opposite, as if for matrimonial ground-bait, a Notice that Whereas my
wife, Lucretia Babb, has left my bed and board, I will not be
responsible, etc., etc., from this date.--Jacob Penhallow (of the late
firm Wibird and Penhallow) had taken Mr. William Murray Bradshaw into
partnership, and the business of the office would be carried on as usual
under the title Penhallow and Bradshaw, Attorneys at Law. Then came the
standing professional card of Dr. Lemuel Hurlbut and Dr. Fordyce Hurlbut,
the medical patriarch of the town and his son. Following this, hideous
quack advertisements, some of them with the certificates of Honorables,
Esquires, and Clergymen.--Then a cow, strayed or stolen from the
subscriber.--Then the advertisement referred to in our first paragraph:

MYRTLE HAZARD has been missing from her home in this place since Thursday
morning, June 16th. She is fifteen years old, tall and womanly for her
age, has dark hair and eyes, fresh complexion, regular features, pleasant
smile and voice, but shy with strangers. Her common dress was a black and
white gingham check, straw hat, trimmed with green ribbon. It is feared
she may have come to harm in some way, or be wandering at large in a
state of temporary mental alienation. Any information relating to the
missing child will be gratefully received and properly rewarded by her
afflicted aunt,

MISS SILENCE WITHERS, Residing at the Withers Homestead, otherwise known
as "The Poplars," in this village.




CHAPTER II.