BRIGHTON BILL. 169 



a ring, in which was set a valuable 

 diamond. His manners corresponded with 

 his appearance, and no one could have 

 suspected him of being a fighting man. 



Reader, this was a man known as 

 Brighton Bill his real name I never knew 

 but that he was of respectable parents, 

 and intended by them for a better calling, 

 I was convinced. When two days after- 

 wards I saw his contused and distorted 

 countenance, the only part visible from 

 under the bedclothes at the "Wheat- 

 sheaf" at Backway, when he was deserted 

 by all, and had no friend or relative 

 near to watch over his fast -departing 

 spirit, I could not restrain a tear. The 

 spectacle thrilling my inward parts with 

 horror, I silently, as I descended the 

 stairs, invoked a curse on such barba- 

 rous practices, as well as on the authors of 

 his death. He expired before my return 

 the next day ; and on my arrival in town, I 

 was met by an editor, who generally re- 



