she would never have consented to
it.

Bacon, who had read much of Shakespeare while in the Panchronicon, found
on returning thus accidentally to modern America, that this playwright
was esteemed the first and greatest of poets and dramatists by the
modern world. Then and there he planned a conspiracy to rob the greatest
character in literary history of his just fame; and, under the pseudonym
of "Delia Bacon," advanced those theories of his own concealed
authorship which have ever since deluded the uncritical and disgusted
all lovers of common-sense and of justice.

Copernicus Droop, on returning his three remaining passengers to their
proper dates and addresses, discovered that his sole remaining
phonograph, with certain valuable records of Elizabethan origin, had
disappeared. As he owed a grudge to Francis Bacon, that worthy fell at
once under suspicion, and accordingly Droop promptly returned to 1857,
sought out the deserter, and charged him with having stolen these
instruments.

It was not until the accused man had indignantly denied all knowledge of
Droop's property that the crestfallen Yankee recollected that he had
left the apparatus in question in the deserted mansion of Newington,
where he had stored it for greater safety after Bacon's first unexpected
visit.

Without hesitation, he determined to return to 1598 and reclaim his own.
Bacon, who had learned from modern historical works of the brilliant
future in store for himself in England, begged Droop to take him back;
and as an atonement for his unjust accusation, Droop consented.

It is not generally known that, contrary to common report, Francis Bacon
was _not_ arrested for debt in 1598; but that, during the time he was
supposed to have been in prison, he was actually engaged in building up
in his own behalf the greatest hoax in history.

* * * * *

Let those who may be inclined to discredit this scrupulously authentic
chronicle proceed forthwith to Peltonville, New Hampshire, and there ask
for Mr. and Mrs. Guy Fenton. From them will be gained complete
corroboration of this history, not only in the account which they will
give of their own past adventures, but in the unmistakable Elizabethan
flavor distinguishable to this day in their speech and manner. Indeed,
the single fact that both ale and beer are to be found behind their
wood-pile should be convincing evidence on this point.

As for Rebecca, fully