able to put by , excepting a small amount for clothing . Amongst other things whicli 1 learnt on the old farm in Herefordshire was a certain cure , for the
foot-rot , which was very prevalent amongst the sheep in the colony , and my master used to allow me to go over to somo of the neighbouring stations to instruct thc shepherds in the use of my remedy , for which I used to get paid handsomely . I scraped together and hoarded up every penny J con Id get , as I had set , my mind upon putting by a good round sum , then going
back to England as soon as my time was up , antl trying to make some amends for the past by making ray poor old mother comfortable for the remainder of her days . One day 1 had to go to the stores , somo forty miles away . I had a good nag , who carried me down in quick time , and after I had given the orders for the things my master required , 1 was having a quiet pipe
before making myself comfortable for the night , when a lame gentleman came into the bar . I knew the face at once , and was somewhat afraid he might recognize me , though I was much altered , having grown a big beard nnd moustache since ho last saw me , so I risked his knowing me and got into conversation with him , asking several questions abont his lameness
( whicli J found out arose from a broken nnkle ); also , as to the old country , and b y degrees about Herefordshire ; nnd then 1 asked him if he had ever known a Joe Evans who had been transported from there . Ho turned upon me like a young tiger , antl I began to fear that he would recognize me , but he only asked mo whether I could give him any information about him ,
ns he had an account to settle with him . I felt pretty satisfied that 1 was not known , and made up a tale about his being robbed and murdered , and that there was no fear of his ever meeting Joe Evans on this earth . That , sir , said Bill ( nodding again to Old Pyramid ) accounts for the news of my death having got to Herefordshire , as 1 knew lhe gentleman I was
speaking to was your brother . During the evening I asked him manv questions about Evan ' s family , saying that I had worked wilh him in the same gang , and therefore felt somo interest in him , and thus learnt that , my poor old mother was then alive , aniMhat tho attempted robbery was almost forgotten . Next dny , when I got back to tho station , I conld not
rest . 1 counted and recounted my money . At first I thought I would send it over to the old woman anonymously , then there came a longing to see the old folks , and by next morning ( my time having expired ) I hatl made up my mind to go back to old England . My master was loth to let me go , and tried hard to persuade mo to stop another year , but 1 was determined .
1 was about n fortnight at the store I have named before I could meet with a bullock train going down to the const ; however , at last I was able to join one , and on my arrival at Sydney I lost no timo in looking out for a ship on which I could work my passage over . Being a big , strong fellow , 1 was soon engaged , as
captains were on the look-out for hands to work ships home , in consequence of so many desertions . In about three months wc reached Plymouth , and we then sailed round to London , where I was paid off . I got a now rig-out , antl with my savings all safely stowed away , began to enquire the best , means of getting to my old home . I found that a railway had been opened through
" Old Pyramid's" Christmas Day In The Drsert.
the little market town , and before daylight the next morning I was at fche London terminus . It being the day before Christmas I found crowds of people there , all anxious to get their tickets ; I got mine , and was seated in a third-class compartment when in came two men whose faces seemed familiar . I was afraid to ask any questions for fear of recognition . When the
tickets wero examined I found out thafc they were going to the same place as myself . I listened to their conversation in the hopes of getting some clue as to who they were , and it was ouly towards the end of our journey that I found out that fche elder one was the landlord of the inn whore I used to meet my bad companions , and the younger ( who was in deep mourning )
was the sou of my brother Will , who , I ascertained from their talk , had been dead some time , and that my nephew was living in London , and was going back to Herefordshire for a few days' holiday . During the journey I heard tho old man say , "Thafc there uncle o * thine were a bad lot , tho' I ' m sorry he's dead ; ho were a fine big chap , and I should like to a' seen what be
were like when he'd come back . The younger one did not answer for a minute or so , but when he did he said , " Aye , I ' se heard my father say thafc Uncle Joe was not so bad as ho was made out , and if he had kept away from your house he would never have been led in liad ways . " I felt as chough I could have hugged fche young fellow .
