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"Yes," said I, "but entleman!"

"I never heerd tell o' the devil in a bell-crowned 'at afore, but

p'r'aps you 'ht, Peter--tak' another pinch o' snuff"

"Nomy head

"Why, it's apt to ketch you a bit at first, but, Lord! Peter, for

a man as 'as fou't wi' the devil--"

"One pinch is h, Ancient"

"Oh, Peter, 'tis a wonnerful thing as you should be alive this day!"

"And yet, Ancient, ht the devil before now and

lived--nay, has been the better for it"

"Maybe, Peter, ht was" Saying which, the old , hobbled to the door; yet there he turned and caot, Peter, I have noos for ye"

"News?"

"Noos as ever was--noos as'll surprise ye, Peter"

"Well?" I inquired

"Well, Peter, Black Jarge be 'took' again"

"What?" I exclaimed

"Oh! I knowed 'twould coer I says to Simon, day afore yesterday it were, 'Simon,' I