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been done. If, therefore, it be so in this case—if this man's master has wickedly bribed him to swear that that is true which he knows to be false—he should be seen and talked to, and expostulated with: the position in which he is about to place himself ought to be clearly laid before him! the awful nature of the sin he is about to commit should be explained to him seriously and solemnly! and who knows that, when he has been made duly sensible of the consequences which must of necessity follow the commission of so dreadful a sin, he may not become wise in time and repent? I hold it to be the duty of every Christian minister to endeavour, by all the means of which he is capable, to rescue unfortunate souls from perdition; and if I could save this unhappy man—if I could in time convince him of the error of his ways—if I could show him that his immortal soul is now in jeopardy—strike into his mind the light of truth—inspire him with confidence in Him to whom all hearts are open—bring him to the throne of grace and mercy, and teach him to sin no more: if I could but in time effect this, I should think no journey too long, no trouble too great: no pains nor expense should, on my part, be spared."

"I appreciate the feelings by which you are actuated," said Sylvester; "and I am by no means insensible to the power of your appeals; still I think that, under the circumstances, such a journey as that which you contemplate, would be unprofitable."

"Oh! there is no knowing what might be done. The heart of the man might be altogether turned: his ideas of good and evil might be completely changed; and, therefore, I might be successful. However, we'll think the matter over! I don't like in any case to act with precipitation. Our views may change; but I must say that my present impression is, that an hour's conversation with that unhappy man would do good."

During the whole of that evening nothing was discussed or even thought of but the forthcoming trial; and soon after the reverend gentleman had left Sylvester and his aunt retired.

He had not, however, been asleep more than half an hour, when the company, assembled at the Crumpet and Crown, were thrown into a most intense state of consternation by the sudden re-appearance of Pokey, who declared that the ghost had re-visited Cotherstone Grange.

"I see it," said he, with an aspect of terror; "I see it, as plain as I see you here now!"

"Where?" demanded Obadiah.

"Just down the road! I was going home quiet, when, all of a sudden, what should I see but a monstrous tall figure—taller than the t'other by more than a yard—breathing white smoke from his nostrils, and looking with an eye of real fire."

"It won't do," said Legge; "at least, it won't do for me! I suppose you saw a man with a cigar in his mouth."

"Not a bit of it!"

"How many eyes of fire had he?"

"I saw but one, and that was a blazer—I never before see such an eye in my life—but, of course, he has two, although I didn't see 'em."