THE OLD COALPIT; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF RICHARD BOOTHBY IN SEARCH A STORY FOR BOYS. BY E. J. MAY, AUTHOR OF 'LOUIS' SCHOOL DAYS,' 'DASHWOOD PRIORY,' ETC. JOHN W. PARKER AND SON, WEST STRAND. 249. C. 222. 'Your books, Deeque,' shouted Pauline ; 'mettez-les sous votre manteau! Ah, quel enfant! Dere he go. Did ever was such a schild, vid hees books, all in de rain!' Through the rain Richard ran; his books exposed, with the edges uppermost, to the pelting shower. He was a good runner, and in less than three quarters of an hour was at the door of the Grammar School in Furstcastle, where he formed one of a crowd of dripping figures, cloaks, and umbrellas, all pushing into the vestibule. 'Here's a jolly go!' exclaimed a doleful voice near Richard; 'our first cricket stopped-none this afternoon for us.' 'Old Pluvius is coming down in earnest,' said another. 'I believe you!' exclaimed a third. 'I've an idea I'm wet through. I couldn't find my 'brello, and was obliged to run for it. I got my books safe at any rate, buttoned in my jacket. I say, Boothby, how snug you are; what rare togs you sport these wet days. Jack Parker, just look here at Boothby's toggery.' John Parker, being thus appealed to, declared that Richard was quite a swell in his way, and then turned off to lament the postponement of the first cricket that year, to the secretary of |