"A begging letter, no doubt," cried Lady Clementina.

"Take it back," said the dean, "and bid him send up word who he is,
and what is his errand."

The servant went; and returning said, "He comes from on board a
ship; his captain sent him, and his errand is, he believes, to leave
a boy he has brought with him."

"A boy!" cried the dean: "what have I to do with a boy? I expect
no boy. What boy? What age?"

"He looks about twelve or thirteen," replied the servant.

"He is mistaken in the house," said the dean. "Let me look at the
letter again."

He did look at it, and saw plainly it was directed to himself. Upon
a second glance, he had so perfect a recollection of the hand, as to
open it instantaneously; and, after ordering the servant to
withdraw, he read the following:-


"ZOCOTORA ISLAND, April 6.

"My Dear Brother William,--It is a long time since we have seen one
another; but I hope not so long, that you have quite forgotten the
many happy days we once passed together.

"I did not take my leave of you when I left England, because it