She used to say that she and old Peter Goldthwaite had often spent a sociable evening by the kitchen fire -- pretty much as you and I are doing now , Mr. Peter . '' `` The old fellow must have resembled me in more points than one , '' said Peter , complacently , `` or he never would have grown so rich . But methinks he might have invested the money better than he did . No interest ! nothing but good security ! and the house to be torn down to come at it ! What made him hide it so snug , Tabby ? '' `` Because he could not spend it , '' said Tabitha , `` for as often as he went to unlock the chest the Old Scratch came behind and caught his arm . The money , they say , was paid Peter out of his purse , and he wanted Peter to give him a deed of this house and land , which Peter swore he would not do . '' `` Just as I swore to John Brown , my old partner , '' remarked Peter . `` But this is all nonsense , Tabby ; I do n't believe the story . '' `` Well , it may not be just the truth , '' said Tabitha , `` for some folks say that Peter did make over the house to the Old Scratch , and that 's the reason it has always been so unlucky to them that lived in it . And as soon as Peter had given him the deed the chest flew open , and Peter caught up a handful of the gold . But , lo and behold ! there was nothing in his fist but a parcel of old rags . '' `` Hold your tongue , you silly old Tabby ! '' cried Peter , in great wrath . `` They were as good golden guineas as ever bore the effigies of the king of England . It seems as if I could recollect the whole circumstance , and how I , or old Peter , or whoever it was , thrust in my hand , or his hand , and drew it out all of a blaze with gold . Old rags indeed ! ''
But it was not an old woman 's legend that would discourage Peter XXXXX .
England Goldthwaite Scratch Tabby Tabitha effigies evening fire guineas methinks