Page:Peterruggmissing00austrich.djvu/57

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THE MISSING MAN,
51

cross encircled with a wreath of laurel. On the other, "God with us," and a harp and St. George's cross united. I winked to Mr. Hardy and pronounced it good, current money; and said loudly, I would not permit the gentleman to be imposed on, for I would exchange the money myself. On this, Rugg spoke, "please to give me your name, sir." "My name is Dunwell, sir," I replied. "Mr. Dunwell," said Rugg, "you are the only honest man I have seen since I left Boston. As you are a stranger here, my house is your home; dame Rugg will be happy to see her husband's friend. Step into my chair, sir, there is room enough; move a little, Jenny, for the gentleman, and we will be in Middle Street in a minute." Accordingly I took a seat by Peter Rugg. "Were you never in Boston before?" said Rugg, "No," said I. "Well, you will now see the queen of New England, a town second only to Philadelphia in all North America." "You forget New York," said I. "Poh, New York is nothing. Though I never was there, I am told you might put all New York in our Mill Pond. No, sir, New York I assure you is but a sorry