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Mr. Warren assented to this view. He was warmly interested in it, and saw at once how valuable a relic he had preserved in case of certain contingencies arising.

James laid the whole thing open before Lawyer Ketchum. Lawyer Ketchum advised with Mr. Tools about it. All parties waited impatiently for the return of Mr. and Mrs. Rodman.

The subject itself formed one or two of the main items contained in his latest correspondence with his absent friends. And among other topics introduced, was the following: --

"We think more of the people are beginning to favor our cause. We shall carry the reform in the fall, I confidently predict. I have lately been on a visit to old Mr. and Mrs. Pepper. A more abject, sunken state and scene of misery and despair, I scarcely remember ever to have seen. The house of Pepper & Co. at the Falls Works, have made a very bad failure, and old Mr. Pepper is involved beyond all his real and personal effects, so that in perfect despair both he and his wife avow their necessity of support from the town. They resolutely refuse to purchase any food to eat, but beg it in small allowances from those who live the nearest to them. George Pepper, Esq., has thought it best, on account of the great excitement against him in the community, to leave town, it is said the country. When I called on the Peppers, they sat alone in their house trembling, pale, hungry and desolate. I endeavored to encourage them, and to convince them that something might be saved, enough to support comfortably their old age, but the attempt met with a perfect howl of despair from them. They accused every body of their downfall, cursed their son and all the company, imprecated the judgment of Heaven on the town, and on all business stock associations in particular. Then they bewailed the day in which they were born, married, and the life they had lived together. They concluded by bitterly reproaching each other, and by invoking the town to take them to the poor-house.

The overseers have been to see them -- so has Mr. Siddleton; and it seems to be regarded, on the whole, the best way to get along with them at present -- at least to put them at Mr. Siddleton's, especially as Pepper absolutely affirms he is not worth a sixpence, and as they both refuse to purchase or prepare for themselves the first morsel of provisions."

* * * * * *

Agreeably to the expectations formed on all sides, Mr. and Mrs. Rodman, accompanied by Alice, arrived in New York about the first of September, where a joyful welcome and reception awaited them on the part of James and Mr. and Mrs. Haddock, who had accompanied him to the city. The party all soon returned to Crampton --- James hardly giving himself time to see and hear any thing but the smile and voice of Alice, who seemed to have matured into a more thoroughly beautiful woman during her few months' absence.

There was great excitement and rejoicing at the safe return of their pastor and his family in the parish of Crampton. Hundreds of the people called on them, and congratulated them on having safely and so happily accomplished their tour. Every body praised their good looks, and many an invalid said he would like such a voyage himself.

They themselves were extremely happy to feel once more at home, among their old, long-tried, and beloved people; and Mr. Rodman, on the Sabbath, in his prayers and sermons, made frequent and affecting allusions to their separation, and reunion under circumstances that proved to them all the goodness and mercy of the Lord.

And Alice buried her face in her hands, and wept with mingled feelings of present pleasure and past recollections. How gladly was she here, in this dear home of her adoption and guardianship and love! The wide and perilous ocean was past, the discomforts of the voyage over. But, then, the dear ones in the island of her nativity! Alas'! should she ever behold again their homes, their countenances, and feel their embraces?

Then came the assurances of that Gospel which is life and peace; then fell on her ears the sweet promises of the Word of Life; then rose distinctly in her soul the peaceful whisperings of the Spirit, talking of the things that are Christ's, and presenting them to her heart. Alice felt that all was well.

And Alice and James were dear to one another -- dearer than ever before -- dearer for all of earth, its joy and sorrow. Pledged, also, were they to labor for the good of their fellow-men, and to relieve the sorrows of such as were poor and needy, to whom were appointed the pinchings of want, the misfortunes and mortifications of poverty.

CHAPTER XL.
A NORTHERN Doughface; --------!

"It is a singular state of things any how," said Squire Ben Stout.

"Confound the old rascal -- he's buried his money!" said Mr. Savage.

"Well, he will have a nice opportunity to live on nothing now!" said Tools, with a laugh.