"Not a livin' soul," replied Mr. Peters, "as yet."

"I think--I think, Mr. Peters," said the Canon, "that we may be able to
extend your lease to twenty-one years."

"Thank you kindly, sir," said the landlord, and departed. Next morning
the Canon waited on the Bishop and laid the bag before him.

"Oh," said the Bishop cheerfully, "he's sent it back by you, has he?"

"He has, sir," replied the Canon; "and thankful I am that it was to me he
brought it. It is right," continued the Canon, "that I should inform
your lordship that I am aware of the circumstances under which it left
your hands."

The Canon's eye was severe, and the Bishop laughed uneasily.

"I suppose it wasn't quite the thing for me to do," he answered
apologetically; "but there, all's well that ends well," and the Bishop
laughed.

This stung the Canon. "Oh, sir," he exclaimed, with a burst of fervour,
"in Heaven's name--for the sake of our Church, let me entreat--let me
pray you never to let such a thing occur again."

The Bishop turned upon him angrily.

"Why, what a fuss you make about a little thing!" he cried; then, seeing
the look of agony upon the other's face, he paused.

"How did you get that bag?" he asked.

"The landlord of the Cross Keys brought it me," answered the Canon; "you
left it there last night."

The Bishop gave a gasp, and sat down heavily. When he recovered his
breath, he told the Canon the real history of the case; and the Canon is
still trying to believe it.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN INGERFIELD AND OTHER STORIES***

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