Next day, as Captain “went to mine

Next day, as Captain “went to mine,” Alone, he did not care How he his vengeance did combine With an alternate prayer; Thus:—“Where is that long-cherish’d gem, That only legacy My grandsire left me? Woe to him Who brought this misery!” * * * That night poor Joe thought (in a dream) His watch might still be found, And when he ’woke retain’d the scheme, Resolv’d the plan sound; Made up his mind what he should do, Arose and went forthwith Upon his pony to Westlooe, There found out old John Smith The Schoolmaster, and earnestly Urg’d him at once t’invent A “vertisement,” which cleverly To the “Great Town” was sent. ’T ran thus: “One night slept at an Inn, Near the Great West—— Railway, A Cornishman, and then was seen At breakfast the next day, In waistcoat, coat, and trowsers, black; Who’d lost his leathern purse, And left his watch: he wants it back, And would not care a curse ’Bout the expense if that kind Gent, Who took it for his bill, Would pack it safe and have it sent Right down into Cornwall,— Address’d to Captain Joseph James, At Westlooe Copper Mine,— And send his own address and names, With just a word or line,— John Smith, of Westlooe Grammar School. Will send by the next mail, In postage-stamps, the cost in full, And something for some ale.” * * * This done, the Captain bade farewell, And trotted home with speed,— Told his dear Agnes-Ann—the tale, Took tea and went to bed; And rose again, delighted with The plan; then went to mine; Thought all day long of old John Smith, And of th’ expected line From “John” the Gent. At length there came A note, wrote plain and neat, Sign’d with a “Russian-looking name,” At “16, Cuthbert Street.” * * * Then Joe exclaimed, “My watch, my dear; My dear, my watch:” and he, To make her understand it clear, Read out thus (smilingly)— “If Captain Joseph James will send In postage-stamps One pound, His trouble shall be at an end; The watch is safe and sound.” “Is safe and sound,” quoth Joe thrice o’er; “Oh! thank the Lord for this,” Said he; then read it through once more, And gave his wife a kiss; Put on his best, and trotted down (The stamps got on the way) To see his old friend “Maseter” John; Shook hands, and ’gan to say— “Dear Maseter john, once more I will Just trouble you to write.” * * * “With pleasure, Captain;” took his quill, And penn’d with all his might An answer to the honest sir, Who saw the “vertisement;” Enclosed the stamps, and sixpence o’er.