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 Goldthwaite . All night long he slept among pleasant dreams , and awoke at daylight with a joyous throb of the heart which few are fortunate enough to feel beyond their boyhood . Day after day he labored hard without wasting a moment except at meal-times , when Tabitha summoned him to the pork and cabbage , or such other sustenance as she had picked up or Providence had sent them . Being a truly pious man , Peter never failed to ask a blessing -- if the food were none of the best , then so much the more earnestly , as it was more needed -- nor to return thanks , if the dinner had been scanty , yet for the good appetite which was better than a sick stomach at a feast . Then did he hurry back to his toil , and in a moment was lost to sight in a cloud of dust from the old walls , though sufficiently perceptible to the ear by the clatter which he raised in the midst of it . How enviable is the consciousness of being usefully employed !
Nothing troubled XXXXX , or nothing but those phantoms of the mind which seem like vague recollections , yet have also the aspect of presentiments .
Brown England Peter Scratch Tabby Tabitha effigies guineas meal-times throb