I heard them mention many names which I conld recollect , and they also spoke of meeting some at the " Blue Bell " ( the old house ) that evening . Just before reaching our destination 1 asked them whether they could direct me to somo accommodation for thc night , expecting that the landlord would recommend his own house , tlio " Blue Bell , " and I was glad
when he told me that I could get a bed there , as I felt anxious to have a look at some of the old faces . We got to the Blue Bell just in time for an early tea , and it being market day , and the bar parlour very full , I was invited to join my two travelling companions iu tho private snuggery behind the bar . 1 could , however , see several faces which I recognised , as most of
our villagers used the " Blue Bell as then- marketing house . I could hear them talking about carol singing , decorating , and such like . Thought I , I shall bo able to bring glad tidings to one poor old soul to-morrow . It was bitterly cold , and I , being nearly worn-out , retired early to my bod , bufc not to sleep . I pictured over and over again meeting my poor old mother ; I
ran over in my mind lots of things I wonld say , and could almost hear her cry of surprise and joy to see her Joe home again . No one knows how anxiously I looked for tho mornieg ; however , I dozed off after somo time , and long before daybreak tho church bells roused me up with their merry pea ) , and then a chorus of small boys came
under my window with their " I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy Now Year when it comes . " I jumped out of bed and quickly dressed ; I could hardly stay for breakfast ; I wanted to got off to my old village home . I mado an excuse to tho landlord in my haste , telling him that I had a message for a man some miles away , anil must deliver it that morning ,
and as day dawned 1 was walking rapidly along tho field path . I could hear the village church-bells ringing out , glad tidings , and their sounds seemed somehow to draw me to the chnrch ; besides , thought I , perhaps I shall seo someone who will bo able to tell mo where my mother lives—tho old cottage home was closely shut up as I passed it . I thought I would stroll about
tho churchyard until tho peal was ended . 1 read the names on the gravestones , and found there that several friends , whom I had left well and hearty , had gone to their last homes At last I came to one newly put up . Oh , thought I , who has been tho last ? 1 walked across to if , and there 1 saw written : — "Sacred to the memory of Sarah , widow of Thos .
Evans , who died August 18 , aged 82 . Also of Joseph , son of the above , who died in Australia about , 18— . " Cold as the morning was , I sat down on the grave and wept . All my hopes wero gone . All my friends lost for ever , ant ] I was a dead man in the minds of all who bad known me . I felt as though I had nothing then to live for , antl almost wished the announcement
of my death which 1 had just read were true . I hurried back to tho town , as I felt afraid to be near the grave of my poor old mother . I did not stop to enjoy the Christmas festivities , bufc paid my bill and rushed to catch tho first train , not caring whither it went . As I got to the ticket office , a man asked me whether 1 wanted to go to Liverpool . " Yes , " said 1 ; and in about
three hours I was standing friendless in the streets oi that , town . I only just then began to think that I had not eaten anything since my early and scant breakfasf , so 1 fountl a boarding-house where 1 got a good meal and a bed . Next day , and for many days after , as long as my money lasted , 1 was drinking heavily , and when
all my stock was spent I got a berth as stoker on board a steamer . I made voyages acsoss the Atlantic and elsewhere , anil at last got on board a steamer to Alexandria , where 1 was taken ill and had to bo left behind . I was nearly starving when my present master met me , and you know the rest .
. Inst nt this moment Ibrahim came to tell us that 1 " ' had arranged for donkeys to take us to the railway station , which was some few miles distant , and that we should have to start in half-an-hour . A cheerin ! - ' cii ]) of tea brewed by onr host , with stirrup-cup to follow , filled up our ' limited space of time , and on " donkey-mounted cavalcade made the best of our way back to our hotels in Alexandria . J- H . S .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
" Old Pyramid's" Christmas Day In The Drsert.
impostor , and I have to ask your forgiveness for having played off a bit of a joke . " The matter was afterwards explained , and no better friends or united family of relatives exists than the Fosters , Wallaces , and Douglases ; for the Captain has retired from the army , and with Katie for a wife is living on his snug little estate in Surrey .
