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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e342d52 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54669 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54669) diff --git a/old/54669-0.txt b/old/54669-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 689be31..0000000 --- a/old/54669-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7216 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Kitty Alone (Volume 2 of 3), by S. Baring Gould - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Kitty Alone (Volume 2 of 3) - A Story of Three Fires - -Author: S. Baring Gould - -Release Date: May 6, 2017 [EBook #54669] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KITTY ALONE (VOLUME 2 OF 3) *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Transcriber’s Note: - -This version of the text cannot represent certain typographical effects. -Italics are delimited with the ‘_’ character as _italic_. Bold text and -text in blackletter font are delimited with ‘=’. - -Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please -see the transcriber’s note at the end of this text for details regarding -the handling of any textual issues encountered during its preparation. - - - - - KITTY ALONE - - - - - MORRISON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH - - - - - KITTY ALONE - - A STORY OF THREE FIRES - - - - - - - BY - - S. BARING GOULD - - AUTHOR OF - “IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA” “THE QUEEN OF LOVE” - “MEHALAH” “CHEAP JACK ZITA” ETC. ETC. - - - - - IN THREE VOLUMES - - VOL. II - - - - - METHUEN & CO. - 36 ESSEX STREET, W.C. - LONDON - 1894 - - CONTENTS OF VOL. II - - ---------- - - CHAP. PAGE - XIX. SUGGESTIONS OF EVIL 7 - XX. A FACE IN THE WATER 19 - XXI. AN OFFER 28 - XXII. A RACE FOR LIFE 37 - XXIII. BORROWING 45 - XXIV. SHAVINGS 55 - XXV. BORROWING AGAIN 64 - XXVI. SILVER PENINKS 73 - XXVII. TROUBLE 83 - XXVIII. ALTERNATIVES 92 - XXIX. A FRIEND GAINED 104 - XXX. UNDER THE MULBERRY TREE 111 - XXXI. ON MISCHIEF BENT 122 - XXXII. JASON IN THE WAY 132 - XXXIII. ONE CRIME LEADS TO ANOTHER 140 - XXXIV. AND YET ANOTHER 149 - XXXV. UNSUCCESSFUL 159 - XXXVI. ALL IN VAIN 168 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - KITTY ALONE - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - SUGGESTIONS OF EVIL - - -The crowd in the market-place and in the streets of Ashburton began to -thin as the afternoon crept on. In vain did the showmen blow their -trumpets, ring their bells, and invite to their entertainments. Those -who had come to the fair had spent their loose cash. The proprietors of -the stalls offered their wares at reduced prices, but found few -purchasers. Young men who had been hired by the farmers swaggered about -singing or shouting, some tipsy, others merely on the road to tipsiness. -The ostlers in the inns were harnessing horses to the traps, market -carts, gigs, dog-carts, that had brought in the farmers and their wives. -Empty waggons were departing. The roads were full of streams of people -flowing homeward to the surrounding villages. - -Pasco Pepperill started with the schoolmaster. He had surrendered Kate -to her father. The reins were in his hand, and he had whipped the cob, -when he saw Coaker, the man from whom he had bought the wool, coming -towards him. - -The blood rushed into Pepperill’s face. - -“How d’ye do?” asked the farmer. “Going home?” - -“I be,” answered Pasco, with constrained anger. - -“You’ll find all the wool there. I sent off the lot this morning—three -waggon-loads.” - -“Why did you not inform me?—and I would have waited for it, and not come -to the fair.” - -“I did not know how the weather might be—and I wished to be rid of it.” -Coaker laughed. - -This angered Pasco further, and, losing command of himself, he said, -“’Twas scurvy—that selling me at such a price when you knew wool was -down.” - -“That was your concern. Each man for himself. But I reckon you’ve made a -worse bargain at Brimpts, if, as they tell me, you have bought the -wood.” - -“How so? Is not the timber first-rate?” - -“Oh, the timber is good enough.” - -“Then what is wrong?” - -“Have you been to Brimpts?” - -“No—but Quarm has.” - -“Then you don’t know the road. It is thus”—Coaker made a motion with his -hand up and down. “The waves of the sea mountains high is nothing to -it—and bad—the road is! Lor’ bless y’! the cost o’ moving the timber -when cut will swallow up all the profits.” - -“Pshaw! The distance from Ashburton is only three miles.” - -“Better ten on a decent road. You’ll never get the timber drawn, or, if -you do, farewell to all profits. But when you have got it to -Ashburton—who will buy it there?” - -“Oh, Quarm has an idea of disposing of the oak to the Government—selling -it to the dockyard at Devonport.” - -“How far off is that? Some five-and-twenty miles—and over the moor!” -Coaker laughed. - -“If I don’t sell the oak, I am a”—Pasco’s face was as red as blood. He -checked himself from the confession that he would be a ruined man, and -said between his teeth, “I’ll never speak to Quarm again. He’s led me -into a pretty quandary.” - -“Quarm? He’s a Jack-o’-lantern—don’t trust he.” - -Coaker waved his hand, and, still laughing, went his way to the -stable-yard to get his cob. - -Pasco whipped his horse and drove homewards. His lips were closed, his -brows knitted, he looked straight before him at the ears of his horse. -He was in no disposition to speak. Nor, for the matter of that, was his -companion. Bramber was thinking of Kitty, of the uncongenial -surroundings, the hot-headed father, running himself and his -brother-in-law into speculative ventures that must lead them to ruin; of -the uncle, boastful, conceited, and withal stupid; of the hard, selfish -aunt. He saw that young Pooke admired her, and this did not altogether -please Bramber. Pooke might be well off and amiable, but he was dull of -intellect—a boor—and could never be a suitable companion to the eager -Kitty, whose mind was greedy for knowledge, and whose tastes were those -of a class above that in which she was cast. The admiration of Jan Pooke -brought on her contrariety. It had involved her in the quarrel between -Jan and Noah, and had roused the jealousy of Rose Ash. - -As the trap passed out of Ashburton, many a salutation was cast at -Pepperill, but he hardly acknowledged any. He put up his hand and beat -his hat down over his brows, then lashed savagely at his cob. - -All at once something arrested his eye, and he instinctively drew up, -then muttered, and whipped his brute again. What he had observed was a -little plate, affixed to a house, with the title of the Insurance -Company on it, with which he had that day had dealings. - -“I wonder,” thought Pasco, “what that house is insured for? Not for -twelve hundred pounds, I’ll swear.” - -Then a sense of bitterness rose in his heart against his brother-in-law -for drawing him into this expense of insuring his property;—he had that -day expended all the gold he had about him in paying the first premium. -There remained only some silver in one pocket, and coppers in the other. -Where was he to find the money for the payment of the oaks he had -bought? Where that to meet the bill for the wool? The tanner would not -pay enough for the bark to cover the cost of rending. Quarm had told him -that the sap rose badly, and that it would involve much labour and waste -of time to attempt to bark the trees. - -Fevered with anxiety and disappointment, Pasco thrashed his cob -savagely, and sent it along at its fullest pace, whirling past the gigs -and waggons returning from the fair, and giving the drivers hardly time -to get on one side to avoid him. He relieved his breast by swearing at -them for their sluggishness in making way, and some retaliated with -oaths, as, in order to escape him, they ran into the hedge or over a -heap of stones. - -Presently his horse slackened speed, as it reached a sharp ascent, and -there Pasco met an empty waggon, with “Coaker—Dart-meet” on it. He -stopped his panting horse, and shouted to the driver of the team, and -asked whence he came. - -“I’ve been to your place—Coombe Cellars,” answered the waggoner. “Master -sent me with a load of fleeces.” - -“Did my wife give you anything?” - -“Not a glass of cider,” answered the man. “We had to unload and do the -work of hoisting into the warehouse ourselves—no one was about.” - -“She left it for me—she knew you would meet us.” - -Tossing his head, to shake off the depression that had come upon him, -and with a flash of his vanity through the gloom, he put his hand in his -pocket and drew out a couple of shillings. - -“There,” said he; “you’d have had more, but I have spent most of my cash -at the fair. Buying, buying, buying, that’s my trade. Go and drink a -glass to my health.” - -Then he drove on. - -On descending the hill another waggon was encountered. This was also one -that had conveyed fleeces to Coombe Cellars. Pasco gave this driver a -couple of shillings. Then he turned to Bramber and said, “Two years of -wool—I paid as much as thirteen pence a pound, and I can’t sell at -tenpence. They say it is going down to sevenpence; that is nearly half -what I gave. A loss to me of sixpence a pound; I have bought three -waggonload. A good sheep may have sixteen pounds on his back, but the -average is ten or eleven. Coaker must keep a couple of hundred. You’re a -schoolmaster; reckon that up—two hundred sheep at eleven. I’m not a -quick man at figures myself.” - -“Nothing can be simpler than that calculation. Two thousand two -hundred.” - -“Ah! But two years’ wool?” - -“Well, that is four thousand four hundred.” - -“And I have lost, say, sixpence a pound.” - -“Then you lose a hundred and ten pounds by the transaction.” - -“Think of that. A hundred and ten pounds—say a hundred and twenty. That -is something for a man to lose and make no account of.” The vanity of -the man was flattered by the thought of the amount of his loss. “And -then,” said he, “there was what Coaker said about the oak. I’ve -undertaken to lay out two hundred pounds on that; and there is the -fellin’ and cartin’—say another hundred. Suppose I lose this also—that -is a matter of three hundred. With the wool, four hundred and twenty -pound. I reckon, schoolmaster, you’ve never had the fingering of so much -money as I am losing.” - -Bramber looked round at Pasco with surprise. He could not understand the -sort of pride that was manifesting itself in the man. - -“Are you able to meet such losses?” - -“If not—I can but fail. It’s something to fail for a good sum. But I’ll -not fail; I am full of resources.” He beat the horse. “I shall sell the -wool. It will go up. I shall sell the timber at a good figure, and -pocket a thousand pounds. I am sorry I did not give those men half a -crown each, but I have spent most of my money, and”— - -Crash! He drove against a post, and upset the trap. - -Pasco staggered to his feet. - -“Schoolmaister—are you hurt?” - -“No.” Walter sprang to the horse and seized its head. - -“It would have been best had I broken my neck and finished so,” said -Pepperill. Then he regretted the sudden outburst of despair, and added, -“So some folks might ha’ said, but I’ve disappointed ’em. I may have a -chuck down, but I’m up again in a jiffy. That’s been my way all along, -and will be to the end.” - -One of the shafts was broken, and there ensued delay whilst it was being -patched up with rope. Then, when they were able to pursue their career, -Pasco was constrained to drive more carefully and less rapidly. Night -was coming on as they neared Newton Abbot. - -“I’ll tell you what it is,” said Pasco; “I’m uncommon hungry, and I’ll -just go into the first public-house and have a mouthful of something, -and you shall do the same. The cob is a bit shaken with that spill, and -I’ll have the shaft fastened up firmer before we proceed. What say you? -Here’s the ‘Crown and Anchor.’ How the place is changed. Ah, ha! It is -insured at the same office as I am. Why—bless my life!—the old inn was a -ramshackle sort of a place.” - -Pepperill descended from his trap, and gave instructions to the ostler -what he was to do to the broken shaft. “I’ll pay you well if you do your -work,” said he. Then to Bramber, “Come in! Cold meat and -bread-and-cheese, and a glass of ale. We need refreshment, and the house -looks as if it could provide it. Don’t be concerned about the cost. I -don’t suppose you are overflush with cash. I’ll pay—you are my guest.” - -Pasco’s self-conceit was a constant spring of energy in him. Dashed his -spirits might be by disaster, but he speedily recovered his buoyancy, -owing to this characteristic element in his nature. It is said that the -fertility of Manitoba is due to the fact that below the surface the soil -is frozen hard in winter, and during the summer the warmth of the sun -penetrating ever farther thaws the ice, and thus water incessantly wells -up, nourishing and moistening the roots of the corn. There was a -perennial body of self-esteem deep in the heart of Pasco Pepperill, and -this fed and sustained in vigorous growth a harvest of generosity in -dealing with his inferiors, of liberality towards the poor, of display -in his mercantile transactions, that imposed on the public and made it -suppose that he was prosperous in his many affairs. - -The landlord came to the door. - -“How do you do, Mr. Pepperill?—glad to see you. You do not often favour -me.” - -“Well—no. If I come this way I mostly stop at the Golden Sun. You see, -you are rather near my home.” - -“I hope this, though the first visit, is not the last!” - -“I daresay not. What brings me now is an accident. Can you let us have -some supper?” - -“Certainly. What would you like—cold beef, cold mutton, or chops and -potatoes?” - -“You have a supply of good things.” - -“I am obliged to have. I get plenty of custom now.” - -“What! more than of old?” - -“Oh, double, since I have rebuilt my house.” - -“I see. The place is completely changed. You had but a poor sort of a -tavern.” - -“Yes; and now”—the landlord looked round, smiled, and put his hands into -his waistband—"middling good, I think." - -“Uncommon,” said Pasco. “I suppose it is the better look of the house -that has brought better custom.” - -“That’s just it. I had only common wayfarers before—mostly tramps. -Now—the better sort altogether. Where I turned over a penny before, I -turn over a shilling now.” - -“So you rebuilt your public-house to get better business?” - -“Well, you see, I couldn’t help myself. The old place caught fire and -burnt down.” - -“And it did not ruin you?” - -“Dear me, no. I was insured.” - -“So—that set you on your legs again?” - -“It was the making of me, was that fire.” - -“How long had you been insured before you were burnt out?” - -“Well, now, that is the curious part of the story,” said the landlord; -“hardly a week.” - -“And how did your place catch fire?” - -“There was a tramp. I refused to take him in, as he had no money. That -was the best stroke of business I ever did in my life. He hid himself in -a sort o’ lean-to there was over the pigs’ houses, joined on to the -house, and in it was straw. I reckon he went to sleep there with his -pipe alight, and he set fire to the place.” - -“Was he burnt?” - -“No; he got away all right; but the straw set fire to the rafters, and -they ran into the wall. It was a poor old wall, with no mortar in it, -and the rafters came in just under those of the upstairs chambers, so -that when the roof of the linhay was afire, it set the house in a blaze -too. That was how it all came about.” - -“And a good job it was for you!” - -“It was the making of me.” - -Pasco was silent through the meal. He seemed hardly to taste what he was -eating. He gulped down his food and drank copiously. - -Bramber was relieved when he left. He was afraid Pepperill would drink -more than he could bear. At the entrance to the village he left the -cart, and thanked Pasco for the lift. - -Pepperill drove on to Coombe Cellars. - -As he came up, he saw his wife standing at the door with a light in her -hand. - -“Pasco, is that you?” - -“Who else?” - -“So, you are home at last. There has been the coal merchant here; he -swears he will bring you no more, and that, unless you pay up this -month, he will set the lawyers on you.” - -Pepperill flung himself from his cart. - -“Heavens!” said he, looking sullenly at his stores; “if they would but -burn!” - -“Burn—what burn?” asked Mrs. Pepperill sharply. “Do you think you cannot -leave the house for a day but some mischief must come on it? As if I -were not to be trusted, and everything lay with you.” - -“I did not mean that, Zerah.” - -“Then what did you mean?” - -“I meant that it might have got me out of difficulties.” - -“What might?” - -Pasco did not answer. - -“I should like to know how, if the store were to be burnt, any good -would come of that. You’ve been drinking, Pasco.” - -“I’m insured,” said he in a low tone. - -“Oh, it has come to that, has it? Heaven help us!” - -The woman beat her face with her open palms, turned, and went within. - - - - - CHAPTER XX - A FACE IN THE WATER - -Kate Quarm was very happy on the moor. Her father had fetched her from -Ashburton, and had lodged her in a cottage near Dart-meet, the point -where the East and West Darts, rushing foaming from the moors, dancing -over boulders, breaking over granite floors, plunging under tufts of -golden gorse, and through brakes of osmund and male fern, reach each -other and meet in one silver flood. - -The weather was fine, though cold, that is to say, the sun was hot, but -a keen east wind blew. But then this is one of the charms of the moor, -that shelter can always be found from the wind. A mighty bank of -mountains rose as a wall against the east, and in its dingles and dells, -dense with gorse, now in blaze of flower, the air was warm, and balmy, -and still. - -At Coombe Cellars Kate had been kept continually employed; her aunt, an -active woman, gave the child no rest. If she saw her flag in her work, -Zerah goaded her with reproach to fresh activity; she was, moreover, -never accorded a word of encouragement. Zerah accepted her work as a -matter of course; if it was well done, that was but as it ought to be; -everything that fell short of well, was occasion for a scolding. Kate’s -nature was one that needed repose from manual and sordid labour, for her -mind desired to be active, and craved for freedom in which to expand, -and for liberty to seek material on which to feed. This Zerah did not -understand; with any other activity, except that of the body in -scrubbing and rubbing, in cooking and baking, she had no sympathy; she -entertained a positive aversion for books. She had no eye for beauty, no -ear for melody, no heart for poetry. - -Now Kate had leisure—now for the first time in her life in which her -soul could draw its tender wings out of its case and flutter them in -freedom. She felt much as must the May-fly when it breaks from its -chrysalis. - -It was, moreover, a joy to think that her father had considered her so -far as to require her to be sent to the moor to recover. He usually paid -little heed to Kitty, and now her heart was warm with gratitude because -he had given her that very thing of all others which she most -desired—rest in the presence of nature awakening under a spring sun. - -Kate had another source of pleasure with her. As Walter Bramber parted -from her at Ashburton, he put a little book into her hand, and said— - -“I will lend it you. I know you will value it.” - -The book was Wordsworth’s poems. - -As she sat beside her father in the gig, she had her hand on the volume -all the while, and her heart swelled with excitement and eagerness to -read it. At night she hugged the book to her bosom, and fell asleep with -both hands clasped over it. She could hardly endure that night should, -with its darkness, deny her the happiness of reading. She woke early, -and in the breaking daylight devoured the pages. As she read, she -laughed and cried—laughed and cried with sheer delight. She had a book -to read; and such a book! - -This happy girl turned first to the verses on the daffodils that she had -learned by heart, to make quite certain that she had all, that not a -line had been missed, not a word got awry. Then she looked at the little -poems on the celandine, and never did a famished child devour a meal -with greater avidity than did Kate read and master these verses. There -was much in Wordsworth that she could not understand, but the fact that -she encountered passages that were unintelligible to her were of -advantage, her clear intellect striking on these hard portions threw out -sparks—ideas that had light in them. The book not only nourished her -mind, but proved educative to her imagination. - -Kate was at first overwhelmed with the flood of happiness that rolled -over her. Her eyes could not satiate themselves with the beauty of the -moorland scenery. She ran among the rocks, she dived into the coombs, -she stepped on the boulders over the water, she watched the workmen -engaged in felling trees. - -Spring flowers peeped from behind rocks, bog plants peered out of the -morasses. Kate began collecting. She dried the flowers between the -leaves of her Prayer-book. - -She scrambled among the towering rocks that overhung the Dart below the -meeting of the waters, and watched the shadows and lights travel over -the vast tract of moorland that stretched away as far as the eye could -see in every direction but the east, where the river rolled out of its -mountain cradle into a lap of the richest woodland. Sometimes the beauty -of the scenery, the variety of landscape, were too much for her; she -sought change and repose by creeping among the rocks and drawing the -book from her bosom. - -Yet she could not read for long. The verses exacted close attention, and -a flash of passing sun, or impatience at some passage she could not -comprehend, made her close the volume and recommence her rambles. The -exhilarating air, the brilliancy of the light, the complete change from -the mild and languid atmosphere in the Teign estuary told on Kate’s -spirits and looks. Her cheeks gathered roundness and colour, and her -tread acquired elasticity. Her spirits were light; they found vent -occasionally in racing the cloud shadows over a smooth hillside. - -One day, with her lap full of moss of every rainbow hue, she came upon -the rector of Coombe-in-Teignhead, painting. - -At her exclamation he turned, recognised her, and smiled. - -“So—I thought I must soon see you,” he said. “My dear little Kitty, I -come with messages for you and kind inquiries.” - -“From whom—from uncle and aunt?” - -“No; not from them. The schoolmaster, Mr. Bramber, when he heard whither -I was coming, begged me to see you and ascertain how you were, and -whether you liked the book he lent you.” - -“Oh, sir, I read it every day! I know several pieces by heart.” - -“That you are well, I see. I never saw you with such a glow of health -and happiness in your bonnie face before.” - -“Thank you, sir. And will you see him soon?” - -“Whom? Bramber?” - -“Yes, sir,” answered Kate, the glow in her face deepening. “And will you -say that I have been picking the flowers as they come out, and I can -find them, and that I do want to know what they are called? God brought -the beasts to Adam to name them, and I do not think Adam can have been -happy with the beasts till he had given each a name. It is so with me -and the flowers. I see them, and I love them; but I don’t feel content -till I can tell what each is called. Mr. Bramber can name them all.” - -“You have made a collection?” - -“Yes, I have dried them in my Prayer-book. They are waiting for Mr. -Bramber to name. But”—Kate drew back—"I am in your way, sir; you are -painting the old bridge." - -“Yes; but you can sit down there if you like, and will not disturb me.” - -“May I? Oh, I shall be pleased.” - -Kate placed herself on a lichen-covered rock on one side, at a little -distance from the water. - -“I have left my few sheep for a couple of days,” said Mr. Fielding -apologetically, partly to Kate, mostly to himself; “but I do not think I -have done wrong. Moses went up into the Mount, and came back to his -people with his face shining. I do not know, but it seems to me that -when I have been here aloft, speaking with nature and nature’s God, face -to face, that I can go back and carry with me some of the brightness and -the freshness and the fragrance of the mountain. I may be wrong, finding -an excuse for myself, because I love to come here.” - -“Please, sir,” said Kate, “the Great Master of all dismissed the -multitude and went up into the mountain apart.” - -“Yes, child, yes,” answered the rector, painting as he talked; “and when -He came down, He walked on the stormy waves. And I—His humble follower—I -think I can tread on the troubles and cares of life erect, and not be -swallowed up after I have been here.” - -“I do not know how I shall bear to go back to Coombe Cellars,” said Kate -sadly. - -“You will go back braced to do your work. We cannot always play, Kitty -dear. You know the fable of the bow. It was relaxed only that it might -be the better weapon when restrung. Besides, when you return you will -have pleasure.” - -“I shall think about my delightful holiday.” - -“Yes; and learn the names of the flowers you have dried in your -Prayer-book,” said Mr. Fielding, with a twinkle in the corner of his -eye. - -Kate dropped her head in confusion, but looked up again and said -frankly, “Yes, that will be pleasant; and I can tell where each grew and -how I found it.” - -“Tell whom—your aunt?” A faint crease in the old man’s cheek showed he -was smiling. - -“No, sir! she won’t care. I shall tell Mr. Bramber, if I have the -chance.” - -“Kitty, I get very downhearted over my work sometimes. Then I come up -here, and gather courage and strength, and—and trust, Kitty. You will -return to Coombe Cellars strengthened and nerved to do your duty well -and hopefully. Remember, it was kind of your aunt to let you come. She -has to drudge hard whilst you are absent, but she does it because you -have been ill and need relaxation in mind and invigoration of body. She -does it, Kitty, because she _loves_ you.” - -“Oh, sir!” Kate coloured with astonishment and with a twinge of pain at -her heart. - -“Yes, dear little friend, she loves you. She is not a demonstrative -person. She is a clear-headed, practical woman. She has had a hard life, -and much to try her, and to give her a cold and perhaps repellent -manner. Nevertheless, her heart is sound and warm. When you were ill I -spoke with her. I saw how anxious she was for your welfare. I saw into -her heart, and I read love there.” - -Kate trembled, and let the mosses fall from her lap and strew themselves -about her feet. The tears came into her eyes. - -“Oh, sir, I should like to go home at once and do everything I can for -her! I did not think she really cared for me.” - -“You do not return till your father decides that you are to go back to -work. Then, you will return with a good courage, as I said.” - -“With all my heart!” answered Kate fervently, and her face brightened as -though the sun shone on it. - -Afraid of disturbing the old rector at his painting, Kate withdrew. She -was happy at heart. What he had said had done her good. She had shrunk -from the thought of return to the humdrum of her usual life, but Mr. -Fielding had given her a motive for facing work with cheerfulness. It -was a delight to her to think that her aunt loved her. She loved her -aunt. Daily association with Zerah had made her cling to the hard, -captious woman; she had had no one else to love, and the young heart -must love someone. - -Kate delighted to lie by the river, or lie on a rock in it, and look -down into its pellucid pools, or at the flowing crystal where it broke -between the stones. She was accustomed to the muddy estuary, and though -the sea-water when it flowed was clear, it had none of the perfect -transparency of this spring water near its source. The sea sweeping up -the creek was as bottle-green glass, but this was liquid crystal itself, -without colour of any sort, and through it everything in the depths was -visible as though no medium intervened. - -Kate could look at the shining pebbles, at the waving water-weed, at the -darting fish. When she had left Mr. Fielding, she went to one of her -favourite haunts beside the Dart, where it brawled over a cataract of -rocks and then spread into a pool still as glass. - -Now she saw what puzzled her, and set her active brain questioning the -reason. As she looked into the water, she could see no reflection of her -own face; the light sky was mirrored, and where the shadow of her head -came, she could see far more distinctly to the bottom of the pool than -elsewhere. Indeed, when a fish darted past she could discern its fins -and scales, but when it passed beyond her shadow, its form became -indistinct. - -Then Kate rose on her elbows, and as she did this the sun caught her -cheek and nose, and cheek and nose were at once reflected in the water, -and where the reflection came, there the water was less transparent to -her eyes. - -To observe was to rouse in the girl’s mind a desire to find an -explanation for the very simple phenomenon that puzzled her. - -She was thus engaged, raising her face, then a hand, so as to be now -sunlit, then to intercept the light, and see what the effect was on the -water, when she was startled to observe in the liquid mirror the -reflection of a second face looking down from above. The sun was on it, -in the eyes, and they glittered up at her from below. - -With an exclamation of alarm, she turned and saw a man standing above -her. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - AN OFFER - -Kate rose to a sitting posture, and drew her feet under her, rested one -hand on the rock, and with the other screened her eyes from the glare of -the sun, to observe the intruder on her solitude. - -Then she recognised Roger Redmore. He was without his coat, an axe over -one shoulder. In his right hand he held a tuft of cotton grass dug up by -the roots. - -“I knowed as you wor here,” said he, “but I dursn’t speak before others, -lest they should find me out who I wor.” - -“Are you living here, Roger?” - -“I be working here at the felling Brimpts oaks. You see, your fayther, -he’s so little at Coombe that he don’t know me, and I thought I might -get money by working here. And I want you to do a little job for me.” - -“What is it, Roger?” - -“There’s two jobs. First, do y’ see this here root o’ white shiny grass? -Well, I want y’ to take it to Coombe and to set it on my little maid’s -grave. Stick the roots in. It may grow and it mayn’t. Hereabouts it -groweth mostly in wet land. But anyhows by it I shall know where the -little maid lies when I come back to Coombe.” - -“You are returning, Roger?” - -“Not by day. I reckon some night I shall be back just for an hour or so, -and I want, when I does come, to go to the churchyard and find out at -once where my darlin’ lieth. If it be moonlight, or dimmets (twilight), -and I see the little silver tuft glitter above her head, then I shall -know where her be. I can’t go wi’ my wife; that would be tellin’ folks I -wor home agin. I mun go by myself. Whereabouts now have they put her?” - -“By the wall where the cedar is, on the east side.” - -“There’ll niver be no headstone there,” observed Redmore, “but what o’ -that? When once I know where her lieth, sure but I’ll put a fresh new -tuft of silver tassels as oft as the old ones die, and I reckon they’ll -die, not being in a wet place. My little maid’s grave won’t be wet save -wi’ her father and mother’s tears, and her fayther he can’t be there but -on the sly, and now and then.” - -“I will do it for you gladly,” said Kate. “When do you think you will be -home?” - -“Home!” repeated Roger; “I’ve no home—not like to have. My wife and my -little ones, wherever they be, that’s all the world to me, and I cannot -see them but at night, and very chancy, when I don’t think nobody’s -about. And t’other thing be this.” - -Roger put his hand into his pocket and drew forth some coin, and gave it -to the girl. - -“Take this to my old woman. I’ve earned wi’ my work a bit o’ money, and -here is what I can send her. Tell her to leave the door ajar. I may come -any night; but,” he paused, “I reckon they’ve turned her out o’ house -and home now.” - -“Not yet, Roger,” answered Kate. “Mr. Pooke has not insisted on her -leaving at quarter-day, but I believe he has a fresh workman coming to -him in a week, and then she will have to leave.” - -“And where will she go? Will they drive her into the street?” - -“I really do not know; but”—she considered and said timidly, “I have had -it on my heart, but have been afraid to speak of it as yet to my father. -There is his cottage, never or hardly ever occupied. Now I will take -courage, and beg him to let your wife go into it till something can be -settled; but you must keep out of danger, and you are not safe here.” - -“I cannot go far till my wife and little ones are secure and have a -home. Here no one know’th me, the other woodcutters are all men from the -moor. There was but your father, and he did not recognise me when I axed -him to take me on at felling the timber.” - -“I will entreat him to allow your wife and children to go into his house -till something can be done for them. You will have to escape into -another part of the country.” - -“Ay, I will go. If I were took, it would go bad with us all, and there’d -be the shame on my little ones—that their father wor hanged. They’d -never shake it off.” Then he touched Kate on the head. “My hand be but a -wicked un. It hev set fire to a rick, but it be the hand o’ a hunted -man, as be nigh crushed with sorrows, as was druv to wickedness thro’ -his sufferin’s, and hev bitter repented it since, and swears he’ll niver -do it agin, so help me God!” He raised his hand solemnly to heaven. -“That’s one thing I ha’ larned, as doin’ wrong niver brings matters -right. There wor just that gettin’ drunk. Then there wor the cheek to -Farmer Pooke. Then my heart were all wormwood; and when my little maid -died, I thought it wor his doin’; and so in a way it wor, for I’d no -work and no wage, and us was just about starvin’, and I did that deed o’ -fire. It’s kindled a fire in here”—he touched his heart—"that nothink -can quench. The Lord ha’ pity on me. I don’t know as I’d ha’ come to -this mind but for you, little Kitty Alone, as was pitiful to me when I -were bound and like to be given over to gaol, and you let me go, and fed -me wi’ crumbs out o’ your hand; and now you will find a house for my -dear ones." He laid his hand on her head again. “Mebbe the Lord’ll hear -a sinful thief o’ a man, and I ax His blessin’ on thee; an’ if I can -iver do anything to show you I’m thankful, I will. Amen.” - -“Hah!” - -Roger. Redmore started. He was caught by a hand in his collar-band. - -Kate sprang to her feet. Her uncle, Pasco Pepperill, was there. He had -come up from behind unobserved, and had laid hold of the incendiary. - -“I have you, you burning vagabond!” shouted he; “and by heaven! I’ll -hand you over to the constables, and see you hanged, as you deserve. -Kate, run away—away at once!” - -“Oh, uncle, do not be cruel! Let him go.” - -“You mind your business,” answered Pasco sharply. “It’s my belief you -let him escape after Jan Pooke had bound him in the boat. Jan left you -in charge, and Roger slipped away then.” - -“But think, uncle, of his poor wife and children.” - -With a sudden wrench Roger freed himself, and then, standing back with -brandished axe, he said— - -“Touch me, and I’ll split your head.” - -“Get away from here,” ordered Pasco, turning to his niece; “and as for -you, Redmore, I want a word. You know very well that if I give the hue -and cry you will be caught, even though now you have slipped from me. -Lower your hatchet; I’m not going to hurt you if you be reasonable; but -wait till that girl is out of earshot.” - -Pepperill put his hands into his pockets and watched Kate as she -withdrew. Roger assumed an attitude of wariness. He was ready at a -moment’s notice to defend himself with his axe, or to take to flight. - -“Look here,” said Pasco, satisfied that he could not be overheard, “it -seems to me that you, with your head almost in the noose, have done a -wonderful silly thing to stay so near the scene of your crime.” - -“I’d my reasons as is not for you to know,” answered Redmore surlily. -“I’m sure you don’t consarn yourself for me and mine so as to care.” - -“There you are mistaken,” said Pasco. “I don’t mean to say that I am -deeply interested in you, but I don’t intend, unless driven to it, to -take any steps to get you acquainted with Jack Ketch.” - -“I can defend myself pretty well, suppose you do.” - -“I’m not the fool to risk my head in another man’s quarrel.” - -“And I can take to my heels and find a hiding-place anywhere on these -moors.” - -“Ay, and a starving-place where your bones will rot.” - -“What have you to say to me?” - -Redmore spoke surlily. Now that his whereabouts was discovered, it would -be needful for him to shift his place of refuge. - -“I suppose you don’t deny setting fire to Farmer Pooke’s rick?” said -Pasco. - -Roger shrugged his shoulders and jerked his head. - -“How did you do it? smoking a pipe under the tree when drunk?” - -“No, it warn’t.” - -“How was it, then?” - -“I warn’t drunk, niver but that once, and that wor just because o’ -Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum.’ I’ve a bit of a orgin in zingin’, and the innkeeper -he wor terrible longing to have me in the choir. So he got me in, and -they tried to teach me the tenor part o’ Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum,’ and I -cu’dn’t maister it noways; and they stood me liquor, and I tried, and I -cu’d do naught wi’ it. You see t’other parts went curling up and about, -and bothered me. If they’d a’ stopped and let me zing alone, I cu’d ha’ -done it. Then I went out into the open air, and it wor cold and frosty, -and somehow I got mazed wi’ the drink and the ‘Tee-dum’ together, and I -rinned agin my maister, Farmer Pooke, and I reckon I zed what I ort not, -and he turned me off. That wor it. I niver did it avor, and I’ll niver -do it agin. Save and presarve me from liquor and Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum’!” - -“Never mind about that. So you didn’t fire the rick with your pipe?” - -“No, I didn’t. If it had niver been for Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum,’ I’d not now -be in risk of bein’ hanged.” - -“Of course it was Jackson did it all,” sneered Pasco. - -“I don’t mean to say that. It wor the beginning on it. I were throwed -out o’ work, and were starvin’, and my little maid, her died, and then I -wor like a mazed chap, and I ran out wi’ the cann’l, and so I did it.” - -“Oh, with the candle?” - -“It wor a rushlight.” - -“I’ve heard of barns and storehouses being set fire to by men going into -them to sleep, and lighting their pipes. There was the landlord of the -Crown and Anchor at Newton. He had a miserable sort of a house, but a -tramp got in one night”— - -“What, into his house?” - -“No, into a linhay over the pigstye, and slept there, or went there to -sleep, and there was straw in the loft, and in smoking his pipe he -managed to set fire to the straw, and then the whole public-house was in -a blaze and burnt down.” - -“I’ve heard of that. Nobody knows what became o’ the tramp. There wor -roast pig found in the ashes, and whether roast tramp nobody cared to -inquire.” - -“The inn has been rebuilt. They call it a hotel now.” - -“I daresay they does.” - -“The insurance money did that.” - -“I s’pose so. Lucky the house wor insured. I wish Varmer Pooke ’ad -been.” - -“You do?” - -“I reckon I does. I’m sorry for what I did when I wor in a b’ilin’ blue -rage. Now I can’t get over it noways, and you may tell’n so.” - -“Why, that fire was the making of the landlord. He feels no ill-will -against the tramp. What are you going to do with yourself now?