induced him, in spite of his sister's protest, to prefer it to several
otherwise more eligible residences; and he was confirmed in his decision
by the fact that the villa was no great distance from the humble dwelling
he was so reluctant to leave. They were to have possession at once; and
Miss Jemima was permitted to plunge without delay into the delights of
buying furniture, engaging servants, and such like fascinating concerns.

During these busy days, "Cobbler" Horn himself was absorbed in the
arrangements for the rehabilitation of his old workshop. He subjected it
to a complete renovation, in keeping with its character and use. A new
tile floor, a better window, a fresh covering of whitewash on the walls,
and a new coat of paint for the wood-work, effected a transformation as
agreeable as it was complete. He kept the old stool; but procured a new
and modern set of tools, and furnished himself with a stock of the best
leather the market could supply.

He had no difficulty in letting his poor customers know of his charitable
designs, and he soon had as much work as he could do. As his sister had
warned him, he had many applications from those who were unworthy of his
help. He did not like to turn any of the applicants away; but he did so
remorselessly in every instance in which, after careful investigation, the
case broke down, his chief regret being that his gratuitous services were
rarely sought by those who needed them most. But this is to anticipate.

It was in connection with what was regarded as the _quixotic_ undertaking
of Miss Jemima's brother to mend, free of charge, the boots and shoes of
his poor neighbours, that he soon became generally known as "Cobbler"
Horn.

CHAPTER XIV.

"THE GOLDEN SHOEMAKER" WAITS UPON HIS MINISTER.

"Cobbler" Horn's correspondence was steadily accumulating. Every day
brought fresh supplies of letters; and the humble cottage was in danger
of being swamped by an epistolary inundation, which was the despair of
"Cobbler" Horn, and a growing vexation to his sister's order-loving soul.

For some time "the Golden Shoemaker" persisted valiantly in his attempt to
answer every letter he received. Miss Jemima's scornful disapproval was of
no avail. In vain she declared her conviction that every other letter was
an imposture or a hoax, and pointed out that, if people wanted their
letters answered, they ought to enclose a stamp. Then, for t