A Lucky Magpie 165 



afternoon. 1 had my dinner, and saved a bit as 

 usual to give Mag when my day's work should 

 be over. Then I worked in the garden, and 

 tidied up the bed under the window. When she 

 returned I had a good long job with the pony and 

 carriage ; and before it was over I was sent for 

 suddenly into the house. The maid who fetched 

 me was crying. 



"In the parlour Miss Pringle was again at her 

 desk, with her bonnet on, looking very tight and 

 stiff indeed ; the cook was wiping her eyes with 

 her apron, and on my matting was standing a 

 policeman, who moved me on to the front of Miss 

 Pringle by the window, and then retired to the 

 door. 



" ' John,' she said, very distinctly and slowly, 

 1 1 have missed a sovereign, which I accident- 

 ally left on this desk this morning. Do you 

 know anything of it? You have been at work 

 outside. The other servants know nothing 

 of it, and they and their rooms have been 

 searched.' 



I was dreadfully taken aback, but I denied all 

 knowledge. 



