In this mood of mind it was, that Richie, as he was one day exercising his ruminating faculties on the number and colour of the flags on London Bridge, and profoundly intent on the diagrams formed by the mud thereon, was roused from his reverie by a smart tap on the shoulder. Now this was given with such precision, there was no mistaking it; and if he had any doubts of the intent of the individual thus accosting him, they were at once dispelled by his _captivating_ manner, which, though manly, was somewhat _apprehensive_, and of such a nature as to be quite _taking_ at first sight;--such is the overpowering, irresistible charm of manner! "'Tis rather sudden, sir," said Richie, "and the amount not very great; it might have been settled without arrest." "You must admit, Mr. Barter," said the sheriff's officer, "that the thing is done genteelly; no noise or exposure. Surely you won't go to jail for this trifle;" and Richie groaned as the _Bench_ and its bars stared him in the face. "No use in fretting, sir," said the chief performer in this civil action. "There's nothing like bending to a storm. If a man reels and staggers, the best thing he can do is to 'go to the wall' for support: and let me tell you, sir, that many a man has made a right good stand _there_ when driven to it. Lord bless you! the coats of half my acquaintance are absolutely threadbare from standing too close to it. You don't understand me, mayhap not; two or three good _compositions_, and _then_ a good fat insolvency, friendly assignees, and a few other friendly etceteras,--that's what I mean by 'going to the wall,' Mr. Barter. You'll make a pretty _wall_flower yourself--an excellent creeping plant. You may be bruised a little, and in that case the _wall_ will be good for shelter and support, and in time you may creep against it;" and the worthy official gentlemen chuckled, as he gave poor Barter a nudge in the side, and conducted him through what he called the way of all flesh,--a small wicket studded with spikes, on either side of which stood fellows with looks as sharp and as full of iron. And as Richie found himself in the midst of the prison, a sinking of the heart--a feeling of loneliness and desolation came over him, and he exclaimed, "How easily I might have avoided this!--I could have done so--'tis clear I SHOULD--BUT I DID NOT!" L. PLUNDER CREEK.--1783. _A Legend of New York._ BY THE AUTHOR OF "TALES OF AN ANTIQUARY." I cannot tell how the truth may be, I say the tale as 'twas said to me.--SCOTT.