"And what may be the circumstance to which you allude?" asked Miss
Macmanus, in the same authoritative tone.

"I dare say it has nothing to do with these ladies," said I; "but an
article of dress, of the nature they have described, was cut up in
the Castle of Antwerp on the day before yesterday. It belonged to a
gentleman who was visiting the place; and I was given to understand
that he is determined to punish the people who have wronged him."

"It can't be the same," said Miss Grogram; but I could see that she
was trembling.

"Oh laws! what will become of us?" said Mrs. Jones.

"You can all prove that I didn't touch them, and that I warned her
not," said Aunt Sally. In the mean time the two young ladies had
almost fainted behind their fans.

"But how had it come to pass," asked Miss Macmanus, "that the
gentleman had--"

"I know nothing more about it, cousin," said I; "only it does seem
that there is an odd coincidence."

Immediately after this I took my leave. I saw that I had avenged my
friend, and spread dismay in the hearts of these who had injured
him. I had learned in the course of the evening at what hotel the
five ladies were staying; and in the course of the next morning I
sauntered into the hall, and finding one of the porters alone, asked