The toll-keepers

The monastery is one of the Capuchin order, and as soon as one of the monks dies, his body is exposed to a dry heat; whereby the softer parts become hardened; then he is propped up in a niche set apart for him, and his name and history are written above. It was very strictly kept by two little keepers, who were very partial indeed in deciding who were to pay, and who were to go free; and, strange to say, those they loved best had to pay the most. One afternoon, the two brothers met, and, of course, stopped and had a chat. “Pincher” was off to the country with Tom and a number of his school-fellows, but “Gyp” had been out with Jessie on an errand, and was going home. Who shall say how much is owing to the gratitude they bear for the comforts they have, which they never had at home, and for the kindness with which they are supplied?