A FEW WORDS WITH THE READER.
The abruptness with which we were compelled to conclude this history,
may render it necessary to make a few explanations. Indeed, we fancy we
hear the reader demanding them.
By some mysterious process, known only to Keepum and Snivel, the old
Antiquary was found at large on the day following Tom Swiggs’ return,
notwithstanding the Appeal Court did not sit for some six weeks. It is
some months since Tom returned, and although he has provided a
comfortable home for the Antiquary, the queer old man still retains a
longing for the old business, and may be seen of a fine morning, his
staff in his right hand, his great-bowed spectacles mounted, and his
infirm step, casting many an anxious look up at his old shop, and
thinking how much more happy he would be if he were installed in
business, selling curiosities to his aristocratic customers, and
serving the chivalry in general.
As for Keepum, why he lost no time in assuring Tom of his high regard
for him, and has several times since offered to lend him a trifle,
knowing full well that he stands in no need of it.
Snivel is a type of our low, intriguing politician and justice, a sort
of cross between fashionable society and rogues, who, notwithstanding
they are a great nuisance to the community, manage to get a sort of
windy popularity, which is sure to carry them into high office. He is
well thought of by our ignorant crackers, wire-grassmen, and
sand-pitters, who imagine him the great medium by which the Union is to
be dissolved, and South Carolina set free to start a species of
government best suited to her notions of liberty, which are extremely
contracted. It may here be as well to add, that he is come rich, but
has not yet succeeded in his darling project of dissolving the Union.
Judge Sleepyhorn thinks of withdrawing into private life, of which he
regards himself an exquisite ornament. This, some say, is the result of
the tragic death of Anna Bonard, as well as his love of hanging negroes
having somewhat subsided.
Madame Montford takes her journeys abroad, where she finds herself much
more popular than at home. Nevertheless, she suffers the punishment of
a guilty heart, and this leaves her no peace in body or mind. It is,
however, some relief to her that she has provided a good, comfortable
home for the woman Munday. Tenacious of her character, she still finds
a refuge for her pride in the hope that the public is ignorant on the
score of the child.
Brother Spyke is in Antioch, and writes home that he finds the Jews the
most intractable beings he ever had to deal with. He, however, has
strong hopes of doing much good. The field is wide, and with a few
thousand dollars more-well, a great deal of light may be reflected over
Antioch.
Sister Slocum is actively employed in the good cause of dragging up and
evangelizing the heathen world generally. She has now on hand fourteen
nice couples, young, earnest, and full of the best intentions. She
hopes to get them all off to various dark fields of missionary labor as
soon as the requisite amount of funds is scraped up.
There came very near being a little misunderstanding between the House
of the Foreign Missions and the House of the Tract Society, in
reference to the matter of burying Mrs. Swiggs. The Secretary of the
Tract Society, notwithstanding he had strong leanings to the South, and
would not for the world do aught to offend the dignity of the “peculiar
institution,” did not see his way so clearly in the matter of
contributing to the burial expenses of the sister who had so long
labored in the cause of their tracts. However, the case was a peculiar
one, and called for peculiar generosity; hence, after consulting “The
Board,” the matter was compromised by the “Tract Society” paying a
third of the amount.
If you would have strong arguments in favor of reform in the Points
just look in at the House of the Nine Nations. There you will find Mr.
Krone and his satellites making politicians, and deluging your
alms-houses and graveyards with his victims, while he himself is one of
the happiest fellows in the world. And after you have feasted your eyes
on his den, then come out and pay your homage to the man who, like a
fearless Hercules, has sacrificed his own comfort, and gone nobly to
work to drag up this terrible heathen world at your own door. Give him
of your good gifts, whisper an encouraging word in his ear (he has
multiplied the joys of the saved inebriate), and bid him God-speed in
his labor of love.
A word in reference to the young theologian. He continues his visits to
the old jail, and has rendered solace to many a drooping heart. But he
is come a serious obstacle to Mr. Sheriff Hardscrabble, who, having an
eye to profit, regards a “slim goal” in anything but a favorable light.
Old Spunyarn has made a voyage to the Mediterranean, and returned with
a bag full of oranges for Tom Swiggs; but now that he sees him in
possession of such a fine craft as Maria, he proposes that she have the
oranges, while his hearty good wishes can just as well be expressed
over a bumper of wine. He hopes Tom may always have sunshine, a gentle
breeze, and a smooth sea. Farther, he pledges that he will hereafter
keep clear of the “land-sharks,” nor ever again give the fellow with
the face like a snatch-block a chance to run him aboard the “Brig
Standfast.”
As for Mr. Detective Fitzgerald, he still pursues his profession, and
is one of the kindest and most efficient officers of his corps.
And now, ere we close our remarks, and let the curtain fall, we must
say a word of Tom and Maria. Tom, then, is one of the happiest fellows
of the lot. He occupies a nice little villa on the banks of the
“mill-dam.” And here his friends, who having found wings and returned
with his fortunes, look in now and then, rather envy the air of comfort
that reigns in his domicil, and are surprised to find Maria really so
beautiful. Tom so far gained the confidence of his employer, that he is
now a partner in the concern; and, we venture to say, will never
forfeit his trust. About Maria there is an air of self-command-a
calmness and intelligence of manner, and a truthfulness in her devotion
to Tom, that we can only designate with the word “nobleness.” And, too,
there is a sweetness and earnestness in her face that seems to bespeak
the true woman, while leaving nothing that can add to the happiness of
him she now looks up to and calls her deliverer.
THE END.