from the Isthmus of Panama departed next. | the fog appeared the coast-outlines of EnAs no ants were procurable it was fed on gland. raw yolk of egg, which it contrived to suck in with its long tongue. But the nourishment obtained was not sufficient to enable it to stand the cold, and it succumbed before the first Northern blasts. This animal can be carried North only in warm weather.

Fine

The harsh and keen wind of the North was not pleasant after the balmy and spicy air of the tropics, and in closing Mr. Kingsley says: "At first, I must confess, an English winter was a change for the worse. old oaks and beeches looked to us, fresh Some monkeys and parrots fared better, from ceibas and balatas, like leafless brooms and one kinkajou was so lively that he sev- stuck into the ground by their handles; eral times got loose and displayed his nat- while the want of light was for some days ural inclinations by dashing about between- painful and depressing. But we had done decks in search of rats, to the great terror it. As the king in the old play says, 'What of the stewardess, who looked upon him as has been, has been, and I've had my hour.' a loose wild beast. Colder and colder grew At last we had seen it, and we could not the wind, lower the sun, darker the cloud-unsee it. We could not not have been in world overhead; and glooming dim through the tropics."

WHY MUGGINS WAS KEPT.

UGGINS!"

"MU

bearded men, with a vista of years lengthening behind us. Yet I had found Brinton almost unchanged-grave, somewhat haughty of manner, with native force and independ

and energetic, with a low, deep voice, and a firm grip of the hand. I was gratified to find his confidence in me unimpaired, and appreciated the delicacy which would spare his wife the embarrassment of listening to the story of some previous attachment. And I was all ears for the story.

While I was marveling at so peculiar an appellation, a broad-faced, stout, half-ence in all he did or said, yet warm-hearted witted-looking individual made his appearance, and was dispatched by Brinton for matches. He presently returned, smiling, with a bunch of tooth-picks in his hand. Somewhat to my surprise (for I remembered Brinton as rather a stern, severe man), instead of getting a sound scolding, he was merely informed of his error and sent back to rectify it.

"It happened about eight years ago," began Brinton, placing his feet upon the window-sill, folding his arms, and gazing contemplatively out to sea. "I had had Muggins, at that time, about four years—ever since I had driven over him, a boy, in the

I am fond of eliminating romance from common materials-proud of so doing, I might say, for I sometimes flatter myself I have an especial gift that way. It struck me that Muggins might be a romance in dis-street, and knocked out of him what little guise, so I remarked, with an affectation of carelessness,

"Why do you keep such a crazy fellow as that about the house, John? Aren't you afraid he might do a mischief some day?"

Brinton's answer was delayed by the reappearance of Muggins, this time with the matches. Meanwhile I reflected that my question might be imprudent; for although John and I had been boys together, we had scarcely seen each other since; and besides, that sweet, delightful Mrs. Brinton was sitting close by me. So I resolved to explain.

"You remember my weakness, John; and I'm sure I can't be wrong in thinking that some interesting story is attached to your connection with this Muggins. Ah! you smile. I thought it was so. Now tell it, 'like a good fellow."

Brinton looked at me fixedly a few moments, then at the smoke of the outwardbound steamer just vanishing beneath the horizon, and then at his wife, all the time with a musing, thoughtful smile glimmering over his face. At last he said:

brains ever were in him. That incident, and the fact that he was always devoted to me, had been the causes of my retaining him in my service thus far; but it was at the time of which I am now about to speak that he performed for me that extraordinary service which no kindness of mine can ever repay."

Here my friend paused, and pulled at his black, bristling mustache a while in silence. Though much interested at so suggestive a commencement to my romance, I forbore to interrupt him, and he soon resumed.

"We'd been traveling some months in Europe. I met a Miss Rupert and her father there-Southerners, with all the fine and generous traits of their race; and though we were politically at swords' points, we ultimately became inseparable friends. Indeed, Miss Rupert and I were engaged to be married. I don't mind confessing now," said Brinton, lowering his voice, “that I loved her with my whole heart. She was beautiful, proud, tender, fiery, affectionate — you know what I mean. Though our temperaments were as dissimilar as possible, we met and sympathized on all vital points. And she loved me as only such a woman can love, idealizing me till I was a fit subject for adoration; and I let her do it to her heart's content, knowing that time would set her right. And so it did, rather sooner than I

"You're a keen observer, Simpson. You deserve a story, and you shall have this one. My dear," he added, to Mrs. Brinton, "won't you go and see about our supper?" Mrs. B., with what seemed a half-deprecating glance at him, and, as I thought, a somewhat reluctant farewell smile at me, accepted this deli-expected. cate dismissal, and retired, like an angel in white muslin, as she was.

