es, and her's is not among them. Why not,
good gentleman, (he seized me by the arm as he said this,) inquire of
Milman Mingle, the vote-cribber? He is a great politician, never thinks
of poor Graves, and wouldn't look into a graveyard for the world. The
vote-cribber used to live with her, and several times he threatened to
hang her, and would a hanged her--yes, he would, sir--if it hadn't a
been for the neighbors. I don't take much interest in the living, you
know. But I pitied her, poor thing, for she was to be pitied, and there
was nobody but me to do it. Just inquire of the vote-cribber.' I knew
the simpleton never told an untruth, being in no way connected with our
political parties."

"Never told an untruth, being in no way connected with our political
parties!" repeats Madame Montford, who has become more calm.

"I gave him a few shillings, he followed me to the gate, and left me
muttering, 'Go, inquire of the vote-cribber.'"

"And have you found this man?" inquires the anxious lady.

"I forthwith set about it," replies Mr. Snivel, "but as yet, am
unsuccessful. Nine months during the year his residence is the jail--"

"The jail!"

"Yes, Madame, the jail. His profession, although essential to the
elevation of our politicians and statesmen, is nevertheless unlawful.
And he being obliged to practice it in opposition to the law, quietly
submits to the penalty, which is a residence in the old prison for a
short time. It's a nominal thing, you see, and he has become so
habituated to it that I am inclined to the belief that he prefers it. I
proceeded to the prison and found he had been released. One of our
elections comes off in a few days. The approach of such an event is sure
to find him at large. I sought him in all the drinking saloons, in the
gambling dens, in the haunts of prostitution--in all the low places
where our great politicians most do assemble and debauch themselves. He
was not to be found. Being of the opposite party, I despatched a spy to
the haunt of the committee of the party to which he belongs, and for
which he cribs. I have paced the colonnade for more than an hour,
waiting the coming of this spy. He did not return, and knowing your
anxiety in the matter I returned to you. To-morrow I will seek him out;
to-morrow I will get from him what he knows of this woman you seek.

"And now, Madame, here is something I would have you examine." (Mr.
Snivel methodically says he got it of McArthur, the ant