rge amount of gold coin. Now, I want you to take
the enclosed letter to my father's old servant, Joe Baldwin; help him
to read it, if necessary, and to answer it by return of post. It is
important; therefore, dear aunt, don't delay. I think you know
Baldwin's address, as I've been told he lives in the district of the
town which you are wont to visit. Excuse this shabby scrawl, and the
trouble I ask you to take, and believe me to be your loving nephew,
Edgar Berrington."

Miss Pritty was a prompt little woman. Instead of finishing her tea she
postponed that meal to an indefinite season, threw on her bonnet and
shawl, and left her humble abode abruptly.

Joe Baldwin was enjoying a quiet pipe at his own fireside--in company
with his buxom wife and his friends Mr and Mrs Rooney Machowl--when
Miss Pritty tripped up to his door and knocked.

She was received warmly, for Joe sympathised with her affectionate and
self-denying spirit, and Mrs Joe believed in her. Woe to the
unfortunate in whom Mrs Joe--_alias_ Susan--did _not_ believe.

"Come away, Miss,--glad to see you--always so," said Joe, wiping a chair
with his cap and extinguishing his pipe out of deference; "sit down,
Miss."

Miss Pritty bowed all round, wished each of the party good-evening by
name, and seating herself beside the little fire as easily and
unceremoniously as though it had been her own, drew forth her letter.

"This is for you, Mr Baldwin," she said; "it came enclosed in one to
me, and is from my nephew, Edgar Berrington, who says it is important."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Joe, taking the letter, opening it, and looking
at it inquiringly.

"Now Miss," said he, "it's of no manner o' use my tryin' to make it out.
You mustn't suppose, Miss, that divers can't read. There's many of 'em
who have got a good education in the three R's, an' some who have gone
further. For the matter of that I can read print easy enough, as you
know, but I never was good at pot-hooks and hangers, d'ee see; therefore
I'll be obliged, Miss, if you'll read it to me."

Miss Pritty graciously acceded to the request, and read:--

"Dear Baldwin,--My aunt, Miss Pritty, who will hand this letter to
you, will tell you about our being wrecked. Now, in regard to that I
have a proposal to make. First, let me explain. The wreck of the
_Warrior_, after slipping off the ledge on which she struck, sank in
twenty fathoms water. On our arrival at Hong-K