THE NOTTINGHAM SILK ROBBERY.

“Thank you. I will keep it in memory of you.”

Nettlethorpe burst out of the room, and went home, snapping like a mad dog at everything he met.

“I’ve got rid of your pest,” cried Patty, when her father entered the parlour, after Nettlethorpe’s departure; “and I don’t think we are likely to be troubled again with him for some time to come.”

“Hast thee given ’im his answer, lass?” said the farmer.

“Well, I fancy so.”

“An’ what did ’ee want, Patty?”

“He made me an offer.”

“Of what?”

“His hand and heart.”