have taken it for a representation of the Infant Samuel. I have called
it commonplace; and considered as a work of art, such it undoubtedly
was; yet it must have possessed a certain distinctive individuality,
for the brief glance which I had caught of it, even at that distance,
had been sufficient to convince me that the figure was an old
acquaintance of mine. It was in consequence of that conviction that I
had dismounted from the omnibus, forgetful, for the moment, of
everything but the matter which was uppermost in my mind.

I lost no time in passing through the gateway leading into the yard,
and in walking up to the pedestal upon which the little figure was
placed. Taking the latter in my hand, I found, as I had expected, that
it was not attached to the pedestal, which was of totally different
material, and much more elaborate workmanship. Turning the figure
upside down, my eyes rested on these words, deeply cut into the little
circular throne upon which the figure rested:--JACKSON: PEORIA, 1854.

At this juncture the proprietor of the establishment walked up to where
I was standing beside the pedestal. "Like to look at something in that
way, sir?" he asked--"we have more inside."

"What is the price of this?" I asked, indicating the figure in my hand.

"That, sir; you may have that for fifty cents--of course without the
pedestal, which don't belong to it."

"Have you had it on hand long?"

"I don't know, but if you'll step inside for a moment I can tell you.
This way, sir."