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“I suppose you will want to see your wife again?” - -“I s’pose I shall.” - -“For that you will return to Coombe?” - -“In coorse I must.” - -“At night—lest you should be seen?” - -“Ay—to be sure.” - -“You will lurk about—be in hiding. I’ll tell you what, I’m your good -friend. I will do you no harm. I’ll just leave the door of my stores -open—unhasped; and if you want to creep in, there’s a lot of wool and -other things there, you can be warm there, Roger, warm in the wool.” - -“Thanky’, sir. You’ll not peach?” - -“And if—if you like a pipe—well”— - -“No, Mr. Pepperill, I won’t do you that ill turn if you’re so good to -me—and the little maid, Kitty, too.” - -“Oh, I did not mean that. I can’t say but if a spark chanced to fall -among the wool, and the whole was to blaze away, I should be sorry. I -can’t say that I should be troubled, any more than was the landlord at -Newton when the tramp set fire to his linhay over the pigs.” - -Redmore said nothing. Pepperill spoke slowly, and did not look the man -in the face as he spoke. - -“If that chance was to happen to me as happened to the man at Newton, it -might, there’s no saying, be a saving of me from a great misfortune, -and—I shouldn’t mind being a liberal friend, and helping you out of the -country.” - -“That is what you mean, is it?” - -“It might be a convenience to both of us.” - -“’Tis a wonderful world,” exclaimed Redmore, “when the biggest rascals -go free, and one of them be you! A little rascal like me, who’s sorry -that ever he done wrong, is chivied like a mad dog.” - -“Well—what do you say?” - -“You’re a rascal and I despise you,” cried Roger, and turned to go. - -“Will you have me as your friend or your enemy?” - -“Your enemy rather than friend on them terms.” - -“Then I’ll hang you!” exclaimed Pasco, and set off running in the -direction of Brimpts. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - A RACE FOR LIFE - -Kate had walked away without a thought of attempting to gather the -subject of her uncle’s conversation with Redmore. She resolved at once -to seek her father and obtain from him permission to house the -unfortunate wife with her children in his cottage. She had been told -that he had gone to a farm lying somewhat to the right of the Ashburton -road, near the prominent and stately rock citadel of Sharpitor. She -therefore ascended the long, steep hill, up which scrambles the high -road from Dart-meet. - -Halfway up the ascent is an oblong mass of granite, lying in the moor, -which goes by the name of the Coffin Stone, because on it coffins are -rested by those who are bearing a corpse to its lasting resting-place in -the distant churchyards of Buckland or Ashburton. Kate had reached this -stone, and was panting for breath, when she heard shouts and cries in -the valley she was leaving, and, leaping upon the Coffin Stone, she saw -a swarm of men on the opposite bank of the Dart—the Brimpts side—running -in the direction of the bridge, headed by her uncle, who was then -levelling a gun he carried. - -From her elevation she could not only see but hear everything. - -“An incendiary! He set fire to a stack. A pound to any man who takes -him, alive or dead!” shouted Pasco, and to Kate every word was audible. -Then she saw the flash of the gun, and a little later heard the report. -The shot had missed, for her uncle urged on the men to run and not let -the scoundrel escape, and he himself lagged behind to reload his barrel. - -She looked for the fugitive, but was able to see him for one moment -only, as he leaped a ruinous fence in his flight down stream. - -Why was he taking that direction? Because the way into the fastnesses of -the moorland was closed to him by his pursuers. He could not run up the -hill that Kate ascended, as he would be exposed throughout, without the -smallest cover, to the gun of Pepperill. Though a course down the river -led ultimately into inhabited land, yet between the moor and population -lay the great woodland belt of Buckland and Holme Chase, where the river -wound its way in sweeps among dense forest and rock, and where Redmore -knew he could hide with the greatest ease. But before he could be in the -woodland he had a long stretch of moor to traverse, where there was no -road, at best a fisherman’s track, among rocks scattered in confusion, -among heather and furze bushes, with here and there sloe and thorn trees -and an occasional “witch beam” or rowan growing out of the rocks. Almost -immediately after the junction of the East with the West Dart, the -united stream doubles round Sharpitor, that shoots high above it on one -side, and under the ridges of Benjietor on the other side, in whose lap -grows a little copse, and which, from its crags to the water’s edge, is -green with bracken in summer, but at this period was russet with -withered leaves. Thence smoke rose—some boys had ignited the gorse, and -the flames ran among the withered ferns and the fallen oak-leaves, and -blackened and burnt the copse. - -Kate hastened on her way. She knew that on reaching the head of the -ridge a short distance intervened between the road and the precipices of -Sharpitor that overhung the ravine. Thence she could see all that -followed—if Roger Redmore succeeded in turning the moorland spur round -which the river foamed. - -Hot, trembling, and breathless, Kate ran, then halted to gasp, then ran -on, and did not rest for more than a minute till she had reached the -vantage-point on the rocks, and looked down into a wondrous ravine of -river, granite boulder, and glaring golden furze, and with the blue -smoke of the smouldering fern forming a haze that hung in its depths, -but which rose in places above the rocky crests of the moor and showed -brown against the luminous sky. - -Kate ensconced herself among the piles of granite, with a “clatter,” as -it is locally termed, at her feet, a mass of rocky ruin, composed of -granite, in fragments of every size and in various conditions of -disintegration. - -She saw Redmore as he doubled the foot of the mountain, and for awhile -had the advantage of being invisible to his pursuers, and safe from the -gun of Pepperill. He stood on a great rock half-way out of the water, -and looked about him. He was resolving what to do, whether to continue -his course down stream, or to endeavour to conceal himself at once. The -fire and smoke on the farther side in the bosom of Benjietor made it -impossible for him to secrete himself there—every lurking-place was -scorched or menaced by the flames. The slope of Sharpitor on his left, -though strewn with the wreckage of the crags above, offered no safe -refuge; it was exposed to full light, without any bushes in it other -than the whortle and heather. Roger did not take long to make up his -mind; he pursued his course down the river, now wading, then scrambling -over stones, then leaping from rock to rock, and then again flying over -a tract of smooth turf. Occasionally the wind, playing with the smoke, -carried a curl of it across the river, and drew it out and shook it as a -veil, obscuring Redmore from the eyes of Kate, who watched him in -panting unrest, and with prayers for his safety welling up in her heart. -Then shouts—the men who hunted him had rounded the flank of Shapitor, -and had caught sight of the man they were endeavouring to catch. One -fellow, with very long legs, familiar with the ground, accustomed all -his life to the moor, was making great way, and bade fair to catch -Roger. - -Redmore looked behind him. He had cast away his axe, and was therefore -unarmed, but was lightened for the race. - -“A sovereign to the man who catches him!” yelled Pepperill. “Knock him -down, brain him!” - -Then one man heaved a stone, picked out of the river, and threw it. A -vain attempt. He was not within reach of Redmore; but in a pursuit, none -can quite consider what is possible, and measure distances with nicety, -without much greater coolness than is possessed by men running and -leaping over difficult ground. The long-legged man kept forging ahead, -with his elbows close to his sides; he had distanced the rest. He was -fleet of foot, he sprang from stone to stone without pausing to -consider, and without ever missing his footing. Roger advanced slowly: -he was unaccustomed to such difficult ground; sometimes he fell; he -floundered into the river up to his armpits and scrambled out with -difficulty. His pursuer never got into the water. The man had not merely -long legs, he had a long nose and protruding eyes, and as he ran, with -his elbows back, he held his forefingers extended, the rest folded. -Every stride brought him nearer to Redmore, and Roger, who had just -scrambled upon a rock in the river, saw that he must be overtaken, and -he prepared for the inevitable struggle. - -Kate, leaning forward in her eagerness, at this moment displaced a large -block, that slid down, turned on its edge and rolled, then leaped, then -bounded high into the air, crashed down on another rock, and from it -leaped again in its headlong course. - -The girl held her breath. It seemed as though the rock must strike the -running pursuer, and if it struck him it would inevitably be his death. -The rattle of displaced stones, the crash of the block as it struck, the -cries of those behind, who saw the danger, arrested the long-legged man. -He halted, and looked up and around, and at that moment the stone -whizzed past and plunged into the river. Kate saw in a moment the -advantage thus gained, and in palpitating haste threw down every stone -she could reach or tilt over from its resting-place, where nicely -balanced, thus sending a succession of volleys of leaping, whistling -stones across the path, between the pursued and the pursuers. - -She heard shouts and execrations from those who were coming up, and who -stood still, not daring to continue their course, and run the risk of -having their brains beaten out by one of the falling stones. She -regarded them not. Her one idea was to save Roger. She could see that -the man for whom she acted had recognised her intervention, and -continued his flight. She could see that the pursuers were stationary, -uncertain what to do. - -Then her uncle again raised his gun. Kate put her hands to her mouth and -called to Roger, who looked over his shoulder, and dropped behind a -stone just as the gun was discharged. - -Then he picked himself up once more and ran on. Kate dared not desist. -She continued to send block after block rolling. Some were shattered in -their descent, and resolved themselves into a cloud of whizzing -projectiles. Some in striking the soil set a mass of rubble in motion -that shot down and threw up a cloud of dust. - -She was hot, weary, her hands wounded. But the consciousness of success -strung her to renewed exertion. Pasco Pepperill called the party in -pursuit together. He shouted up the height to the girl. Who it was there -engaged in dislodging stones he couldn’t discern, for Kate kept herself -concealed as far as possible, and the confusion of the granite rocks -thrown into heaps and dislocated, served to disguise the presence of -anyone among them. He threatened, but threatened in vain; Kate did not -stay her hand to give time to listen to what he cried. - -After a brief consultation, as the avalanche did not decrease, the party -resolved to cross the river and continue the pursuit down it on the -farther side, through the smoke and over the ashes of the conflagration. -By this means Roger Redmore could be kept in sight, and possibly it -would be more easy to run over the charred soil among bushes reduced to -ash. Moreover, few, if any, of the stones dislodged by Kate had -sufficient weight and velocity to carry them to the farther side of the -river. - -Accordingly, the party began to step on the rocks that projected from -the water, or to wade, so as to reach the farther side, Pepperill -lingering behind reloading his gun, and keeping his eye on the fugitive. -Then a sudden idea struck him, and, calling to the men to proceed as -they had proposed, he started to climb the steep tide of Sharpitor, at a -point where not menaced by the falling stones, judging that by this -means he would dislodge the person who had come to the assistance of the -fugitive, and at the same time be able to follow the flight of the -latter with his eye better than below, and to obtain a more leisurely -shot at him when a suitable occasion offered, as his poising himself on -a rock, or halting to resolve on his course. - -Kate desisted from sending down volleys of stones, till the occasion -should arise again. She watched the flight of Roger, and perceived that -he was aiming at a coppice which was in a fold of the hills -undiscernible by those on the farther side of the river; by means of -this coppice, if he could reach it, Roger would be able to effect his -escape. - -In three minutes he was safe; then Kate drew a long breath. At the same -moment she was touched on the shoulder, and, looking round, saw her -father. - -“What’s all this about? What’s this shouting and firing of guns?” - -“Oh, father, I hope I have not done wrong! Uncle and all the men are -after Roger Redmore.” - -“Who is he?” - -“The man who burnt Mr. Pooke’s ricks, and he has been working for you -here—and uncle recognised him, and sent the men to take him, and he ran -away, and I have helped him.” - -“You?” - -“Yes; by rolling down rocks.” - -Jason burst into a fit of laughter. “Come, that is fine. You and I, -Kitty, aiders and abettors of an incendiary. Is he clear off now?” - -“Yes; but here comes uncle up the steep side.” - -Jason hobbled to the edge of the rock, and, leaning over called, -“Halloo, Pasco! Here we are waiting for you—Kitty Alone and I.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - BORROWING - -“It is you—you two!” exclaimed Pepperill, as he reached the summit. He -gasped the words; he could not shout, so short of breath was he. His -face with heat was purple as a blackberry. “What’s the meaning of this?” -He held to a projection of granite, and panted. “Interfering with -law—protecting a scoundrel.” He paused to wipe his face. “A malefactor—a -criminal—guilty”—again gasped like a fish out of water—"guilty of -incendiarism, of arson, of felony!" - -“Why, Pasco, you’re hot. Keep cool, old boy,” said Jason, laughing. “Who -has created you constable, or sheriff of the county, that you are so -anxious to apprehend rogues?” - -“Rogues? rogues? Only rogues assist rogues in escaping the reward of -their deeds.” - -“Is there a warrant out for his apprehension?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“Then what on earth makes you put yourself in a heat and commotion to -catch him?” - -Pasco mopped his brow, and, tearing up some ferns, dry though they were, -proceeded to fan his face. - -“Why? Do you ask? For the public security, of course. And now”—again he -puffed—"now I can’t talk; my wind is gone." - -Pepperill looked into the ravine. He could see that the men on the -farther side of the stream were at a nonplus. The fugitive had escaped -them, had dived out of their sight into the coppice-wood, and they knew -that pursuit was in vain. He turned sharply on his brother-in-law. - -“This is your doing—you and Kate. First you give him work, and then you -let him escape. He who helps a felon is a felon himself.” - -“My dear Pasco,” said Jason Quarm, laughing, “what makes you so fiery in -this matter?” - -“Fiery? of course I’m fiery. And look there, Jason! There are the -workmen, a dozen of them, doing nothing, and we shall have to pay their -wages for a half day, and nothing to show for it.” - -“Whose fault is that? You sent them from their tasks.” - -“Yes, to catch a villain.” - -“Which was no concern of yours.” - -“It is a concern of mine, and of every honest man. How can one be safe -with such a malefactor at large? I have my house, my stores; I shall not -be able to sleep at night with ease, knowing that this fellow is at -large. If anything happens, I shall come on you.” - -“You’ll get nothing from me.” - -“That is the worst; I know it. Why did you help the man to escape? No -one is safe—no one. And I, least of all; for now he regards me as his -enemy. He has sworn vengeance; he may come on me and cut my throat.” - -“Not much throat to be cut, Pasco.” - -“There is my money-box”— - -“Box, not money.” - -“He may set fire to my house—my barns—burn me and my wife—your -sister—Kitty—your daughter. Don’t you care for that?” - -“I am not afraid. If you went after him, and have angered him, well, we -helped him, as you suppose, and have won his good-will.” - -“As I know. Have I not found you here? Who else could have rolled down -the rocks? Show me your hands. There, I said so!—there is blood on -Kate’s hands; they are cut and bruised. She has been doing what she -could; and you, her father, who ought to have known better, have -encouraged her. Rascals! rogues!—rogues all!” - -“And oh, how honest am I!—eh, Pasco?” - -“Of course I’m an honest man. I don’t encourage burglars, and murderers, -and incendiaries.” - -“I did not know that Redmore was a murderer or a burglar.” - -“Who can say but, having been an incendiary, he may go on to murder and -plunder; these things run together. One who can commit arson is capable -of doing the other crimes as well. I shall have to drive back to -Ashburton alone.” - -“Kitty returns with you.” - -“What help is there in Kitty? That fellow Roger, full of rage and desire -of revenge, is about the woods, and may shoot me.” - -“He has not a gun.” - -“He may spring upon me with his axe.” - -“He has thrown it away,” said Kate. - -“You mind your own concerns,” exclaimed the angry man, turning on his -niece. “There are plenty of ways in which he may fall on me and murder -me, and then he will pick my pockets and make off in my clothes, and -Kitty will help him.” - -“You are talking nonsense, Pasco. Are you such a weakling that you -cannot defend yourself? But, pshaw! the man will not injure you.” - -“He will steal by night to Coombe. His wife is there; his children are -there. He knows where I am. He has sworn revenge against me.” - -“When? When he escaped?” - -“No; before I set the men after him.” - -“Before he knew you would hunt him? A probable story!” - -“Probable or improbable, it is true. I threatened him, and I would have -arrested him, but could not. Kate knows I had him by the throat; but he -was armed with his axe, and I could not retain him. Then he swore he -would do me an evil turn, and he will keep his word.” - -“He cannot harm you; he is afraid for himself.” - -“He can harm me. He can do to my house, my stores, what he did to -Pooke’s rick.” - -“Well, that would not hurt you greatly; you are insured over value.” - -“Not over value, with the wool in.” - -“You were a fool about that wool, Pasco. Why did you not consult me -before dealing with Coaker? I knew of the fall.” - -“Oh, you know everything. You knew that the Brimpts oak bark was worth -three times more than it is; and now you are felling, without -considering that the bark at present is practically worthless.” - -“The sap doesn’t run.” - -“If the sap ran like the Dart, it would not make the bark sell for tan. -You either knew nothing about the conditions, or you wilfully deceived -me; and I dare be sworn it was the latter. I can believe even that of -you now, a favourer of incendiaries.” - -“Come, do not be extravagant. What other criminals have I ever -favoured?” - -“I am too hot and too angry to argue,” retorted Pasco. “But I want to -know something for certain about this Brimpts wood. It is well enough to -cut it down, but what I want to know is, how will you transport the oak -so as to make it pay?” - -“Sell on the spot.” - -“To whom?” - -“To timber merchants.” - -“They will reckon the cost of carriage.” - -“We shan’t have to pay for it.” - -“We shall sell at a good price.” - -“We shall sell! Such oak as Brimpts oak is not to be had every day.” - -“Have you offered it to anyone—advertised it?” - -“No, I have not. Time for that when it is all felled.” - -“You will make as much a misreckoning in this as you have along of the -bark.” - -“Trust me. The oak will sell high.” - -“You said the same of the bark. All your ducks are swans. I _must_ have -money.” - -“So must I,” said Quarm. “I want it as the March fields want April -showers.” - -“I am in immediate need,” urged Pepperill. - -“In a fortnight I shall require money to pay the men their wages,” -observed Quarm. - -“I have nothing. You were right; I have a cash-box, but no cash in it. I -have paid away all I had.” - -“Dispose of something,” said Quarm cheerily. - -“Dispose of what? Coals? No one wants coals now.” - -“Then something else.” - -“Wool, and lose on every pound? That were fatal. I have not paid for all -the wool yet. I want money to satisfy the coal-merchant, money to meet -the bill I gave Coaker; and then the agent for the bank which has its -hold on the Brimpts estate says we may not remove a stick till -everything is paid.” - -“Then do not remove,” said Quarm. “Sell on the spot.” - -“To whom?” - -“There are plenty will buy.” - -“Why have you not advertised?” asked Pasco testily. - -“For one thing, because I did not know you were in immediate need of -cash; for the other, because, till the timber is down, it cannot be -measured. Never sell sticks standing. A timber merchant will always buy -the trees before felled, and many a landowner is fool enough to sell -standing trees. The merchant knows his gain; the landlord does not know -his loss.” - -“Felled or unfelled, I must realise. My condition is desperate. I cannot -meet any of the demands on me.” - -Pepperill had lost his purple colour. He wiped his brow again, but this -time the drops did not rise from heat, but from uneasiness of mind. - -“You have drawn me into this Brimpts venture, and I have now all my -fortunes on one bottom. If this fails, I am ruined; there will remain -nothing for me but to sell Coombe Cellars, and then—I am cast forth as a -beggar into the roads. I have trusted you; you must not fail me.” - -“Oh, all will come right in the end.” - -“The end—the end! It must come right now. I tell you that I have to meet -the demands of the bank, or I can do nothing with the sale of the oak, -and all now hangs on that. Owing to the ruinous purchase of Coaker’s -fleeces, I am driven to desperate straits. I cannot sell them at a loss. -I calculated it with the schoolmaster—a loss of some hundred and twenty -pounds. You must help me out of my difficulty.” - -“I can but suggest one thing. Go to Devonport, and see if the Government -Dockyard will buy the oak. Ship-building can’t go on without material. -If Government will take the timber, you need not concern yourself about -the bank’s demand; it will be satisfied, and more than satisfied, that -the money is safe. Bless you! in these times a man is happy to see his -money within twelve months of him, and know he must have it.” - -“I don’t mind; but I’ll go to Devonport at once,” said Pepperill. - -Whilst the conversation thus detailed was taking place, the three had -crossed a strip of moor that intervened between Sharpitor and the high -road, walking slowly, for Pasco was fagged with his scramble, and Jason -was crippled. - -“I don’t mind,” said Pasco again. “But I shall want a few pounds to take -me there, and my pockets are empty.” - -“I can’t help you. Mine wouldn’t yield if wrung out.” - -“Here comes the parson,” said Pepperill—"our parson, jogging along as if -nothing were the matter and went contrary in the world. I’ll borrow of -him." - -“Oh, uncle,” protested Kate, flushing crimson, “pray do not, if you have -no chance of paying.” - -“You impudent hussy, mind your own concerns,” answered Pasco angrily. -“I, with no chance of paying! I’m a man of means. I’ll let you see what -that signifies. How d’ y’ do, parson?” - -“What! my churchwarden?” exclaimed Mr. Fielding, drawing rein. “What -brings you to the moors?” - -“Business, sir, a trifle with regard to oak timber. I’ve bought the -Brimpts wood—cost me a few hundred, and will bring me a thousand.” - -“Glad to hear it, Mr. Pepperill;—and then we shall have a double -subscription to our school.” - -“I daresay, Mr. Fielding; I’m a free man with my money, as you and -others have found. And, by the way, talking of that, could you kindly -accommodate me with a little loan of a few pounds. I started from home -without a thought but of returning to-day, and I learn that the -Government has an eye on these oaks—first-rate timber—and I must to -Devonport to strike a bargain. I won’t come to their terms, they must -come to mine. Such timber as this is worth its weight in gold.” - -“How much do you want, Mr. Pepperill?” - -“How much can you spare, Mr. Fielding?” - -“Well, let me see.” The rector of Coombe opened his purse. “I have about -six guineas here. I shall want to retain one for current expenses. When -can you let me have the loan returned.” - -“Any day. I’ll drop you a line to my wife—or—on my return. I’m only -going to Devonport to get the best price for the timber, and then I -shall be back. If you can spare me five guineas—or five sovereigns—I -shall be obliged. You know me—a man of substance, a man of means, a warm -man. We represent the Church, do we not, Mr. Fielding? and hang -Dissenters all, say I.” - -“I can let you have five pounds,” said the rector; “I see I am short of -silver.” - -“That will suffice,” answered Pasco, with dignity. “I will let you have -it back directly I have settled with Government about the oaks.” - -Mr. Fielding gave Pepperill the gold, then excused himself, as he -desired to reach home before dark, and rode on his way. - -“I had no idea that to borrow was so easy,” said Pasco. “Of course, all -depends on the man who asks. Everyone knows me—sound as the Bank of -England.” - -“And same thing,” said Quarm; “all depends on the man solicited.” - -Then Pepperill, with his hands in his pockets and head in the air, his -spirits revived as though he had borrowed five hundred pounds in place -of five pounds, walked towards Dart-meet Bridge humming the old harvest -song,— - - “We’ve cheated the parson; we’ll cheat him again; - For why should the vicar have one in ten? - One in ten? - We’ll drink off our liquor while we can stand, - And hey for the honour of Old England! - Old England!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - SHAVINGS - -With five pounds in his pocket, Pepperill drove to Plymouth and on to -Devonport. His moral courage was up again now he had gold to spend. When -his purse was empty, his spirits, his tone of mind, became depressed and -despairing. A very little—a few pounds—sufficed to send them up to -bragging point. There was no limit to his self-complacency and assurance -as he appeared at the dockyard. - -His spirits, his consequence that had so risen, were doomed to sink when -he learned that no oak, however good, was required. Okehampton Park, the -finest, the most extensive in the county, had been delivered over by the -impecunious owners to the woodman; thousands of magnificent trees, as -ancient and as sound as those of Brimpts, had been felled. The market -was glutted, oak of the best quality sold cheap as beech; and the -Government had bought as much at Okehampton as would be needed for -several years. - -“That is the way with all Government concerns, stupidly managed by -blunderheads. I can do business better with private firms. I know very -well what this means—to grease the palms of the authorities. I am a man -of principle—I won’t do it.” So said Pepperill, as he swung away from -the dockyard. “Bah! I’ve always been a staunch supporter of Church and -State, churchwarden and Tory. If the Government can’t oblige me when I -want a little favour done, but must go to the cheapest shop, blow me if -I don’t turn Whig—that’s not bad enough—roaring Radical, and cry, Down -with the Constitution and the Crown! As for the Church, I don’t say as -I’ll go in for disestablishment and disendowment just now. There is some -benefit in an Established Church when it will accommodate one at a pinch -with five pounds, and don’t press to have it returned till convenient.” - -Pasco betook himself now to private firms of shipbuilders, but was -unable to dispose of his timber. The mowing down of Okehampton Park had -flooded the market with first-quality oak. One firm was inclined to deal -with him, if he would draw the timber into Plymouth. Sanguine at this -undertaking, he returned to Dart-meet to drive a bargain with some of -the farmers on the moor for conveying the oak logs to the seaport town. -He found that their charges were likely to be high. The way was long, -the road hilly, in places bad. It would take them two days at least to -convey each load, with a pair of horses, or a team of three, to -Plymouth; and what was one load?—what, but a single log. Then there was -the return journey, that might be done in a long day; but after three -such days, the horses would not be fit for work on the fourth. A pair of -horses was ten shillings; and for three days—that was five-and-twenty; -but in reality three horses would be needed, and that would be thrice -fifteen—two pounds five for each stick of timber before it was sold. As -for the spray,—all the upper portion of the trees,—that would have to be -disposed of on the spot; and Pepperill foresaw, with something like -dismay, that he would get no price for it. The expense of carriage would -deter all save moor farmers from purchasing, and they were so few in -number, that the supply would exceed the demand, especially as they -could have as much turf as they wanted for the cutting; and practically -not sufficient would be got from the sale of the faggot wood to pay for -the felling of the timber. - -It is one of the peculiar features of England that our roads are -absolutely without any of the facilities which modern engineering would -yield to travellers on wheels. Our ancient highways were those struck -out by packmen, and when wheeled conveyances came into use, the -carriages had to scramble over roads only suitable for pack-horses. In -France and Germany it is otherwise, there modern road-engineering has -made locomotion easy. The main arteries of traffic ascend and descend by -gentle gradients, and make sweeps where a direct course would be arduous -and exhaustive of time. - -Now the road from Dart-meet, a main thoroughfare over the moor, might be -carried along the river-bank, with a gentle fall of a hundred feet in -the mile, for six miles. But instead of that, it scrambles for a mile up -a hogsback of moor, nearly five hundred feet in sheer ascent, then comes -down to the Dart again; then scrambles another ridge, and then again -descends to the same river. Nothing could be easier than to have a -trotting road the whole way; but in mediæval times packmen went up and -down hill; consequently we in our brakes, and landaus, and dog-carts -must do the same; not only so, but the transport of granite, peat, wool, -and the oaks from the felled forest was rendered a matter of heavy -labour and great cost. Pepperill saw that it was quite hopeless to -expect to effect any dealings on the Ashburton side, on account of the -tremendous hills that intervened. - -With rage and mortification at his heart, he sought for his -brother-in-law, and could not find him. He was told that Quarm had gone -to Widdecomb. Some repairs were to be done in the church, the parsonage -was to be rebuilt, and he was going to ascertain whether oak timber -would be required there, and how much, and whether he could dispose of -some of the wood of Brimpts for this object. - -He could not wait for Quarm. He wanted to be home. He was to convey Kate -to Coombe Cellars—it had been so arranged. His wife was impatient for -her return, had begun to discover what a useful person in the house Kate -was. Moreover, the moor air had done what was required of it, had -restored health to the girl’s cheeks. - -In rough and testy tone, Pepperill told his niece to put together her -traps and to jump up beside him. - -“You’ve had play enough at our expense,” he growled. “Your aunt has had -to hire a girl, and she’s done nothing but break, break—and she’s given -Zerah cheek—awful. Time you was back. We can’t be ruined just because -your father wants you to be a lady, and idle. We’re not millionaires, -that we can afford to put our hands in our pockets and spend the day -loafing. If your father thinks of bringing you up to that, it’s a pity -he hasn’t made better ventures with his money.” After a pause, with a -burst of rancour, “His money! _His_ money, indeed! it is mine he plays -games with, it is my hard-earned coin he plays ducks and drakes -with—chucks it away as though I hadn’t slaved to earn every groat.” - -As he talked, he worked himself up into great wrath; and like a coward -poured forth his spite upon the harmless child at his side, because -harmless, unable to retaliate. He was accustomed to hear his wife find -fault with Kate, and now he followed suit. We all, unless naturally -generous, cast blame on those who are beneath us; on our children, our -servants, the poor and weak, when we are conscious of wrong within -ourselves, but are too proud for self-accusation. It has been so since -Adam blamed Eve for his fall, and Eve threw the blame on the serpent. - -“I don’t hold with holiday-making,” said Pasco. “It is all very well for -wealthy people, but not for those who are workers for their daily bread. -I might ha’ been, and I would ha’ been, an independent man, and a -gentleman living on my own means, but for your father. He’s been the -mischief-maker. He has led me on to speculate in ventures that were -rotten from root to branch, and all my poor savings, and all that your -aunt Zerah has earned by years of toil—it is all going—it is all gone. -There are those workmen cutting down the oak, they are eating my silver, -gorging themselves on my store, and reducing me and Zerah to beggary. To -the workhouse—that’s our goal. To the workhouse—that is where your -father is driving us. What are you staring about you for like an owl in -daylight?” - -“Oh, uncle,” answered Kate in a voice choked with tears, “I have been so -happy on the moor, and it is all so beautiful, so beautiful—a heaven on -earth; and I was only looking my last—and saying good-bye to it all.” - -“Not listening to what I said?” - -“Indeed I was, and I was unhappy—and what you said made me feel I should -never come back here, and I must work hard now for Aunt Zerah. There was -no harm in my looking my last at what I have loved and shall not see -again! It is so beautiful.” - -“Beautiful? Gah!” retorted Pasco. “A beastly place. What is beautiful -here? The rocks? The peat? The heather? Gah! It is all foul stuff—I hate -it. What are you hugging there as if it were a purse of gold?” - -“Oh, uncle, it is something I love so! The schoolmaster sent it me by -Mr. Fielding. It’s only a book.” - -“A book? of what sort? Let me see.” - -Kate reluctantly produced the cherished volume. - -“Pshaw!” said Pasco, rejecting it with disgust. “Poetry—rotten rubbish—I -hate it. It’s no good to anyone, it stuffs heads with foolery. I wish I -was king, and I’d make it a hanging matter to write a line of poetry and -publish it. It’s just so much poison. No wonder you don’t like work, -when you read that vile, unwholesome trash.” - -Kate hastily folded up the volume and replaced it in her bosom. - -“No wonder you and your father encourage vagabonds and incendiaries if -you read poetry.” - -“Father did not help Roger Redmore to escape,” said Kate. “It was I who -rolled down the stones. Father came up when he had already got away to a -hiding-place. I, and I alone, did it.” - -“More shame to you! You’re a bad girl, a vicious girl, and will come to -no good.” - -He continued grumbling and snarling and harping on his grievances, and, -for some while, jerking out spiteful remarks. Presently he relapsed into -silence, and let the tired cob jog along till he reached a point where, -near Holne, roads branched: one went down the hill to Ashburton without -passing through the village, the other went round by the church and -village inn. Here Pasco drew up, uncertain which road to take. There was -not much difference in the distance. The direct way was the shorter, but -by not more than half a mile, whereas the other afforded opportunity for -refreshment. - -At this point was a carpenter’s shop. The workman was not there, but he -had left his shop open, and outside was a great pile of shavings. - -As Pasco sat ruminating, doubtful which way to take, his eye rested for -some while on the shavings. Presently, without a word, he got out of the -conveyance, let down the back of the cart, collected as many shavings as -he could carry, and thrust them in, under the seat. He went back to the -pile, took as many more as he thought would suffice, and crammed the -body of the cart with them. Then, still without speaking, he shut the -back, remounted, and drove down the shortest way—the steep hill, the -direct road to Ashburton that avoided the village. - -“Uncle!” said Kate, after a while. - -Pepperill started, as though he had been stung. “Bless me!” he -exclaimed; “I had forgotten you were here.” - -“Uncle,” pursued the girl, “you know my dear mother left a little money, -a few hundred pounds, for me. And my father is trustee, and he has -charge of it, and has invested it somewhere for me. If you are in -difficulties, and really want money, I am sure you are heartily welcome -to mine. I will ask my father to let you have the use of it. I cannot do -other—you and Aunt Zerah have been very kind to me.” - -“Yes, that we have, and been to tremendous expense over your keep; and -there was your education with Mr. Puddicombe, and the doctor’s bill -coming in, and the medicines; and there has been your clothing—and you -have always eaten—awful. That costs money, and ruins one. Yes, you are -right, you couldn’t do other. I had not thought of that. But I don’t -know what your father will say.” - -“In a very few years I shall be old enough to have it as my own to do -with as I like. I do not think that my father will object to its being -employed as I wish. And I know it will be quite safe with you.” - -“Oh, perfectly safe, safe as in the Bank of England. I’m one of your -sound men. Sound, and straight, and square, all round—everything you can -desire, you know. Everyone trusts me. A man of substance, a man of -means—and with a head for business.” - -“I will ask father when I see him.” - -“That is right. It will be a little relief. You are a good girl, I -always said you were, and had your heart in the right place. You will -write to your father to-morrow.” - -Pasco Pepperill was comparatively genial, even boastful, on the rest of -the way. When he arrived at Coombe Cellars, his wife heard the wheels -and came to the door. She received Kate without cordiality, and took her -husband’s little bag of clothes he had taken with him. Kate carried hers -in her hand. - -“Anything in the cart? Shall I open?” asked Zerah. - -“Nothing—absolutely nothing. Leave the cart alone,” answered Pasco -hastily. “Nothing at all.” - -Pepperill drew his horse away, unharnessed it, and ran the dog-cart into -the coach-house. Then he stood for a moment musing, and looking at it. -Presently he turned his back, locked the door, and left his conveyance -undischarged of its load of shavings. - -“I may chuck ’em away, any time,” said he, “or give ’em to Zerah to -kindle her kitchen fire with, or”— He did not finish the sentence, even -in thought. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - BORROWING AGAIN - -When Pepperill, tired with his long day’s journey, and harassed in mind, -went to his bedroom, Zerah at once fell upon him. - -“How have you fared, I’d like to know? But lawk! what’s the good of my -axing, when I’m pretty confident your journey has been all down hill, -with an upset of the cart presently.” - -“And if it be so, who is to blame but your brother?” retorted Pepperill -angrily. - -“My brother may have made his mistakes sometimes, but not always—you -never by any chance fail to do the wrong thing.” - -“He has dragged me into this confounded affair of the Brimpts timber; -and now—I cannot sell the bark or the oaks.” - -“He had nothing to say to the wool. What made you buy at a wrong price?” - -“The market is always changing.” - -“Yes—against your interests. We shall end in the workhouse.” - -“Things will come right.” - -“They cannot. Look here! Here is a lawyer’s letter about the coals. You -must pay by the first of the next month, or they will put in the -bailiffs.” - -“It will come right. I have had an offer.” - -“For the oak?” - -“No, of a loan. Kate, like a good and reasonable and affectionate girl, -is going to get Jason to withdraw her money and lend it to me.” - -Zerah flushed crimson. “So!” she exclaimed, planting herself in front of -her husband, and lodging her hands on her hips; “you want to swindle the -orphan out of her little fortune. You know as well as I do, if that -money gets into your hands, it will run between your fingers as has all -other money that ever got there. Folks say that there is a stone as -turns all base metal to gold. I say that your palm has the faculty of -converting gold into quicksilver, that escapes and cannot be recovered.” - -“This is only a temporary embarrassment.” - -“It shall not be done,” said Zerah. “I don’t myself believe Jason will -hear of it, and if he does, and prepares to carry it out, I’ll knock his -head off—that’s my last word. The parson said I didn’t love Kate, that I -was starving her; but I’ll stand up for her against you—and her own -father if need be.” - -“The coal merchant must wait,” said Pasco, shrugging his shoulders. - -“He will not wait. You have passed over unnoticed his former demands, -and now, unless in a fortnight the money is paid, he will make the house -too hot to hold us.” - -“We can sell something.” - -“What? You have parted with your farm, the orchard, the meadow—with -everything but the house, to follow your foolish passion to be a -merchant.” - -“He must wait. I have to wait till folk pay me my little bills. Money -doesn’t come in rushes, but in leaks.” - -“He will not wait. Where is the ready money to come from?” - -Pasco scratched his head. - -“If everything else fails,” said she further, “then I propose you go to -old Farmer Pooke and get a loan of him.” - -“Pooke? he won’t lend money.” - -“I am not so sure of that. Jan has called several times since Kitty has -been away, and yesterday he told me, in his shy, awkward fashion, that -he had spoken with his father about her. The old man made some to-do—he -had fancied Rose Ash as a match for his son, as she is likely to have a -good round sum of money; but when Jan insisted, he gave way. You see -everyone in the place knows that Kate has something left by her mother, -but they don’t know how much, and, instead of three hundred pounds or -so, they have got the notion into their heads that it is a thousand -pounds. Now, as the father is ready to let his son marry Kate, I think -it like enough he would help you, so as to prevent the scandal of -bailiffs in Coombe Cellars.” - -“He may make that the excuse for breaking off the match.” - -“Jan is obstinate. When that lad sets his head on a thing, there is no -turning him, and that his father knows well. He’d ha’ turned his son -away from Kitty and on to Rose if he could, but he can’t do it; and what -he is aware of is, that the least show of opposition will make Jan ten -times more set on it than before.” - -“Then you go to Farmer Pooke and borrow.” - -“I! I made to go round as a beggar-woman! You have brought trouble on -the house. You must ask for the loan.” - -Next day, Pasco Pepperill started for Pooke’s house. The lion is said to -lash itself with its tail till it lashes itself into fury. Pasco -blustered and bragged with everyone he encountered, till he had worked -himself up into self-confidence and assurance enough for his purpose, -and then, with bold face and swaggering gait, entered the farm-house. - -Pooke senior was a stout man, as became a yeoman of substance; he had a -red, puffed face, with stony dark eyes; his hands were enormous, and -their backs were covered with hair. - -Pooke and Pepperill had not been on the best of terms. Pooke for some -time had been churchwarden, but in a fit of pique had thrown up the -office, when Pepperill had been elected in his room. But Pooke had not -intended his resignation to be accepted seriously. He had withdrawn to -let the parish feel that it had absolutely no one else fit to take his -place, and he had anticipated that he would have been entreated to -reconsider his resignation. When, however, Pepperill stepped into his -vacant office, and everything went on as usual, Pooke was very irate, -and spoke of the supplanter with bitterness and contempt. - -“How do y’ do?” said Pooke, and extended his hand with gracious -condescension, such as he only used to the rector and to those whom he -considered sufficiently well-off to deserve his salutation. “What have -you come here about?—that matter of Jan?” - -“Well, now,” answered Pepperill, with a side look at a servant, “between -ourselves, you know, we are men who conduct business in a different way -from the general run.” - -“Get along with you, Anne,” said Pooke to the maid. “Now we are by -ourselves, what is it? That boy Jan is headstrong. It runs in the blood. -I married, clean contrary to my father’s wishes, just because I knew he -didn’t like the girl. I don’t think that it was anything else made me do -it. But your niece, Kitty, has money.” - -“Money? oh, of course! We are a moneyed family.” - -“That is well. Mine is a moneyed family. One cannot be comfortable -oneself without money, nor have anything to do comfortably with other -people unless they’re moneyed. I have often thought there is a great -gulf fixed between the comfortably off and those who are in poor -circumstances, and those who are in comfort can’t pass to the other -side—not right they should; let them make their associates among the -comfortably off. That’s my doctrine.” - -“And mine also,” said Pasco. “I like to hear you talk like this—it’s -wholesome.” - -“Well, and what do you want with me?” - -Pepperill crossed his legs, uncrossed them, and crossed them again. - -“I’ve been doing a lot o’ business lately,” said he. - -“So I hear. But do you want to do business with me? I bought your -orchard and meadow. There I think you did wrong. Hold on to land; never -let that go—that’s my doctrine. You got rid of it, and where are you -now? In Coombe Cellars, without as much as five acres around it of your -own.” - -“I never was calculated to be a farmer,” said Pasco. “My head was always -set on a commercial life, and I can’t say I regret it. A lot of money -has passed through my hands.” - -“I don’t care so much for the passing as the sticking of money,” -retorted Pooke. - -“Well, in my line, money comes in with a tide and goes out with a tide. -When it is out, it is very much out indeed; but I have only to wait -awhile, and, sure as anything in nature, in comes the tide once more.” - -Pooke’s stony eye was fixed on Pepperill. - -“Which is it now—high tide or low water?” - -“There it is—low.” - -“Oh!” - -Pooke thrust his chair back, and looked at the space between him and -Pepperill, as though it were the great gulf fixed, across which no -communication was possible. - -“Merely temporary,” said Pasco, with affected indifference. -“Nevertheless, unpleasant rather; not that I am inconvenienced and -straitened myself, but that I am unable to extend my money ventures. You -see, I have been buying a great oak wood on Dartmoor—splendid oak, hard -as iron; will make men-of-war, with which we shall bamboozle the French -and Spaniards. Then I’ve bought in a quantity of wool.” - -“What, now? It is worth nothing.” - -“Exactly—because there is a panic. In my business this is a time for -buying. There will be a rebound, and I shall sell. It is the same with -coals. I lay in now when cheap, and sell when dear—in winter.” - -“What do you want with me?” asked Pooke suspiciously. - -“The thing is this. I find I have to pay for the timber before I can -sell a stick to Government, and I haven’t the cash at this instant. I’ve -had to pay for the wool,—I bought in two years’ fleeces,—and for the -coals, and if I could lay my hand on four hundred pounds”— - -“Four hundred pound ain’t things easy laid hands on.” - -“I want the money for three months at the outside. I’ll give you my note -of hand, and what interest you demand.” - -“Likely to make a good thing out of Government? I’ve always heard as -dealing with Government is like dealing with fools—all gain your side, -all loss theirs.” - -“Well! ’Tis something like that,” said Pepperill, with a knowing wink. -“But don’t trouble yourself; if you can’t conveniently raise four or -five hundred, I can easily go elsewhere. I came to you, because my wife -said there was likely to be a marriage between the families, and so I -thought you might help me to make this hit.” - -“Now, look here,” said Pooke. “I’ve often had a notion I should like to -deal with Government. I’ve a lot of hay and straw.” - -“I’m your man. Trust me. If I get to deal with Government about the -timber, they’ll have confidence in me, for the oak is about first-rate, -and no mistake. They’ll become confiding, and I’ll speak a word for you. -But if you haven’t any loose cash, such as four or five hundred pounds”— -Pepperill stood up, and took his hat. - -“Don’t go in a hurry,” said Pooke. “That’s been my ambition, to deal -with Government. Then if one has mouldy hay, one can get rid of it at a -good figure, and Government is so innocent, it will buy barley straw for -wheaten.” - -“If you are so hard up that you have no money”— - -“I—I hard up? Sit down again, Pasco.” - -Pooke considered for a moment, and then said, “Now, I know well enough -that in business matters sometimes one wants a loan. It is always so. If -you’ll just give me a leg up with Government, I don’t mind accommodating -you. But—I must have security.” - -“On my stores?” - -“No; they might sell out. On your house.” - -“Won’t my note of hand do?” - -“No, it won’t,” answered Pooke. “See here: my Jan has gone down your way -to make it up with Kitty. When they have settled, you get me your deeds, -and then I don’t mind advancing the sum you want on that security—that -is, if Kitty accepts Jan.” - -“She will do so, of course,” said Pepperill. - -“Well, of course,” said Pooke. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - SILVER PENINKS - -As soon in the morning as Kate could disengage herself from the tasks -which her aunt at once imposed on her, she ran to the cottage occupied -by the wife and children of Roger Redmore. It was of cob, or clay and -straw beaten and trampled together, then shaved down, and the whole -thatched. - -Such cottages last for centuries, and are warm and dry. So long as the -thatch is preserved over the walls, there is simply no saying how long -they may endure, but if the rain be suffered to fall on the top of the -walls, the clay crumbles rapidly away. The cob is usually whitewashed, -and the white faces of these dwellings of the poor under the brown -velvet-pile thatched roofs, with the blinking windows beneath the straw -thatching just raised, like the brow of a sleepy eye, have an infinitely -more pleasing, cosy appearance than the modern cottages of brick or -stone, roofed with cold blue slate. - -The cottage of the Redmores was built against a red hedge, rank with -hawthorn and primroses. But in verity it was no longer the cottage of -the Redmores, for the family had been given notice to quit, and although -after Lady-Day Farmer Pooke had suffered the woman to inhabit it for a -few weeks, yet now the term of his concession was exceeded. He had a new -workman coming in, and the unhappy woman was forced to leave. - -When Kate arrived at the dwelling, she found that some sympathetic -neighbours were there, who were assisting Jane Redmore to remove her -sticks of furniture from the interior. The labourer who was incomer was -kindly, and also lent a hand. Her goods had been brought out into the -lane, and were piled up together against the bank, and on them she sat -crying, with her children frightened and sobbing around her. Neighbours -had been good to her, and now endeavoured to appease the tears and -distress of the children with offers of bread and treacle, and bits of -saffron cake, and endearments. The woman herself was helpless; she did -not know whither she should betake herself for the night, where she -should bestow her goods. - -The incomer urged Mrs. Redmore to tell him what were her intentions. He -must bring in his own family that afternoon, and would help her, as much -as he was able, to settle herself somewhere. It was not possible for her -to remain in the road. The parish officers would interfere, and carry -her off to the poorhouse; but it was uncertain whether she could be -accommodated there, interposed a neighbour, as the house was full of -real widows. - -Mrs. Redmore was a feeble, incapable creature, delicate, without the -mental or moral power of rising to an emergency and forming a -resolution. She sat weeping and crying out that she was without Roger, -and he always managed for her. - -“But you see, Jane,” argued a neighbour, “as how Roger can’t be here for -very good reasons, which us needn’t mention, and so someone must do -something, and who else is there but you?” - -“I wish I was dead,” wailed the poor creature. - -“Well, now, Jane,” said the neighbour, “don’t ye be so silly. If you was -dead, what ’d become o’ the childer?” - -At this juncture Kate arrived, breathless with running. - -“It is well.” She stood panting, with her eyes bright with pleasure at -the consciousness that she brought relief. “I asked my father, and he -says Mrs. Redmore and the little ones may go into his cottage at Roundle -Post, and stay there till something is settled.” - -“That’s brave!” exclaimed the women who were standing round. “Now, let -me take the little ones, Jane, and you lead the way, and Matthew -Woodman, he’ll help to carry some of your things.” - -“I have the key,” said Kate; “and the distance is nothing.” - -“Lawk a mussy!” exclaimed one of the women; “what would us ever a’ done -wi’out you, Kitty. The poor creetur is that flummaged and mazed, her -don’t seem right in her head, and us couldn’t do nothing with she.” - -Mrs. Redmore caught Kate’s hand, and kissed it. - -“We’d all a’ died here, but for you,” she said. - -“Indeed,” answered Kate, hastily snatching her hand away, “it is my -father who has come to your assistance not I. He lends you the house.” - -“But you axed him for it. Oh, if Roger could do anything for you!” - -“I assure you my father is the one to be thanked, if anyone is.” - -“Well, if Roger could do aught for he, it would be the same as to you.” - -“Come, let us be on the move.” - -A little procession formed—women carrying the children, or crocks, a -couple of men with wheelbarrows, removing some of the heavier goods. -Then up came Jan Pooke, and at once offered his assistance, and worked -as hard as any. - -As soon as the poor woman was settled into her new quarters, Jan sidled -up to Kate, and, seizing her hand and breathing heavily, said, “Kitty, I -want to say something to you.” - -The girl looked at him inquiringly, waiting for what he had to say. - -“I mean, Kitty, alone.” - -“I am Kitty Alone,” observed she, with a smile. - -“I don’t mean that. I have something I want to say to you.” - -“What is it?” said she. “You look very odd.” - -“It’s—it’s—the silver peninks.” - -“What of them?” - -It must be premised that the “silver peninks” are the _narcissus -poeticus_. - -“They are in an orchard.” - -“I know it,” said Kate. “Lovely they are—and yet, somehow, I like the -daffodils as well.” - -“Now, it’s a curious thing,” said Jan, “that the same roots bring up -first daffies, and then silver peninks.” - -“That is not possible,” objected Kate. - -“But it is so. Come into the orchard, Kitty, and see for yourself.” - -“I know, without seeing, that it cannot be.” - -“If you will come and look, Kitty, you will see that just where the -daffies were, there the peninks are now. When the daffies die down, the -peninks bloom.” - -“Exactly, Jan, because their time for blooming is a month later than the -daffodils.” - -“But they come out of the same roots.” - -“That cannot be, by any means.” - -Pooke rubbed his head, and said humbly, “I know, Kitty, I’m a duffer, -and that you’re clever, but I’ve seen ’em with my own eyes.” - -“Have you ever dug up the bulbs?” - -“No, I can’t say I have done that.” - -“Till you have, you cannot say that the golden flower and the silver -flower spring from one root.” - -“It isn’t only the peninks, Kitty—can’t you understand?” - -“I do not. You are very wonderful to-day.” - -“I want to talk to you in the orchard.” - -“You can say what it is, here.” - -“No, I cannot. I want to show you the silver peninks, and I want to -say”—he let go her hand, with which he had been sawing. - -Kate looked round. It would be considerate to leave the poor woman alone -with her children to get settled into her new quarters, and she desired -to escape another outburst of gratitude. - -“Well, Jan, I will go and look at the flowers, and I hope to show you -your mistake—the withered heads of daffodil apart from the bursting bud -of the penink.” - -The two young people walked together down the lane to the gate into the -orchard. Jan threw this open, and Kate, without hesitation, stepped in. - -“Now,” said Jan, “I said it was not the peninks.” - -“What is not the peninks—the daffodils? I thought you said that the one -plant was the same which throws up yellow flowers and white ones.” - -“You try not to understand me, Kitty.” - -“I am trying hard to understand you, Jan.” - -“Look here,” he exclaimed, letting go the gate. Kate did as desired; she -looked him full in the face. His mouth was twitching. “Tell me, Kate”— - -She waited for him to conclude the sentence, and as he did not, she -asked him gently what it was that he desired her to tell him. - -“You know already what I mean,” he exclaimed, breathing short and quick. - -Kate shook her head. - -“Look here, Kitty. My father has given his consent at last, and I am -going to be married.” - -“I am so glad to hear it, Jan.” - -“Kate, you tease me. You—you”— - -“Indeed, I wish you all happiness.” - -“That I can only have with you.” - -“With me?” Kate was frightened, drew back, and fixed her great, dark -blue, tranquil eyes on him. The sweat rolled off his brow. - -“Oh, Jan! What do you mean?” - -“You know what I mean. You shall be my missus.” - -“Jan—that cannot be.” - -“Why not? Give me your hand—no, give me both.” - -“I cannot do that.” - -A pause ensued. - -“Kitty, you don’t care for me?” - -“I do care for you, Jan.” - -“Then love me—take me. Sister Sue will be so pleased.” - -“I cannot do it, Jan, even for sister Sue.” - -“You cannot love me?” he gasped, and his face lost its colour. “Oh, -Kitty, since we were in the boat together I have thought only of you.” - -“And before that, of Rose. Was it not so?” - -“No, Kitty. Rose rather teased me.” - -“Jan, you are a dear, good old fellow, and I like you better than any—I -mean, almost better than anyone else in the world.” - -“Whom do you like better?” he inquired in a tone between sulk and anger. - -“My dear father, of course.” - -“Oh, your father!—anyone else?” - -“I love the dear old parson.” - -“The parson? why so?” - -“Because one can learn so much from him.” - -“Oh, learn, learn!” exclaimed Pooke impatiently. “At that rate you will -love the schoolmaster, for he can teach you all sorts of things—why some -stars twinkle and others do not; and why the tides do not come regular -by half an hour. If that sort of foolery suits you, he’ll do.” - -“It is no foolery, dear friend Jan. I have said that I did regard and -like you.” Her face had become crimson. - -“But you will not love me.” - -“Jan, I shall always think of you as a brother or a cousin. You are so -good, so true, so kind. You deserve the best girl in Coombe, and I am -not that.” - -He wanted to interrupt her, but she proceeded, laying her finger-tips on -his breast. - -“No, Jan, I am not that—I know it well; and I know that your father, not -even sister Sue, would have you marry me. I cannot love you, and you -would be unhappy with me.” - -“Why that?” - -“Because I would be for ever asking you questions which you could not -answer. And I, with you, would not be happy, because I could get no -answers out of you. You would be telling me such things as that silver -peninks sprang out of daffodil roots, and that—I could not believe.” - -“So you refuse me?” - -“Jan, you must get a good dear wife, who will believe that silver -peninks grow out of daffodil bulbs—will not bother whether they do or -not—one who loves you with her whole heart. I know one who does -that—no—listen to me!” as he made a gesture of impatience, as if he -would turn away. “Let me speak plainly, Jan. Rose is a merry, -good-hearted girl; and if she has done an unkind thing to me, it has not -been out of malice, but because it made her mad to think that you did -not love her, and cared a little for me. No one in Coombe can say a bad -word against her. She is the prettiest girl in all the country round. -She is always neat and fitty (dapper). If you know at all what love is, -Jan, you must judge how miserable Rose is, when, loving you with all her -heart, she finds you indifferent, and even rough towards her; she hates -me, only because you prefer me to her. Your father, I am quite sure, has -no wish to see you marry anyone but Rose. Sister Sue is her friend, and -Sue knows and cares nothing about me. Let us always remain friends. I -shall ever value you for your goodness of heart, dear Jan. I wish I -could love you enough to accept you, but I cannot—I cannot, Jan—and -after saying that silver peninks”— - -“Oh, confound the peninks!” he used a worse word than “confound.” - -“Jan! Do not say that. It is a necessity of my heart to learn. I must -ask questions, and I never can love a man who cannot give me something -to satisfy my mind. Dear Jan, if we were married, and you said that -silver”— - -He stamped his feet. - -“Well, never mind the peninks. It cannot be, Jan. It cannot be. We were -never created for each other. Woman is made out of a rib of the man to -whom she must belong. If I am so eager to ask questions, and get to know -things, that shows, Jan, I was never made out of your rib, never taken -from your side, and so never can go there.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII - TROUBLE - -When Kate returned to Coombe Cellars, she saw that some trouble had -occurred. Her aunt was sitting at the table in tears, Pasco had planted -himself on the settle, with his legs stretched before him, wide apart, -the soles turned up and his hands in his pockets. His hat was on and he -was whistling a tune—a strain out of Jackson’s “Tee-dum”—in unconcern. - -Kate had heard enough of the altercations between her aunt and uncle to -be aware that their circumstances were strained, and that Zerah -disbelieved in her husband’s business capacities. Pasco had himself -admitted to her, on the drive from Brimpts, that he was in difficulties. - -Zerah, so far from refraining from her comments before Kate, hailed her -entrance as an opportunity for renewing her animadversions on Pasco. - -“Look here, Kitty! Here is what we have come to—read that! Your uncle, -like a reckless fool, has gone and bought wool when there is no sale for -it, and has given a bill for it which has expired. The bank has returned -it to Coaker, dishonoured,—dishonoured, do you hear that, Pasco?—and -here is Coaker, furious, and demanding immediate payment. On the other -side, there is the Teignmouth coal merchant threatening proceedings. -What is to be done?” - -Kate looked at her uncle. - -“Don’t be excited and angry, Zerah,” said he, with the utmost composure. -“After rain comes sunshine. It is darkest before dawn. When the tide is -at lowest ebb, it is on the turn to the flow.” - -“But what is to be done? Dishonoured!” exclaimed Zerah. - -“Dishonoured?—fiddlesticks! The bill is returned, that is all. The money -will come.” - -“Whence. Can you stamp on the ground and make the coin leap up? Can you -throw your net into the Teign and gather guineas as you can shrimps?” - -“It will come right,” said Pasco. “There is no need for this heat, I -tell you. I have seen Farmer Pooke, and he will advance me five hundred -pounds.” - -“Yes—on the security of this house.” - -“Well, what of that?” - -“And five hundred pounds will not suffice to meet all the claims.” - -“Well, there are Kitty’s hundreds.” - -“They shall not be touched.” - -“You promised me the loan of them, did you not, Kitty?” asked her uncle, -scarcely raising his head to look at her. - -“Yes, you are heartily welcome to them,” said the girl. - -“They shall not be touched!” exclaimed Zerah, leaning her fists on the -table. - -“That is as Jason thinks and chooses,” answered Pasco. “He is trustee -for Kitty, not you. He got me into the hobble, and must get me out.” - -“What!—did he get you into this about the wool?” - -“I should have managed about the wool, were it not for the Brimpts -business.” - -“And the coals?” asked Zerah ironically. - -“I can manage well enough when not drawn away into foreign speculations. -Jason persuaded me against my will to embark in this timber business, -and that is it which is creating this obstruction. He got me in—he must -get me out. Kate’s a good girl,—she helps, and don’t rate and rant as -you do, Zerah.” - -“I don’t say she is not a good girl,” retorted Zerah. “What I say is, -you are a bad uncle to desire to rob her”— - -“Rob her? I ask only a loan for a few weeks. Her money and that from -Pooke will set us on our feet again.” - -At that moment, the man just alluded to came in with much noise. His -face was red, his expression one of great anger, and without a greeting, -he roared forth— - -“It is an insult. The girl is an idiot. She has refused him—him—a -Pooke!” - -“Who? What?” asked Zerah, letting go the table and staggering back, -overcome by a dreadful anticipation of evil. - -“Who? What?” retorted Pooke, shaking his red face and then his great -flabby hand at Kate. “She—Kitty Alone—has said No to my John!” - -Zerah uttered an exclamation of dismay. Pasco’s jaw fell, and, drawing -in his feet, he pulled his hands from his pockets and leaned them on the -arms of the settle, to be ready to lift himself. - -“She—that chit—has dared to refuse him!” roared Pooke. “Not that I -wanted her as my daughter. Heaven defend! I think my John is worth -better girls than she. But that she should have refused him—my John—she -who ought to have gone down on her knees and thanked him if he gave her -a look—that she should have the impudence—the—the”—he choked with rage. -“Now, not one penny of mine shall you have, not on note of hand, on no -security of your beggarly house—a cockle and winkle eating -tea-house—bah!—not a penny!” - -Then he turned, snapped his fingers at Zerah and Pasco, and went out. - -There ensued a dead hush for some moments. Kate had turned very white, -and looked with large frightened eyes at her uncle, then at her aunt. -She felt that this was but the first puff of a storm which would break -in full force on her head. - -Pasco stumbled to his feet, planted his right fist in the hollow of his -left palm, and, coming up close to Kate, said hoarsely, “You won’t have -him? You, you frog in a well! You won’t have him, the richest young chap -in Coombe! I say you shall have him. You shall run after Mr. Pooke, and -say it is all a mistake—you take Jan thankfully—you only said No just -out of bashfulness, you did not think yourself worthy. Tell him you said -No because you thought Jan was asking you against his father’s wishes. -Say that now you know how the old man feels, you gratefully accept. Do -you hear? Run.” - -Kate did not move. Her head had fallen on her bosom when he began, now -she raised it, and, looking her uncle steadily in the face, she said, “I -cannot. I have told Jan my reasons.” - -“Reasons, indeed! precious reasons. What are they?” - -Kate did not answer. Her reasons were such as Pasco could not -understand. - -“Kate,” interposed Zerah in an agitated voice, “what is the meaning of -this?” - -“Oh, dear aunt, it is true, I cannot take Jan. I have refused him, and I -cannot, will not withdraw the No. In this matter I alone am answerable, -and answerable to God.” - -“I insist,” stormed Pasco. - -“I cannot obey,” answered Kate. - -“Cannot—will not obey us who have brought you up. I suppose next you -will refuse to obey your father?” - -“In this matter, yes, if he were to order me to take Jan Pooke.” - -“I’ll force you to take him.” - -“You cannot do that, uncle.” She spoke with composure, whereas he was in -a towering passion. - -“Look at this,” said he, snatching up the letter from the table. “I’m -dishonoured now, indeed, as Zerah says. If you take Jan, all is well. -The old father will find me money, and all runs on wheels. You put in -your spoke, and everything is upset. Dishonoured, ruined, beggared—and -all through you.” - -He beat down his hat over his brows, laughed wildly, and shook his fist -at Kate. “I was chucked out of the trap t’other day. I wish I had broken -my neck sooner than come to this. I’ve nourished a viper in my bosom, -and now it turns and stings me.” - -“Leave her to me,” said Zerah. “You make matters worse by your violence. -That is the way with you men. Leave her to me.” - -Pasco flung himself back in the settle, and thrust out his legs as -before, and rammed his fists into his pockets. Before he had held his -chin up, now it was buried in his shirt front. - -Then Zerah pulled her niece into the window. Kate drew a long breath. -She knew that now came the worst trial of all. - -“Kitty,” said the aunt, holding both the girl’s arms, and looking into -her face. “Are you utterly heartless? Is it a matter of no concern to -you that we should be ruined? You have but to run after Mr. Pooke, and -all will be well. Why should you not give way to my wishes and those of -your uncle? What have you against the lad? He is good, and he is rich.” - -“I do not love him,” answered Kate confusedly. - -“But he is so well off. There is no one with half his prospects in the -place. I can’t understand. He likes you. He is desperately fond of you.” - -“I will never take one I do not love,” said Kate, shaking her head. - -“And you have heard the condition we are in? Your uncle owes money on -all sides. If money is due to him, he cannot recover it. He has sold the -farm, there remains only this house. If he sells that, we are without a -home. Then where will you be? Come—yield to our wishes, child.” - -“I cannot, indeed I cannot,” answered Kate, trembling in all her limbs. -“I would have taken Jan if I could.” - -“What is to prevent you?” - -Kate was silent. - -“There is—there can be no one else in the way?” pursued Zerah. - -Again no answer. - -“Stubborn and hardhearted, that is what you are,” said Zerah bitterly. -“It is all the same to you what becomes of us. We reared you. We have -loved you. I have been to you as a mother. You have never shown either -your uncle or me that you were grateful for what we have done for you. -Your own father you treat as though he were a dog—take no notice of him. -I have heard of hearts of stone, I never believed in them before. I do -now. No; there is—there can be no one else so insensible. You have not -got it in you to love anyone.” - -Kate sighed. The tears ran down her cheeks. - -“Dear aunt, I have always loved you, and I love you now, and ever will.” - -“Then show me that you have a heart,” said Zerah. “Words without deeds -are wind. If my own dear child Wilmot had been alive, this would not -have happened. Jan would have loved her, not you; and even if she had -not cared for him, yet, when she knew my wishes, she would have yielded. -She would have given her heart’s blood for me.” - -Kate pressed her folded hands to her bosom; her heart was bursting with -pain. - -“What is it that I ask of you?” pursued Zerah, and brushed the tears -from her own eyes. “Nothing but what is for your own advantage, your own -happiness. How will you like starvation—rags, no roof over your head? If -you take Jan Pooke, you become the first woman in the place. You will -have money to do with just as you likes. Jan is a good-hearted fellow. -Never have you heard of his having wronged man, woman, or child. He is -amiable; you can turn him round your little finger. What more can a -woman wish for?” - -Kate’s mind was tossed with trouble. She had so often longed that the -opportunity might arise for her to prove to her aunt that she loved her. -Now the occasion had come. The future was full of threat and disaster, -and one word from her might avert this and restore serenity; and not -only would that one word relieve her uncle and aunt in their present -distress, but it would also suffice to make poor, worthy Jan a happy -man. But that word she could not speak, she could not prevail with -herself to speak it. She liked John Pooke, and but for one thing she -perhaps might have yielded—that one thing was that she had met with a -man very different from the young yeoman, one who could answer questions -and satisfy her hungry mind. - -“I cannot, dear auntie.” - -“Cannot? What stands in the way? _Who_ stands in the way?” - -“I cannot, auntie.” - -“Perverse, headstrong, heartless child! When luck comes to you, you -throw it away, and cast your own self, and all belonging to you, into -misery. I wish you had never come here; I wish I had never nursed you in -my arms, never cared for you as a child, never watched over you as a -grown girl.” - -“Auntie!” - -“Away—I will not speak to you again.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII - ALTERNATIVES - -Pasco had left the room and the house. His anger with Kate was obscured -by his unrest as to his own condition. What could he do? He must meet -the bill for the wool, he must pay for the Brimpts timber before he -removed any of it, or forfeit what had already been spent over felling -the trees. He must pay the coal merchant’s account, or bailiffs would be -put into the house. - -He went into his stores and observed the contents of his warehouse. -There was wool on the upper storey, coal was lodged below. Above stairs -all the space was pretty well filled with fleeces. - -Then he went to his stable, and looked at his cob, then into the covered -shed that served as coach-house. He put his hand in his pocket, pulled -out the key, and opened the back of the cart. The shavings he had put in -were there still. He could not carry them into the house now, whilst -Zerah was engaged with Kate. Besides, he would not require so much -kindling matter within doors. Where should he bestow it? - -Suspecting that he heard a step approach, Pasco hastily closed the flap -of the cart, and went to the front of the shed. No one was there. He -returned to the shed and reopened the box of the cart, and filled his -arms with shavings, came out and hastily ran across with them to his -warehouse. - -Then he came back on his traces, carefully picking up the particles that -had escaped him. There remained more in his dog-cart. Would it do for -him to run to and fro, conveying the light shavings from shed to -warehouse? Might it not attract attention? What would a customer think -were he to come for coals, and find a bundle of kindling wood among -them? What would neighbours think at the light curls caught by the wind -and carried away over the fields? - -He went hastily back to the warehouse and collected the bundle he had -just taken there, and brought it all back in a sack, and rammed this -sack into the box of his cart; and then went again to the stores, and -raked the coals over the particles of shavings that remained. - -Then Pasco harnessed his cob, and drove away to the little town of -Newton. A craving desire had come over him to see again the new -public-house erected in the place of that which had been burnt. He had -no clear notion why he desired to see it. - -As he drove along, he passed the mill, and Ash, the miller, who was -standing outside his house, hailed him. - -“By the way, Pepperill—sorry to detain you; there is a little account of -mine I fancy has been overlooked. Will you wait?