"OLD P YRAMID ' S" YARN . I SHALL have to go a long way back to find any occurence during my almost uneventful life worth repeating , but I will relate an adventure which befel me when I tras about twelve years of age . My father was an extensive farmer in Herefordshire , and , besides his farm , carried on a large business in
buying and selling cattle . Consequently he had to attend all the cattle fairs for miles around our home . My two elder brothers assisted my father in his business ; I being tho thirteenth , and they the two seniors of our large family , there was necessarily a great disparity in our ages . At the timo I am going to speak of , railways had not
been opened in our part of the country ; in fact , the nearest station was more than twenty miles away . Consequently , we had to drive to the various towns in tho family gig . One very cold morning , about a week before Christmas , I was roused up about four o ' clock to accompany
my eldest brother , Tom , to a fair which was being held at a town twenty-three miles distant . My father not believing in drones , I had to go on many such journeys during my school holidays ; . After a substantial breakfast , wo drove off with " Meggy , " an old bay mare who had gained a reputation as ono of the best trotters in the county , and hy eight o'clock we had reached onr
destination . My brother had about twenty fat beasts to sell , which had been sont on two days previously ; and I remember well that ho got exceedingly gootl prices for the lotalmost as soon as he had got them into the street ( there were no country Smithfields in those days ) ; so that we had simply to give tho mare a gootl rest , and then
return homo . We left thc town about three o ' clock ; with the proceeds of the sales safely stowed away . We baited again about half way , antl by seven o ' clock had reached our market town , three miles distant from the farm . Tom pulled up at thc " Lion , " ns ifc was bitterly cold , and had what he called " a warmer , " and in a few minutes wo started on our last stage . It was a
beautiful moonlight night , so that we extinguished the side lights , and as old " Meggy" knew every inch of the road , and did not want any guidance , I took tho reins , and wo jogged along until we came to a steep hill , called " Summer Hill , " along one side of which runs a high wall , the boundary of a gentleman ' s park and game preserves . On tho other side is a wide grassy
slope , with gorse bushes here antl thcro . When we hatl got about half way up we saw something lying beside one of tho hushes , and on Hearing it found that it was a man , apparently very ill , as he was groaning piteously . I pulled up—Tom was descending from the gig to render the man assistance , and had got , out his pocket flask for that purpose , as thc night was bitterly cold—but before
he could reach the ground the man sprung to the mare s head , and two others rushed at my brother from behind the bush . All threo wore crape masks . In an instant Tom was back in tho gig , and had seized his ash-plant stick with ono hand , and with tho other fired off an old single-barrelled pistol , which was loaded with powder only , while I lashed the mare with tho whip , hoping by
that moans to shako off tho man from her head ; but ho stuck like a leech . Tho other two endeavoured to climb into thc gig , but Tom , with his stout slick , kept them well nt bay for some time . Tho succession of heavy blows from their bludgeons upon his arms and body was beginning to tell upon liim , and I every now and again came in for a blow , whicli nearly knocked me senseless .
Just ns they were getting the best of thc struggle , there was a shout of "Just in time , master . '" The two men were on their backs in a moment , and tho one at the mare ' s head was seized hy two powerful men . This almost magical font was accomplished by six watchers , who had been looking out for poachers inside the high wall I have mentioned ; and who , on hearing the report
ofthe pistol , providentially came to our aid . While the men were being secured I swooned , anil remembered nothing more of the matter until after several days , when I found myself in bed nt home . I was then told that the men hatl been committed for trial , the evidence of my brother mid lhe watchmen being deemed sufficient . I was grieved to find that one of tho robbers
was a labourer who worked on our farm , and whoso father and grandfather before him had worked for my ancestors , and whose mother was our old nurse in all our ailments . Ho had been led away by two well known poachers and hen-roost thieves . Early the next spring I was taken over to the county town to give evidence against them at the assizes . I
was fearfully nervous when put in the witness box , and what , with fright and my reluctance to hurt tho one man who had carried me many a mile on his back , 1 cnuld hardly be induced lo speak out . However , the old judge was not very pressing , and tho barristers and jury did not require much evidence from me , as the proof was so clear against the prisoners , so that they were convicted , and each sentenced to ten years
transportation . Some years after this , another brother of mine went out to Australia , ami , strange to say , met with a man who knew the one I have particularized , having worked in the same gang . Froin him my brother learnt that lie had been discharged , had been well employed , and saved some money , with which ho was about to return
" Old Pyramid's" Christmas Day In The Drsert.
