zealous am I in this respect that _I intend to preach instead of
Mr. Jonas!"_

'For several minutes I could not gather what he meant; but it became
quite clear when he added:

'"This congregasheen is large and wealthy enough to retain a
preacher unto itself. Capteen, with your permission we will keep Mr.
Jonas!" The capteen, who long before had caught Mr. Sykes' intention,
nodded a hearty approval.

'That eveneen Mr. Sykes took possession of Mr. Jonas' private
letters, recommendations, etc.; and likewise bore away to his own
diggeens a Bible, several prayer books, and three or four hymn books
belonging to the preacher.

'"Brethreen and sisters," he said, "I am no longer the wicked Ned
Sykes, but the good and Reverend Mr. Jinas."

'That day, clad in the clergyman's very robes, with a white tie
under his chin, and three holy books under his arm, he set forth. He
visited every Wesleyan family in the neighbourhood; presented his
credentials at each house, and received from one and all a cordial
and Christian welcome. Since that time he has preached regularly
every Sunday; he has "the run" of every Christeen house in the
denomination through the county of York. More than this, he is noted
for his piety and eloquence, and people who will not trust the banks,
deliver their wealth into his hands for safe keepeen. About twice in
the year he preaches a charity sermon, for the help of the widow, the
orphan, and the distressed, generally; and requests that the amounts