CHAPTER XXVII.
SAMMY CRADDOCK'S "MANNY-ENESIS."
At least twice a week Jud Bates made a pilgrimage to Haviland Park. Having been enlightened to the extent of two or three chapters of "Robinson Crusoe," Sammy Craddock was athirst for more. He regarded the adventures of the hero as valuable information from foreign shores, as information that might be used in political debates, and brought forth on state occasions to floor a presumptuous antagonist. Accordingly, he held out inducements to Jud such as the boy was not likely to think lightly of. A penny a night, and a good supper for himself and Nib, held solid attractions for Jud, and at this salary he found himself engaged in the character of what "Owd Sammy" called "a manny-ensis."
"What's that theer?" inquired Mrs. Craddock on first hearing this imposing title. "A manny—what?"
"A manny-ensis, owd lass," said Sammy, chuckling. "Did tha ivver hear o' a private gentleman as had na a manny-ensis?"
"Nay. I know nowt about thy manny-ensisses, an' I'll warrant tha does na know what such loike is thysen."
"It means a power o' things," answered Sammy; "a power o' things. It's a word as is comprehensive, as they ca' it, an' it's one as will do as well as any fur th' lad. A manny-ensis!" and manny-ensis it remained.
Surely the adventures of the island-solitary had never given such satisfaction as they gave in the cheery house-
