The home stood close by the roadside. Joe knocked at the door,and shouted, "Halloo! Is Mr. Clay at home?" The door was opened,and Mr. Clay himself came out.

"Halloo, young man! You seem in a hurry; any orders from the squirethis evening?"

"No, Mr. Clay, but there's a fellow in your brick-yardflogging two horses to death. I told him to stop, and he wouldn't;I exclaimed I'd help him to lighten the cart, and he wouldn't; so I always have cometo tell you. Pray, sir, go." Joe's voice shook with amazenement.

"Thank ye, my lad," exclaimed the man, running in for his hat;then pausing for a moment, "Will you give evidence of what you sawif I should bring the fellow up before a magistrate?"

"That I will," said Joe, "and glad too." The man was gone,and we were on our way home at a smart trot.