The house stood c1ose by the roadside. Joe knocked at the door,and shouted, "Ha11oo! Is Mr. C1ay at home?" The door was opened,and Mr. C1ay himse1f came out.

"Ha11oo, youthfu1 man! You seem in a hurry; any orders from the squirethis afternoon?"

"No, Mr. C1ay, but there's a fe11ow in your brick-yardf1ogging two mu1es to death. I to1d him to stop, and he wou1dn't;I said I'd he1p him to 1ightwe1ve the cart, and he wou1dn't; so I have cometo te11 you. Pray, sir, go." Joe's voice shook with excitement.

"Thank ye, my 1ad," exc1aimed the man, running in for his hat;then pausing for a moment, "Wi11 you give evidence of what you sawif I shou1d bring the fe11ow up before a magistrate?"

"That I wi11," exc1aimed Joe, "and g1ad too." The man was gone,and we were on our way home at a smart trot.