"You see," explained John, "what I'm going to tell you involves speaking of my first love experience, and you understand-"

I understood perfectly. As I have said, Brinton and I had been friends at college, and had exchanged many a youthful confidence there. But since then our paths had widely diverged, and while I had been a traveler, and withal somewhat of a student and recluse, Brinton had risen high in the world, had married, and children were about him. To-day we who parted youths met as

"We were traveling in Egypt, as I said-" "You said Europe," ventured I.

"Of course-I mean Europe," said Brinton, hastily. "It all happened so long ago that my memory has become a little rusty. Well, we were in Geneva about the latter part of May, and, of course, we were perfectly happy. We were delighted with every thing, for we were every thing to each other. And if it hadn't been for a certain Polish count, who in some way became acquainted with us, our happiness might have been uninterrupted to the present day."

This seemed to me a singular remark for

a married man, and a man like Brinton, to "but before I had time to ask him the carmake; but I forbore to interrupt.

riage drew up at the hotel, and he walked off, saying he would give 'us young people' a chance to say a few words to each other. I noticed then, for the first time, that there were traces of tears in Miss Rupert's eyes, and her hand trembled on my arm. 'What's the matter, dear?' I asked. She clung to me, convulsively almost, for a few moments, unable to speak, as it seemed. At last she looked up in my face.

"Don't mind my foolishness, John,' she said; and though her voice was steady and her lip firm, the effort filled her eyes again. 'Don't fear, I'll be as brave and calm as you when the time comes. But it's all so sudden; and, oh, my darling, the risk will be so great!'

"What risk?' said I, puzzled again.

"The count's name," continued John, was Grodjinski; one of those graceful, elegantly mannered fellows, with a great deal of aristocratic breeding and polish, and very little honorable reputation of any kind-among women especially. He was very attentive to Miss Rupert, who set it all down to the way' of foreigners; quite correct, no doubt, but it's a way I didn't approve of. Well, not to make a long story of it, we all four went one night to a grand ball given there. Miss Rupert looked superbly, dressed as only a Southerner can dress; indeed-for you know I'm a little old-fashioned-I should have preferred to let the exquisite symmetry of her neck and arms be left rather more to the imagination. The count had danced several times with her during the evening, and as I "Now, John dear, don't hesitate to put was standing in the hall waiting for her to confidence in me. Indeed, I can bear any come out after the ball was over, he stepped thing almost. See how brave I am!' and she up to me and whispered something in my looked up with a heart-rending little smile. ear. I won't repeat what he said, but it'Now won't you promise to tell me every embodied a gross insult to Miss Rupert, and thing, darling? through her to me. It could only be answered by a blow, and it was so I answered it, striking him full in his smooth, pale, insolent face. The blood spurted from his cheek over my hand, and his cool smile changed to a look of deadly malice. Of course it created considerable disturbance; but I haven't any very distinct remembrance of what followed till I found myself in the carriage, driving home with the Ruperts.

"Well, of course they were anxious to know all about it, and I told them all I could, omitting, however, to mention that Polinski had insulted me only by insulting Miss Rupert."

"Polinski!" said I, timidly, "I thought it was Grodjinski."

"So it was; I believe you are right!" exclaimed John; "but the fact is, all I remember about his name is that it ended in inski. Perhaps we had better call him Inski, and let the first half of his name go."

Of course I acquiesced, and he went on. "Well-but where was I? Oh! I remember; about the insult. When I got through telling the story Mr. Rupert said:

"I am very sorry it happened, John, though I dare say you acted rightly and as I should have done under the circumstances. But you know the count's reputation.'

"Supposing he meant his bad name among women, I replied, 'I certainly do, Sir, and perhaps I struck him the harder on that account.'

"I was at my wit's end then. 'My dear,' said I, seriously, 'there's nothing to tell that you don't know already. What is it you want to know?'

"Oh, of course it hasn't come yet,' said she, apparently half hurt: 'what I mean is, that you should tell me as soon as it does. It would be far better, dear, than to wait till afterward, when-' her voice faltered'it may be too late.'

"Well,' said I, trusting to time to clear up the misunderstanding which I saw existed between us, 'I'll promise to tell you whatever happens as soon as I know it myself.' That seemed to satisfy her somewhat, and, soon after, Mr. Rupert came back, and we all retired.

"It certainly was very stupid and thickheaded of me," commented Brinton at this point, rubbing his chin thoughtfully; "but then, you know, I was young, and having been bred a Northerner, was an entire stranger to some European customs. But next morning a cool, quiet sort of fellow, with patent-leather boots, was ushered into my room as I was putting the finishing touches to my toilet, and handed me a neat envelope, the contents of which explained the whole mystery most satisfactorily the old gentleman's compliments, the anxiety of his daughter, and all. It was a challenge from the count!"

