se have you, young man?" said Mr. Roundjacket. "The
individual who arrives late at the locality of his daily exercitation
will eventually become a candidate for the high and responsible
position of public suspension."

"_Anan_? said Verty, who was not accustomed to paraphrase. Then
turning his eyes toward the pigeon, he said:

"Pretty fellow! Oh! will you show me the way? You shall--to see
Redbud!"

And Verty, for the first time, seemed to realize the fact, that he
could see her again. His countenance became brilliant--his eyes were
filled with light--his lips wreathed with smiles.

Mr. Roundjacket was astounded.

"Young man," he said, sticking his pen behind his ear, "I should
be pleased to know what you are thinking about! You are really
extravagant, sir--you need the purifying and solidifying influence of
the law; believe me--hey! what are you doing there?"

Verty was gnawing off the ribbon from the pigeon's foot, tied too
tightly; he could not undo it, and having no knife, used his sharp
white teeth for the purpose.

The pigeon sank down toward the horizon--seemed about to
disappear--Verty uttered a deep sigh. But no: the bird suddenly
pauses, drops from the clouds, and settles upon the roof of a house
crowning a grassy hill, which hill was distant from Verty not more
than a quarter of a mile.

A smile of delight passed over Verty's countenance. He had found
Redbud--she was there!

There was no longer any necessity for such headlong speed--he could go
on slowly now--the goal was near, and would not fly as he approached.

Verty drew near the house, which was a tall, wooden structure,
embowered in trees, and carefully reconnoitered with true
huntsman-like precision. He thought that the place looked like the
residence of Redbud--it was so bright, and sunny, and cheerful.

On the roof sat the returned pigeon, cooing, and pluming his wings
among his fellows.

CHAPTER X.

VERTY MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF MR. JINKS.

Just as Verty was making this latter observation, his smiling eyes
fixed on the mansion before him, he heard a voice at his feet, so to
speak, which had the effect of bringing him to earth once more, and
this voice said, loftily--

"You seem to be interested, sir--handsome house, sir--very handsome
house, sir--also the occupants thereof."

Verty looked, and descried a gentleman of very odd appearance, who was
looking at him intently. This gentleman was slender of limb, and tall;
h