With these words ended the last letter, unsigned. At the first
streak of dawn we left the house, and, after much wandering, found
our way back to the valley. But of our guide we heard no news.
Whether he remained still upon the mountain, or whether by some false
step he had perished upon that night, we never learnt.



VARIETY PATTER.



My first appearance at a Music Hall was in the year one thousand
eight hundred and s--. Well, I would rather not mention the exact
date. I was fourteen at the time. It was during the Christmas
holidays, and my aunt had given me five shillings to go and see
Phelps--I think it was Phelps--in Coriolanus--I think it was
Coriolanus. Anyhow, it was to see a high-class and improving
entertainment, I know.

I suggested that I should induce young Skegson, who lived in our
road, to go with me. Skegson is a barrister now, and could not tell
you the difference between a knave of clubs and a club of knaves. A
few years hence he will, if he works hard, be innocent enough for a
judge. But at the period of which I speak he was a red-haired boy of
worldly tastes, notwithstanding which I loved him as a brother. My
dear mother wished to see him before consenting to the arrangement,
so as to be able to form her own opinion as to whether he was a fit
and proper companion for me; and, accordingly, he was invited to tea.
He came, and made a most favourable impression upon both my mother