Here Brinton made an impressive pause, and looked at me as if he expected me to "Mr. Rupert took my hand, pressed it say something. So I remarked, appreciasilently, and then said:

"I know you'll do yourself honor in any case, John, and I only hope your good fortune may equal your courage.'"

"What did he mean by that?" inquired I. "Just what I asked myself," said Brinton;

HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

ever would induce you to fight a duel. I
said then that circumstances would arise to
force you into it, and you see I was right."

It seemed to me that John's expression
changed; he didn't appear pleased, and
withal there was a puzzled look on his face.
I was beginning to fear I had made a mis-
take, when all at once his countenance
cleared again.

has the old Rupert blood in her veins, Sir,
and, much as she loves you, would rather
and tell us all about it.'
see you dead than disgraced. So speak out

vere tone in which the old man said this. "I felt a little nettled at the proud, serefused either to try to kill this man or let "Understand me, then, once for all. I've "I remember the vow you allude to, Simp-right to settle a quarrel in that way, and I him attempt my life. I never believed it son," said he; "and I remembered it then. I refused the challenge!"

won't change my principles now because I the cost of this step, and knew what I might happen to be the one involved. I counted lose by it; but not even that loss shall alter

I was speechless. I confess I am a timid man, but I could not help thinking that, in such a cause, even I would not have hes-my resolve.' itated to exchange shots. Brinton, I think, divined what was passing in my mind; he leaned out of the window and turned away his face-to conceal his emotion, perhaps; for when he resumed his position his cheeks and forehead were much flushed.

"Yes," continued he, "I refused; and lost no time in informing the cool, quiet fellow of my decision. I need not attempt to describe to you," with a meaning look at me, "his expression as he said:

"Monsieur's apology will, then, be made in person?'

Tell the

I spoke; but her eyes had a gleam half of "I looked to Miss Rupert for sympathy as anger, half of contempt, and her mouth was set with an expression at once of disgust and bitter disappointment. It was her father who spoke.

about to say, Mr. Brinton. "I see you have anticipated what I was differ very essentially on some points. I'm We evidently glad we've come to an understanding in my daughter as well as myself-that you time. It only remains to say-I speak for will do us a favor by forgetting we ever a man who doesn't know how to take care were acquainted. It is fair to suppose that of his own honor will be no fit guardian of

"I've no apology to make. count, if the occasion should recur, I shall act precisely in the same manner.' “Horror, amazement, and disdain were in a woman's. Good-morning, Sir.' voice and aspect as he rejoined:

"Monsieur understands what he is to expect, then,' and withdrew with a contemptuous glare. And when, a few minutes afterward, I descended to breakfast, the covert insolence in the air of the landlord as he bowed to me at the door, and the stares, whispers, and smiles of several groups I passed showed me how unpleasant some of the consequences would be. But I sat down at table with the Ruperts, feeling sure that they, at any rate, would appreciate and honor my motives. I determined to break the news at once.

"I received a challenge from the count this morning.'

"I know it, my dear John,' said Mr. Rupert, eagerly, while his daughter's eyes were fixed upon me with a proud, loving, anxious look that almost made me regret the course I had taken. 'I saw his second leave the house just now. I am an old man, Sir, but if you are willing to trust me to act for you, I'

his arm, and they moved off. But I wouldn't
"He rose from the table, gave Miss Rupert
give it up so, and, after a moment, rose and
followed them.
hall, which happened to be empty, and
I overtook them in the
touched her on the arm.

words, not otherwise.'
"I'll take my dismissal in your own

blood rushing up into her cheeks and fore-
"She turned round and faced me, the
head. Go on, father,' she said; 'I'll follow
directly.' She came close up to me, and look-
ed me straight in the eyes, her own blazing.
"Do you refuse to fight this duel?'

"'Yes.'

"Are you a coward?'
"Do I look like one?'

accustomed to see cowards; but I sha'n't
"She laughed bitterly. 'I've not been
soon forget how one looks now.
I wish I had killed you or myself before I
O God!
ever knew!
it.
And you daren't even confess
You talk of principle!' she laughed
again. And yet you presumed to love me;
she hesitated, but went on desperate-
no, not you, but what I believed you were.
ly-'yes, and I loved you with all my soul:
How I pity you, you poor creature! She be-
gan to cry hysterically, but checked herself
by a great effort. 'Go, and never come back
turned away.
till I send for you! With that last cut she

"Thank you, Sir; but there's no need. and'I've declined the challenge.'

"There was a dead silence for several moments. Mr. Rupert upset his coffee-cup. Miss Rupert, evidently much agitated, fell back in her chair, paling and flushing by turns. At last Mr. Rupert spoke again:

"Till then,' I said, 'I never will.' And

"If you say this jokingly, John, or out of consideration for my daughter's feelings, let me tell you you are acting unwisely. She | so we parted."