to England ; but just before doing so he had been brutally murdered and robbed . On receipt of this intelligence his poor old mother , having lost her only hope of seeing him again , gradually sank away , and one morning ( she had become an in-door pensioner at the farm ) to our great grief she was "found dead in bed . "
During thc recital of this yarn , " Old Bill , " the fireman , became exceedingly restive and •excited , and at the mention of the old nurse ' s death , he jumped up and rushed to Old Pyramid , exclaiming , " God bless you , master I I thank God I ' ve set eyes on you again ! The man you have been speaking of was Joe Evans ; he was not murdered , but stands here now . It was me who
met your brother in Australia and told him the lie about the murder . " These exclamations astonished all of us , and Bill was unanimously called npon for an Australian yarn . After a gootl deal of pressing he consented to do his best , so we again sent round Ibrahim with the tobacco and charcoal , and when our tchabouks had heen refilled and lighted , we settled down
for—BILL ' S YARN . You must not expect much from me that will interest yon , gentlemen ; for although I have seen a good many of the ups and downs of life , in many parts of the world , I have nofc been used to speak of what I ' ve seen and done , as I have for a long time fought shy of the society of my fellow-men , always feeling like a black
sheep in a flock of white ones ; but I will try to spin out a bit of a yarn , as I feel to-day as though 1 had some new life put in me . I will not say anything about the horrible days 1 spent in prison or on board thc transport , when I was chained to a regular fiend ; nor will I refer to the time I worked on the convict , settlement , more than that
during the two years after my arrival there my conduct had so far satisfied the authorities that I was allowed to hire myself out , as shepherd to a settler on a station some distance up the country , on condition that I reported myself to the nearest police-station every month . As 1 had been uniler-shephenl to his father ( nodding towards Old Pyramid ) before my being
sent away , I knew more about shoe ]) and cattle than any man on the station , so that in about a year after my engagement 1 was promoted to head stockman , and my wages were raised to a gootl round sum , which 1 was able to put by , excepting a small amount for clothing . Amongst other things whicli 1 learnt on the old farm in Herefordshire was a certain cure , for the
foot-rot , which was very prevalent amongst the sheep in the colony , and my master used to allow me to go over to somo of the neighbouring stations to instruct thc shepherds in the use of my remedy , for which I used to get paid handsomely . I scraped together and hoarded up every penny J con Id get , as I had set , my mind upon putting by a good round sum , then going
back to England as soon as my time was up , antl trying to make some amends for the past by making ray poor old mother comfortable for the remainder of her days . One day 1 had to go to the stores , somo forty miles away . I had a good nag , who carried me down in quick time , and after I had given the orders for the things my master required , 1 was having a quiet pipe
before making myself comfortable for the night , when a lame gentleman came into the bar . I knew the face at once , and was somewhat afraid he might recognize me , though I was much altered , having grown a big beard nnd moustache since ho last saw me , so I risked his knowing me and got into conversation with him , asking several questions abont his lameness
( whicli J found out arose from a broken nnkle ); also , as to the old country , and b y degrees about Herefordshire ; nnd then 1 asked him if he had ever known a Joe Evans who had been transported from there . Ho turned upon me like a young tiger , antl I began to fear that he would recognize me , but he only asked mo whether I could give him any information about him ,
ns he had an account to settle with him . I felt pretty satisfied that 1 was not known , and made up a tale about his being robbed and murdered , and that there was no fear of his ever meeting Joe Evans on this earth . That , sir , said Bill ( nodding again to Old Pyramid ) accounts for the news of my death having got to Herefordshire , as 1 knew lhe gentleman I was
speaking to was your brother . During the evening I asked him manv questions about Evan ' s family , saying that I had worked wilh him in the same gang , and therefore felt somo interest in him , and thus learnt that , my poor old mother was then alive , aniMhat tho attempted robbery was almost forgotten . Next dny , when I got back to tho station , I conld not
rest . 1 counted and recounted my money . At first I thought I would send it over to the old woman anonymously , then there came a longing to see the old folks , and by next morning ( my time having expired ) I hatl made up my mind to go back to old England . My master was loth to let me go , and tried hard to persuade mo to stop another year , but 1 was determined .
1 was about n fortnight at the store I have named before I could meet with a bullock train going down to the const ; however , at last I was able to join one , and on my arrival at Sydney I lost no timo in looking out for a ship on which I could work my passage over . Being a big , strong fellow , 1 was soon engaged , as
captains were on the look-out for hands to work ships home , in consequence of so many desertions . In about three months wc reached Plymouth , and we then sailed round to London , where I was paid off . I got a now rig-out , antl with my savings all safely stowed away , began to enquire the best , means of getting to my old home . I found that a railway had been opened through
" Old Pyramid's" Christmas Day In The Drsert.
