THE HEN FEVER. 271 



times, when something in the shape of duties was coming 

 in. But, aa nothing is said of his finale, I rather think he 

 absquatulated with the funds of the government. But I 

 will come to the information you desire, without further 

 alio. 



" You know the ' Old 'Un,' undoubtedly. (If you 

 don't, there is very little doubt but you will know iis 

 namesake hereafter, if you don't cease to squander your 

 time in looking after the plunder of the Burnham family !) 

 "Well, the ' Old 'Un ' is in the ' direct line,' to which I 

 have now endeavored to turn your attention ; and I have 

 been called, of late years, the 'YouNS 'Un,' for reasons 

 that will not interest you. To my honored senior 

 (whom I set down in the category as my legitimate ' dad ') 

 I would refer you for further particulars. He is tenacious 

 of the character of his progeny, and loves me ; I would 

 commend you to him, for it will warm the cockles of his 

 old heart to learn that the ' Young 'Un ' is in luck. 



"If you chance to live long enough to get as far down 

 in my letter as this paragraph, allow me to add that, 

 should you happen to receive any very considerable 

 amount as my share of the ' property ' for the Burnham 

 family, please not overlook the fact that I am ' one of 'em,' 

 and that I have taken pains to tell you ' whar I cum from.' 

 Please forward my dividend by Adams & Oo.'s Express 

 (if their crates should be big enough to convoy it), and if 



