Edward Barry | Page 6

and
have a good ship. And then," he added in the most unblushing manner,
"I only went to the pawnshop to redeem these things here for a friend of
mine, who couldn't go for them himself. Now here's our supper, and if
you say another word about that wretched money you'll spoil my
appetite, which at present is a remarkably healthy one."
"Then God bless you, my dear boy. Rose will herself thank----"
"If you say a word about the matter to Miss Maynard in my presence I
shall be put out," said Barry with unmistakable emphasis.
As they ate their supper, Barry, whose spirits seemed to become
brighter every minute, led the old man to talk, and he soon learnt of the
misfortune that had befallen him--an unfortunate copper mining
investment had stripped him of almost every penny in the world, and
from comparative affluence he had fallen into almost deepest poverty.
Too old to obtain employment in his former profession--that of an
architect--and too proud to ask for assistance from any of his friends
who might have helped him, he at last succeeded in securing a
miserable weekly wage as clerk in a shipping firm, where his
knowledge of foreign languages was of value. For some few months he
and his daughter managed to keep their heads above water; then came

sickness and consequent loss of his clerkship, and increasing hardships
to be endured in their poor lodgings in the poorest quarter of the city.
Rose Maynard, with aching heart, saw him rapidly sinking into
despondency as their funds became lower and lower with each rent day.
What could she do to help? Against her father's wish, she had written to
his sister in England, and told her of his position. The sister, a wealthy
maiden lady, had sent a 5 pound note and a long letter to her brother
full of indignation at his "criminal carelessness" and suggesting that
Rose was quite old enough to go out as a governess to some
"well-connected family, or, failing that, as companion," and winding up
with the intimation that the money enclosed had been sent "out of
sisterly regard, though destined for a far worthier purpose--the
restoration fund of St. Barnabas's Church."
Barry ground his teeth and muttered something under his breath. He
had often heard Rose Maynard speak of her aunt Martha, who was
evidently not a lovable person.
"It hurt us terribly," continued Mr. Maynard, "but our necessities were
pressing, and I decided to keep the gift. Rose, however, begged me not
to use it till the following day. Then she went out. She was only away
for a few hours, and on her return I found she had obtained a situation
in a draper's shop at thirty shillings a week. That very day I returned
my sister's gift, urging her to use it for the 'worthier purpose.' Rose,
who cannot help being mischievous, was in such high spirits that she
added a postscript, asking her aunt to be sure to send us six copies of
the free parish magazine containing the announcement of her princely
donation, as it would interest people in Australia; and the wilful girl
enclosed sixpence for postage."
"Bravo, Rose----Miss Maynard!" cried the seaman, leaning back in his
chair and laughing heartily.
"Since then we have managed to get along fairly well, but a month ago
Rose contracted a low fever, and had to remain at home until the
beginning of this week. She is quite recovered now, thank Heaven, and
this afternoon, as I was turning over some of the little articles we had
saved when our home was broken up, I came across this curiously

carved ivory tobacco-box. It belonged to my father, who told me that
he had paid two hundred rupees for it in India. Surely, I thought, I can
either sell or pawn it for a few pounds, so that when Rose comes home
to-night I can give her a pleasant surprise. But, as you know, I was
bitterly mistaken; and yet I was about to take the man's offer, when I
heard your voice. See, here it is."
The box was certainly an exquisite specimen of Indian carving, and, as
Mr. Maynard said, of great antiquity.
Barry looked at it admiringly for a minute or two, and then said,--
"Do not offer it to a pawnbroker again. I should think it is worth at least
twenty pounds. There is a famous collector in Sydney--a Colonel
Maclean; do you know him?"
"No, I have never heard the name."
"I know him very well; he visits every ship that comes from the South
Seas, in search of rare curios. Take or send this to him. He is a wealthy
and liberal man, and will give you its full value, or three times