the little market town , and before daylight the next morning I was at fche London terminus . It being the day before Christmas I found crowds of people there , all anxious to get their tickets ; I got mine , and was seated in a third-class compartment when in came two men whose faces seemed familiar . I was afraid to ask any questions for fear of recognition . When the
tickets wero examined I found out thafc they were going to the same place as myself . I listened to their conversation in the hopes of getting some clue as to who they were , and it was ouly towards the end of our journey that I found out that fche elder one was the landlord of the inn whore I used to meet my bad companions , and the younger ( who was in deep mourning )
was the sou of my brother Will , who , I ascertained from their talk , had been dead some time , and that my nephew was living in London , and was going back to Herefordshire for a few days' holiday . During the journey I heard tho old man say , "Thafc there uncle o * thine were a bad lot , tho' I ' m sorry he's dead ; ho were a fine big chap , and I should like to a' seen what be
were like when he'd come back . The younger one did not answer for a minute or so , but when he did he said , " Aye , I ' se heard my father say thafc Uncle Joe was not so bad as ho was made out , and if he had kept away from your house he would never have been led in liad ways . " I felt as chough I could have hugged fche young fellow .
I heard them mention many names which I conld recollect , and they also spoke of meeting some at the " Blue Bell " ( the old house ) that evening . Just before reaching our destination 1 asked them whether they could direct me to somo accommodation for thc night , expecting that the landlord would recommend his own house , tlio " Blue Bell , " and I was glad
when he told me that I could get a bed there , as I felt anxious to have a look at some of the old faces . We got to the Blue Bell just in time for an early tea , and it being market day , and the bar parlour very full , I was invited to join my two travelling companions iu tho private snuggery behind the bar . 1 could , however , see several faces which I recognised , as most of
our villagers used the " Blue Bell as then- marketing house . I could hear them talking about carol singing , decorating , and such like . Thought I , I shall bo able to bring glad tidings to one poor old soul to-morrow . It was bitterly cold , and I , being nearly worn-out , retired early to my bod , bufc not to sleep . I pictured over and over again meeting my poor old mother ; I
ran over in my mind lots of things I wonld say , and could almost hear her cry of surprise and joy to see her Joe home again . No one knows how anxiously I looked for tho mornieg ; however , I dozed off after somo time , and long before daybreak tho church bells roused me up with their merry pea ) , and then a chorus of small boys came
under my window with their " I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy Now Year when it comes . " I jumped out of bed and quickly dressed ; I could hardly stay for breakfast ; I wanted to got off to my old village home . I mado an excuse to tho landlord in my haste , telling him that I had a message for a man some miles away , anil must deliver it that morning ,
and as day dawned 1 was walking rapidly along tho field path . I could hear the village church-bells ringing out , glad tidings , and their sounds seemed somehow to draw me to the chnrch ; besides , thought I , perhaps I shall seo someone who will bo able to tell mo where my mother lives—tho old cottage home was closely shut up as I passed it . I thought I would stroll about
tho churchyard until tho peal was ended . 1 read the names on the gravestones , and found there that several friends , whom I had left well and hearty , had gone to their last homes At last I came to one newly put up . Oh , thought I , who has been tho last ? 1 walked across to if , and there 1 saw written : — "Sacred to the memory of Sarah , widow of Thos .
Evans , who died August 18 , aged 82 . Also of Joseph , son of the above , who died in Australia about , 18— . " Cold as the morning was , I sat down on the grave and wept . All my hopes wero gone . All my friends lost for ever , ant ] I was a dead man in the minds of all who bad known me . I felt as though I had nothing then to live for , antl almost wished the announcement
of my death which 1 had just read were true . I hurried back to tho town , as I felt afraid to be near the grave of my poor old mother . I did not stop to enjoy the Christmas festivities , bufc paid my bill and rushed to catch tho first train , not caring whither it went . As I got to the ticket office , a man asked me whether 1 wanted to go to Liverpool . " Yes , " said 1 ; and in about
three hours I was standing friendless in the streets oi that , town . I only just then began to think that I had not eaten anything since my early and scant breakfasf , so 1 fountl a boarding-house where 1 got a good meal and a bed . Next day , and for many days after , as long as my money lasted , 1 was drinking heavily , and when
all my stock was spent I got a berth as stoker on board a steamer . I made voyages acsoss the Atlantic and elsewhere , anil at last got on board a steamer to Alexandria , where 1 was taken ill and had to bo left behind . I was nearly starving when my present master met me , and you know the rest .
. Inst nt this moment Ibrahim came to tell us that 1 " ' had arranged for donkeys to take us to the railway station , which was some few miles distant , and that we should have to start in half-an-hour . A cheerin ! - ' cii ]) of tea brewed by onr host , with stirrup-cup to follow , filled up our ' limited space of time , and on " donkey-mounted cavalcade made the best of our way back to our hotels in Alexandria . J- H . S .