—I will run in and fetch -it; my Rose—she does all the writing for me, I’m a poor scholard—she has -just made it out again. It was sent in Christmas, and forgot, I s’pose, -then again Lady-Day, and I reckon again overlooked. You won’t mind my -telling of it, and if you could make it convenient to pay”— - -“Certainly, at once,” answered Pasco, and thrust his hand into his -pocket and drew it forth empty. “No hurry for a day or two, I reckon? I -find I have come away without my purse.” - -“Oh no, not for a day or two; but when it suits you, I shall be -obliged.” - -“Will to-morrow do?” - -“Of course. I say, Pepperill, your brother-in-law is a right sort of a -man.” - -“Why do you say that?” - -“Giving up his cottage to that poor creetur, Jane Redmore.” - -“I do not understand you.” - -“What—have you not heard? There was like to be a proper mess. Farmer -Pooke wanted Roger’s cottage for his new man, and so she, poor soul, had -to turn out. There was no help for it. She had no notion where to go, -and what to do. A lost sort of creetur I always thought, and now that -Roger is away and not to be found, and what wi’ the death of her little -maid, gone almost tottle (silly). Her had to clear out, and folks was -nigh mazed to know what to do wi’ her, when your niece, Kitty Alone, -came and said as how her father Jason gave his cottage till Jane Redmore -could settle something.” - -“I never heard a word of this till this moment,” said Pasco. “When did -it happen?” - -“To-day—not long ago. Jane Redmore is in Jason Quarm’s house now. Kate -gave her the key.” - -Pepperill grew red, and said, not looking Ash in the face, but away at -the ears of his horse, “I don’t like this—not at all. We ought to get -rid of Redmore and all his belongings. You are not safe in your house, -your mill is not safe, I am not safe, with that firebrand coming and -going amongst us—and come and go he will so long as his wife and -children be here. He were mighty fond of they.” - -“Roger will do you no harm. Your people have been good to him.” - -“What! do you call Jason ‘my people’?” - -“Jason and Kitty have housed his wife.” - -“It don’t follow that he loves me. I set the men in pursuit of him at -Dart-meet, and he knows it, and hates me. I live in fear of him as long -as he is uncaught.” - -The miller shrugged his shoulders. “Roger is not so bad, but Farmer -Pooke did try him terrible. I won’t detain you. You’ll mind and pay that -little account, will you not—to-morrow?” - -“Yes—certain.” - -Then Pepperill drove on. He passed a man in a cart, and the man did not -salute him. In fact, the way was narrow, and the fellow was careful that -the wheels should clear, and had not leisure to look at and touch his -hat to Pasco. But Pepperill regarded the omission as an intentional -slight. He was in an irritable condition, and when shortly after he -drove before a cottage, and the woman in the doorway, hushing her child, -did not address him, or answer his address, his brows knitted and he -swore that everyone was against him. His disturbed and anxious mind -longed for recognition, flattery, to give it ease, and unless he -received this from everyone, he suspected that there was a combination -against him, that a wind of his difficulties had got abroad, and that -folk considered he was no longer worth paying attention to. - -There were not many on the road, and he acted capriciously towards those -few. Some he greeted, others he passed without notice. He fancied he -detected a sneer in the faces of such as returned his salutation or a -purposeful lessening of cordiality. On reaching the new inn at Newton, -his heart was full of anger against all mankind. - -The host did not receive him with cordiality, as he expected; he looked -out at the door and went in again with a hasty nod. - -In the yard Pasco cautiously opened his gig-box when the ostler was not -looking and drew out a halter, then, hastily closed the flaps, and, -extending the cord, said, “I’m not going to stay many minutes; don’t -take the cob out of harness. Let him stand and eat a bite, that is all.” - -Then Pepperill went into the inn and called for a glass of ale. - -“Halloa, Pepperill!” said a cheery voice, and Coaker moved up to him at -the table. “How are you? Sold the wool yet? I hear there is a rise.” - -Pepperill drew back and turned blood-red; this was the man to whom he -owed so much money—the man to whom he had given the bill that was -dishonoured. - -“No, I haven’t sold,” answered Pasco surlily. - -“I advise you not to. You’ll make something yet. That Australian wool -won’t go down with our weavers. It’s not our quality, too fine, not -tough enough. Hold back, and you will make your price.” - -“That is all very well for you to say, but”— Pasco checked himself. What -was on his lips was—"It is ready-money I need, not a profit a few months -hence." - -“There’s good things coming to you yet,” continued Coaker. “I heard on -the moor that your brother-in-law has near on made a sale of the Brimpts -oaks.” - -“He has?” - -“Yes; there has been a timber merchant from Portsmouth come there. He -wanted the Okehampton oaks, but was too late, they had been picked up, -so he came on to Dart-meet, and I reckon now it is only about price they -are haggling, that is all.” Coaker dropped his voice and said, “There’s -an awkwardness about that bill of yours. Nay, don’t kick out; I won’t be -so terrible down on you just for a fortnight or three weeks. I’ll let -you turn that timber over first if you will be sharp about it. There, -don’t say I’m down on you. A fortnight or three weeks I give you.” - -Pasco held up his head, but the sudden elation was damped by the thought -that he could not remove any of the timber till the covenanted price had -been paid for it, and whence was this money to come? Money he must have -to enable him to hold on with the wool till it fetched a better price, -and to dispose of the oaks he had felled on the moor, to enable him to -escape the scandal and humiliation of having the bailiffs put in his -house by the coal merchant. - -But then, in the event of a certain contingency which loomed before -Pasco’s inner eye, there would be no wool to be disposed of, it would -have been reduced to—even to himself he would not complete the sentence. -Would that matter? The insurance would more than cover the loss, and he -would be able to dispose of the oak. - -“Will you have a pipe?” asked Coaker, and after having stuffed his -tobacco into his bowl, he produced a match-box and struck a light with a -lucifer. At the period of this tale lucifer matches were a novelty. The -tinder-box was in general use for domestic purposes, and men carried -about with them small metal boxes, armed with a steel side, containing -amadou and flint, for kindling their pipes and cigars. - -“What do you call that?” asked Pepperill, observing the proceedings of -the farmer. - -“Ah! I reckon this be one of the finest inventions of the times. Have -you never seen or read of this yet? It is better than the phosphorus -bottle, and than Holmberg’s box. Look here. This little stick has got -some chemical stuff, sulphur and something else, phosphorus, I believe, -at the end; all you have to do is to rub, and the whole bursts into -flame.” - -Pepperill took the box, turned it over, opened it, looked at and smelt -the matches. - -“Are they terrible expensive?” he asked musingly. - -“Oh no. There, as you are curious about it, I’ll give you the box, and -you can show it to your missus.” - -Pasco put out his hand to shake that of Coaker. It was cold and -trembled. - -The devil was playing a game with him. He was offering him a reprieve -from his embarrassments, and at the same time thrusting him forward to -the accomplishment of the evil deed on which he brooded, and was placing -in his hands the means of executing it. - -Pasco sank into deep thought, looking at the match-box and playing with -it, now opening, then shutting it. - -“I’m depriving you of it,” he said. - -“Not a bit. I have a dozen. They are just brought in from London and are -selling off amazin’ fast at Ashburton. In a week they’ll be all over the -country and the tinder boxes chucked away.” - -“Are they dangerous—I mean to carry about with one?” asked Pasco. - -“Not a bit. There is no fire till you strike it out.” - -Then Pepperill again fell into meditation. He put the box into his -pocket, and sat looking before him into space, speechless. - -Suddenly a shock went through his frame. He had been touched on the arm -by Coaker. - -“What is it?” he asked, with quivering lips. - -“Look at the landlord,” said the farmer in an undertone, with his hand -to his mouth. “Do you know what folks say of him?” - -Pasco asked with his eyes. He could not frame the words with his lips. - -“They do say that he set fire to the old place, so as to get the -insurance money for rebuilding in grand style.” - -“A tramp did it—got into the cellar,” said Pasco in a whisper. - -“Nobody never saw thickey tramp come, and sure and sartain nobody never -saw him go. I don’t believe in the tramp. He did it himself.” - -“You should not speak that unless sure of it,” said Pepperill, thrusting -back his chair. “You have no evidence.” - -“Oh, evidence! Folks talk, and form their opinion.” - -“Talk first and form opinions after on the idle chatter—that’s about -it.” - -Pasco stood up. He was alarmed. He was afraid he had not fastened the -box of his dog-cart. The flap might have fallen, and then the interior -would be exposed to view; and what would the ostler, what would anyone -think who happened to come into the stable-yard and saw what constituted -the lading of his cart? His hand had shaken as he turned the key, after -bringing out the halter; almost certainly in his nervousness he had -imperfectly turned it. He could not rest. He went out into the yard and -looked at his dog-cart. It was closed. He tried the key. The lock was -fast. - -“Put the cob in,” said he to the ostler, and he returned, much relieved, -to the house. - -Coaker had departed. Pepperill called for another glass of ale, and -found interest in observing the landlord. That man had set fire to his -tavern so that he might construct an hotel. He seemed cheery. He was not -bowed down with consciousness of guilt. His voice was loud, his spirits -buoyant. He looked Pepperill full in the eyes, and it was the eyes of -Pepperill that fell, not those of the landlord. - -“I wonder,” considered Pasco, “whether he did do it, or did not? If he -did not, it is just as bad as if he did, for people charge him with it -all the same. No one will believe he is innocent. Suppose he did it—and -I reckon it is most likely—well, Providence don’t seem to ha’ turned -against him; on the contrary, it is a showering o’ prosperity over him. -P’r’aps, after all, there ain’t no wrong in it. It was his own house he -burnt. A man may do what he will with his own.” He put resolutely from -him the thought of fraud on the insurance company. What was a company? -Something impersonal. Then Pepperill rose, paid for his ale, and went -forth. As he jumped into the dog-cart, the ostler held up the halter. - -“Will you give me the key and I will put it inside?” asked the man. - -“No, thank you—hand it to me.” - -The ostler gave him the halter, and Pepperill fastened it to the -splashboard and drove on. He had attached it hastily, carelessly, and -before long the rope uncoiled and hung before him. His eyes were drawn -to it. - -“What would come to me if the bailiffs were put into the house, and -Coombe Cellars were sold over my head to pay what I owe?” - -Pasco was a man who could live only where he was esteemed, looked up to, -and where he could impose on underlings and brag among equals. The idea -of being in every man’s mouth as “gone scatt”—a ruined man—was -intolerable. “I would die rather than that,” he exclaimed aloud, and put -his hand to the halter to twist it and knot it again. - -It was a sin to commit suicide. His life was his own, but he could not -take that. His storehouse with his stores was his own. Would it be wrong -for him to destroy that? Better that than his own life. There were but -two courses open to him. He must either use the halter for his own neck -and swing in the barn, or recover himself out of the insurance money on -his stores. He drove on brooding over this question, arguing with his -conscience, and presently he held up his head. He saw that his life was -too precious to be thrown away. What would Zerah do without him? He must -consider his wife, her despair, her tears. He had no right to make her a -widow, homeless. Were he to die—that would not relieve the strain. The -sale would take place just the same, and Zerah be left destitute. -Pepperill held up his head. He felt virtuous, heroic; he had done the -right thing for the sake of his dear wife, made his election, and saw a -new day dawning—dawning across a lurid glare. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX - A FRIEND GAINED - -Kate fled upstairs to her bedroom, where she might be alone and have -free scope for tears. She threw herself on her knees by her bed, and -putting her hands under the patchwork quilt, drew it over her ears and -head, that the sound of her sobs might be muffled, so as not to reach -her aunt were she to ascend the staircase. She feared lest there should -be a repetition of the scene on the return of her father. Aunt Zerah -would wait impatiently for him, and the moment that he arrived, would -pour forth her story, not in his ear only, but in Kate’s as well, whom -she would forcibly retain to hear it and receive the reproaches of her -father. That her father would be disappointed that she had put from her -the chance of becoming a well-to-do yeoman’s wife, she knew for certain. -He had never concerned himself very greatly about her, had never -endeavoured to sound her mind and put his finger on her heart, and would -be quite unable to appreciate the reasons she could give for her -conduct; he would look on her refusal of young Pooke as a bit of girlish -caprice. She feared that he would view it as a bad speculation, and -would hasten off without consulting her, to endeavour to pacify the -mortified vanity of the old man, and to assure the young one that she, -Kate, had rejected him out of girlish bashfulness, whilst loving him in -her heart. There was no bond of sympathy between her father and herself. -That which filled his mind had no place in hers; what interested him she -shrank from. She had returned from Dartmoor with heart glowing with -gratitude to him for having insisted on her having a holiday, to her -uncle for having taken her out to Dartmoor, and to her aunt for having -spared her. It had been her desire to find occasions to prove to them -that she was grateful, and now, her first act on return was to run -contrary to their wishes, and anger her uncle and aunt, and lay up -matter for reprimand on the arrival of her father. - -Her aunt had never comprehended the character of Kate, filled to the -full as her heart was with bitterness at the loss of her own daughter. -Kate was in all points the reverse of Wilmot, and because so unlike, -woke the antipathy of the bereaved mother, as though the silence and -reserve of Kate were assumed out of slight to the memory of the merry, -open-hearted girl. She looked on her niece as perverse, as acting in -everything out of a spirit of contrariety. How else explain that a young -girl with warm blood in her veins should not retain the longings and -express the wishes common to other girls of her age? that she had no -fancy for dress, made no efforts to coquette with anyone, had no desire -for social amusements? - -Wilmot had been frolicsome, roguish, winsome—did Kate desire to eschew -everything that had made her cousin a sunbeam in the house, and the -delight of her mother’s heart, out of wilfulness, and determination not -to please her aunt, not to make up to her for the loss of her own child? - -Not only by her aunt was Kate regarded as heartless and perverse. That -was the character she bore in the village, among the girls of her own -age, among the elders who adopted the opinions of their daughters. Kate -had been brought in contact with the village girls at school, in the -choir, and elsewhere, and some had even attempted to make friends with -her. But those things which occupied the whole souls of such young -creatures—dress, the budding inclination to attract the youths of the -place—were distasteful to Kate; there was nothing in common between them -and her, and when both became conscious of this, they mutually drew -apart, and the girls arrived at the same conclusion as her aunt, that -she was a dull, unfeeling child, who was best left alone. - -Kate had felt acutely this solitariness in which she lived; her aunt had -often thrown it in her teeth that she made no friends. Her father was -displeased that he heard no good report of his daughter; her uncle had -rudely told her that a girl who made herself so unpopular to her own sex -would never attract one of the other. Now the opportunity had come to -her to falsify his predictions, to gratify her father, and to make her -aunt proud—but she had rejected it, and was more than ever alone. -Loneliness was endurable ordinarily. Kitty had her occupations, and, -when not occupied, her thoughts, recently her book, to engross her; but -now, when her own relatives were against her it was more than she could -bear. The pain of desolation became insupportable. There were but two -persons she knew with whom she was in touch, two persons only who could -feel with and for her, and to one of these she could not fly. - -The rector, whom she had loved and respected, was the only friend to -whom she could unburden her trouble, and she feared to approach him, -because she had just done what he might not like, any more than did her -uncle and aunt. He would hear, and that speedily, of her conduct, and -Kate wished greatly to see him, and explain her refusal to him as far as -she could, that he might not blame her. But even should her explanation -prove unsatisfactory to him, she was not prepared to withdraw her -refusal. Kate never wavered. She was one of those direct persons who, -when they have taken a course, hold to it persistently. - -She rose from her knees, bathed her face, brushed her hair, and -descended. - -Her aunt was in the kitchen, and averted her face as the girl entered. -She did not ask Kate where she was going, nor turn her head to see what -she was about. - -“I shall be back again in a few minutes, auntie; if you can spare me, I -should like to go out.” - -No answer; and Kate left. - -She had not taken many steps from the house, walking with her head down, -as the glare of the sun was too strong for her tear-stung eyes, when she -was caught, and before she could see in whose arms she was, she was -boisterously kissed. - -“You are a dear! you are a darling! I shall always love you.” - -Kitty saw before her Rose Ash, with glowing cheeks and dancing eyes. - -“You darling! I never believed it of you, you are so still. I thought -you were sly. I am so sorry I misunderstood you; so sorry I did anything -or said anything against you. I will never do it again. I will stand -your friend; I will fight your battles. And, look here!” - -A polished wood workbox was at her feet. She had put it down for the -purpose of disengaging her hands to hug Kate. - -“Look, Kitty! This is my own workbox. Is it not beautiful? It has a -mother-of-pearl escutcheon on it and lock-plate. And it locks—really -locks—not make-believe, like some you buy. And, see! pink silk inside. -It is for you. I give it to you. It is nearly new. I am not much of a -needlewoman, and so have not used it. It is really a hundred times -better than that which Noah knocked—I mean, that which the bear danced -upon and smashed. And there is a silver thimble in it. I give it you -with all my heart—that is to say, with as much heart as I have left to -give to anyone.” - -Kate stepped back in astonishment. What did this mean? - -“O Kitty! you really shall no longer be Kitty Alone; it shall be Kitty -and Rose. We shall be regular friends. Only think! I was so jealous of -you. I thought that Jan Pooke had taken a fancy to you—and I suppose the -silly noodle had done so for a bit, but you know he properly belongs to -me. We are to make a pair—everyone says so, and his father and sister -Sue wish it; and I’m sure, I’m sure, so do I. But men are cruel giddy, -they turn and turn like weathercocks; and just for a while Jan fancied -you. But you put him off bravely, you did.” - -“What have I done to you?” asked Kate. - -“My dear, I heard it all. I saw you and Jan going to the orchard, and I -was so jealous that I hid myself in the linhay. I got over the hedge and -tore my frock in a bramble, but I did not heed it; I slipped in where I -could peep and see, and put out my ears and listen. I know everything. I -heard how you spoke up for me, and quite right and reasonable too; and -how you refused him, and very sensible you was. Just think what a thing -it would ha’ been, Kitty, if he’d gone right off his head and married -you, and then come to his senses and found he had got the wrong one, and -it was me all along he should have had. You would never have known -happiness after. You never would have enjoyed peace of conscience again. -But you were a sensible child, and did what you ought to ha’ done, and -nobody can’t do more than that; nor promise and vow to do more than what -is in the catechism. So, now, I’m all for you, and there is my workbox I -give you in place of that the bear kicked to pieces. I don’t mind -telling you now, Kate, that Noah did it. I put him up to it; I told him -he was to do it. He didn’t like it, but I forced him to it—I mean to -knock the workbox from under your arm. He’s a good chap is Noah, and now -that it is all put right between Jan and me”— - -“Is it? Have you spoken with him?” - -“Oh no, I can’t say that; but you have refused him. It will take him a -day or two to steady his head, and then he will come up right again, and -we will make it up, and be the better friends in the end. And, what is -more, I’ll stand friend to you, Kate. I daresay you’d like Noah, and -I’ll get him to walk you out on Sundays and to sweetheart you.” - -“I don’t want Noah,” said Kate, shrinking. - -“Oh yes, you do. Every girl must have her young chap. It ain’t natural -without. I’ll speak with him. He’s a terrible good chap is Noah; he’ll -do anything I ask him. I made him knock the workbox under the bear’s -feet, and if he’d do that much for me, I’m sure you need not be afraid -but he’d sweetheart you at my axing. Besides, he’ll be tremendous thrown -out when he sees me take up with Jan again, and he’ll want some one to -walk with, and may just as well take you as another.” - -“No; please, Rose, do not. I had rather be left alone.” - -“Stuff and fiddlesticks! It is not right that you should be without a -sweetheart. You leave all that to me.” - -“No, dear Rose, no. You be my friend; that suffices.” - -“It is because I am your friend that I will do a friend’s part.” - -“No, no, Rose.” - -“Well, you always were queer; I can’t understand you. But never mind; we -are friends, though you make me a helpless one. What is the good of a -friend but to assist a girl to a lover?” - - - - - CHAPTER XXX - UNDER THE MULBERRY TREE - -Kate disengaged herself from Rose, and hastened to the Rectory. She -opened the garden gate. She was a privileged person there, coming when -she liked about choir matters, sent messages by her uncle, who was -churchwarden, running in when she had a spare hour to look at Mr. -Fielding’s picture-books, in strawberry time to gather the fruit and eat -it, in preserving time to collect his raspberries, currants, plums, for -the cook to convert into jams. - -She saw the rector sitting under a mulberry tree on his lawn with a book -on his lap. He had removed his hat, and the spring air fluttered his -silver hair. - -He saw Kate at once, and, smiling, beckoned to her to come and sit by -him on the bench that half encircled the old tree. - -This she would not do, but she stood before him with downcast eyes and -folded hands, and said, “Please, sir, I am afraid you will be cross with -me.” - -“I am never that, Kitty.” - -“No, sir, never.” She raised her flashing blue eyes for a moment. -“Perhaps you may be vexed with me. I’ve just gone and done clean -contrary to what you said.” - -“What did I say?” - -“You said after my holiday I was to go home, and obey my uncle and aunt -in everything.” - -“I am sure I never said that.” - -“It was something like it—be obliging and good.” - -“Well, have you not been obliging and good?” - -“No, sir.” - -“What have you done?” - -“I’ve crossed them, and I fancy father will be cross too.” - -“What have you done to cross them?” - -“Refused Jan Pooke.” - -The rector drew back against the tree and smiled. - -“Refused? I don’t quite understand.” - -“Please, sir, Jan wanted to make me his wife.” - -“Well?” - -“And I said ‘No.’” - -“You had made up your mind already?” - -“I knew I must say ‘No.’ Do you know, sir, Jan thought that silver -peninks came from daffodil roots.” - -“Oh! and accordingly you could not say ‘Yes’?” - -“It was silly; was it not?” - -“And that was your real, true reason for saying ‘No’?” - -Kitty looked down. - -“You are not angry with me, sir?” - -“No. Are your relations so?” - -“Yes; uncle and aunt are dreadfully vexed, and that is what has made me -cry. I came home wishing to do everything to please them, and the first -thing I did was to make them angry and call me a little viper they had -brought up in their bosom. You do not think I did wrong? You are not -angry also?” - -“No; I do not think you could have done otherwise, if you did not care -for John Pooke.” - -“I did, and I do care for John Pooke.” - -“Then why did you not take him? Only because of the silver peninks?” - -“No, sir; not that only. I care for him, but not enough; I like him, but -not enough.” - -“Quite so. You like, but do not love him.” - -“Yes, that is it.” Kate breathed freely. “I did not know how to put it. -Do you think I did right?” - -The rector paused before he answered. Then he said, signing with his -thin hand, “Come here, little Kitty. Sit by me.” - -He took her hand in his, and, looking before him, said, “It would have -been a great thing for this parish had you become John Pooke’s wife, the -principal woman in the place, to give tone to it, the one to whom all -would look up, the strongest influence for good among the girls. I -should have had great hopes that all the bread I have strewed upon the -waters would not be strewn in vain.” - -“I thought you wished it,” burst forth from the girl, with a sob. “And -yet I could not—I could not indeed. Now I have turned everyone against -me—everyone but Rose,” she added, truthful in everything, exact in all -she said. - -“No, Kitty, I do not wish it. It is true, indeed, that it would be a -rich blessing to such a place as this to have you as the guiding star to -all the womanhood in the place, set up on such a candlestick as the -Pookes’ farm. But I am not so sure that the little light would burn -there and not be smothered in grease, or would gutter, and become -extinguished in the wind there. The place is good in itself, but not -good for you. It might be an advantage to the parish, but fatal to -yourself. John Pooke is an honest, worthy fellow, and he has won my -respect because he saw your value and has striven to win you. But he is -not the man for you. For my little Kitty I hope there will come some one -possessed of better treasures than broad acres, fat beeves, and many -flocks of sheep; possessed of something better even than amiability of -temper.” - -“What is that, sir?” - -“A well-stored intellect—an active mind. Kitty, no one has more regard -for young John than myself, but it would have been terrible to you to -have been tied to him. ‘Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass -together’ was the command of Moses, and we must not unite under one yoke -the sluggish mind with that which is full of activity. No, no, Kitty. -You acted rightly. The man who will be fitted to be coupled in the same -plough with you will be one of another mould. He will be”— - -The garden gate opened, and Walter Bramber entered. A twig of laurel -caught his sleeve, and he turned to extricate himself, and did not -perceive the rector and Kate. A sudden confusion came over the girl, -caused—whether by her thoughts, whether by the words of the rector, -whether from natural shyness, she could not tell, but she started from -the seat and slipped behind the mulberry. - -The schoolmaster came up to the rector when called, and found the old -man with a smile playing about his lips. - -“I have come, sir,” said Bramber, “to ask your advice.” - -“In private?” - -“Yes, sir, if you please.” - -“Then I cannot grant you an audience now. If you will run round the -mulberry, you will discover why.” - -Bramber was puzzled. - -“Do what I say. There is someone there, someone who must retire farther -than behind a tree if you are to consult me without being overheard.” - -The schoolmaster stepped aside to go about the mulberry, and saw Kate -standing there, leaning against the trunk, holding together her skirts, -and looking down. - -“Oh!” laughed Walter; “this is the audience! I do not in the least mind -a discussion of my concerns before such an one.” - -“Come out, Kitty! You hear your presence is desired,” called Mr. -Fielding, and the girl stepped forward. “Take the place where you were -before on one side of me, and Mr. Bramber shall sit on the other, and we -will enter on the consideration of his affairs. What are they as to -complexion, Bramber, sanguine or atrabilious?” - -“Not cheerful, I am afraid. I have my troubles and difficulties before -my eyes.” - -“So has Kitty. She comes to me from the same cause.” Then he added, -“Well, let us hear and consider.” - -“It concerns Mr. Puddicombe. I do not know what I ought to do, or -whether I should do anything. There is an organised opposition to me, -and the late schoolmaster is at the bottom of it. I can clearly perceive -that not parents only, but children as well, have been worked upon to -offer stubborn opposition to all my changes, and to make myself -ridiculous. I need not enter into details. There is this feeling of -antagonism in the place, and it paralyses me. If the children were left -unmanipulated, I could get along and gain their confidence; but at home -they hear what their parents say, what is said to their parents, and -they come to school with a purpose not to obey me, not to listen to my -instructions, and to make my task in every particular irksome and -distasteful. I see precisely what Puddicombe is aiming at—to force me to -use the cane, not once or twice, but continuously, and to force me to it -by making discipline impossible without it. Then he will have a handle -against me, and will rouse the parish to hound me out. What am I to do?” - -“Have you called on him?” - -“No, sir, I have not. I really could not pluck up courage to do so. I -hardly know what I could say to him that is pleasant if we did meet.” - -“You have not yet met him?” - -“No. I do not know him by sight.” - -“He is not a bad fellow; jovial, a sportsman at heart, and his heart was -never in the school; it was to be sought in the kennels, in stables, in -the ring, anywhere save in class. That was the blemish in the man. His -thoroughness was not where it should have been. His centre of gravity -was outside the sphere in which it was his duty to turn. But he is not a -bad fellow, good-hearted, placable, and only your enemy because his -vanity rather than his pocket is touched by his dismissal. I hear he has -announced his intention of becoming a Dissenter; but as he hardly ever -came to church when he was professedly a Churchman, I do not suppose -chapel will see much of him when he professes himself a Nonconformist. -It is a great misfortune when a man’s interests lie outside his -vocation.” - -“What shall I do, sir?” - -“Call on him.” - -“What shall I say to him?” - -“Something that will please him—nothing about the school; nothing about -your difficulties.” - -“I am supremely ignorant of the cockpit and the race-course. It is very -hard when two men belonging to different spheres meet; they can neither -understand the other.” - -“My dear young man, that is what I have been experiencing these many -years here; we must strive to accommodate ourselves to inferior ways of -thinking and speaking, and then, then only, shall we be able to -insinuate into the gross and dark minds some spark of the higher life. -Kitty, have I your permission to tell Mr. Bramber what it is that you -have just communicated to me? It will be public property throughout -Coombe in half an hour, if everyone does not know it now, so it will be -revealing no secrets.” - -Kate looked, with a startled expression in her eyes, at the rector. Why -should he care to speak of this matter now? Why before Bramber? But she -had confidence in him, and she did not open her lips in remonstrance. - -With a quiet smile, Mr. Fielding said: “You have not yet heard the -tidings with regard to our little friend here, I presume?” - -“Tidings—what?” The schoolmaster looked hastily round and saw Kate’s -head droop, and a twinkle come in the rector’s eye. A slight flush rose -to his temples. - -“Merely that she has received an offer”— - -“Offer?” Bramber caught his breath, and the colour left his face. - -“Of marriage,” continued Mr. Fielding composedly. “A most remarkable -offer. The young man is eminently respectable, very comfortably off; age -suitable; looks prepossessing; parents acquiescing.” - -“Kate! Kitty!” Bramber’s voice was sharp with alarm and pain. - -“I do not know whether the attachment has been one of long continuance,” -proceeded the rector. “The fact of the proposal—now passing through -Coombe—is like the dropping of a meteorite in its midst. Popular fame -had attributed Rose Ash to John Pooke.” - -“John Pooke, is it?” gasped the schoolmaster, and he sprang to his feet. - -“John Pooke the younger, not the father, who is a widower of many years’ -standing. The disparity of ages makes that quite impossible. The younger -John it is who has aspired.” - -“Kate, tell me—it cannot be. It must not be,” exclaimed Bramber, -stepping before the girl, and in his excitement catching her hands and -drawing them from her face, in which she had hidden them. She looked up -at him with a flutter in her eyes and hectic colour in her cheeks. She -made no attempt to withdraw her hands. - -“By the way,” said the rector, “I will look up cockfighting in my -_Encyclopædia Britannica_, and make an extract from the article, if I -find one, that may be serviceable to you, Bramber, when you call on Mr. -Puddicombe. I’ll go to my library. I shall not detain you many minutes.” - -The many minutes were protracted to twenty. When Mr. Fielding returned, -the young people were seated close to each other under the -mulberry-tree, and still held hands; their eyes were bright, and their -cheeks glowing. - -“I am sorry I have been so long,” said the rector; “but there was a -great deal of matter under the head of ‘Cock-pit’ in the _Encyclopædia_; -and I had to run through it, and cull what would be of greatest utility. -I have written it out. Do not rise. I will sit beside you—no, not -between you—listen! ‘It must appear astonishing to every reflecting -mind, that a mode of diversion so cruel and inhuman as that of -cockfighting should so generally prevail, that not only the ancients, -barbarians, Greeks, and Romans should have adopted it; but that a -practice so savage and heathenish should be continued by Christians of -all sorts, and even pursued in these better and more enlightened times.’ -That is how the article begins—very true, but won’t do for Mr. -Puddicombe. ‘The islanders of Delos, it seems, were great lovers of -cockfighting; and Tanagra, a city in B[oe]otia, the Isle of Rhodes, -Chalcis in Eub[oe]a, and the country of Media, were famous for their -generous and magnanimous race of chickens.’ I don’t think this is much -good. Puddicombe, though a schoolmaster, will hardly know the -whereabouts of Delos, Tanagra, Rhodes, and Chalcis. ‘The cock is not -only an useful animal, but stately in his figure, and magnificent in his -plumage. His tenderness towards his brood is such, that, contrary to the -custom of many other males, he will scratch and provide for them with an -assiduity almost equal to that of the hen; and his generosity is so -great, that, on finding a hoard of meat, he will chuckle the hens -together, and, without touching one bit himself, will relinquish the -whole of it to them. He was called _the bird_, κατ’ ἐξοχήν by many of -the ancients’—But, bless me, are you attending?” - -“Mr. Fielding,” answered Bramber, “I do not think I shall have much -trouble in finding a topic on which to speak with my predecessor in the -school. He was Kitty’s schoolmaster. She will introduce me to him. We -will go to him at once; and when he hears what we have to say,—that I, -the new schoolmaster, am going to take to me the favourite, most docile, -the best scholar of the old one; and when he learns that he is the first -person to whom we make the announcement, and that he is at liberty to -run up and down, and in and out of every house, communicating the -news,—why, I am pretty sure that he will be won.” - -“Well, now!” - -“And Kitty will cease to be Kitty Alone some time next year.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI - ON MISCHIEF BENT - -When Pasco returned from Newton, he drew up his tax-cart close to the -door of the storehouse, took the horse out, but did not unharness him; -he merely removed the bridle and gave the brute a feed. - -Then he entered the dwelling-house and seated himself at the kitchen -table without a word to his wife, and emptied his pocket on the board. A -couple of sovereigns and a few shillings clinked together. With his -forefinger he separated the gold from the silver coins. - -“What! money come in, in place of going out?” asked Zerah. Then, looking -over his shoulder, she said, “And precious little it is.” - -“Little is better than nothing,” growled Pasco. “I got this from Cole, -the baker. I’d somehow forgot he owed me a trifle, and he stopped me and -paid his account. I owe something to the miller, so I’m no better off -than I was. In at one pocket, out at the other.” - -“Now look here, Pasco,” said his wife. “For first and last I say this. I -have laid by a trifle that I have earned by cockles and winkles, whilst -you have been chucking away in coals and wool. If you will pass me your -word not to run into extravagance, and not to listen to any more of -Jason’s schemes, I will let you have this. No”—she corrected her intent; -“you are not to be trusted with the money. It shall not leave my hand to -go into yours. And your word ain’t of any strength, it is as weak as -your resolutions. I’ll settle the matter of the coals with the merchant -at Teignmouth; that is the great call at this moment. I don’t do it for -you, but to avoid the scandal of having bailiffs in the house—a house -where I’ve kept myself respectable so many years, and where my Wilmot -was born and died. I wouldn’t have the brokers sell the bed she laid on -when dead, not for all my savings. So I’ll over to Teignmouth and see -what I can manage about the coal merchant’s bill; and you, just take -that money and pay Ash the miller, and have done with him.” - -Again the thought rose up in the mind of Pasco that the Evil One was -making sport of him. At one time he was in a condition of hopelessness, -in another moment there was a lightening in the sky before him. The -means of striking fire had been put into his hands at the same time that -he was shown that his difficulties were not insurmountable. But the -heart which has once resolved on a crime very speedily comes to regard -this object as a goal at which it must necessarily aim, and to look with -impatience upon all suggestions of relief, upon all dissuasives, and -stubbornly, with shut eyes, to pursue the course determined on. The -struggle to form the determination once overpassed, the mind shrinks -from entering into struggle again, and allows itself to be swept along -as though impelled by fatality, as though launched on a stream it is -powerless to oppose. - -Now his wife’s suggestion that she should go to Teignmouth and settle -with the merchant for the coals opened up to him a prospect, not of -relief from his pecuniary difficulty, but of getting rid of her to -enable him the more easily to carry out his intention unobserved. He put -his shaking hand into his breast-pocket for his handkerchief, and in -pulling this forth drew out also the lucifer match-box, that in falling -rattled on the table. - -“What have you there, Pasco?” asked Zerah. - -“Nothing,” he answered, and hastily replaced the box. - -“Don’t tell me that was nothing which I saw and heard,” said his wife -testily. - -“Well—it’s lozenges.” - -“Didn’t know you had a cough.” - -“Never mind about that, Zerah,” said Pasco. “If you go to Teignmouth it -must be at once, or the tide will be out, and I don’t see how you can -get back to-night.” - -“I’ve my cousin, Dorothy Bray, there. I’ll go to her. I’ve not seen her -some months, and she has a room. I’ll leave Kitty at home now, to attend -to the house, and you won’t need me to the morning flow. I suppose, -between you, you can manage to light a fire?” - -Pasco started and looked at his wife with alarm, thinking that she had -read his thoughts; but he was reassured by her changing the topic. -“There—I’ll give you three pounds towards the miller’s bill.” - -Pepperill was now all anxiety to hurry his wife off. He urged -precipitancy on account of the falling tide. He bade her row herself -across, and leave the boat on the farther shore till the next morning. - -His impatience in a measure woke her suspicion. - -“You seem mighty eager to get rid of me,” she said querulously. - -“’Tain’t that, Zerah,” he answered; “but I want myself to be off to -Brimpts.” - -“To Brimpts?