And, having obtained his moneys and his shirt, he went. That is the last I ever saw of my little Iron-Clad. I remember him with gratitude, for he did me good service, and he had but one fault, namely, that he was _not_ iron-clad! As for my uncle, for the first time in his life, I think, he said never a word, but stalked into the house. Dolly soon came running out to ask what was the matter; Popworth was actually packing his carpet-bag! I called Andrew, and ordered him to be in readiness with the buggy to take the old gentleman over to the railroad. "What! going?" I cried, as my uncle presently appeared, bearing his book and his baggage. "Nephew Frederick!" said he, "after this treatment, can you ask me if am going?" "Really," I shouted, "it is not my fault that the fellow proved an impostor. I employed him with the best of intentions, for your--and our--good!" "Nephew Frederick," said he, "this is insufferable; you will regret it! I shall never--NEVER" (as if he had been pronouncing my doom)--"accept of your hospitalities again!" He did, however, accept some money which I offered him, and likewise a seat in the buggy. I watched his departure with joy and terror,--for at any moment he might relent and stay nor was I at ease in my mind until I saw Andrew come riding back alone. We have never seen the old gentleman since But last winter I received a letter from him he wrote in a forgiving tone, to inform me that he had been appointed chaplain in a prison, and to ask for a loan of money to buy a suit of clothes. I sent him fifty dollars and my congratulations. I consider him eminently qualified to fill the new situation. As a hardship he can't be beat; and what are the rogues sent to prison for, but to suffer punishment? Yes, it would be a joke if my little Iron-Clad should end his career of imposture in that public institution, and sit once more under my excellent uncle! But I can't wish him any such misfortune. His mission to us was one of mercy. The place has been Paradise again, ever since his visit.--_Scribners Magazine_, August, 1873. OLIVER BELL BUNCE. (BORN, 1828.) * * * * * MR. BLUFF DISCOURSES OF THE COUNTRY AND KINDRED THEMES. (_In a Country Lane_.) BACHELOR BLUFF. A LISTENER.