"
Here, against all probability, my chance had come to
me; for as I gallantly picked them up, I was struck
with the disproportionate amount of five-sous French
stamps. Some one, I reasoned, must write very
regularly from France to the neighbourhood of
Stallbridge-le-Carthew. Could it be Norris? On one
stamp I made out an initial C; upon a second I got as
far as CH; beyond which point, the post-mark used was
in every instance undecipherable. CH, when you
consider that about a quarter of the towns in France
begin with "chateau," was an insufficient clue; and I
promptly annexed the plainest of the collection in
order to consult the post-office.
The wretched infant took me in the fact.
"Naughty man, to 'teal my 'tamp!" she cried; and when I
would have brazened it off with a denial, recovered and
displayed the stolen article.
My position was now highly false; and I believe it was
in mere pity that Mrs. Higgs came to my rescue with a
welcome proposition. If the gentleman was really
interested in stamps, she said, probably supposing me a
monomaniac on the point, he should see Mr.
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