All-Hallow Eve; or, The Test of Futurity.

f these sticks was stuck a short piece of lighted candle, while on the ends of the other were stuck small apples of a peculiarly good kind. The cross was then set turning, when some p

re one of the apples, a clapping of hands, and

own in; and the youngsters were "loth to wet theirsel's for nothin'." Now, however, a tenpenny-bit from Tom Murdock soon glittered on the bottom of the tub, a full foot and a half under water. Forthwith two or three young fellows "peeled off," to prove their abilities as divers. The first, a black-haired fellow, with a head as round as a cannon-ball, after struggling and bubbling until the pe

rst time, Jamesy,

hoult of it, Jamesy

g his head, and n

emed to be the most expert, for having lifted this second tenpenny, his abilities were finally tested with a fippenny-bit, which a

e had been enough of that sort of fun. The girls, who were standing in whatever dry spots of the flags they could find,

the performance. The long table was no where to be seen, while the chairs and forms were ran

r from them another couple were exhibiting in like manner. They were Tom Murdock and Kate Mulvey; while several other pairs were "footing it" through the room. To judge from the self-satisfied smile upon Kate Mulvey's han

possible to claim the hand of Winifred Cavana for a dance. Indeed, he was ill-pleased that in his own house he had permitted any chance circumstance to prevent his

t which he had not the tact to obviate by pre-arrangement. Winny had made no reply to his apology

ompliment to Kat

gruffly; "some people take ti

r me in this case; there were two

and he did not try to answer it. He was not however in such good humor as to forward himself much in Winny's good opin

afford to make a splash, and this he thought "was his time to do it. If any one was hungry, there was plent

a replenish, a solo jig was universally called for. The two best dancers in the

"he was not the man that Tom need be afraid of." He had often seen Tom's best dancing, and c

what you can do, your lone," and he laid the poker a

resist. The girls were all dancing it "to themselves," and young

sition to his host's son, but feared his rep

ng the fung of one of his pumps, to begin. Turning t

perfectly victorious, without touching them, but as often managed to kick them about the floor. He was now on his mettle, not only on account of Winny Cavana, but also because "that whelp, Lennon, was looking on, which he had no right to be." For a while he succeeded admirably. He had tipped each division of the cross with both heel and toe, several times with rapid

he tongs. This was not merely an excuse, but a fact, upon which Tom Murdock built much consol

n-a-knock," resounded on all sides. He would not rise, however; he was now more unwi

tongs test, and oftener with success than otherwise. It was some time now since he had tried it, as latterly he had not much time to spare for such amusements. He was unwilling, but not from fear of failure, to get up; but n

isper something to the piper when he was first called on to st

to play it. Murrin hesitated, and at last came out with a stammer that "he hadn't it, but he'

or a hundred times, and no later than last night, Pat, at Jemmy

happened to strike up,

matter, and I daresay you had," replied Le

y jig that's given him; it's like a man that can only say his prayers ou

his blood was

ne, and that is the one you told him to play," taking his chance

an' if that doesn't shoot you, you needn't dance at all

Lennon seemed perfectly satisfied, but after all this jaw and interrup

If ever a look planted an undying resolve in a man's heart it was that. It called him "Emon" as plain as if she had s

He cared not what jig Pat Murrin played, "

him to dance. Those who were up to the merits of an Irish jig, could have told the one he was dancing to if there had been no music at all. There was a tip, a curl, or a stamp for every note in the tune. In fact he played the jig upon the floor with his feet. He now closed the poker and tongs with confidence, while Tom Murdoc

to the piper, seeing that Lennon w

and the increased speed of the music brought forth more striking perf

sed to a vacant seat. "Thank you, Emon, from my heart," it

there was a general move in search of bonnets and cloaks. Tom Murdock knew that he was in the dumps, and wisely left Winny to her father's escort. Lennon's way lay by the Mulveys, a