then,' said H--e.

This seemed to be 'rather too much' for the lawyer. The loss of
the hay-rick--like the last straw laid on the overladen camel's
back--staggered him. Besides, he thought he saw--as doubtless he
did see--H--e twisting his fingers round one of the dice. Up he
started at once, and declared that he was cheated!

Thereupon the sick man forgot his sickness, jumped out of bed,
and gave the lawyer a regular drubbing, got the cheque for the
L2000,--but the horse, cow, and hay he said he would leave 'until
further orders.'


A VERY CURIOUS STORY.

An Archbishop of Canterbury was once on a tour, when a genteel
man, apparently in earnest conversation, though alone in a wood,
attracted his notice. His Grace made up to him, and, after a
little previous conversation, asked him what he was about.
Stranger. 'I am at play.'
Archbishop. 'At play? With whom? I see nobody.'
Sir. 'I own, sir, my antagonist is not visible: I am playing
with God.'
Abp. 'At what game, pray, sir?'
Str. 'At Chess.'
Abp. 'Do you play for anything?'
Str. 'Certainly.'
Abp. 'You cannot have any chance, as your adversary must be so
superior to you.'