Japhet, in Search of a Father

f the scales occasions the loss of place to Timothy and me, who when weig

ection, walking out on the pavement that he might have a fairer view. He was just observing, "Can't say-fear-um-rascal Pleggit-close to him-get all the custom-wounds-contusions-and"-when the animal came suddenly round the corner upon Mr Cophagus, who had his eyes the other way, and before he could escape, tossed him through his own shop windows, and landed him on the counter. Not satisfied with this, the beast followed him into the shop. Timothy and I pulled Mr Cophagus over towards us, and he dropped inside the counter, where we also crouched, frightened out of our wits. To our great horror the bull made one or two attempts to leap the counter; but not succeeding, and being now attacked by the dogs and butcher boys, he charged at them through the door, carrying away our best scales on his horns as a trophy, as he galloped out of the shop in pursuit of his persecutors.

In an hour he was sensible, and Mr Pleggit took his departure, shaking

et," said Mr C

sir; but it migh

nothing worse-

u might have

rascal-um-kill me if he can-sha'n't t

endance now that your shoulder is red

that-damned rascal-quite pleased-I saw it

very glad that other people should suffer from mad bulls, and come to be cured, viewed the case in a very different light when the bull thought proper to toss him, and having now realised a comfortable independence, he had resolved to retire from business, and from a site attended with so much danger. A hint of this escaping him when Mr Pleggit was attending him on the third day after his accident, the latter, who knew the value of the

mothy and I were not included in the good will, neither were we included among the fixtures, and Mr Cophagus could not, of course, interfere with Mr Pleggit's private arrangements. He did all he could do in the way of recommendation, but Mr Pleggit had not forgot

ut in my hand decided me: I thanked him, and told him I had other views at present, but hoped he would let me know where I might find him hereafter, as I should be glad to see him again. He told me

u about to do?" said Timothy,

u, which is the only thing I am sorry for.

s, I am very sorry that the bull did not break the rudimans (pointing to the iron mortar and pestle); had he had but half the s

Cophagus, for the mortar

n search of my father particularly. They say it's a wise child that knows its own father-but as there can be no doubt of my other parent-if I can only hit upon her, I have a strong inclination to go in search of my mother, an

to say, Tim, that

ion, your friend, and your servant, if you require it

py: we will have but one purse, and but one inter

ir is settled-and as here come Mr Pleggit's assistants with only

ny observation, or taking any notice of our successors; all the notice taken was by Timothy, who turned round and shook his fist at his old enemies,

st, north, or south,

ame from the ea

west," said Tim; "let us show

ree

sticks, as defenders, as well as to hang our