none of the angry citizens, although doubtless men of approved courage, volunteered to lead the assault. I took advantage of the lull, offered my mediation, and the stranger was permitted to explain. The offence was perfectly accidental-a cramp caused the mischief- Mr. Hopkins was appeased, harmony restored, and a fresh supply of liquids promptly ordered and produced.

How long the armistice would continue unbroken, I did not pretend to guess. The steamer's bell sounded its note of preparation; Cockneys by the dozen flocked on board; the paddles revolved briskly, and I went splashing up to town, leaving the wild-looking gentleman to" complete his destinies."

Months passed; autumn was over, and a murky atmosphere with drizzling rain told that it was a London November. I was returning from dinner to my lodgings, when, at the corner of a dark mews, I was hustled by several men, who commenced a simultaneous research into my pockets. Unluckily, I had that evening more cash upon my person than I felt inclined to part with, and accordingly

offered a sturdy resistance. But it would have been unavailing, had not a stranger suddenly crossed the street and hurried to the rescue. He was indeed a powerful ally: down went a couple of the Philistines-off ran the rest, and I escaped spoliation. I turned to thank my deliverer, and in the stout stranger recognized my quondam friend, the wild-looking gentleman!

Nor had I been forgotten: he recognized my voice, tucked me under his arm, and we proceeded to a neighbouring tavern. We supped, and over a midnight glass I recalled to his memory the dinner at Gravesend, and asked him how he had subsequently progressed. He smiled, and informed me he had found favour in the sight of Mr. Hopkins, accompanied that party to town, and had been invited to visit them in Bishopsgate-street. In my opinion Mr. Hopkins was wrong.

We remained in conversation until a late hour. My friend was leaving London next day, but promised to find me out on his return. We separated, he having presented me with his card, on which was engraven Captain John

Blake."

Spring came, and I had heard nothing of my deliverer, when one morning, in "The Times," I saw his marriage regularly gazetted; and, joyful intelligence! it was declared that the lady of his love was passing fair, and rich as an Israelite. After an elaborate account of the dresses and déjeuné, it was further intimated, that the happy pair had returned to town, and were now resident at Ibbotson's. And had the wild-looking gentleman actually become a Benedict, and an heiress committed her happiness to his custody? My curiosity was roused-I longed to learn the history of his good fortune from himself; it would be but civil to offer my congratulations; and, next day, I drove to Vere-street, and sent up my card.

My friend was out, but the servant informed me that his lady was visible. I was paraded to the drawing-room, announced as an old acquaintance, and found myself in the presence of the loveliest girl, that ever vowed obedience at the

altar.

I have during my march through life gazed on many a beauty, but never did I view a sweeter expression of artless loveliness, than the

bride's face presented when she blushingly received my congratulations. In conversation she was easy and intelligent, and before a quarter of an hour I came to a conclusion, that matrimony may be endured; and that in the lottery of life the wild-looking gentleman possessed, as they say in Connaught, "the luck of thousands."

Our tête-à-tête was so agreeable, that time slipped on unnoticed. I heard the door unclose, and observed the bride's eyes lighten, as she said in a soft voice, "It is my husband." sprang up to welcome my fortunate friend; but in a moment started back in dismay-I had caught a stranger by the hand, and intruded, under false pretences, upon the privacy of a gentleman to whom I was entirely unknown.

I never found myself in a more embarrassing situation, and attempted, of course, a blundering apology, while the stranger politely requested me to sit down. It was, indeed, a ridiculous mistake. In name and rank there was certainly a strange coincidence; while, stranger still, in age and personal appearance, the Benedict of Ibbotson's might pass as twinbrother to the admirer of Mrs. Hopkins.

I noticed this singularity.

"And may I ask," said the stranger, "where you met this duplicate of mine ?"

I told him.

"How might he have been engaged on these occasions ?"

"On the first, in making love; on the second, in threshing pickpockets.”

"I fancy I know your friend," said the stranger. "Would you favour me with the particulars of these adventures ?"

I consented; and during the recital he laughed immoderately, while the bride appeared to be equally amused.

"Well, sir," he observed, when my narrative your acquaintance is in truth

was ended, 16

"my loving cousin"

one who in name and resemblance is said to be my counterpart, but whom, I suppose either for sake of distinction, or from his superior vivacity, it has pleased his associates to designate as Jack the Devil.””

I groaned; the identity was proven, and the sobriquet indubitably belonged to my worthy friend, the wild-looking gentleman.

"Good God !" I exclaimed," how stupid and