—and leave Kitty alone in the house?” - -“No; I shall take her with me.” - -“What!—leave the house to take care of itself?” - -“What can harm it? No one will break in. They know pretty well there is -nothing to be got but bills that ain’t paid.” - -“I don’t half like it—and the stores?” - -“There is no moving wool or coals without waggons, and I shall lock up.” - -Zerah stood in uncertainty. - -“I wish you’d not go, Pasco.” - -“I may or may not—but be off, or you’ll get stuck in the mud, as did -Kitty.” - -In ten minutes Pasco was alone. He stood on the platform where were the -tea-tables and benches, and watched till his wife was half-way across. -Then he drew a long breath, and passed through the house, went out at -the main door, and hastened to the cart. Again he stood still, and -looked searchingly in every direction; then he let down the flap behind, -drew out first the sack of shavings and carried it within, and then he -cleared out all that remained. He was not satisfied till with a broom he -had swept every particle of chip within, leaving not a tell-tale white -atom without. Then he tacked some scraps of sacking over the window that -no one might look within, and he proceeded to place bundles of the -shavings among the coals, not in one great heap, but dispersed in -handfuls here and there, and he broke up some pieces of board into -splinters and thrust them among the shavings. - -He was startled by a voice calling in the door, “Uncle, are you here?” - -Hot, agitated, and alarmed, Pasco hastened to the entrance, and saw -Kate. - -“What do you want? Why are you shouting?” - -“Where is aunt? I want to see her. I cannot find her in the house. I -have something to tell her.” - -“You are not like to find her,” said Pepperill, coming outside and -locking the door behind him. “She is gone over the water, and will stay -at Cousin Bray’s; and I’m off to Brimpts again, and mean to take you.” - -“Why, uncle! we have but just returned from there.” - -“Well, that’s no concern of yours, where you are, so long as you have -your eatin’ and drinkin’. I must go, and your aunt thinks I mustn’t -leave you alone. So be sharp; run and put what things you require -together, and I will harness the cob.” - -“How long shall we be away, uncle?” - -“We shall be back to-morrow evening, or the day after. I can’t say. -Come, be quick. I can’t wait talking with you; it is late already.” - -Kate obeyed, a little surprised. She speedily returned, with her little -bundle tied up in a scarlet kerchief. - -Pasco was ready and waiting. He was looking up at the drift of the -clouds. The wind was from the east and blowing strongly. - -Pepperill drove through the village. He halted at the public-house to -call out the taverner, ask for a glass of ale, and tell him he was bound -for Dartmoor. At the mill he again drew up, and shouted for the miller, -who, on emerging from his door, saluted Pasco with the remark, “Why, you -are on the road to-day a great deal. I thought you had gone this way -already.” - -“So I had—to Newton; but there I learned something. The Government has -come round to a reasonable mind, and will buy my timber. Not at -Devonport, but at Portsmouth; and I am going to measure up. I ran home -to tell my old woman. And now, by the way, I will settle that little -account between us, if agreeable to you.” - -“Always right with me to receive,” said the miller. - -Pasco drew out a handful of money and discharged his debt. “Just receipt -it, will you, with the date, and say what o’clock in the afternoon -also—that there may be no mistake.” - -“You are not going to Brimpts to-night?” - -“Yes, I am. Business must be attended to.” - -“Rather late for the little maid by the time you get there.” - -“That can’t be helped—she is strong now.” - -Then Pepperill drove on. He continued his course without interruption, -as the country he passed through was sparsely populated. - -Kate’s heart was full. She was in doubt whether to tell her uncle that -which had taken place between herself and Walter Bramber. She would -greatly have preferred to have made the communication to her aunt and -let her inform Mr. Pepperill. She was afraid of Pasco. He was violent -and brutal. Her aunt was merely harsh. Pasco had been very angry with -her for refusing Jan Pooke, and she did not believe that he would -receive with favour the communication she had to make relative to the -schoolmaster. She dreaded another outburst. Yet her strong sense of duty -pressed her to communicate to him what he must learn within a short -time, from other lips if not from her own. Then ensued a painful -struggle in her breast, and she was constrained to free herself at -length, and to say— - -“Uncle, you know I refused Jan Pooke, but since then, what I could not -say to him I have said to Walter Bramber, the schoolmaster.” - -“Oh, ah! Jan Pooke—yes, to be sure.” - -“No, not Jan, but the schoolmaster.” - -“Drat it!” exclaimed Pasco, stroking his head; “I’ve forgotten to lock -up the house. I let the door stand as it was when you came out. Now -anyone can go in and take what they like, break into my bureau and steal -my money, get hold of Zerah’s silver spoons. I say, Kitty, jump out and -open that field-gate. There is a linhay there. I’ll put up the trap and -horse, and you shall wait by ’em whilst I run back to Coombe Cellars and -lock the house.” - -“But how is aunt to get in when she returns?” - -“You be easy. I’ll put the key in the little hole over the lintel. She -knows where to find it. Look alive, jump and open the gate. Drat it! -what a way I shall have to run!” - -“Why not drive back, uncle?” - -“Why not?—Because the cob must be spared. I’ve been into Newton already -to-day, and the distance he has to go is just about enough to rub his -hoofs down.” - -Pepperill drove the cart into the field indicated, whilst Kate held wide -the gate. Then he took the cob out and ran the cart under cover. - -“You keep in shelter, and mind you do not show yourself. If anyone pass -along the road, be still as a mouse. Never mind who it may be. I shall -be gone perhaps an hour, perhaps a little more. It will be dark before I -am back. You keep close. There is some straw in the corner, lie on that -and go to sleep. We have still a long journey to take, and get on we -must, through the night, and this is a darned matter detaining me. -Hush!” - -They heard something like a cart rattling along. - -“Git along, Neddy! ‘If I had a donkey ’wot wouldn’t go’—you know the -rest, Neddy.” - -“It is my father, I believe,” said Kate. - -“I don’t believe it is. Anyhow, be still,” whispered Pasco. “Your father -is at Brimpts. He can’t be returned here. It’s some other chap with a -donkey.” - -The sound of the wheels was lost, as at the point where they had turned -in at the gate there was a sweep in the road between high hedges and -overarching trees. - -“I think it was father,” said Kate. - -“And I say it was not. However, whoever it was, he’s gone now. You bide -here. I’m off—mind don’t be seen or heard by nobody till my return.” - -Then Pasco departed. - -He did not take the way by the road. He crossed the field, scrambled -over a hedge, and directed his course towards the river. This was not -the shortest way, and it was certainly the most arduous, for it entailed -the breaking through of several hedges, and the scrambling over many -banks. - -The evening was rapidly closing in. - -He saw—or heard—the keeper, and crouched under a hedge, holding his -breath. Happily for him, the man passed at some distance. His dog -barked, but was called to heel, and Pasco did not venture from his -lurking-place till ten minutes after the man had gone his way. Then he -sprang up and ran, and did not relax his pace till he had reached the -river bank, having first floundered through a backwater deep in mire. On -the bank was a foot-path, somewhat frequented by lovers at dusk, and -Pasco advanced along it stealthily, listening and peering before him at -intervals, to make certain that no one approached. - -The tide was out, the mud exhaled its peculiar and not pleasant odour. -Something flopped into it near at hand—whether a bird had dropped, or a -stone had been flung, or a flounder had been left by the tide, and beat -the mud with his tail, Pasco could not tell. The sound sent the blood -with a rush to his heart and turned him sick and giddy. - -Looking at him over a rail was a white horse. He did not see it until -close upon the bank, and then the apparition of the great head turning -to him and rubbing its chin on the rail gave him another start, and he -almost slipped into the mud beside the path. - -At length he reached the field adjoining the spit of land on which stood -Coombe Cellars; here the path turned towards the village, but there was -a way through the hedge to his own house. Pasco took this track, emerged -in front of the Cellars, and found the door open, a light shining -through the window of his kitchen and Jason Quarm inside. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII - JASON IN THE WAY - -Jason had lighted a candle, and had made himself comfortable in the -settle. Pepperill stood staring at him in speechless anger and -uncertainty. - -“Where’s the sister? Where’s Kitty?” asked Jason in unconcern. - -“What are you doing here?” roared Pasco, convulsed with sudden rage. “Is -this your house, that you dare come in and use it as your home?” - -Quarm looked at his brother-in-law in surprise. - -“Get out of the place at once,” shouted Pasco. “If I happen to go away -for ten minutes, is that a reason for every Jack and Tom to come here, -as if it was ‘Beggars’ Hall’?” - -“Why, what on earth has put you out?” - -“What has put me out? you—by coming in here. This is my house, not -yours.” - -“Brother-in-law,” said Jason, puzzled at the strange humour of Pasco, -“is not that a sufficient answer, when I give you that title? Zerah is -my sister—I have ever been welcome here. Kate is my daughter—she lives -with you. Why am I here? Put it—I have come to see my sister, come to -kiss my child.” - -“Neither is in the house.” - -“Then where are they?” - -“I am not bound to answer you,” shouted Pepperill in anger, vexation, -and fear, aggravated by the coolness with which Quarm answered him. - -“Yes, you are. I have ties of blood, and ties of affection, your bad -temper can’t snap. I ask, where is my daughter?” - -“Gone back to the moor.” - -“That can’t be—alone.” - -“She is not alone.” - -“Is Zerah with her?” - -“No, she is not; Zerah is at Teignmouth, gone there to get me out of one -of the difficulties into which you have plunged me.” - -“I—I got you into difficulties? I am always showing you rope’s-ends by -which you may crawl out.” - -“Who else but yourself has now put me in such an upsetment that I do not -know under what stone to look for money; that I’m threatened with legal -proceedings; that the bailiffs are on the way to my house?” - -“It is your own doing, not mine. Who threatens you?” - -“There is my bill for the wool unmet. There is my account for coals -unpaid.” - -“I have had to do with neither. You acted like a fool about Coaker’s -wool—buying when in all the papers it was told how that there had been -an importation from New South Wales.” - -“I never read the papers.” - -“Then you have no right to do business. You do it at inevitable loss. -But this is neither here nor there, above nor below. Where is Kate?” - -“I have told you—gone to the moor.” - -“When?” - -“An hour or two ago.” - -“With whom?” - -“With me.” - -“Then how came you here?” - -“Because I had left the doors unlocked against impertinent fellows -coming in. I left Kate with the trap whilst I ran back. Now, are you -content? Out of my house immediately. I want to lock up and go back to -her.” - -“This is a queer tale,” said Quarm. “I have myself but just arrived. I -must have passed you on the way.” - -“Not at all, if we had gone into a friend’s for a cup of tea.” - -“With what friends were you?” - -“I shall not stand and be catechised by you. I say, get out. I am going -to lock up.” - -“Now look here, Pasco, and be reasonable. I would not have returned to -Coombe and left the men at Dart-meet unlooked after, had I not good news -to communicate.” - -“Good news?” mocked Pepperill. “The best of news would be that you were -going to take yourself off.” - -“I believe we shall sell the oak.” - -“I have heard of that already—from Coaker.” - -“Well, I tell you it is so. The authorities at Portsmouth will take it -at a reasonable price, if we deliver it.” - -“There is the thing we can’t do—that spoils it all.” - -“Yes, we can—deliver it here in the Teign. There is the Stover Canal—we -can send it down by that and ship it all to Portsmouth right away.” - -Pepperill was silent. This was indeed a rift in the cloud. “The only -difficulty is not this—it is that we must have the timber sawn at -Brimpts, and sent down and put on board in planks. They cannot freight a -vessel with rude oak timber unsawn. Now I have a scheme—there is the -river Dart pouring down its volumes of water of no good to anyone. Let -us put up a saw-mill, and we shall have the oak run into planks and -ready for transport in a jiffy.” - -“And the cost?” - -“Forty pounds.” - -“Forty pounds?” roared Pasco, and thrust Quarm from him by a rude stroke -on the shoulder. “Where am I to look for forty pence?” - -“It is our only chance. I must agree to-morrow, or the thing is off. If -I engage to saw up the timber and despatch it by water, we shall get a -very tidy profit—not what we had hoped, but something. If I do not -accept the offer, then I really do not see my way to disposing of the -oak at all. The felling of the Okehampton Park oaks has spoiled the -market in this country. Come, what say you, Pasco—shall I settle?” - -“I cannot do it,” answered Pepperill, a cold sweat breaking out over his -brow. - -“There is an old mine wheel available. I can buy it for a song,” said -Quarm. - -“I have no money. Have I not told you that—or must I knock it into your -brain with my fist—or the house key?” He raised his hand threateningly. - -“Be reasonable, Pasco. I cannot tell what has come over you to-night. -You are not yourself. If you do not care about the outlay for a -saw-mill, we must saw all up by hand, and that will come costlier in the -end. I fancy if you bestirred yourself you could raise a loan.” - -“I will not. I will have but one thing now—your absence. Get out of my -house!” - -“Where be I to go to?” asked Quarm, settling himself from one leg to the -other. “There’s Jane Redmore in my cottage, with all her children.” - -“Well”— - -“I can’t go there—the place is full.” - -“You are a fool to have suffered it.” - -“Kate begged and prayed of me”— - -“Take the consequences, and be homeless.” - -“I cannot, for to-night. You are going to Brimpts, and it is as well the -men should see you. I shall return to-morrow, but to-night I must house -me somewhere. Let me stay here; there is no one in the place, and I’ll -keep guard for you if you wish.” - -“There is nothing here to guard, but emptiness. I want no help of -yourn.” - -“But I must have a roof over my head at night.” - -“Any roof but mine. Will you go, or must I fling you out and down the -steps?” - -“You’re in a wonderful queer temper to-night. What is up?” - -“My temper, as you say, is up; and like to be so—when it is through you -I am brought to ruin and beggary.” - -He caught Jason by the shoulders, whirled him round, and with hands and -knees thrust him out of the door, and then he slammed it behind him and -turned the key. Next moment he blew out the light. Then he threw himself -panting on the settle and buried his head in his hands. - -He had not sat there many minutes before Quarm was kicking at the door, -and calling him by name. Transported with anger, Pasco sprang to his -feet, took down the blunderbuss that was over the kitchen fire, and, -going to the door, half opened it and thrust forth the muzzle of his -piece. - -“Go away, or I will shoot.” - -“This is rank folly!” bawled Jason. “Are you gone demented? Give me -shelter for the night; I will do no harm. What do you mean by refusing -me such a reasonable request? I tell you I can’t go home—all the -Redmores are there packing every corner.” - -Jason thrust up the end of the blunderbuss, and put his shoulder to the -door. - -“I’ll kill you if you trouble me further,” said Pasco between his teeth. -“Take the consequences of befriending scoundrels and their families.” - -He drove Quarm back and refastened the door, then he stood at the door -listening, with the butt of the gun on his foot. He heard his -brother-in-law growl and pass remarks upon him. He heard him limp away, -and then all was still. - -Pepperill stepped to a window and looked out, to observe the direction -taken by Quarm, but the darkness was too great for him to see anything. -He went back to the settle and tried to think. - -The elaborate precautions he had taken to dissemble his return, to make -believe that he had departed before sunset, had been made futile by the -appearance of Jason on the scene. Should what he purposed take -place—then he could not declare that he had been from home at the time. -What availed it that he had paid the miller’s bill at a quarter to -seven, when his brother-in-law could aver that he had been back at the -Cellars an hour later? - -What was to be done? Should he abandon his intention because of this -mischance? Rage against his brother-in-law ate into his heart. All had -promised so well. Everything was moving with such smoothness, till Quarm -appeared. What but a malevolent mind could have brought this fellow back -from Brimpts to cross him? - -What was to be done? It was of no practical use storming against Jason. -Should he abandon his purpose or defer it? - -To abandon it seemed to him an impossibility. By carrying it out alone -could he be released from his present pecuniary difficulty. To defer it -was difficult, for he wanted immediate relief; moreover, when again -could he calculate on having the ground so clear now—his wife as away in -Teignmouth, his niece waiting at a distance with the cart? - -What if Jason had seen him? Would he dare to give evidence against -him—his own brother-in-law? Was it not to Jason’s interest that he, -Pasco, should be flush of money, and ready to embark in the proposed -scheme of erecting a saw-mill? - -Even if Jason spoke of having seen him, he could deny it. Pasco sprang -from the settle. He would run the risk. It was worth it. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII - ONE CRIME LEADS TO ANOTHER - -Pasco remained in the dark in his house for about half an hour, waiting -till he supposed that Jason was far away. He allowed him time to harness -his ass, put it into the cart, and depart. He went once or twice to the -door to listen, but did not venture to open it, lest Jason should be -without, and should take advantage of the occasion to burst in. He -remained all the while bathed in a clammy sweat, his hair stuck to his -skull as though plastered about his temples with fish-glue, he felt it -heavy and dank on his head like a cap. - -Repeatedly did he try to collect his thoughts and to coolly consider -whether it were not advisable for him, under the circumstances, to -abandon his scheme. But his thoughts were in a condition of dislocation, -he could not gather them and fit them together into consecutive order. -He felt himself impelled, having formed his resolve, to proceed with it, -and to leave to the future the removal of such difficulties as might -spring up, as came in his way. - -He was restless, yet afraid to be stirring. He was impatient for the -time to pass, and counted the ticks of the clock, yet forgot after a few -minutes the number he had reached. - -The seat was hard and bruised him, he leaned back, and his back ached. -He held out his hand, placed it on the table and endeavoured to steady -it. He was aware that it shook, and he used all the power of his will to -arrest its convulsive quiver, but ineffectually. At length, unable -longer to endure inaction, and convinced that sufficient time had -elapsed for his brother-in-law to have got away, he cautiously unlocked -the door and looked out. - -In the dark he could see no one; he listened and could hear no sound. - -Then he stepped back to the kitchen table and removed the candle-end -from the stick, and put it into his pocket. No sooner had he reached the -door again, however, than it occurred to him that a candlestick without -a tallow candle in it, if left on the table, would attract attention and -comment. He therefore returned for it, and placed it on the mantelshelf -above the hearth. In doing this he knocked over a canister that fell at -his feet. He groped and found the canister; the cover had come off, and -some of the contents were spilled. This was gunpowder. Greatly -disconcerted, Pasco felt for a brush and swept all the grains he could -into the hollow of his hand, and shook them into his trousers-pocket, -then he swept the brush vigorously about, so as to disperse over the -floor any particles that had escaped him in the dark. After which he -proceeded carefully to replace the canister. He now again made his way -to the door, passed without, locked the door behind him, and placed the -key in a hollow above the lintel, known to Zerah and himself. - -Then he stealthily crossed the yard to his great warehouse, but at every -second step turned his ears about, listening for a sound which might -alarm him. - -He did not breathe freely till he was within his store. He had not -locked it—indeed, of late he had been wont to leave it unfastened, -labouring under the hope that the hint thrown out to Roger Redmore might -be taken by the fellow, thus relieving himself of his self-imposed task. - -Without, there was a little light from the grey sky. Within was none. -What amount might have found its way in through the window was excluded -by the sacking that Pasco had nailed over the opening. - -He now proceeded to light his candle end. When the wick was kindled, he -looked about him timidly, then with more confidence; lastly with a -sensation of great regret and even pity for the fabric in which he had -so long stored his supplies that he retailed to the neighbourhood. - -But no thought of retreat came over his mind now, he was impelled -forward irresistibly. The doubt was past that had tortured him, after -his interview with Jason Quarm. - -He stuck the candle-end upon the ground, and went about among the coals, -examining the places where he had put the shavings, adding here and -there some bits of stick, or rearranging the coals, and then strewing -over them the contents of his out-turned pocket. Then he sat down and -panted. He must rest a moment and wipe his brow before the irrevocable -act was accomplished. - -Presently, slowly, painfully, he rose from the block of coal on which he -had seated himself. The sack lay hard by into which he had stuffed the -shavings. It was now empty. - -He took up the candle-end and went towards the nearest mass of shavings, -stooped—the grease ran over his fingers. The wick had become long and -the flame burnt dull. He thought to snuff it with his fingers, but they -shook too much to be trusted. He might extinguish the flame, and he -shuddered at the thought of being left there—in his old storehouse—in -the dark. He again set down the candle, and with a bit of stick beat the -red wick, and struck off sparks from it, till he had somewhat reduced -the length of the snuff. - -He was about to take up the candle to apply it to the shavings, when he -heard a sound—a strange grating, rattling sound behind him. - -He looked round, but could see nothing, his great body was between the -light and the rear of the shed, whence the sound proceeded. He was too -much alarmed to perceive the cause of the obscurity. Then he heard a -voice— - -“Pasco, I never thought you a scoundrel till now—but now I know it.” - -Pepperill recognised the voice at once—it was that of Jason Quarm. - -Immediately he realised the situation. Expelled from Coombe Cellars, -debarred from sheltering in his own house, Quarm had entered the -store-shed, and had climbed the ladder into the loft to lie among the -wool, and there sleep. - -A sudden wild, fierce thought shot through Pasco’s brain like the flash -of summer lightning. He sprang to his feet. The terror that had -momentarily unnerved him passed away. Leaving the candle burning on the -ground, without a word, he strode to the ladder, which Quarm was -descending laboriously, owing to his lameness. - -With clenched teeth and contracted brow, and with every muscle knotted -like cord, Pepperill threw himself on the ladder, just as Jason got his -head below the opening of the loft, and shook it. - -“For Heaven’s sake! what are you about?” screamed Jason. - -“I’ll rid myself of a danger,” answered Pasco between his teeth and -lips, indistinctly, and he twisted the ladder, and kicked at its feet to -throw it down. - -“Pasco, let go! Pasco, will you kill me?” shrieked the crippled man, -catching ineffectually at the floor through which he had crawled, then -clutching the side of the ladder. - -Pepperill uttered an oath; he ran under the ladder, set his back against -it and kicked with his heels. - -“Pasco! I’ll not tell—I swear!” - -“I won’t give you the chance,” gasped Pepperill. The ladder was reeling, -sliding, the feet were slipping on the slate floor. A piercing scream, -and down came ladder and man upon Pasco, throwing him on his knees, but -precipitating the unfortunate cripple with a crash on the pavement. - -Pepperill, though shaken and bruised, was not seriously hurt. He -gathered himself up, stretched his limbs, felt his arms, and with -lowering brow stepped towards his prostrate brother-in-law, who lay on -his back, his arms extended, the hands convulsively contracted. His chin -was up, and the dim glow of the candle cast its light below the chin, -and had no rays for the upper portion of the face. - -Pepperill felt in his pocket for the lucifer matches, and, stooping over -Quarm, lit one, and passed the flame over his countenance. Jason was -apparently insensible. Blood was flowing from his mouth at the corners. -The flame of the match was reflected in the white of the upturned eyes. - -Pasco held the match till it burnt his fingers, then he let it fall, and -remained considering for a moment. Should he let his brother-in-law lie -where he was? Could he be sure that he would not awake from a momentary -daze caused by the blow on his head as he fell on the stone floor? - -Pasco picked up a huge lump of coal and stood over Jason, ready to dash -it down on his head, and make sure of his not awaking. But though his -heart was hard, and he was launched on a course of crime, yet conscience -makes strange distinctions in crime, and shrinks from doing boldly the -evil at which it aims covertly. - -Pasco laid aside the block of coal. He would not dash out his -brother-in-law’s brains, but he would by other means make sure that he -should not rouse to give him future trouble. - -He took the sack, in which had been the shavings, and proceeded to -thrust into it the legs of Quarm, who offered no more resistance than -would a dead man, and gave no sign of consciousness. With much labour, -Pasco drew the sack up, enclosing the body; he pulled down the arms and -forced them into the sack also. But he was unable to envelop Jason -completely. The sack was not of sufficient length for the purpose. It -reached to his breast and elbows only. - -There was a rope hanging in the store to a crook in the wall. Pepperill -disengaged this, and with the cord bound Jason’s feet, then tightly -strapped him about the arms so as to make it impossible for him to free -himself, should he return to consciousness. - -The exertion used by Pasco had steadied his nerves. He no longer -trembled. His hand had ceased to shake, and his heart no longer -contracted with fear. - -Greatly heated by his labour, he stood up and wiped his brow with his -sleeve. Then he was aware of a cool current of air wafting across him, -and he saw that in this same current the candle-flame consumed its wick -and swaled away profusely. He turned in the direction of the draught, -and found that the door into the shed was partly open. He had not locked -it when he entered, but had closed it. The night wind had swung it ajar, -and then by its own weight it had opened farther. Pepperill shut it -again, and placed a lump of coal against the foot to prevent a -recurrence of the same thing. - -As he returned to where Jason lay, he heard a slight noise overhead, and -saw a white and black pigeon perched on a swinging pole. - -The bird was young. It had been given to Pasco the week before, as he -had expressed a wish to have pigeons. He had shut the bird up in his -shed to accustom it to regard the shed as its home, and to remain there. -He had fed the bird himself with crumbs, and had entertained an -affection for it. - -Now a qualm came over his heart. He could not bear to think of this -innocent bird falling a victim. He had compunction for the pigeon, none -for the unconscious Jason. Therefore, rolling a barrel under the perch, -he climbed upon it, captured the sleep-stupid bird and carried it -between his hands to the door, pushed aside the lump of coal, and threw -the pigeon into the open air without. - -That act of mercy accomplished, he shut the door and went back to where -the candle was. This he now detached from the floor and the mass of -melted tallow around it, and applied the flame to one, then to another, -of the little parcels of combustibles in various places. Flames danced -about, and for a minute Pasco looked on with satisfaction, assuring -himself that the shavings had ignited the sticks, and the sticks had -kindled the coals. When well satisfied that all was as he desired, he -knelt down, and by sheer force rolled the heavy, lifeless body of Jason -Quarm from the floor, up the slope of the coals, and lodged it among -large blocks on the top. - -Then Pepperill turned, extinguished his candle, went out through the -door, locked it, and started at a run across the fields in the direction -whence he had come an hour before. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIV - AND YET ANOTHER - -Pasco ran on, easily surmounting the hedges which he had clambered over -with difficulty on his way to Coombe Cellars. He reached the track by -the water’s edge, and ran along that without once looking behind him, -and only paused when he arrived at the point at which he must strike -inland, to his left, leaving the river margin to ascend the sloping -shaws in the direction of the shed where tarried Kitty with cob and -cart. Here he halted, and a chill ran through his arteries, making him -shiver and his teeth chatter. He was hot with running, yet withal in an -icy tremor, and with a feeling of swimming in his head and sickness at -his heart. - -The thought had risen up in him, an almost tangible thought, like a -great beast coiled in his heart, stretching itself, getting on its feet, -and turning. The thought was this—that it was not too late to save his -brother-in-law. He might return, unlock the store, rush in, and drag the -unconscious man down from the heap of coals, through the smoke and -flame. The fire had not yet reached him; it was tonguing up the heap, -sending the tips of its flames tastingly towards him; the fire was hot -beneath, but the crust still upheld the man in the sack; would it be so -much longer? As the coals were consumed beneath, there would be formed a -great core of red fire, and if Jason moved, the crust would give way, -and then, shrieking, unable to assist himself, he would drop into that -glowing mass, where the cords would be burnt to free him, but only when -it would be too late for him to escape. - -Had Jason already woke from his trance, and was he cuddled up in his -sack, watching the approaching flames, crying for help, and getting -none? Was he tearing at his bands with his teeth, writhing—trying to -precipitate himself down the black mound of combustible material, in the -hopes of being able to roll along the floor to the door? And if he -succeeded so far—what more could he do? Nothing but watch the fire grow, -break out in gushes of scarlet and orange, pour forth volumes of -stifling smoke, and then lie with his mouth below the door, gasping for -the air that rushed in beneath. - -Shuddering, Pasco Pepperill stood with eyes open, looking into the -night, seeing all this as really as though the vision were unrolled -before his naked eyes. He dared not look behind him, his neck was stiff, -and he could not turn it—he could not even turn his eyes in the -direction of the Cellars. - -Should he retrace his course and free Jason? Could he not rely on Jason -to remain silent after this terrible experience? But what if he arrived -too late? What if the fire had already broken out, and had laid hold of -its prey? Why should he give himself the lasting horror of seeing what -he must then see? And of what avail would it be to the burning man? - -It was too late. Pasco had taken his line, had cast his lot, and there -was no return. He resumed his run up the hill, through the meadows; the -wind blowing off the river assisted him. When he reached the field in -which was the shed, he knew that Coombe Cellars was no longer visible. -There was a shoulder of hill between. - -But though the Cellars might not be visible, the sky overhead might show -redness, might throb with light; and lest he should see this, he fixed -his eyes resolutely in an opposite direction. - -In crossing the field he no longer ran. He had lost his breath ascending -the hill; he walked slowly, panting, and ever and anon stopped to wipe -his brow, and remove his hat, that the cool wind might play about his -wet hair. - -The qualm of conscience relative to Jason was overpassed, and now -Pepperill congratulated himself on his success. Now—all was as could be -desired, there was nothing to inculpate him, no one to turn evidence -against him, except— - -There was one person, and one only, who was a danger to Pasco; one -person, and one only, who knew that he had been to Coombe Cellars after -having ostensibly left it; one, and one only, that he had been on the -spot precisely at the time when, presumably, the fire broke out. - -If Kate Quarm were to speak, then what he had done was done in vain; the -Company would refuse to pay the sum for which his stock was insured, and -he might be suspected of having caused the death of his brother-in-law. -Would not Kate speak—when she knew that her father was dead? Might she -not make dangerous admissions should there be an inquest? The charred -corpse or burnt bones would be discovered when the ashes of the store -were removed, and Jason’s cart and ass being in Coombe, would lead to -the conclusion that he, Jason Quarm, had caused the conflagration and -had perished in it. It would be supposed that he had gone to the -Cellars, and, finding it locked and no one within, had taken shelter for -the night in the warehouse, where he had lit his pipe, gone to sleep, -and inadvertently had set fire to the coals and wool. - -But then—what might Kate be brought to say if questioned by the coroner? - -Pepperill entered the shed and called the girl. He called twice before -he received an answer. Then he struck a light, and as the match flared -he saw before him the drowsy face of Kate. - -“Oh, uncle! What a long time you have been away! I fell asleep.” - -“Long time? I have not been a quarter of an hour. I ran to the Cellars -and ran back the whole way.” - -“It has been more than a quarter of an hour, Uncle Pasco. I waited, -watching for ever such a time, and then I went to sleep.” - -“You are mistaken. Because you shut your eyes you think the time was -long.” - -“What is that, uncle, you are burning?” - -“A lucifer match.” - -“How did you get it alight?” - -“By striking it on the box.” - -"How could that light it? Is there a bit of tiny flint on the match and -steel on the box? - -“No, there is not. I don’t know how the fire comes—but it comes -somehow.” - -“That must be a very curious contrivance, uncle.” - -“Whether curious or not is no concern of yours.” - -He struck another match and held it aloft. The girl stood on one side of -the cart, he on the other. The lucifer flame twinkled in her eyes. Her -hair was ruffled with sleep. - -As Pasco looked at her by the dying flame, he was considering what to -do. He had no doubt that he was insecure so long as she lived. -Desperate, hardened, projected along an evil course, could he withhold -his hand now and not make himself secure? Would it not be weakness as -well as folly to allow this testimony to remain who could at any moment -reveal his guilt? But if he were to strike her down with a stake or -stone, what could he do with the body? - -“Take care, uncle,” said Kate. “There is dry furze here. If the spark -falls, there may be a blaze.” - -He extinguished the match with his fingers. He did not desire that his -course should be marked by fires. - -“Is there much furze here, Kitty?” he asked in a smothered voice. - -“Oh no! only just under foot.” - -“No great heap in a corner?” - -“None, uncle.” - -“Not enough to cover you over if you were asleep.” - -Kate laughed and answered, “I would never lie on furze if I could help -it, and be covered with it—I should be tormented with prickles. I sat -down and laid my head against the hedge that makes the back of the -linhay.” He was prodding the bedding of furze with his whip. “It is all -fresh,” said Kate. “I reckon Miller Ash is going to turn his cow in -here, when he has taken away her calf.” - -“Ah! she has calved?” - -“Yes; last week.” - -“True—the cow will be here to-morrow, or in a couple of days.” To -himself he muttered, “It won’t do”—then aloud, “Jump into the cart, -Kitty. We must push on. You drive out, I will open the gate.” - -In another minute Pasco Pepperill was in his seat with Kitty at his -side, driving in the direction away from the Cellars. - -He feared every moment to hear her say, “Uncle, what is that light -shining over Coombe? Can there be a fire?” - -Instead of that she said, “Uncle, did you see nothing of my father? I am -quite sure that was he who drove by after we had got into Mr. Ash’s -field. I heard his voice. I know his way with the donkey. I am quite -certain that was father.” - -“Your father?