"This is a capital day, Julia; suppose we ride over to Redfield, and see friend Nason," said Mr. West. "I shall be delighted," replied Julia. The horse is ordered; and as they ride along, the gentleman amuses his wife with the oft-repeated story of his flight from Jacob Wire's. "Do you see that high rock, Julia?" he asked, pointing over the fence. "Yes." "That is the very one where I dodged Leman, and took the back track; and there is where I knocked the bull-dog over." They arrived at the house of Mr. Nason. It is a pleasant little cottage, for he is no longer in the service of the town. It was built by Mr. West expressly for him. Connected with it is a fine farm of twenty acres. This little property was sold to Mr. Nason by his protege, though no money was paid. Harry would have made it a free gift, if the pride of his friend would have permitted; but it amounts to the same thing. Mr. West and his lady are warmly welcomed by Mr. Nason and his family. The ex-keeper is an old man now. He is a member of the church, and considered an excellent and useful citizen. He still calls Mr. West his "boy," and regards him with mingled pride and admiration. Our friends dine at the cottage; and, after dinner, Mr. Nason and Mr. West talk over old times, ride down to Pine Pleasant, and visit the poorhouse. Great changes have come over Redfield. Squire Walker, Jacob Wire, and most of the paupers who were the companions of our hero, are dead and gone, and the living speak gently of the departed. At Pine Pleasant, they fasten the horse to a tree, and cross over to the rock which was Harry's favorite resort in childhood. "By the way, Harry, have you heard anything of Ben Smart lately?" asks Mr. Nason. "After his discharge from the state prison, I heard that he went to sea." "He was a bad boy." "And a bad man." "I believed he killed his mother. They say she never smiled after she gave him up as a hopeless case." "Poor woman! I pity a mother whose son turns out badly. What a wreck of fond hopes!" "Just so," added Mr. Nason. After visiting various interesting localities, Mr. West and his lady returned home. In their absence, a letter for Julia from Katy Flint has arrived. The Flint family are now in good circumstances. Joe is a steady man, and, with Harry's assistance, has purchased an interest in the stable formerly kept by Major Phillips, who has retired on a competency. "What does she say, Julia?" asked Harry, as she broke the seal. "They have heard from Edward." "Bad news, I am afraid. He was a hard boy." "Yes; he has just been sent to the Maryland penitentiary for housebreaking." "I am sorry for him." "Katy says her mother feels very badly about it." "No doubt of it. Mrs. Flint is an excellent woman; she was a mother to me." "She says they are coming up to Rockville next week." "Glad of that; they will always be welcome beneath my roof. I must call upon them to-morrow when I go to the city." "Do; and give my love to them."