Our Odd-men 



awkward fashion, " I thought, may be, I'd 

 just watch by Master Edward up there on 

 the hill to-night. I couldn't abear they 

 should meddle with /izm." 



We knew well enough what he meant, 

 and procured a great coat and wraps for 

 him ; and for three long bitter winter 

 nights the faithful fellow sat and watched 

 by the dreary mound on the hill side. He 

 had ever shown his affection in such ways. 



"Sprightly," said my Mother, a little 

 w^hile after, " I may have said many a 

 sharp word to you in my time — and I can't 

 say I think the fault all on my own side — 

 but I respect you for this, and I'll never 

 forget it as long as I live. And Sprightly, 

 I believe, yes I do believe he knows about 

 it," and here the poor dear broke down and 

 cried. 



" Ah ! " Sprightly said to me after one of 

 his drunken bouts, " I'd have been a better 

 fellow if Master Edward had lived." 



The years went on, and each one found 

 Sprightly further down the hill, for all my 

 Father's kindly efforts to keep him decent 

 and happy. Then I became very ill and 

 had to go abroad, and when I came home 

 I married and went to live in London. 

 Then the railways came and ruined my 

 dear old Father, and he had to leave the 

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