42 
THE RAT. 
moneys are continually changing hands, what can be so 
cruelly harassing as to have clear and undeniable cause of 
suspicion that there is some dishonest person about the 
establishment. Then who could be the thief? there was 
the question 1 One thing was certain, that he who could find 
in his heart to steal a man's silk handkerchief would feel few 
qualms of conscience in stealing his purse, if an opportunity 
offered. But, on the other hand, what could they want 
with a single sock or stocking, leaving the fellow one 
behind ? There was the paradox. Yet, upon a more 
extended view of the matter, it was quite clear that the 
felonies were not perpetrated by any outdoor thieves ; for, 
had they made an entrance at any time, they would not 
have taken such minor articles as silk handkerchiefs, odd 
socks, stockings, or napkins, when there were articles of far 
more serious value at hand. Besides there were no doors, 
shutters, or bolts displaced. No, no ; the thieves were in 
the house ; and thus things went on for months and months, 
and, in despifce of every care and precaution, still things were 
continually missing, till tlieir hopes of discovery fell into 
despair, and gave birth to the most reckless and perfect 
indifference. 
Some time after the master of the house resolved upon 
having his store-room enlarged, in the corner of which there 
was a formidable copper, which was connected by means of a 
flue to a large projecting chimney-stack. All these he resolved 
upon having removed, as it would render the kitchen so much 
more roomy and convenient. The bricklayer was sent for, 
and scarce had he received his orders when he set to work 
to knock down the flue, and out tumbled eleven young rats, 
besides a host of old nests which, from time to time, had 
been built by the rats, till the flue was completely choked 
up. The copper had not been used for years ; but when 
the bricklayer brought all the old nests to daylight, to 
the great joy of every one in the house, there were all 
the missing articles ; and a strange motley group they pre- 
sented. There were pieces of old stockings, old shirts and 
towels, sundry pieces of silk, flannel, cotton, and woollen 
cloth. Besides these, there were the remnants of various 
silk handkerchiefs, gloves, and a host of other things. 
In a cellar, in Holborn, there existed a colony of rats, 