—no. Never set eyes on him. You were mistaken.” - -“I am sure it was my father. I know the rattle of the cart wheel.” - -“I say it was not; and take care how you say a word about ever having -gone into the field, and about my having returned to the Cellars.” - -“Why, uncle?” - -“Because Ash will summons me for trespass, and because my horse ate the -grass. That’s one reason; but there’s a better one—I don’t choose that -you should speak.” - -Kate was accustomed to his rough manner, and she did not answer. - -Then Pasco’s mind began to work on the theme that had occupied it -before. He had been seen driving out of Coombe with Kate at his side. -But what of that? Would it not be a sufficient answer to give, were she -not to be seen again, that he had met Jason Quarm on the road, and that -the man had taken his daughter with him, and that thereupon both had -perished in the flames? - -The more he considered the matter, the more essential to his security -did it seem to him that Kate should be got rid of. The only -embarrassment he felt was as to the means to be employed, and the place -where it was to be done. Not till she was removed could the weight now -oppressing his mind be cast off. - -“Uncle,” said Kate after a long course in silence, “I cannot think how -that lucifer acts, if there be no flint and no steel. How else can the -match be made to light?” - -“How is no matter to me—kindle it does, somehow.” Then, abruptly, “Have -you got your cotton dress on? The wind is from the east and chilly.” - -“Oh no, uncle, I have on my thick woollen dress, and am very warm—thank -you kindly for considering me.” - -“The thick wool, is it?” - -“Yes, uncle—very sure, very thick and warm.” - -Then that would not do. It had occurred to him to drop a lighted match -on her frock, set her in flames, and throw her out into the road at a -lonely spot. No, that would not do. He reversed his whip and beat the -cob with the handle. - -“Diamond is not going badly, uncle,” said Kate in mild remonstrance. - -He was in reality trying the weight of the whip handle and the stiffness -of the stem. That would not effect his purpose; there was no metal to -signify at the butt-end. The horse did not greatly mind a blow dealt it -with a full swing of its master’s arm. - -Pasco bore no malice against his niece. In his cold fashion he liked -her. She was useful in the house, and saved him the expense of a maid. -It was doubtful whether any servant would have been as submissive to -Zerah as was Kitty, whether any would have continued so long in service -to her. He had forgotten his momentary resentment at Kate refusing the -offer of John Pooke. He wished the girl ill for no other reason than his -own safety. Had he been able to send her away, out of the country, that -would have satisfied him. But as there was no opportunity for getting -her out of the way without hurt to himself, she must be removed by such -means as were possible to him. - -How to do this, and where to do it, remained undecided. Not where he -then was could it be attempted, for he was now approaching Newton. The -lights were twinkling through the trees, cottages were passed with -illumined windows, and sometimes with persons standing in the doors. - -On entering Newton, Pepperill turned his horse’s head to make a detour, -so as to avoid passing the inn that had been rebuilt after having been -burnt down. For some reason undefined in his own heart, he shrank from -driving before that house. - -In a few minutes the cob was trotting along the Ashburton road. Pasco -looked behind him. He heard the sound of the hoofs of another horse, and -the rattle of other wheels. Some traveller was on the road that night. - -“Uncle,” said Kate, “I think the moon is going to rise.” - -“I suppose so.” - -“Will it not be grand on the moor, with the moon shining over it, and -the Dart flowing like silver below?” - -“Silver? I wish it were silver, and I’d pocket it,” growled Pasco. “Dang -it! what is that which is following?” - -He slackened his pace, but the conveyance did not pass him; it -approached, and the driver was content to keep in the rear. - -“Will you go on?” shouted Pasco, turning his head. - -“No, we’ll remain as we are,” answered the driver. - -“How far are you going?” - -“To Ashburton.” - -Well, thought Pasco, the loneliest, wildest part of the road is that -between Ashburton and Brimpts. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV - UNSUCCESSFUL - -On leaving Ashburton, Pasco Pepperill was relieved of the attendance -which had been so irksome to him. He would not, probably, have carried -out his purpose between Newton and Ashburton, as that was a high road, -much frequented, running through cultivated lands, and with farms and -cottages along it at no great intervals. Nevertheless, the knowledge -irritated him that someone was following him, that should an opportunity -otherwise propitious arise, he could not seize it because of the man in -the trap at his heels. Never able clearly to bring all contingencies -together before his inward eye, in the conduct of his business, he was -now more dull and confused in mind than usual. - -He took it into his head that there was something menacing in the -pursuit; that the man in his rear was aware of what he had done at the -Cellars, that he foresaw his present purpose, and was intentionally -following him, keeping him in sight, either that he might deliver him up -to justice for what he had done, or to prevent the execution of his -present design. - -It was consequently with immense relief that he heard the man’s cheery -“Good-night,” and his wheels turn off by a by-street, as he trotted -through Ashburton and along the road leading to Dart-meet and Brimpts. - -At a distance of rather over a mile from Ashburton the Dart is crossed, -then the road climbs a steep hill, cutting off the great sweep made by -the river as it flows through Holne Chase, and it crosses the river -again as it bursts from the moor at Newbridge. Nearly the whole of this -way is through woods, and does not pass a single human habitation. - -Directly New Bridge is crossed, the character of the surroundings -changes. In place of rock and woods of pine and oak and beech, succeed -the solitude and desolation of moorland, heather, and furze brake, with -at one spot only a cluster of small cottages about a little inn, with a -clump of sycamores behind them and a few acres of mountain pasture -before them, laboriously cleared of granite boulders. Immediately after -passing this hamlet, the road traverses moorland entirely uninhabited. -Tors rise to the height of from twelve to fifteen hundred feet; their -sides are strewn with rocky ruin. Dense masses of furze cover the -moorland sweeps, and between the clefts of the rocks whortleberry grows -rankly into veritable bushes, hung in June with purple berries. Below, -at the depth of a thousand feet, foams and roars the Dart amidst -boulders and bushes of mountain-ash and thorn. - -It was obvious to the clouded mind of Pepperill that if he was to get -rid of Kitty, it must be done either in the Holne Wood or on the moor. -One place was as good as the other for disposal of the child’s body; the -dense forest growth or the equally dense whortle and furze would -effectually conceal it. - -When the first Dart bridge was crossed, and the steep ascent begun, -Pepperill said roughly to his niece— - -“You ain’t going to sit here and make the horse drag you all the way up -this tremendous hill, be you?” - -“No, uncle dear; I was only waiting for you to draw up that I might jump -out. Do you see the moon coming up behind the trees, shining through -them, like a good thought in the midst of dark imaginings?” - -“Dang the moon and your imaginings! Get out.” - -“I was thinking of something my book says,” apologised Kate, descending -to the road. - -“Your book? What do you mean?” - -“I mean that which the schoolmaster gave me, which I have read and read, -and in which I always find something new, and always am sure of -something true.” - -“What does the book say?” - -“I learned it by heart— - - ‘Within the soul a faculty abides, - That with interpositions’— - -That means things which come between. He explained that to me. I cannot -always make out what is said till it is explained; but when it is, then -the full truth and loveliness rises and shines into me like the moon -when it has got over the hills and the woods.” - -“Go on.” - - “‘A faculty abides, - That with interpositions, which would hide - And darken, so can deal that they become - Contingencies of pomp, and serve to exalt - Her native brightness.’ - -I did not understand what contingencies meant, but he told me, and now -all is quite plain as it is quite true. And it goes on— - - ‘As the ample moon - Rising behind a thick and lofty grove, - Burns like an unconsuming fire, light - In the green trees’”— - -“Cease this foolery,” said Pasco impatiently. He was fumbling in his -pocket for his clasp-knife, and was opening it. - -“Do look, uncle dear!” exclaimed Kate, turning to observe the moon as it -mounted over the rich Buckland Woods on the farther bank of the Dart. - -“Halt,” shouted Pasco to the horse. - -They had reached an eminence. The girl stood wrapped in delight, with -the silver shield of the moon before her, casting its glorious light -over her face and folded hands. Pasco had his knife out. She heard the -click, as the spring nipped the blade firmly, but did not turn to see -what occasioned the sound. - -“The moon has come up out of the trees just as he said—I mean the -poet—like a power in the heart and soul that has been entangled in all -kinds of dark and twisted matters of every day. Oh, uncle, what is -that?” - -Pasco drew back. A white dog—a mongrel, short-haired lurcher—crossed the -road. Simultaneously a whistle was heard, and this was answered by -another in the distance. - -“There are poachers about,” said Pepperill. He shut his knife, pocketed -it, and called Kate to get into the trap. He was not going to halt to -see a darned moon rise, when all kinds of vagabonds were about, and -there was no safety for honest men. - -Pasco drove rapidly down the hillside into the Dart Valley at New -Bridge. The road was mostly in shadow, but the bare moor on the farther -side was white in the moonlight, as though it had been snowed over. The -horse was tired, and tripped. Pasco had to be on his guard lest the -beast should fall. In the shadow of the trees it could not see the -stones that strewed the way. At the bottom of the valley flowed the -Dart; the rush of the water breaking over the rocks was audible. - -“If a harm came to you or me in the river, I reckon the body would be -washed right away to Sharpitor,” said Pepperill. - -“Uncle!” said Kate, with a laugh, “that would be going up hill.” - -“I’m getting mazed,” growled he; “so it is. Well, folk would say one or -other of us had come by an accident among the rocks o’ Sharpitor, and -tumbled into the river and been carried down by the stream. That’s -likely—eh?” - -“I suppose so, uncle. But if anything were to happen to one, that the -other would know, and do all he could to help.” - -“Of course.” - -Pepperill was looking at the brawling torrent. - -“And if anything were to chance to one here, the body would be carried -right down the Chase for miles till it came to the other bridge.” - -“I daresay, uncle. But don’t talk like that. Let us look at the -moonlight. There is a man yonder—by the side of the river.” - -“A man—where?” - -“By that large stone.” - -“He is catching salmon. Not a fish has a chance up here on the moor. -What a parcel of rascals there be!” - -Pepperill drove across the bridge. He had intended—he hardly dared -articulately to express to himself his intention. Again he was -frustrated—just at a suitable point—by this fellow catching salmon by -night. - -Beyond the bridge the road rose rapidly. Both uncle and niece were -forced to descend from the cart, and relieve the horse. Some six hundred -feet had to be mounted without any zigzags in the road. Kate walked -along cheerily. Pasco lagged behind. The horse, with nose down, -laboriously stepped up the steep incline. Pasco took out his knife and -cut a branch of thorn from the hedge, and in doing so tore his fingers. -He put the thorn behind the seat. - -When the summit of the hill was almost reached, he said to Kate, “I -shall turn to the left, and leave the road.” - -“What—out on the moor?” - -“Yes; I think we can cut off a great curve and avoid the cottages. You -walk by the horse’s head; I will mount and hold the reins. There are -large stones in the way.” - -This was the case. Kate thought that her uncle was rash in taking the -track across the moor at night, a way he could not know, merely to save -a mile that the road made in detour. But she said nothing. She was -pleased to go by a way that commanded the gorge of the Dart, and had no -fear, as the moon shone brilliantly, and every bush and stone was -visible as in the day. The mica and spar in the granite made each rock -sparkle as though encrusted with diamonds. A heavy dew had fallen, -cobwebs hanging on the furze were as silvery fairy tissue. - -Rabbits were out sporting, feeding, darting away with a gleam of snowy -tail when alarmed. Owls were flitting and hooting in the ravine. The -wind from the east hummed an Æolian strain in the moor grass and -heather. - -The moon rose high above all obstruction to its placid light, and Kate -breathed slowly, and in the chill air her breath came away as a fine -shining vapour. Every now and then the cob struck out a red fire-spark -from the stones against which his shoe struck. Kate held the reins at -the bit, and paced at his head, her heart swelling with happiness, as -she drank in the loveliness of the night, till she was so full of the -beauty that her eyes began to fill. Pasco Pepperill was silent. He was -knotting the thorn-branch to his whip. His eye was on her. - -Presently the track on the turf ran at the edge of a steep slope. Rocks -from a tor overhead had fallen and strewn the incline, and formed -fantastic objects in the moonlight, casting shadows even more fantastic. -A sheep that had been sleeping under one of the rocks started up and -bounded away. The spring of the sheep close beside him alarmed the -horse, and he started back, plunged, and dragged Kate off her feet. - -Then, with a cry of rage, Pasco rose in the cart, whirled his whip -about, and lashed the cob with the full force of his arm, at the same -time that he raised the reins in his left and beat with them as well, -and jerked at the brute’s mouth. - -Kate was down. She had slipped; she was before the plunging beast. Pasco -saw it. He swore, lashed this side, that, then at the flanks, at the -head, at the belly of the tortured brute, that leaped and staggered, -kicked and reeled under the strokes of the thorns which tore his skin. -He snorted, reared, put down his head; the steam came off him in a -cloud. - -There was one thing the beast would not do—rush forward and trample on -the fallen girl. Pasco saw it, and cursed the horse. He flung himself -from the trap, he rushed at the bridle; his foot was on Kate’s gown. - -“Uncle! uncle!” she cried. - -With one hand he dragged the horse forward, with the other he swung the -thorn-bush. A step, and the hoofs and wheels of the horse and cart would -be over the girl. Then a thrust would suffice to send her down the side -of the slope into the torrent below. - -But the brute leaped into the air before the swinging thorn-bush, -swerved up hill, dragging Pasco at his head, and flung him over a rock. -His hand became entangled; he could not for a moment disengage it; he -was dragged forward; the head-gear gave way, and Pasco fell among the -bushes, crying out with rage and pain. Next moment Kate stood before -him. - -“What is the matter, uncle dear? Are you hurt? I am safe.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVI - ALL IN VAIN - -Pasco Pepperill staggered to his feet, and at once felt pain in one -ankle. - -“Are you hurt, dear uncle?” again inquired Kate. - -“Hurt? I’ve strained and bruised myself all over. My right arm—my leg—I -can hobble only. Where’s the trap?” - -“If you have no bones broken, uncle, sit down, and I will see after -Diamond.” - -The horse was browsing unconcernedly at no great distance. Too tired to -run far, too hungry to heed his wounds, he had at once applied himself -to the consumption of the sweet moorland grass. Happily the cart was -uninjured. It had not been upset, and no more of the harness was broken -than a strap at the head. The cob allowed Kate to approach and take him -by the forelock without remonstrance. He knew Kate, who had been -accustomed to fondle him, and who, in the absence of friends of her own -order, had made one of the brute beast. She managed to fasten up the -broken strap and replaced the headstall; then she drew the horse along -to where her uncle sat rubbing his leg and arm. - -“It’s the right arm, drat it!” said Pasco; “won’t I only give that -cursed beast a leathering when I can use my arm again!” - -“Surely, uncle, poor Diamond was going on all right till you beat him. -He is so patient that he does not deserve a beating. There is a thorn -branch about which the whip has become entangled. I suppose that must -have hurt him, poor fellow. He was good, too; when my foot slipped and I -fell, he would not trample on me. You were beating him, uncle, and did -not see where I was. Just think how good he was!—notwithstanding the -thorns, yet he would not tread on me.” - -“Oh yes, that is all you think about, you selfish minx, your own self. -Because you are uninjured, you don’t care for me who am bruised all -over.” - -It was of no use pursuing the matter. Kate knew her uncle’s unreasonable -moods, so she changed the subject and asked, “What is to be done now? -shall we go on along the moor or turn back?” - -“It is of no use going along the moor now. We may come to some other -darned accident with this vile brute. Lead him back along our tracks to -the road. I don’t want to be thrown out again. This is the second time -he has treated me in this manner. If I had a gun, I’d shoot him.” - -“Uncle, that other occasion was no fault of his. You were driving the -schoolmaster, and Walter Bramber told me about it—you sent the wheel -against a stone.” - -“Of course the blame is mine, and this time also. The horse is -innocent.” - -“If you had not beaten poor Diamond”— - -“Go on with the cart, and hold your tongue.” - -But Pasco walked with pain. He had not taken many steps before he asked -to be helped up into the trap. - -Kate led the horse and spoke caressingly to the brute, that was greatly -fagged with the long journey without a break he had taken that evening. -Usually he would be given an hour’s rest and a feed at Ashburton, before -the worst and most arduous portion of the journey was taken; but on this -occasion he had been urged on at his fastest pace and never allowed to -slacken it, and not given any rest, not even a mouthful of water, at -Ashburton. No wonder that he tripped. - -Pasco looked sullenly before him at the girl walking in the moonlight, -speaking to the horse. The chance of doing her an injury was past. He -could with difficulty move his arm. If he drew his knife on her and -attacked her there on the moor, she could run from him, and he would be -unable to pursue her, owing to his sprained ankle. - -There was no help for it, he must make the best of the circumstances, -threaten her if she showed an inclination to speak and compromise him. -Perhaps, taken all in all, it was as well that his purpose had been -frustrated. There was no telling; he might have got into difficulties -had he killed her. In escaping from one danger, he might have -precipitated himself into another. - -He saw now what he had not seen before. It had been his intention to -attribute the fire to Jason Quarm. Had Kitty disappeared according to -his purpose, then he would have said she had returned to Coombe with her -father. It was known that she had left the place in his own company in -the trap. She had been seen by the publican and by the miller. But it -was possible, it was probable, that Jason had been seen as he drove -through Coombe to the Cellars. If so, then it would have been observed -that he was alone; accordingly his—Pasco’s—story of her return with her -father would have been refuted. Then, what explanation could he have -given of her disappearance? - -Pepperill drew a long breath. He had been preserved from making a fatal -mistake. He was glad now that his attempt on Kate had been frustrated. - -Then, again, a new idea entered his brain. Could he not have attributed -her death to accident on the moor, had the horse trampled on her? He -might have done so, but then, would not folks have thought there was -something more than coincidence in the death, the same night, of father -and daughter? - -“I believe I’d ha’ been a stoopid if I’d ha’ done it,” said Pasco, and -resigned himself to circumstances. “Be us in the road? I reckon us be.” - -“Yes, uncle; here is where we turned off from the highway. Which turn -shall I take—on to Brimpts or back to Ashburton?” - -“On ahead, Brimpts way. There’s a little public-house at Pound Gate, and -I be that dry, and the cob, I reckon, be that lazy—we’d best turn in -there and rest the night. The shaking of the cart hurts me, moreover.” - -Kate got up into the vehicle and drove. Her uncle gladly resigned the -reins to her. He could have held them, indeed, but not have used the -whip, and Diamond would not go with him unless he used the whip. - -Before long the little tavern was reached—a low building of moorstones, -whitewashed, with a thatched roof, and a sign over the door. - -To the surprise of Pepperill, he saw a chaise without horses outside. - -At the inn he drew up. The landlord came to the door and helped him to -descend. - -“What! hurt yourself, Mr. Pepperill?” - -“Yes; had a spill.” - -“On your way to Brimpts, I suppose? I hear you are selling the timber.” - -“Yes, to Government. Have you visitors?” - -“Ay! Some one come after you.” - -“After me?” - -Notwithstanding his bad ankle, Pasco started back. Had his face not been -in shadow, the landlord might have observed how pale he had become. - -“What! come from Coombe?” he asked in a faltering voice. - -“Hardly that, master,” answered the landlord. “Not likely _that_ when -you be come from there. No, o’ course, came t’other road. He asked about -you at Brimpts, and then drove on. He’s purposing to sleep the night -here, and was intending to push on to Coombe to-morrow. He’s ordered -some supper, and my old woman ha’ done him a couple of rashers and some -eggs. Have you a mind to join him?” - -“But who is he? What does he want?” Pasco was still uneasy. - -“A sort of a lawyer chap.” - -“A lawyer?” Pepperill hobbled to his trap. “I’ll push on, thank ye, I’ll -not stay.” - -“Nay, you’d better. I hold wi’ you, master, that it is best in general -to give clear room to lawyers. But this time I don’t think but you’d -safest come in. He’ll do you no hurt, and maybe he brings you good, Mr. -Pepperill.” - -“I’ll go on,” said Pasco decidedly. “I hate all lawyers as I do ravens.” - -“Halloo! What is this?” A gentleman put his head out of the bar parlour -window, which was open. “Who is it that hates lawyers? Not Mr. -Pepperill?” - -Pasco attempted to scramble into his trap. - -“Is that Mr. Pepperill, of Coombe Cellars? You must stay. I have a word -to speak with you.” - -“I won’t stay—not a minute.” - -“I’ll not charge you six-and-eight. Yet it is something to your -advantage. I’m Mr. James Squire, solicitor, Tavistock. I have come about -your affairs. Your old uncle, Sampson Blunt, is dead—died of a -stroke—sudden—and you come in for everything. What say you now? Will you -stay? Will you put up your horse? Will you come in and have some of my -rasher and eggs? I’m drinking stout—what will you take? You won’t drive -any farther to-night, I presume? Sampson has died worth something like -three thousand pounds; and every penny comes to you, except what -Government claims as pickings—probate duty, you understand.” - -“Three thousand pounds?” gasped Pasco. - -“Ay, not a guinea under, and it may be more. His affairs haven’t been -properly looked into yet. I came off post-haste, took a chaise from -Tavistock, didn’t think to meet you. Was coming on to-morrow. An -apoplectic stroke. No children, no one else to inherit but yourself, the -only heir-at-law. Now, then, what do you say? Rum and milk, they tell -me, is the moor tipple, but I go in for stout.” - -With glazed eyes and open mouth stood Pasco Pepperill, his hands fallen -at his side; he seemed as though he had been paralysed. - -“Three thousand five hundred—there’s no saying,” continued Mr. Squire, -through the window. “Look sharp, come in, or the rashers and eggs will -be cold. I asked for a chop. Couldn’t have it. Pleaded for a steak. No -good. No butchers on the moor. So ham and eggs, and ham salt as brine. -Never mind—drink more. Come in.” - -Then the head of the lawyer disappeared behind the blind, and the click -of his knife and fork was audible. - -Pasco tried to raise his right arm, failed, then he clapped his left -hand to his brow. - -“Good heavens!” he almost shouted; “I’ve done it all for naught.” - -“Done what?” asked the innkeeper. - -Pasco recovered himself. - -“Nothing. I am stunned. This has turned my head. Lend me your arm. I -must go in. No—I must return home—get me another horse—I cannot stay. -Quick; I must return—oh, be quick.” - -“Well, that’s coorious!” said the landlord. “I reckon you ought to go in -and listen to what the lawyer has to say, first. As for horses, I don’t -keep ’em, and the lawyer’s post-horses be gone into the stable for the -night.” - -“Lend me your arm,” said Pepperill. “I don’t know right what I’m about. -This has come on me quite unexpected.” - -“I wish three thousand pounds’d come unexpected on me,” replied the -host. - -Pasco entered the room where the lawyer was eating. - -“That’s right,” said the latter. “Take a snack. There’s some for all, I -say, with my rasher, and you may say so with your legacy, and give me a -slice off your dish. Polly—a plate and knife and fork for the -gentleman.” - -Pepperill seated himself. He was as if stupefied. Then he put both -elbows on the table, though the movement of his right arm pained him, -and began to cry. - -“That’s what I like,” said the lawyer. “Feeling, sentiment. It’s what we -all ought to do. Amen. When grieving is done, there’s a couple of eggs -left. But I like that. Heart in the right place. Quite so. What is your -tipple? That’s very nice. Feeling—I love it. I didn’t know, though, that -you had seen your uncle for twenty years, and cared twopence about him. -P’r’aps you didn’t in times gone by; now, of course, it’s different with -three thousand pounds. I respect your emotion; I love it. But cry when -you go to bed. Eat now. There is a place and there is a time for -everything. It does you credit, I shall make a point of mentioning it—no -extra charge.” - - END OF VOL. II. - - MORRISON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - A LIST OF NEW BOOKS - AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF - METHUEN AND COMPANY - PUBLISHERS: LONDON - 36 ESSEX STREET - W.C. - - - - - CONTENTS - - PAGE - FORTHCOMING BOOKS, 2 - POETRY, 13 - GENERAL LITERATURE, 15 - THEOLOGY, 17 - LEADERS OF RELIGION, 18 - WORKS BY S. BARING GOULD, 19 - FICTION, 21 - NOVEL SERIES, 24 - BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, 25 - THE PEACOCK LIBRARY, 26 - UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERIES, 26 - SOCIAL QUESTIONS OF TO-DAY, 28 - CLASSICAL TRANSLATIONS, 29 - COMMERCIAL SERIES, 29 - WORKS BY A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A., 30 - SCHOOL EXAMINATION SERIES, 32 - PRIMARY CLASSICS, 32 - - - - - OCTOBER 1894 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - October 1894. - - - MESSRS. METHUEN’S - - ANNOUNCEMENTS - - ---------- - - Poetry - - [_May_ 1895. - =Rudyard Kipling.= BALLADS. By RUDYARD KIPLING. - _Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s_ - - The announcement of a new volume of poetry from Mr. Kipling will - excite wide interest. The exceptional success of ‘Barrack-Room - Ballads,’ with which this volume will be uniform, justifies the hope - that the new book too will obtain a wide popularity. - -=Henley.= ENGLISH LYRICS. Selected and Edited by W. E. HENLEY. _Crown - 8vo. Buckram. 6s._ - - Also 30 copies on hand-made paper _Demy 8vo. £1, 1s._ - Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. _Demy 8vo. £2, 2s._ - - Few announcements will be more welcome to lovers of English verse than - the one that Mr. Henley is bringing together into one book the - finest lyrics in our language. Robust and original the book will - certainly be, and it will be produced with the same care that made - ‘Lyra Heroica’ delightful to the hand and eye. - -=“Q”= THE GOLDEN POMP: A Procession of English Lyrics from Surrey to - Shirley, arranged by A. T. QUILLER COUCH. _Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s._ - - Also 40 copies on hand-made paper. _Demy 8vo. £1, 1s._ - Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. _Demy 8vo. £2, 2s._ - - Mr. Quiller Couch’s taste and sympathy mark him out as a born - anthologist, and out of the wealth of Elizabethan poetry he has made - a book of great attraction. - -=Beeching.= LYRA SACRA: An Anthology of Sacred Verse. Edited by H. C. - BEECHING, M.A. _Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s._ - - Also 25 copies on hand-made paper. _21s._ - - This book will appeal to a wide public. Few languages are richer in - serious verse than the English, and the Editor has had some - difficulty in confining his material within his limits. - -=Yeats.= AN ANTHOLOGY OF IRISH VERSE. Edited by W. B. YEATS. _Crown 8vo. - 3s. 6d._ - - - Illustrated Books - -=Baring Gould.= A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES retold by S. BARING GOULD. With - numerous illustrations and initial letters by ARTHUR J. GASKIN. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - Also 75 copies on hand-made paper. _Demy 8vo._ £1, 1_s._ - Also 20 copies on Japanese paper. _Demy 8vo._ £2, 2_s._ - - Few living writers have been more loving students of fairy and folk - lore than Mr. Baring Gould, who in this book returns to the field in - which he won his spurs. This volume consists of the old stories - which have been dear to generations of children, and they are fully - illustrated by Mr. Gaskin, whose exquisite designs for Andersen’s - Tales won him last year an enviable reputation. - -=Baring Gould.= A BOOK OF NURSERY SONGS AND RHYMES. Edited by S. BARING - GOULD, and illustrated by the Students of the Birmingham Art School. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. _4to. 21s._ - - A collection of old nursery songs and rhymes, including a number which - are little known. The book contains some charming illustrations by - the Birmingham students under the superintendence of Mr. Gaskin, and - Mr. Baring Gould has added numerous notes. - -=Beeching.= A BOOK OF CHRISTMAS VERSE. Edited by H. C. BEECHING, M.A., - and Illustrated by WALTER CRANE. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - Also 75 copies on hand-made paper. _Demy 8vo._ £1, 1_s._ - Also 20 copies on Japanese paper. _Demy 8vo._ £2, 2_s._ - - A collection of the best verse inspired by the birth of Christ from - the Middle Ages to the present day. Mr. Walter Crane has designed - some beautiful illustrations. A distinction of the book is the large - number of poems it contains by modern authors, a few of which are - here printed for the first time.. - -=Jane Barlow.= THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND MICE, translated by JANE - BARLOW, Author of ‘Irish Idylls’ and pictured by F. D. BEDFORD. - _Small 4to. 6s. net._ - - Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. _4to. 21s. net._ - - This is a new version of a famous old fable. Miss Barlow, whose - brilliant volume of ‘Irish Idylls’ has gained her a wide reputation, - has told the story in spirited flowing verse, and Mr. Bedford’s - numerous illustrations and ornaments are as spirited as the verse - they picture. The book will be one of the most beautiful and - original books possible. - - - =Devotional Books= - _With full-page Illustrations._ - -THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. By THOMAS À KEMPIS. With an Introduction by - ARCHDEACON FARRAR. Illustrated by C. M. GERE. _Fcap. 8vo. 5s._ - - Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 15_s._ - -THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. By JOHN KEBLE. With an Introduction and Notes by W. - LOCK, M.A., Sub-Warden of Keble College, Author of ‘The Life of John - Keble,’ Illustrated by R. ANNING BELL. _Fcap. 8vo. 5s._ - - Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 15_s._ - - These two volumes will be charming editions of two famous books, - finely illustrated and printed in black and red. The scholarly - introductions will give them an added value, and they will be - beautiful to the eye, and of convenient size. - - - General Literature - -=Gibbon.= THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. By EDWARD GIBBON. A - New Edition, edited with Notes and Appendices and Maps by J. B. - BURY, M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. _In seven volumes. - Crown 8vo._ - - The time seems to have arrived for a new edition of Gibbon’s great - work—furnished with such notes and appendices as may bring it up to - the standard of recent historical research. Edited by a scholar who - has made this period his special study, and issued in a convenient - form and at a moderate price, this edition should fill an obvious - void. - -=Flinders Petrie.= A HISTORY OF EGYPT, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE - HYKSOS. By W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE, D.C.L., Professor of Egyptology at - University College. _Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This volume is the first of an illustrated History of Egypt in six - volumes, intended both for students and for general reading and - reference, and will present a complete record of what is now known, - both of dated monuments and of events, from the prehistoric age down - to modern times. For the earlier periods every trace of the various - kings will be noticed, and all historical questions will be fully - discussed. The volumes will cover the following periods;— - - I. Prehistoric to Hyksos times. By Prof. Flinders Petrie. II. - xviiith to xxth Dynasties. III. xxist to xxxth Dynasties. IV. - The Ptolemaic Rule. V. The Roman Rule. VI. The Muhammedan Rule. - - The volumes will be issued separately. The first will be ready in - the autumn, the Muhammedan volume early next year, and others at - intervals of half a year. - -=Flinders Petrie.= EGYPTIAN DECORATIVE ART. By W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE, - D.C.L. With 120 Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ A book which - deals with a subject which has never yet been seriously treated. - -=Flinders Petrie.= EGYPTIAN TALES. Edited by W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE. - Illustrated by TRISTRAM ELLIS. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - A selection of the ancient tales of Egypt, edited from original - sources, and of great importance as illustrating the life and - society of ancient Egypt. - -=Southey.= ENGLISH SEAMEN (Howard, Clifford, Hawkins, Drake, Cavendish). - By ROBERT SOUTHEY. Edited, with an Introduction, by DAVID HANNAY. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This is a reprint of some excellent biographies of Elizabethan seamen, - written by Southey and never republished. They are practically - unknown, and they deserve, and will probably obtain, a wide - popularity. - -=Waldstein.= JOHN RUSKIN: a Study. By CHARLES WALDSTEIN, M.A., Fellow of - King’s College, Cambridge. With a Photogravure Portrait after - Professor HERKOMER. _Post 8vo. 5s._ - - Also 25 copies on Japanese paper. _Demy 8vo._ 21_s._ - - This is a frank and fair appreciation of Mr. Ruskin’s work and - influence—literary and social—by an able critic, who has enough - admiration to make him sympathetic, and enough discernment to make - him impartial. - -=Henley and Whibley.= A BOOK OF ENGLISH PROSE. Collected by W. E. HENLEY - and CHARLES WHIBLEY. _Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - Also 40 copies on Dutch paper. 21_s._ _net._ - Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. 42_s._ _net._ - - A companion book to Mr. Henley’s well-known ‘Lyra Heroica.’ It is - believed that no such collection of splendid prose has ever been - brought within the compass of one volume. Each piece, whether - containing a character-sketch or incident, is complete in itself. - The book will be finely printed and bound. - -=Robbins.= THE EARLY LIFE OF WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE. By A. F. ROBBINS. - _With Portraits. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A full account of the early part of Mr. Gladstone’s extraordinary - career, based on much research, and containing a good deal of new - matter, especially with regard to his school and college days. - -=Baring Gould.