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much in mind the natural desires of folks to see him, that if he had a fault, it was the being constantly On View. And wherever the great people were, there, to be sure, attracted by the kindred sympathy between great souls, was Cute.

Several voices cried that be was in the circle round Sir Joseph. Mr. Fish made way there; found him; and took him secretly into a window near at hand. Trotty joined them. Not of his own accord. He felt that his steps were led in that direction.

“My dear Alderman Cute,” said Mr. Fish. “A little more this way. The most dreadful circumstance has occurred. I have this moment received the intelligence. I think it will be best not to acquaint Sir Joseph with it till the day is over. You understand Sir Joseph, and will give me your opinion. The most frightful and deplorable event!”

“Fish!” returned the Alderman. “Fish! My good fellow, what is the matter? Nothing revolutionary, I hope! No—no attempted interference with the magistrates”

“Deedles, the banker,” gasped the Secretary. “Deedles Brothers—who was to have been here to-day—high in office in the Goldsmiths’ Company—”

“Not stopped!’’exclaimed the Alderman. ‘‘It can’t be!”

“Shot himself”

“Good God!”

“Put a double-barrelled pistol to his mouth, in his own counting-house,” said Mr. Fish, “and blew his brains out. No motive. Princely circumstances!”