Parker rose about two hours earlier than usual, and I entertain a suspicion that he expended a portion of the time in going down the street to examine the exterior of Mr. Magruder's house. It probably gave him some satisfaction merely to view the tenement wherein his fair enslaver reposed. He came to the breakfast-table with a radiant countenance, and it was evident that he would be unable to contain the news for many moments longer. In order to prepare the way for him, I asked him:
"Why were you so late last night, Bob?"
"Oh, I had some important business on hand. Big things have been happening; I have some news to tell you."
"Another railroad accident?" I asked, carelessly, "or a riot in Philadelphia?"
"Riot? no! Thunder!" exclaimed Bob; "nothing of that kind. It's something more important. You know old Smiley—Fiji Island Smiley? Well, I've floored him; I've laid him out flat; I've knocked him into diminutive smithereens."
"Had a personal encounter with the lieutenant?" I asked, gravely.
"No, sir! better than that. I've cut him out down at Magruder's. Bessie and I are engaged! What do you think of that, Max?"