= THE DESERTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL FRANCE. By S. BARING GOULD, - With numerous Illustrations by F. D. BEDFORD, S. HUTTON, etc. _2 - vols. Demy 8vo. 32s._ - - This book is the first serious attempt to describe the great barren - tableland that extends to the south of Limousin in the Department of - Aveyron, Lot, etc., a country of dolomite cliffs, and canons, and - subterranean rivers. The region is full of prehistoric and historic - interest, relics of cave-dwellers, of mediæval robbers, and of the - English domination and the Hundred Years’ War. The book is lavishly - illustrated. - -=Baring Gould.= A GARLAND OF COUNTRY SONG: English Folk Songs with their - traditional melodies. Collected and arranged by S. BARING GOULD and - H. FLEETWOOD SHEPPARD. _Royal 8vo. 6s._ - - In collecting West of England airs for ‘Songs of the West,’ the - editors came across a number of songs and airs of considerable - merit, which were known throughout England and could not justly be - regarded as belonging to Devon and Cornwall. Some fifty of these are - now given to the world. - -=Oliphant.= THE FRENCH RIVIERA. By Mrs. OLIPHANT and F. R. OLIPHANT. - With Illustrations and Maps. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A volume dealing with the French Riviera from Toulon to Mentone. - Without falling within the guide-book category, the book will supply - some useful practical information, while occupying itself chiefly - with descriptive and historical matter. A special feature will be - the attention directed to those portions of the Riviera, which, - though full of interest and easily accessible from many - well-frequented spots, are generally left unvisited by English - travellers, such as the Maures Mountains and the St. Tropez - district, the country lying between Cannes, Grasse and the Var, and - the magnificent valleys behind Nice. There will be several original - illustrations. - -=George.= BRITISH BATTLES. By H. B. GEORGE, M.A., Fellow of New College, - Oxford. _With numerous Plans. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -This book, by a well-known authority on military history, will be an - important contribution to the literature of the subject. All the great - battles of English history are fully described, connecting chapters - carefully treat of the changes wrought by new discoveries and - developments, and the healthy spirit of patriotism is nowhere absent - from the pages. - -=Shedlock.= THE PIANOFORTE SONATA: Its Origin and Development. By J. S. - SHEDLOCK. _Crown 8vo. 5s._ - - This is a practical and not unduly technical account of the Sonata - treated historically. It contains several novel features, and an - account of various works little known to the English public. - -=Jenks.= ENGLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. By E. JENKS, M.A., Professor of Law - at University College, Liverpool. _Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - A short account of Local Government, historical and explanatory, which - will appear very opportunely. - -=Dixon.= A PRIMER OF TENNYSON. By W. M. DIXON, M. A., Professor of - English Literature at Mason College. _Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d._ - - This book consists of (1) a succinct but complete biography of Lord - Tennyson; (2) an account of the volumes published by him in - chronological order, dealing with the more important poems - separately; (3) a concise criticism of Tennyson in his various - aspects as lyrist, dramatist, and representative poet of his day; - (4) a bibliography. Such a complete book on such a subject, and at - such a moderate price, should find a host of readers. - -=Oscar Browning.= THE AGE OF THE CONDOTTIERI: A Short History of Italy - from 1409 to 1530. By OSCAR BROWNING, M.A., Fellow of King’s - College, Cambridge. _Crown 8vo. 5s._ - - This book is a continuation of Mr. Browning’s ‘Guelphs and - Ghibellines,’ and the two works form a complete account of Italian - history from 1250 to 1530. - -=Layard.= RELIGION IN BOYHOOD. Notes on the Religious Training of Boys. - With a Preface by J. R. ILLINGWORTH. by E. B. LAYARD, M.A. 18_mo._ - 1_s._ - -=Hutton.= THE VACCINATION QUESTION. A Letter to the Right Hon. H. H. - ASQUITH, M.P. by A. W. HUTTON, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 1s._ - - - Leaders of Religion - _NEW VOLUMES_ - _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - -LANCELOT ANDREWES, Bishop of Winchester. By R. L. OTTLEY, Principal of - Pusey House, Oxford, and Fellow of Magdalen. _With Portrait._ - -St. AUGUSTINE of Canterbury. By E. L. CUTTS, D.D. _With a Portrait._ - -THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. _With a Portrait. Second Edition._ - -JOHN KEBLE. By WALTER LOCK, Sub-Warden of Keble College. _With a - Portrait. Seventh Edition._ - - - English Classics - Edited by W. E. HENLEY. - -Messrs. Methuen propose to publish, under this title, a series of the - masterpieces of the English tongue. - -The ordinary ‘cheap edition’ appears to have served its purpose: the - public has found out the artist-printer, and is now ready for - something better fashioned. This, then, is the moment for the issue of - such a series as, while well within the reach of the average buyer, - shall be at once an ornament to the shelf of him that owns, and a - delight to the eye of him that reads. - -The series, of which Mr. William Ernest Henley is the general editor, - will confine itself to no single period or department of literature. - Poetry, fiction, drama, biography, autobiography, letters, essays—in - all these fields is the material of many goodly volumes. - -The books, which are designed and printed by Messrs. Constable, will be - issued in two editions— - -(1) A small edition, on the finest Japanese vellum, limited in most - cases to 75 copies, demy 8vo, 21_s._ a volume nett; - -(2) The popular edition on laid paper, crown 8vo, buckram, 3_s._ 6_d._ a - volume. - - The first six numbers are:— - -THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY. By LAWRENCE STERNE. With an - Introduction by CHARLES WHIBLEY, and a Portrait. 2 _vols._ - -THE WORKS OF WILLIAM CONGREVE. With an Introduction by G. S. STREET, and - a Portrait. 2 _vols._ - -THE LIVES OF DONNE, WOTTON, HOOKER, HERBERT, and SANDERSON. By IZAAK - WALTON. With an Introduction by VERNON BLACKBURN, and a Portrait. - -THE ADVENTURES OF HADJI BABA OF ISPAHAN. By JAMES MORIER. With an - Introduction by E. S. BROWNE, M.A. - -THE POEMS OF ROBERT BURNS. With an Introduction by W. E. HENLEY, and a - Portrait. 2 _vols._ - -THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS. By SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. With an - Introduction by JAMES HEPBURN MILLAR, and a Portrait. 3 _vols._ - - - Classical Translations - _NEW VOLUMES_ - _Crown 8vo. Finely printed and bound in blue buckram._ - -LUCIAN—Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, Icaro-Menippus, The Cock, The Ship, The - Parasite, The Lover of Falsehood). Translated by S. T. IRWIN, M.A., - Assistant Master at Clifton; late Scholar of Exeter College, Oxford. - 3_s._ 6_d._ - -SOPHOCLES—Electra and Ajax. Translated by E. D. A. MORSHEAD, M.A., late - Scholar of New College, Oxford; Assistant Master at Winchester. - 2_s._ 6_d._ - -TACITUS—Agricola and Germania. Translated by R. B. TOWNSHEND, late - Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. 2_s._ 6_d._ - -CICERO—Select Orations (Pro Milone, Pro Murena, Philippic II., In - Catilinam). Translated by H. E. D. BLAKISTON, M.A., Fellow and Tutor - of Trinity College, Oxford. 5_s._ - - - University Extension Series - _NEW VOLUMES. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - -THE EARTH. An Introduction to Physiography. By EVAN SMALL, M.A. - _Illustrated._ - -INSECT LIFE. By F. W. THEOBALD, M.A. _Illustrated._ - - - Social Questions of To-day - _NEW VOLUME. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - -WOMEN’S WORK. By LADY DILKE, MISS BULLEY, and MISS WHITLEY. - - - Cheaper Editions - -=Baring Gould.= THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS: The Emperors of the Julian - and Claudian Lines. With numerous Illustrations from Busts, Gems, - Cameos, etc. By S. BARING GOULD, Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. _Third - Edition._ _Royal 8vo._ 15_s._ - - ‘A most splendid and fascinating book on a subject of undying - interest. The great feature of the book is the use the author has - made of the existing portraits of the Caesars, and the admirable - critical subtlety he has exhibited in dealing with this line of - research. It is brilliantly written, and the illustrations are - supplied on a scale of profuse magnificence.’—_Daily Chronicle._ - -=Clark Russell.= THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD. By W. CLARK - RUSSELL, Author of ‘The Wreck of the Grosvenor.’ With Illustrations - by F. BRANGWYN. _Second Edition. 8vo. 6s._ - - ‘A most excellent and wholesome book, which we should like to see in - the hands of every boy in the country.’—_St. James’s Gazette._ - - - Fiction - -=Baring Gould.= KITTY ALONE. By S. BARING GOULD, Author of ‘Mehalah,’ - ‘Cheap Jack Zita,’ etc. _3 vols. Crown 8vo._ - - A romance of Devon life. - -=Norris.= MATTHEW AUSTIN. By W. E. NORRIS, Author of ‘Mdle. de Mersai,’ - etc. _3 vols. Crown 8vo._ in 4 A story of English social life by the - well-known author of ‘The Rogue.’ - -=Parker.= THE TRAIL OF THE SWORD. By GILBERT PARKER, Author of ‘Pierre - and his People,’ etc. _2 vols. Crown 8vo._ - - A historical romance dealing with a stirring period in the history of - Canada. - -=Anthony Hope.= THE GOD IN THE CAR. By ANTHONY HOPE, Author of ‘A Change - of Air,’ etc. 2 VOLS. CROWN 8VO. - - A story of modern society by the clever author of ‘The Prisoner of - Zenda.’ - -=Mrs. Watson.= THIS MAN’S DOMINION. By the Author of ‘A High Little - World.’ _2 vols. Crown 8vo._ - - A story of the conflict between love and religious scruple. - -=Conan Doyle.= ROUND THE RED LAMP. By A. CONAN DOYLE, Author of ‘The - White Company,’ ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,’ etc. _Crown - 8vo. 6s._ - - This volume, by the well-known author of ‘The Refugees,’ contains the - experiences of a general practitioner, round whose ‘Red Lamp’ - cluster many dramas—some sordid, some terrible. The author makes an - attempt to draw a few phases of life from the point of view of the - man who lives and works behind the lamp. - -=Barr.= IN THE MIDST OF ALARMS. By ROBERT BARR, Author of ‘From Whose - Bourne,’ etc. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A story of journalism and Fenians, told with much vigour and humour. - -=Benson.= SUBJECT TO VANITY. By MARGARET BENSON. With numerous - Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - A volume of humorous and sympathetic sketches of animal life and home - pets. - -=X. L.= AUT DIABOLUS AUT NIHIL, and Other Stories. By X. L. _Crown 8vo. - 3s. 6d._ - - A collection of stories of much weird power. The title story appeared - some years ago in ‘Blackwood’s Magazine,’ and excited considerable - attention. The ‘Spectator’ spoke of it as ‘distinctly original, and - in the highest degree imaginative. The conception, if - self-generated, is almost as lofty as Milton’s.’ - -=Morrison.= LIZERUNT, and other East End Idylls. By ARTHUR MORRISON. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A volume of sketches of East End life, some of which have appeared in - the ‘National Observer,’ and have been much praised for their truth - and strength and pathos. - -=O’Grady.= THE COMING OF CURCULAIN. By STANDISH O’GRADY, Author of ‘Finn - and his Companions,’ etc. Illustrated by MURRAY SMITH. _Crown 8vo. - 3s. 6d._ - - The story of the boyhood of one of the legendary heroes of Ireland. - - - New Editions - -=E. F. Benson.= THE RUBICON. By E. F. BENSON, Author of ‘Dodo.’ _Fourth - Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - Mr. Benson’s second novel has been, in its two volume form, almost as - great a success as his first. The ‘Birmingham Post’ says it is - ‘_well written, stimulating, unconventional, and, in a word, - characteristic_’: the ‘National Observer’ congratulates Mr. Benson - upon ‘_an exceptional achievement_,’ and calls the book ‘_a notable - advance on his previous work_.’ - -=Stanley Weyman.= UNDER THE RED ROBE. By STANLEY WEYMAN, Author of ‘A - Gentleman of France.’ With Twelve Illustrations by R. Caton - Woodville. _Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A cheaper edition of a book which won instant popularity. No - unfavourable review occurred, and most critics spoke in terms of - enthusiastic admiration. The ‘Westminster Gazette’ called it ‘_a - book of which we have read every word for the sheer pleasure of - reading, and which we put down with a pang that we cannot forget it - all and start again_.’ The ‘Daily Chronicle’ said that ‘_every one - who reads books at all must read this thrilling romance, from the - first page of which to the last the breathless reader is haled - along_.’ It also called the book ‘_an inspiration of manliness and - courage_.’ The ‘Globe’ called it ‘_a delightful tale of chivalry and - adventure, vivid and dramatic, with a wholesome modesty and - reverence for the highest_.’ - -=Baring Gould.= THE QUEEN OF LOVE. By S. BARING GOULD, Author of ‘Cheap - Jack Zita,’ etc. _Second Edition. Crown 8vo, 6s._.in 2 - - ‘The scenery is admirable and the dramatic incidents most - striking.’—_Glasgow Herald._ - - ‘Strong, interesting, and clever.’—_Westminster Gazette._ - - ‘You cannot put it down till you have finished it.’—_Punch._ - - ‘Can be heartily recommended to all who care for cleanly, energetic, - and interesting fiction.’—_Sussex Daily News._ - -=Mrs. Oliphant.= THE PRODIGALS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. _Second Edition. Crown - 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - -=Richard Pryce.= WINIFRED MOUNT. By RICHARD PRYCE. _Second Edition. - Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - The ‘Sussex Daily News’ called this book ‘_a delightful story_’, and - said that the writing was ‘_uniformly bright and graceful_.’ The - ‘Daily Telegraph’ said that the author was a ‘_deft and elegant - story-teller_,’ and that the book was ‘_an extremely clever story, - utterly untainted by pessimism or vulgarity_.’ - -=Constance Smith.= A CUMBERER OF THE GROUND. By CONSTANCE SMITH, Author - of ‘The Repentance of Paul Wentworth,’ etc. _New Edition. Crown 8vo. - 3s. 6d._ - - - School Books - -A VOCABULARY OF LATIN IDIOMS AND PHRASES. By A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. - 18_mo._ 1_s._ - -STEPS TO GREEK. By A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. 18mo. 1_s._ 6_d._ - -A SHORTER GREEK PRIMER OF ACCIDENCE AND SYNTAX. By A. M. M. STEDMAN, - M.A. _Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d._ - -SELECTIONS FROM THE ODYSSEY. With Introduction and Notes. By E. D. - STONE, M.A., late Assistant Master at Eton. _Fcap. 8vo. 2s._ - -THE ELEMENTS OF ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM. With numerous Illustrations. - By R. G. STEEL, M. A., Head Master of the Technical Schools, - Northampton. _Crown 8vo. 4s. 6d._ - -THE ENGLISH CITIZEN: HIS RIGHTS AND DUTIES. By H. E. MALDEN, M.A. _Crown - 8vo. 1s. 6d._ A simple account of the privileges and duties of the - English citizen. - -INDEX POETARUM LATINORUM. By E. F. BENECKE, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 4s. 6d._ A - concordance to Latin Lyric Poetry. - - - Commercial Series - -A PRIMER OF BUSINESS. By S. JACKSON, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d._ - -COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. By F. G. TAYLOR. _Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d._ - - - =New and Recent Books= - - Poetry - -=Rudyard Kipling.= BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS; And Other Verses. By RUDYARD - KIPLING. _Seventh Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A Special Presentation Edition, bound in white buckram, with extra - gilt ornament. 7_s._ 6_d._ - - ‘Mr. Kipling’s verse is strong, vivid, full of character.... - Unmistakable genius rings in every line.’—_Times._ - - ‘The disreputable lingo of Cockayne is henceforth justified before the - world; for a man of genius has taken it in hand, and has shown, - beyond all cavilling, that in its way it also is a medium for - literature. You are grateful, and you say to yourself, half in envy - and half in admiration: “Here is a _book_; here, or one is a - Dutchman, is one of the books of the year.”’—_National Observer._ - - ‘“Barrack-Room Ballads” contains some of the best work that Mr. - Kipling has ever done, which is saying a good deal. “Fuzzy-Wuzzy,” - “Gunga Din,” and “Tommy,” are, in our opinion, altogether superior - to anything of the kind that English literature has hitherto - produced.’—_Athenæum._ - - ‘These ballads are as wonderful in their descriptive power as they are - vigorous in their dramatic force. There are few ballads in the - English language more stirring than “The Ballad of East and West,” - worthy to stand by the Border ballads of Scott.’—_Spectator._ - - ‘The ballads teem with imagination, they palpitate with emotion. We - read them with laughter and tears; the metres throb in our pulses, - the cunningly ordered words tingle with life; and if this be not - poetry, what is?’—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - -=Henley.= LYRA HEROICA: An Anthology selected from the best English - Verse of the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries. By WILLIAM ERNEST - HENLEY, Author of ‘A Book of Verse,’ ‘Views and Reviews,’ etc. - _Crown 8vo. Stamped gilt buckram, gilt top, edges uncut. 6s._ - - ‘Mr. Henley has brought to the task of selection an instinct alike for - poetry and for chivalry which seems to us quite wonderfully, and - even unerringly, right.’—_Guardian._ - -=Tomson.= A SUMMER NIGHT, AND OTHER POEMS. By GRAHAM R. TOMSON. With - Frontispiece by A. TOMSON. _Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - An edition on hand-made paper, limited to 50 copies. 10_s._ 6_d._ - _net._ - - ‘Mrs. Tomson holds perhaps the very highest rank among poetesses of - English birth. This selection will help her reputation.’—_Black and - White._ - -=Ibsen.= BRAND. A Drama by HENRIK IBSEN. Translated by WILLIAM WILSON. - _Crown 8vo. Second Edition. 3s. 6d._ - - ‘The greatest world-poem of the nineteenth century next to “Faust.” - “Brand” will have an astonishing interest for Englishmen. It is in - the same set with “Agamemnon,” with “Lear,” with the literature that - we now instinctively regard as high and holy.’—_Daily Chronicle._ - -=“Q.”= GREEN BAYS: Verses and Parodies. By “Q.,” Author of ‘Dead Man’s - Rock’ etc. _Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - ‘The verses display a rare and versatile gift of parody, great command - of metre, and a very pretty turn of humour.’—_Times._ - -=“A. G.”= VERSES TO ORDER. By “A. G.” _Cr. 8vo. 2s.6d. net._ - - A small volume of verse by a writer whose initials are well known to - Oxford men. - - ‘A capital specimen of light academic poetry. These verses are very - bright and engaging, easy and sufficiently witty.’—_St. James’s - Gazette._ - -=Hosken.= VERSES BY THE WAY. By J. D. HOSKEN. _Crown 8vo. 5s._ - - A small edition on hand-made paper. _Price 12s. 6d. net._ - - A Volume of Lyrics and Sonnets by J. D. Hosken, the Postman Poet. Q, - the Author of ‘The Splendid Spur,’ writes a critical and - biographical introduction. - -=Gale.= CRICKET SONGS. By NORMAN GALE. _Crown 8vo. Linen. 2s. 6d._ - - Also a limited edition on hand-made paper. _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net._ - - ‘They are wrung out of the excitement of the moment, and palpitate - with the spirit of the game.’—_Star._ - - ‘As healthy as they are spirited, and ought to have a great - success.’—_Times._ - - ‘Simple, manly, and humorous. Every cricketer should buy the - book.’—_Westminster Gazette._ - - ‘Cricket has never known such a singer.’—_Cricket._ - -=Langbridge.= BALLADS OF THE BRAVE: Poems of Chivalry, Enterprise, - Courage, and Constancy, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. - Edited, with Notes, by Rev. F. LANGBRIDGE. _Crown 8vo. Buckram 3s. - 6d._ School Edition, _2s. 6d._ - - ‘A very happy conception happily carried out. These “Ballads of the - Brave” are intended to suit the real tastes of boys, and will suit - the taste of the great majority.’—_Spectator._ - - ‘The book is full of splendid things.’—_World._ - - - General Literature - -=Collingwood.= JOHN RUSKIN: His Life and Work. By W. G. COLLINGWOOD, - M.A., late Scholar of University College, Oxford, Author of the ‘Art - Teaching of John Ruskin,’ Editor of Mr. Ruskin’s Poems. _2 vols. - 8vo. 32s. Second Edition._ - - This important work is written by Mr. Collingwood, who has been for - some years Mr. Ruskin’s private secretary, and who has had unique - advantages in obtaining materials for this book from Mr. Ruskin - himself and from his friends. It contains a large amount of new - matter, and of letters which have never been published, and is, in - fact, a full and authoritative biography of Mr. Ruskin. The book - contains numerous portraits of Mr. Ruskin, including a coloured one - from a water-colour portrait by himself, and also 13 sketches, never - before published, by Mr. Ruskin and Mr. Arthur Severn. A - bibliography is added. - - ‘No more magnificent volumes have been published for a long - time....’—_Times._ - - ‘This most lovingly written and most profoundly interesting - book.’—_Daily News._ - - ‘It is long since we have had a biography with such varied delights of - substance and of form. Such a book is a pleasure for the day, and a - joy for ever.’—_Daily Chronicle._ - - ‘Mr. Ruskin could not well have been more fortunate in his - biographer.’—_Globe._ - - ‘A noble monument of a noble subject. One of the most beautiful books - about one of the noblest lives of our century.’—_Glasgow Herald._ - -=Gladstone.= THE SPEECHES AND PUBLIC ADDRESSES OF THE RT. HON. W. E. - GLADSTONE, M.P. With Notes and Introductions. Edited by A. W. - HUTTON, M.A. (Librarian of the Gladstone Library), and H. J. COHEN, - M.A. With Portraits. _8vo. Vols. IX. and X. 12s. 6d. each._ - -=Clark Russell.= THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD. By W. CLARK - RUSSELL, Author of ‘The Wreck of the Grosvenor.’ With Illustrations - by F. BRANGWYN. _Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - ‘A really good book.’—_Saturday Review._ - - ‘A most excellent and wholesome book, which we should like to see in - the hands of every boy in the country.’—_St. James’s Gazette._ - -=Clark.= THE COLLEGES OF OXFORD: Their History and their Traditions. By - Members of the University. Edited by A. CLARK, M.A., Fellow and - Tutor of Lincoln College. _8vo. 12s. 6d._ - - ‘Whether the reader approaches the book as a patriotic member of a - college, as an antiquary, or as a student of the organic growth of - college foundation, it will amply reward his attention.’—_Times._ - - ‘A delightful book, learned and lively.’—_Academy._ - - ‘A work which will certainly be appealed to for many years as the - standard book on the Colleges of Oxford.’—_Athenæum._ - -=Wells.= OXFORD AND OXFORD LIFE. By Members of the University. Edited by - J. WELLS, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Wadham College. _Crown 8vo. 3s. - 6d._ - - This work contains an account of life at Oxford—intellectual, social, - and religious—a careful estimate of necessary expenses, a review of - recent changes, a statement of the present position of the - University, and chapters on Women’s Education, aids to study, and - University Extension. - - ‘We congratulate Mr. Wells on the production of a readable and - intelligent account of Oxford as it is at the present time, - written by persons who are, with hardly an exception, possessed of - a close acquaintance with the system and life of the - University.’—_Athenæum._ - -=Perrens.= THE HISTORY OF FLORENCE FROM THE TIME OF THE MEDICIS TO THE - FALL OF THE REPUBLIC. By F. T. PERRENS. Translated by HANNAH LYNCH. - _In Three Volumes. Vol. I. 8vo. 12s. 6d._ - - This is a translation from the French of the best history of Florence - in existence. This volume covers a period of profound - interest—political and literary—and is written with great vivacity. - - ‘This is a standard book by an honest and intelligent historian, who - has deserved well of his countrymen, and of all who are interested - in Italian history.’—_Manchester Guardian._ - -=Browning.= GUELPHS AND GHIBELLINES: A Short History of Mediæval Italy, - A.D. 1250-1409. By OSCAR BROWNING, Fellow and Tutor of King’s - College, Cambridge. _Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s._ - - ‘A very able book.’—_Westminster Gazette._ - - ‘A vivid picture of mediæval Italy.’—_Standard._ - -=O’Grady.= THE STORY OF IRELAND. By STANDISH O’GRADY, Author of ‘Finn - and his Companions.’ _Cr. 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - ‘Novel and very fascinating history. Wonderfully alluring.’—_Cork - Examiner._ - - ‘Most delightful, most stimulating. Its racy humour, its original - imaginings, its perfectly unique history, make it one of the - freshest, breeziest volumes.’—_Methodist Times._ - - ‘A survey at once graphic, acute, and quaintly written.’—_Times._ - -=Dixon.= ENGLISH POETRY FROM BLAKE TO BROWNING. By W. M. DIXON, M.A. - _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - A Popular Account of the Poetry of the Century. - - ‘Scholarly in conception, and full of sound and suggestive - criticism.’—_Times._ - - ‘The book is remarkable for freshness of thought expressed in graceful - language.’—_Manchester Examiner._ - -=Bowden.= THE EXAMPLE OF BUDDHA: Being Quotations from Buddhist - Literature for each Day in the Year. Compiled by E. M. BOWDEN. With - Preface by Sir EDWIN ARNOLD. _Third Edition. 16mo. 2s. 6d._ - -=Flinders Petrie.= TELL EL AMARNA. By W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE, D.C.L. With - chapters by Professor A. H. SAYCE, D.D.; F. LL. GRIFFITH, F.S.A.; - and F. C. J. SPURRELL, F.G.S. With numerous coloured illustrations. - _Royal 4to. 20s. net._ - -=Massee.= A MONOGRAPH OF THE MYXOGASTRES. By GEORGE MASSEE. With 12 - Coloured Plates. _Royal 8vo. 18s. net._ - - ‘A work much in advance of any book in the language treating of this - group of organisms. It is indispensable to every student of the - Myxogastres. The coloured plates deserve high praise for their - accuracy and execution.’—_Nature._ - -=Bushill.= PROFIT SHARING AND THE LABOUR QUESTION. By T. W. BUSHILL, a - Profit Sharing Employer. With an Introduction by SEDLEY TAYLOR, - Author of ‘Profit Sharing between Capital and Labour.’ _Crown 8vo. - 2s. 6d._ - -=John Beever.= PRACTICAL FLY-FISHING, Founded on Nature, by JOHN BEEVER, - late of the Thwaite House, Coniston. A New Edition, with a Memoir of - the Author by W. G. COLLINGWOOD, M.A. Also additional Notes and a - chapter on Char-Fishing, by A. and A. R. SEVERN. With a specially - designed title-page. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - A little book on Fly-Fishing by an old friend of Mr. Ruskin. It has - been out of print for some time, and being still much in request, is - now issued with a Memoir of the Author by W. G. Collingwood. - - - Theology - -=Driver.= SERMONS ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE OLD TESTAMENT. By S. R. - DRIVER, D.D., Canon of Christ Church, Regius Professor of Hebrew in - the University of Oxford. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - ‘A welcome companion to the author’s famous ‘Introduction.’ No man can - read these discourses without feeling that Dr. Driver is fully alive - to the deeper teaching of the Old Testament.’—_Guardian._ - -=Cheyne.= FOUNDERS OF OLD TESTAMENT CRITICISM: Biographical, - Descriptive, and Critical Studies. By T. K. CHEYNE, D.D., Oriel - Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at Oxford. _Large - crown 8vo. 7s. 6d._ - - This important book is a historical sketch of O.T. Criticism in the - form of biographical studies from the days of Eichhorn to those of - Driver and Robertson Smith. It is the only book of its kind in - English. - - ‘The volume is one of great interest and value. It displays all the - author’s well-known ability and learning, and its opportune - publication has laid all students of theology, and specially of - Bible criticism, under weighty obligation.’—_Scotsman._ - - ‘A very learned and instructive work.’—_Times._ - -=Prior.= CAMBRIDGE SERMONS. Edited by C. H. PRIOR, M.A., Fellow and - Tutor of Pembroke College. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A volume of sermons preached before the University of Cambridge by - various preachers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop - Westcott. - - ‘A representative collection. Bishop Westcott’s is a noble - sermon.’—_Guardian._ - - ‘Full of thoughtfulness and dignity.’—_Record._ - -=Beeching.= BRADFIELD SERMONS. Sermons by H. C. BEECHING, M.A., Rector - of Yattendon, Berks. With a Preface by CANON SCOTT HOLLAND. _Crown - 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - Seven sermons preached before the boys of Bradfield College. - -=James.= CURIOSITIES OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY PRIOR TO THE REFORMATION. By - CROAKE JAMES, Author of ‘Curiosities of Law and Lawyers.’ _Crown - 8vo. 7s. 6d._ - - ‘This volume contains a great deal of quaint and curious matter, - affording some “particulars of the interesting persons, episodes, - and events from the Christian’s point of view during the first - fourteen centuries.” Wherever we dip into his pages we find - something worth dipping into.’—_John Bull._ - -=Kaufmann.= CHARLES KINGSLEY. By M. KAUFMANN, M.A. _Crown 8vo. Buckram. - 5s._ - - A biography of Kingsley, especially dealing with his achievements in - social reform. - - ‘The author has certainly gone about his work with conscientiousness - and industry.’—_Sheffield Daily Telegraph._ - - - Leaders of Religion - Edited by H. C. BEECHING, M.A. _With Portraits, crown 8vo._ - - 2/6 & 3/6 - A series of short biographies of the most prominent - leaders of religious life and thought of all ages and countries. - - The following are ready— =2s. 6d.= - -CARDINAL NEWMAN. By R. H. HUTTON. _Second Edition._ - - ‘Few who read this book will fail to be struck by the wonderful - insight it displays into the nature of the Cardinal’s genius and the - spirit of his life.’—WILFRID WARD, in the _Tablet_. - - ‘Full of knowledge, excellent in method, and intelligent in criticism. - We regard it as wholly admirable.’—_Academy._ - -JOHN WESLEY. By J. H. OVERTON, M.A. - - ‘It is well done: the story is clearly told, proportion is duly - observed, and there is no lack either of discrimination or of - sympathy.’—_Manchester Guardian._ - -BISHOP WILBERFORCE. By G. W. DANIEL, M.A. - -CARDINAL MANNING. By A. W. HUTTON, M.A. - -CHARLES SIMEON. By H. C. G. MOULE, M.A. - - 3s. 6d. - -JOHN KEBLE. By WALTER LOCK, M.A. _Seventh Edition._ - -THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. _Second Edition._ - - Other volumes will be announced in due course. - - - Works by S. Baring Gould - -OLD COUNTRY LIFE. With Sixty-seven Illustrations by W. PARKINSON, F. D. - BEDFORD, and F. MASEY. _Large Crown 8vo, cloth super extra, top edge - gilt, 10s. 6d. Fourth and Cheaper Edition. 6s._ - - ‘“Old Country Life,” as healthy wholesome reading, full of breezy life - and movement, full of quaint stories vigorously told, will not be - excelled by any book to be published throughout the year. Sound, - hearty, and English to the core.’—_World._ - -HISTORIC ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. _Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - ‘A collection of exciting and entertaining chapters. The whole volume - is delightful reading.’—_Times._ - -FREAKS OF FANATICISM. _Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - ‘Mr. Baring Gould has a keen eye for colour and effect, and the - subjects he has chosen give ample scope to his descriptive and - analytic faculties. A perfectly fascinating book.’—_Scottish - Leader._ - -SONGS OF THE WEST: Traditional Ballads and Songs of the West of England, - with their Traditional Melodies. Collected by S. BARING GOULD, M.A., - and H. FLEETWOOD SHEPPARD, M.A. Arranged for Voice and Piano. In 4 - Parts (containing 25 Songs each), _Parts I., II., III., 3s. each. - Part IV., 5s. In one Vol., French morocco, 15s._ - - ‘A rich and varied collection of humour, pathos, grace, and poetic - fancy.’—_Saturday Review._ - -YORKSHIRE ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. _Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -STRANGE SURVIVALS AND SUPERSTITIONS. With Illustrations. By S. BARING - GOULD. _Crown 8vo. Second Edition. 6s._ - - A book on such subjects as Foundations, Gables, Holes, Gallows, - Raising the Hat, Old Ballads, etc. etc. It traces in a most - interesting manner their origin and history. - - ‘We have read Mr. Baring Gould’s book from beginning to end. It is - full of quaint and various information, and there is not a dull page - in it.’—_Notes and Queries._ - -_THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS_: The Emperors of the Julian and Claudian - Lines. With numerous Illustrations from Busts, Gems, Cameos, etc. By - S. BARING GOULD, Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. _Third Edition. Royal - 8vo. 15s._ - - ‘A most splendid and fascinating book on a subject of undying - interest. The great feature of the book is the use the author has - made of the existing portraits of the Caesars, and the admirable - critical subtlety he has exhibited in dealing with this line of - research. It is brilliantly written, and the illustrations are - supplied on a scale of profuse magnificence.’—_Daily Chronicle._ - - ‘The volumes will in no sense disappoint the general reader. Indeed, - in their way, there is nothing in any sense so good in English.... - Mr. Baring Gould has presented his narrative in such a way as not to - make one dull page.’—_Athenæum._ - - _MR. BARING GOULD’S NOVELS_ - -‘To say that a book is by the author of “Mehalah” is to imply that it - contains a story cast on strong lines, containing dramatic - possibilities, vivid and sympathetic descriptions of Nature, and a - wealth of ingenious imagery.’—_Speaker._ - -‘That whatever Mr. Baring Gould writes is well worth reading, is a - conclusion that may be very generally accepted. His views of life are - fresh and vigorous, his language pointed and characteristic, the - incidents of which he makes use are striking and original, his - characters are life-like, and though somewhat exceptional people, are - drawn and coloured with artistic force. Add to this that his - descriptions of scenes and scenery are painted with the loving eyes - and skilled hands of a master of his art, that he is always fresh and - never dull, and under such conditions it is no wonder that readers - have gained confidence both in his power of amusing and satisfying - them, and that year by year his popularity widens.’—_Court Circular._ - - =SIX SHILLINGS EACH= - - IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA: A Tale of the Cornish Coast. - MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN. - CHEAP JACK ZITA. - THE QUEEN OF LOVE. - - =THREE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE EACH= - - ARMINELL: A Social Romance. - URITH: A Story of Dartmoor. - MARGERY OF QUETHER, and other Stories. - JACQUETTA, and other Stories. - - - Fiction - - SIX SHILLING NOVELS - -=Corelli.= BARABBAS: A DREAM OF THE WORLD’S TRAGEDY. By MARIE CORELLI, - Author of ‘A Romance of Two Worlds,’ ‘Vendetta,’ etc. _Eleventh - Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - Miss Corelli’s new romance has been received with much disapprobation - by the secular papers, and with warm welcome by the religious - papers. By the former she has been accused of blasphemy and bad - taste; ‘a gory nightmare’; ‘a hideous travesty’; ‘grotesque - vulgarisation’; ‘unworthy of criticism’; ‘vulgar redundancy’; - ‘sickening details’—these are some of the secular flowers of speech. - On the other hand, the ‘Guardian’ praises ‘the dignity of its - conceptions, the reserve round the Central Figure, the fine imagery - of the scene and circumstance, so much that is elevating and - devout’; the ‘Illustrated Church News’ styles the book ‘reverent and - artistic, broad based on the rock of our common nature, and - appealing to what is best in it’; the ‘Christian World’ says it is - written ‘by one who has more than conventional reverence, who has - tried to tell the story that it may be read again with open and - attentive eyes’; the ‘Church of England Pulpit’ welcomes ‘a book - which teems with faith without any appearance of irreverence.’ - -=Benson.= DODO: A DETAIL OF THE DAY. By E. F. BENSON. _Crown 8vo. - Fourteenth Edition. 6s._ - - A story of society by a new writer, full of interest and power, which - has attracted by its brilliance universal attention. The best - critics were cordial in their praise. The ‘Guardian’ spoke of ‘Dodo’ - as _unusually clever and interesting_; the ‘Spectator’ called it _a - delightfully witty sketch of society_; the ‘Speaker’ said the - dialogue was _a perpetual feast of epigram and paradox_; the - ‘Athenæum’ spoke of the author as _a writer of quite exceptional - ability_; the ‘Academy’ praised his _amazing cleverness_; the - ‘World’ said the book was _brilliantly written_; and half-a-dozen - papers declared there _was not a dull page in the book_. - -=Baring Gould.= IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA: A Tale of the Cornish Coast. By - S. BARING GOULD. _New Edition. 6s._ - -=Baring Gould.= MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN. By S. BARING GOULD. _Third - Edition. 6s._ - - A story of Devon life. The ‘Graphic’ speaks of it as _a novel of - vigorous humour and sustained power_; the ‘Sussex Daily News’ says - that _the swing of the narrative is splendid_; and the ‘Speaker’ - mentions _its bright imaginative power_. - -=Baring Gould.= CHEAP JACK ZITA. By S. BARING GOULD. _Third Edition. - Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - A Romance of the Ely Fen District in 1815, which the ‘Westminster - Gazette’ calls ‘a powerful drama of human passion’; and the - ‘National Observer’ ‘a story worthy the author.’ - -=Baring Gould.= THE QUEEN OF LOVE. By S. BARING GOULD. _Second Edition. - Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - The ‘Glasgow Herald’ says that ‘the scenery is admirable, and the - dramatic incidents are most striking.’ The ‘Westminster Gazette’ - calls the book ‘strong, interesting, and clever.’ ‘Punch’ says that - ‘you cannot put it down until you have finished it.’ ‘The Sussex - Daily News’ says that it ‘can be heartily recommended to all who - care for cleanly, energetic, and interesting fiction.’ - -=Norris.= HIS GRACE. By W. E. NORRIS, Author of ‘Mademoiselle de - Mersac.’ _Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - ‘The characters are delineated by the author with his characteristic - skill and vivacity, and the story is told with that ease of manners - and Thackerayean insight which give strength of flavour to Mr. - Norris’s novels. No one can depict the Englishwoman of the better - classes with more subtlety.’