to continue to transact it even after his death. But unexpected
evidence was forthcoming. The young lady, after listening to the
pedler's explanation, merely seized a moment to smooth her gown and
put her curls in order, and then appeared at the tavern door, making a
modest signal to be heard.

"Good people," said she, "I am Mr. Higginbotham's niece."

A wondering murmur passed through the crowd on beholding her so rosy
and bright--that same unhappy niece whom they had supposed, on the
authority of the Parker's Falls _Gazette_, to be lying at death's
door in a fainting-fit. But some shrewd fellows had doubted all along
whether a young lady would be quite so desperate at the hanging of a
rich old uncle.

"You see," continued Miss Higginbotham, with a smile, "that this
strange story is quite unfounded as to myself, and I believe I may
affirm it to be equally so in regard to my dear uncle Higginbotham. He
has the kindness to give me a home in his house, though I contribute
to my own support by teaching a school. I left Kimballton this morning
to spend the vacation of commencement-week with a friend about five
miles from Parker's Falls. My generous uncle, when he heard me on the
stairs, called me to his bedside and gave me two dollars and fifty
cents to pay my stage-fare, and another dollar for my extra expenses.
He then laid his pocketbook under his pillow, shook hands with me, and
advised me to take some biscuit in my bag instead of breakfasting on
the road. I feel confident, therefore, that I left my beloved relative
alive, and trust that I shall find him so on my return."

The young lady courtesied at the close of her speech, which was so