, and was at once charged by Mr. Tennant
with the manufacture of both stone and flint
implements; but that gentleman promised to
introduce Jack at the meetings of the Geological
and Archaeological Societies, if he would
expose the method of manufacturing flints.
Jack consented. He prepared some rough flint
implements, and had everything ready for
as tonishing the natives at an evening meeting, to
which he was taken in a cab (a wonderful event
in his life) by Mr. Tennant. Here, on the
platform, he finished the rough flints, and
fashioned them into his best shapes for arrows,
&c., and also exhibited his mode of obtaining
flakes from blocks of flint, and finally showed
genuine and spurious flints in contrast.

Mr. Tennant lectured that evening on Jack's
roguery, and the members were surprised how
easily and simply the weapons were made.
They could not help laughing at one another,
on recollecting the way in which they had been
duped. They asked Jack how he discovered
the method himself; which he explained, showing
his implements, of which the memorable
gate-hasp near Whitby had been the parent.

In 1861, Jack found the news of his forgeries
spread throughout the land. All collectors began
to fancy their treasured flints were spurious.
He found his occupation as a deceiver almost
gone; but still kept wandering about, continuing
to manufacture flints and call upon old
acquaintances, whom he generally found
forgiving, and as ready to purchase " dooplicates"
as they were while supposing them genuine. The
rest of Jack's life is soon told. In 1863 he
again visited Wilts, where (at Salisbury) he
was introduced upon the platform of a learned
society, and again photographed.

As a proof of Jack's skill as a craftsman, one
long-suffering collector (who, after being
repeatedly done, still submitted to be done
again) possesses a stone hatchet, which is so
remarkably like a genuine one, that, its history
being lost, he is unable to determine whether it
is of Jack's manufacture or that of the ancient
Britons.

For the above biographical details we are
in debted to the Malton Messenger, whose
proprietor the sturdy impostor had imposed on. It
is therefore a study from the life, and not a
fancy portrait, as the extravagance of its
features might cause it to be supposed. Flint
Jack's present position is miserable; and it
would be strange if it were otherwise. Among
antiquaries he can generally raise a trifle for
pressing needs- a proof of their placable
disposition; but, when possessed of a little cash, he
drinks without ceasing, until it is gone.

It has lately become the rule for archaeologists
to hang in their sanctum a portrait of Jack
framed in his own flints, and the fashion has
given him a better demand for his wares. Not
long since he started on a trip through
Westmoreland and Cumberland, heavily laden. He
was hard up at starting, and had to part with a
first-rate " dooplicate " of a hammer-head for
one shilling, declaring he had not made one for
the last six years, and that it was worth at least
five shillings. " Genuine ones," said Jack,
"are not to be obtained; and the discussions
of the learned, at all the Institutions, are over
hammers and celts of my make!"

He is still anxious to learn, and is much in
want of a pattern of the so-called " tool-stone."
Which of our readers will gratify his laudable
wish? By inadvertence, a gentleman
mentioned one, which is in the possession of the
proprietor of the Malton Messenger, and Jack
went to Malton to inspect it. Being refused,
he became highly indignant, and vowed " never
to call at Malton again."

On hearing of a likely customer, he will beat
about the bush to find out what tack to sail
upon. " Will he know me? Will he suspect
me? Has he heard of me?" are his queries.
If all seems plain-sailing, Jack is yet competent
to pass off his flints as genuine; if known beforehand,
he at once offers them as " dooplicates,"
relying on the skill shown in their formation for
reward. If asked if he has been at—— lately,
where he played off a particular dodge, Jack
will reply, " 'Tis over soon yet; he won't bear
doing again for some time!"

But what a waste of ability! What might
not this man have done for science had he only
taken the same pains in assisting as he did in
leading it astray! What advantages he might
have ensured for himself; what intellectual
gratification he might have procured for others!
As it is, his antiquarian lore, his accurate
topographical knowledge, are wasted on the
occupants of the trampers' lodging-house or the
beer-house kitchen. But, in truth, the absence
of all moral feeling, the insensibility to shame,
the unconsciousness which he displayed of the
existence of such a thing as personal honour,
make one suspect that he is scarcely responsible
for his actions. A grain of gratitude seems to
be the only pure morsel in the composition of
this perverted character.

Very shortly after the conclusion of "BLACK SHEEP,"
             A NEW SERIAL STORY,
              BY THE AUTHOR OF
    AUNT MARGARET'S TROUBLE,
Will be commenced in these pages, and continued
         from week to week until completed.

    MR. CHARLES DICKENS'S READINGS.
MR. CHARLES DICKENS will read at Dublin on the 15th,
18th, and 22nd; at Belfast on the 20th of March; and at
St. James's Hall on Tuesday the 26th of March.