—_Glasgow Herald._ - - ‘Mr. Norris has drawn a really fine character in the Duke of - Hurstbourne, at once unconventional and very true to the - conventionalities of life, weak and strong in a breath, capable of - inane follies and heroic decisions, yet not so definitely portrayed - as to relieve a reader of the necessity of study on his own - behalf.’—_Athenæum._ - -=Parker.= MRS. FALCHION. By GILBERT PARKER, Author of ‘Pierre and His - People.’ _New Edition. 6s._ - - Mr. Parker’s second book has received a warm welcome. The ‘Athenæum’ - called it _a splendid study of character_; the ‘Pall Mall Gazette’ - spoke of the writing as _but little behind anything that has been - done by any writer of our time_; the ‘St. James’s’ called it _a very - striking and admirable novel_; and the ‘Westminster Gazette’ applied - to it the epithet of _distinguished_. - -=Parker.= PIERRE AND HIS PEOPLE. By GILBERT PARKER. _Crown 8vo. Buckram. - 6s._ - - ‘Stories happily conceived and finely executed. There is strength and - genius in Mr. Parker’s style.’—_Daily Telegraph._ - -=Parker.= THE TRANSLATION OF A SAVAGE. By GILBERT PARKER, Author of - ‘Pierre and His People,’ ‘Mrs. Falchion,’ etc. _Crown 8vo. 5s._ - -‘The plot is original and one difficult to work out; but Mr. Parker has - done it with great skill and delicacy. The reader who is not - interested in this original, fresh, and well-told tale must be a - dull person indeed.’—_Daily Chronicle._ - -‘A strong and successful piece of workmanship. The portrait of - Lali, strong, dignified, and pure, is exceptionally well - drawn.’—_Manchester Guardian._ - -‘A very pretty and interesting story, and Mr. Parker tells it with much - skill. The story is one to be read.’—_St. James’s Gazette._ - -=Anthony Hope.= A CHANGE OF AIR: A Novel. 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STEDMAN, M.A. _1s. 6d._ - -EASY SELECTIONS FROM CAESAR—THE HELVETIAN WAR. Edited by A. M. M. - STEDMAN, M.A. _1s._ - -EASY SELECTIONS FROM LIVY—THE KINGS OF ROME. Edited by A. M. M. STEDMAN, - M.A. _1s. 6d._ - -EASY SELECTIONS FROM HERODOTUS—THE PERSIAN WARS. Edited by A. G. - LIDDELL, M.A. _1s. 6d._ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Transcriber’s Note - - The few errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been - corrected, and are noted here. The minor errors in the section of - advertisments have been corrected with no further notice. - - The references are to the page and line in the original. The - following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions. - - 13.19 but I’m up again in a jiff[e]y. Removed. - 29.22 [“]By the wall where the cedar is Added. - 71.9 and no mistake[.] Added. - 119.10 I will [l]ook> up cockfighting Inserted. - 77.26 [‘/“]No, I cannot. Replaced. - 78.8 the withered heads of daffodil[l] Removed. - 130.17 after the man had gone his way[,/.] Replaced. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Kitty Alone (Volume 2 of 3), by S. 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border-bottom: thin dotted gray; } - span.floatright { text-align: right; float: right; width: 9em; min-width: 9em; - max-width: 9em; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Kitty Alone (Volume 2 of 3), by S. Baring Gould - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Kitty Alone (Volume 2 of 3) - A Story of Three Fires - -Author: S. Baring Gould - -Release Date: May 6, 2017 [EBook #54669] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KITTY ALONE (VOLUME 2 OF 3) *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Transcriber’s Note:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please -see the transcriber’s <a href='#endnote'>note</a> at the end of this text -for details regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered -during its preparation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The cover image has been enhanced to include the volume number and, as -amended, is added to the public domain.</p> -<div class='htmlonly'> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_I'>I</span><span class='xlarge'>KITTY ALONE</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_II'>II</span>MORRISON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_III'>III</span> - <h1 class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>KITTY ALONE</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>A STORY OF THREE FIRES</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>BY</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>S. BARING GOULD</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>AUTHOR OF</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>“IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA” “THE QUEEN OF LOVE”</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>“MEHALAH” “CHEAP JACK ZITA” ETC. ETC.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='sc'>In Three Volumes</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='sc'>Vol. II</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>METHUEN & CO.</div> - <div>36 ESSEX STREET, W.C.</div> - <div>LONDON</div> - <div>1894</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CONTENTS OF VOL. II</h2> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='13%' /> -<col width='76%' /> -<col width='9%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='small'>CHAP.</span></td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - <td class='c009'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c008'>SUGGESTIONS OF EVIL</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_7'>7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XX.</td> - <td class='c008'>A FACE IN THE WATER</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_19'>19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c008'>AN OFFER</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_28'>28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c008'>A RACE FOR LIFE</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_37'>37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c008'>BORROWING</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_45'>45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIV.</td> - <td class='c008'>SHAVINGS</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_55'>55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXV.</td> - <td class='c008'>BORROWING AGAIN</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_64'>64</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXVI.</td> - <td class='c008'>SILVER PENINKS</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_73'>73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXVII.</td> - <td class='c008'>TROUBLE</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_83'>83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXVIII.</td> - <td class='c008'>ALTERNATIVES</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_92'>92</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIX.</td> - <td class='c008'>A FRIEND GAINED</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_104'>104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXX.</td> - <td class='c008'>UNDER THE MULBERRY TREE</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_111'>111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXI.</td> - <td class='c008'>ON MISCHIEF BENT</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_122'>122</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXII.</td> - <td class='c008'>JASON IN THE WAY</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_132'>132</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXIII.</td> - <td class='c008'>ONE CRIME LEADS TO ANOTHER</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_140'>140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXIV.</td> - <td class='c008'>AND YET ANOTHER</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_149'>149</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXV.</td> - <td class='c008'>UNSUCCESSFUL</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_159'>159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXVI.</td> - <td class='c008'>ALL IN VAIN</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_168'>168</a></td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span><span class='xlarge'>KITTY ALONE</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIX <br /> <span class='small'>SUGGESTIONS OF EVIL</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>The crowd in the market-place and in the streets of -Ashburton began to thin as the afternoon crept on. -In vain did the showmen blow their trumpets, ring their -bells, and invite to their entertainments. Those who had -come to the fair had spent their loose cash. The proprietors -of the stalls offered their wares at reduced prices, but -found few purchasers. Young men who had been hired by -the farmers swaggered about singing or shouting, some -tipsy, others merely on the road to tipsiness. The ostlers -in the inns were harnessing horses to the traps, market -carts, gigs, dog-carts, that had brought in the farmers and -their wives. Empty waggons were departing. The roads -were full of streams of people flowing homeward to the -surrounding villages.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco Pepperill started with the schoolmaster. He had -surrendered Kate to her father. The reins were in his -hand, and he had whipped the cob, when he saw Coaker, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>the man from whom he had bought the wool, coming -towards him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The blood rushed into Pepperill’s face.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How d’ye do?” asked the farmer. “Going home?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I be,” answered Pasco, with constrained anger.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll find all the wool there. I sent off the lot this -morning—three waggon-loads.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why did you not inform me?—and I would have -waited for it, and not come to the fair.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did not know how the weather might be—and I -wished to be rid of it.” Coaker laughed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This angered Pasco further, and, losing command of -himself, he said, “’Twas scurvy—that selling me at such a -price when you knew wool was down.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That was your concern. Each man for himself. But -I reckon you’ve made a worse bargain at Brimpts, if, as -they tell me, you have bought the wood.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How so? Is not the timber first-rate?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, the timber is good enough.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then what is wrong?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Have you been to Brimpts?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No—but Quarm has.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you don’t know the road. It is thus”—Coaker -made a motion with his hand up and down. “The waves -of the sea mountains high is nothing to it—and bad—the -road is! Lor’ bless y’! the cost o’ moving the timber when -cut will swallow up all the profits.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pshaw! The distance from Ashburton is only three miles.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Better ten on a decent road. You’ll never get the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>timber drawn, or, if you do, farewell to all profits. But -when you have got it to Ashburton—who will buy it there?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, Quarm has an idea of disposing of the oak to -the Government—selling it to the dockyard at Devonport.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How far off is that? Some five-and-twenty miles—and -over the moor!” Coaker laughed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If I don’t sell the oak, I am a”—Pasco’s face was -as red as blood. He checked himself from the confession -that he would be a ruined man, and said between his teeth, -“I’ll never speak to Quarm again. He’s led me into a -pretty quandary.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Quarm? He’s a Jack-o’-lantern—don’t trust he.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Coaker waved his hand, and, still laughing, went his way -to the stable-yard to get his cob.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco whipped his horse and drove homewards. His -lips were closed, his brows knitted, he looked straight before -him at the ears of his horse. He was in no disposition to -speak. Nor, for the matter of that, was his companion. -Bramber was thinking of Kitty, of the uncongenial surroundings, -the hot-headed father, running himself and his -brother-in-law into speculative ventures that must lead them -to ruin; of the uncle, boastful, conceited, and withal -stupid; of the hard, selfish aunt. He saw that young -Pooke admired her, and this did not altogether please -Bramber. Pooke might be well off and amiable, but he -was dull of intellect—a boor—and could never be a suitable -companion to the eager Kitty, whose mind was greedy for -knowledge, and whose tastes were those of a class above -that in which she was cast. The admiration of Jan Pooke -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>brought on her contrariety. It had involved her in the -quarrel between Jan and Noah, and had roused the jealousy -of Rose Ash.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As the trap passed out of Ashburton, many a salutation -was cast at Pepperill, but he hardly acknowledged any. -He put up his hand and beat his hat down over his brows, -then lashed savagely at his cob.</p> - -<p class='c001'>All at once something arrested his eye, and he instinctively -drew up, then muttered, and whipped his brute again. -What he had observed was a little plate, affixed to a house, -with the title of the Insurance Company on it, with which -he had that day had dealings.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wonder,” thought Pasco, “what that house is insured -for? Not for twelve hundred pounds, I’ll swear.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then a sense of bitterness rose in his heart against his -brother-in-law for drawing him into this expense of insuring -his property;—he had that day expended all the gold he -had about him in paying the first premium. There remained -only some silver in one pocket, and coppers in the other. -Where was he to find the money for the payment of the -oaks he had bought? Where that to meet the bill for the -wool? The tanner would not pay enough for the bark to -cover the cost of rending. Quarm had told him that the -sap rose badly, and that it would involve much labour and -waste of time to attempt to bark the trees.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Fevered with anxiety and disappointment, Pasco thrashed -his cob savagely, and sent it along at its fullest pace, -whirling past the gigs and waggons returning from the fair, -and giving the drivers hardly time to get on one side to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>avoid him. He relieved his breast by swearing at them -for their sluggishness in making way, and some retaliated -with oaths, as, in order to escape him, they ran into the -hedge or over a heap of stones.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Presently his horse slackened speed, as it reached a -sharp ascent, and there Pasco met an empty waggon, with -“Coaker—Dart-meet” on it. He stopped his panting horse, -and shouted to the driver of the team, and asked whence -he came.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve been to your place—Coombe Cellars,” answered -the waggoner. “Master sent me with a load of -fleeces.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Did my wife give you anything?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a glass of cider,” answered the man. “We had to -unload and do the work of hoisting into the warehouse -ourselves—no one was about.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She left it for me—she knew you would meet us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Tossing his head, to shake off the depression that had -come upon him, and with a flash of his vanity through the -gloom, he put his hand in his pocket and drew out a couple -of shillings.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There,” said he; “you’d have had more, but I have -spent most of my cash at the fair. Buying, buying, -buying, that’s my trade. Go and drink a glass to my -health.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he drove on.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On descending the hill another waggon was encountered. -This was also one that had conveyed fleeces to Coombe -Cellars. Pasco gave this driver a couple of shillings. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>Then he turned to Bramber and said, “Two years of -wool—I paid as much as thirteen pence a pound, and I -can’t sell at tenpence. They say it is going down to -sevenpence; that is nearly half what I gave. A loss to me -of sixpence a pound; I have bought three waggonload. -A good sheep may have sixteen pounds on his back, but -the average is ten or eleven. Coaker must keep a couple -of hundred. You’re a schoolmaster; reckon that up—two -hundred sheep at eleven. I’m not a quick man at figures -myself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nothing can be simpler than that calculation. Two -thousand two hundred.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah! But two years’ wool?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, that is four thousand four hundred.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I have lost, say, sixpence a pound.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you lose a hundred and ten pounds by the -transaction.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Think of that. A hundred and ten pounds—say a -hundred and twenty. That is something for a man to lose -and make no account of.” The vanity of the man was -flattered by the thought of the amount of his loss. “And -then,” said he, “there was what Coaker said about the oak. -I’ve undertaken to lay out two hundred pounds on that; -and there is the fellin’ and cartin’—say another hundred. -Suppose I lose this also—that is a matter of three hundred. -With the wool, four hundred and twenty pound. I reckon, -schoolmaster, you’ve never had the fingering of so much -money as I am losing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bramber looked round at Pasco with surprise. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>could not understand the sort of pride that was manifesting -itself in the man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you able to meet such losses?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If not—I can but fail. It’s something to fail for a good -sum. But I’ll not fail; I am full of resources.” He beat -the horse. “I shall sell the wool. It will go up. I shall -sell the timber at a good figure, and pocket a thousand -pounds. I am sorry I did not give those men half a crown -each, but I have spent most of my money, and”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>Crash! He drove against a post, and upset the trap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco staggered to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Schoolmaister—are you hurt?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.” Walter sprang to the horse and seized its -head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It would have been best had I broken my neck and -finished so,” said Pepperill. Then he regretted the sudden -outburst of despair, and added, “So some folks might ha’ -said, but I’ve disappointed ’em. I may have a chuck -down, but I’m up again in a <a id='corr13.19'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='jiffey'>jiffy</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_13.19'><ins class='correction' title='jiffey'>jiffy</ins></a></span>. That’s been my way -all along, and will be to the end.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>One of the shafts was broken, and there ensued delay -whilst it was being patched up with rope. Then, when -they were able to pursue their career, Pasco was constrained -to drive more carefully and less rapidly. Night was coming -on as they neared Newton Abbot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll tell you what it is,” said Pasco; “I’m uncommon -hungry, and I’ll just go into the first public-house and have -a mouthful of something, and you shall do the same. The -cob is a bit shaken with that spill, and I’ll have the shaft -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>fastened up firmer before we proceed. What say you? -Here’s the ‘Crown and Anchor.’ How the place is -changed. Ah, ha! It is insured at the same office as I -am. Why—bless my life!—the old inn was a ramshackle -sort of a place.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill descended from his trap, and gave instructions -to the ostler what he was to do to the broken shaft. “I’ll -pay you well if you do your work,” said he. Then to -Bramber, “Come in! Cold meat and bread-and-cheese, -and a glass of ale. We need refreshment, and the house -looks as if it could provide it. Don’t be concerned about -the cost. I don’t suppose you are overflush with cash. -I’ll pay—you are my guest.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco’s self-conceit was a constant spring of energy in -him. Dashed his spirits might be by disaster, but he -speedily recovered his buoyancy, owing to this characteristic -element in his nature. It is said that the fertility of Manitoba -is due to the fact that below the surface the soil is frozen -hard in winter, and during the summer the warmth of the -sun penetrating ever farther thaws the ice, and thus water -incessantly wells up, nourishing and moistening the roots -of the corn. There was a perennial body of self-esteem -deep in the heart of Pasco Pepperill, and this fed and -sustained in vigorous growth a harvest of generosity in -dealing with his inferiors, of liberality towards the poor, of -display in his mercantile transactions, that imposed on the -public and made it suppose that he was prosperous in his -many affairs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The landlord came to the door.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>“How do you do, Mr. Pepperill?—glad to see you. -You do not often favour me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well—no. If I come this way I mostly stop at -the Golden Sun. You see, you are rather near my -home.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I hope this, though the first visit, is not the -last!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I daresay not. What brings me now is an accident. -Can you let us have some supper?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Certainly. What would you like—cold beef, cold -mutton, or chops and potatoes?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have a supply of good things.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am obliged to have. I get plenty of custom -now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What! more than of old?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, double, since I have rebuilt my house.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I see. The place is completely changed. You had -but a poor sort of a tavern.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; and now”—the landlord looked round, smiled, -and put his hands into his waistband—"middling good, -I think."</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncommon,” said Pasco. “I suppose it is the better -look of the house that has brought better custom.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s just it. I had only common wayfarers before—mostly -tramps. Now—the better sort altogether. Where -I turned over a penny before, I turn over a shilling -now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So you rebuilt your public-house to get better -business?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>“Well, you see, I couldn’t help myself. The old place -caught fire and burnt down.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And it did not ruin you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dear me, no. I was insured.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So—that set you on your legs again?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was the making of me, was that fire.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How long had you been insured before you were burnt -out?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, now, that is the curious part of the story,” said -the landlord; “hardly a week.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And how did your place catch fire?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There was a tramp. I refused to take him in, as he -had no money. That was the best stroke of business I -ever did in my life. He hid himself in a sort o’ lean-to -there was over the pigs’ houses, joined on to the house, -and in it was straw. I reckon he went to sleep there -with his pipe alight, and he set fire to the place.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Was he burnt?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; he got away all right; but the straw set fire to -the rafters, and they ran into the wall. It was a poor old -wall, with no mortar in it, and the rafters came in just -under those of the upstairs chambers, so that when the -roof of the linhay was afire, it set the house in a blaze too. -That was how it all came about.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And a good job it was for you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was the making of me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco was silent through the meal. He seemed hardly -to taste what he was eating. He gulped down his food -and drank copiously.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>Bramber was relieved when he left. He was afraid -Pepperill would drink more than he could bear. At the -entrance to the village he left the cart, and thanked Pasco -for the lift.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drove on to Coombe Cellars.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he came up, he saw his wife standing at the door -with a light in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pasco, is that you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who else?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So, you are home at last. There has been the coal -merchant here; he swears he will bring you no more, and -that, unless you pay up this month, he will set the lawyers -on you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill flung himself from his cart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Heavens!” said he, looking sullenly at his stores; “if -they would but burn!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Burn—what burn?” asked Mrs. Pepperill sharply. -“Do you think you cannot leave the house for a day but -some mischief must come on it? As if I were not to be -trusted, and everything lay with you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did not mean that, Zerah.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then what did you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I meant that it might have got me out of difficulties.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What might?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco did not answer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I should like to know how, if the store were to be -burnt, any good would come of that. You’ve been -drinking, Pasco.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>“I’m insured,” said he in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, it has come to that, has it? Heaven help -us!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The woman beat her face with her open palms, turned, -and went within.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XX <br /><span class='small'>A FACE IN THE WATER</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Kate Quarm was very happy on the moor. Her -father had fetched her from Ashburton, and had -lodged her in a cottage near Dart-meet, the point where the -East and West Darts, rushing foaming from the moors, -dancing over boulders, breaking over granite floors, plunging -under tufts of golden gorse, and through brakes of -osmund and male fern, reach each other and meet in one -silver flood.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The weather was fine, though cold, that is to say, the -sun was hot, but a keen east wind blew. But then this is -one of the charms of the moor, that shelter can always be -found from the wind. A mighty bank of mountains rose -as a wall against the east, and in its dingles and dells, -dense with gorse, now in blaze of flower, the air was warm, -and balmy, and still.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At Coombe Cellars Kate had been kept continually -employed; her aunt, an active woman, gave the child no -rest. If she saw her flag in her work, Zerah goaded her -with reproach to fresh activity; she was, moreover, never -accorded a word of encouragement. Zerah accepted her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>work as a matter of course; if it was well done, that was -but as it ought to be; everything that fell short of well, -was occasion for a scolding. Kate’s nature was one that -needed repose from manual and sordid labour, for her -mind desired to be active, and craved for freedom in which -to expand, and for liberty to seek material on which to -feed. This Zerah did not understand; with any other -activity, except that of the body in scrubbing and rubbing, -in cooking and baking, she had no sympathy; she entertained -a positive aversion for books. She had no eye for -beauty, no ear for melody, no heart for poetry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now Kate had leisure—now for the first time in her life -in which her soul could draw its tender wings out of its -case and flutter them in freedom. She felt much as must -the May-fly when it breaks from its chrysalis.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was, moreover, a joy to think that her father had -considered her so far as to require her to be sent to the -moor to recover. He usually paid little heed to Kitty, and -now her heart was warm with gratitude because he had -given her that very thing of all others which she most -desired—rest in the presence of nature awakening under -a spring sun.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate had another source of pleasure with her. As -Walter Bramber parted from her at Ashburton, he put a -little book into her hand, and said—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will lend it you. I know you will value it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The book was Wordsworth’s poems.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As she sat beside her father in the gig, she had her hand -on the volume all the while, and her heart swelled with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>excitement and eagerness to read it. At night she hugged -the book to her bosom, and fell asleep with both hands -clasped over it. She could hardly endure that night -should, with its darkness, deny her the happiness of reading. -She woke early, and in the breaking daylight devoured -the pages. As she read, she laughed and cried—laughed -and cried with sheer delight. She had a book to read; -and such a book!</p> - -<p class='c001'>This happy girl turned first to the verses on the daffodils -that she had learned by heart, to make quite certain that -she had all, that not a line had been missed, not a word -got awry. Then she looked at the little poems on the -celandine, and never did a famished child devour a meal -with greater avidity than did Kate read and master these -verses. There was much in Wordsworth that she could -not understand, but the fact that she encountered passages -that were unintelligible to her were of advantage, her clear -intellect striking on these hard portions threw out sparks—ideas -that had light in them. The book not only nourished -her mind, but proved educative to her imagination.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate was at first overwhelmed with the flood of happiness -that rolled over her. Her eyes could not satiate themselves -with the beauty of the moorland scenery. She ran among -the rocks, she dived into the coombs, she stepped on the -boulders over the water, she watched the workmen engaged -in felling trees.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Spring flowers peeped from behind rocks, bog plants -peered out of the morasses. Kate began collecting. She -dried the flowers between the leaves of her Prayer-book.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>She scrambled among the towering rocks that overhung -the Dart below the meeting of the waters, and watched the -shadows and lights travel over the vast tract of moorland -that stretched away as far as the eye could see in every -direction but the east, where the river rolled out of its -mountain cradle into a lap of the richest woodland. Sometimes -the beauty of the scenery, the variety of landscape, -were too much for her; she sought change and repose by -creeping among the rocks and drawing the book from her -bosom.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Yet she could not read for long. The verses exacted -close attention, and a flash of passing sun, or impatience at -some passage she could not comprehend, made her close -the volume and recommence her rambles. The exhilarating -air, the brilliancy of the light, the complete change from the -mild and languid atmosphere in the Teign estuary told on -Kate’s spirits and looks. Her cheeks gathered roundness -and colour, and her tread acquired elasticity. Her spirits -were light; they found vent occasionally in racing the cloud -shadows over a smooth hillside.</p> - -<p class='c001'>One day, with her lap full of moss of every rainbow hue, -she came upon the rector of Coombe-in-Teignhead, painting.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At her exclamation he turned, recognised her, and smiled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So—I thought I must soon see you,” he said. “My -dear little Kitty, I come with messages for you and kind -inquiries.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“From whom—from uncle and aunt?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; not from them. The schoolmaster, Mr. Bramber, -when he heard whither I was coming, begged me to see you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>and ascertain how you were, and whether you liked the -book he lent you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, sir, I read it every day! I know several pieces by -heart.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That you are well, I see. I never saw you with such a -glow of health and happiness in your bonnie face before.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank you, sir. And will you see him soon?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whom? Bramber?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, sir,” answered Kate, the glow in her face deepening. -“And will you say that I have been picking the -flowers as they come out, and I can find them, and that I -do want to know what they are called? God brought the -beasts to Adam to name them, and I do not think Adam -can have been happy with the beasts till he had given each -a name. It is so with me and the flowers. I see them, -and I love them; but I don’t feel content till I can tell -what each is called. Mr. Bramber can name them all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have made a collection?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I have dried them in my Prayer-book. They are -waiting for Mr. Bramber to name. But”—Kate drew -back—"I am in your way, sir; you are painting the old -bridge."</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; but you can sit down there if you like, and will -not disturb me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“May I? Oh, I shall be pleased.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate placed herself on a lichen-covered rock on one side, -at a little distance from the water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have left my few sheep for a couple of days,” said Mr. -Fielding apologetically, partly to Kate, mostly to himself; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>“but I do not think I have done wrong. Moses went up -into the Mount, and came back to his people with his face -shining. I do not know, but it seems to me that when I -have been here aloft, speaking with nature and nature’s God, -face to face, that I can go back and carry with me some of -the brightness and the freshness and the fragrance of the -mountain. I may be wrong, finding an excuse for myself, -because I love to come here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Please, sir,” said Kate, “the Great Master of all dismissed -the multitude and went up into the mountain -apart.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, child, yes,” answered the rector, painting as he -talked; “and when He came down, He walked on the -stormy waves. And I—His humble follower—I think I -can tread on the troubles and cares of life erect, and not -be swallowed up after I have been here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not know how I shall bear to go back to Coombe -Cellars,” said Kate sadly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You will go back braced to do your work. We cannot -always play, Kitty dear. You know the fable of the bow. -It was relaxed only that it might be the better weapon when -restrung. Besides, when you return you will have pleasure.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I shall think about my delightful holiday.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; and learn the names of the flowers you have dried -in your Prayer-book,” said Mr. Fielding, with a twinkle in -the corner of his eye.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate dropped her head in confusion, but looked up again -and said frankly, “Yes, that will be pleasant; and I can -tell where each grew and how I found it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>“Tell whom—your aunt?” A faint crease in the old -man’s cheek showed he was smiling.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, sir! she won’t care. I shall tell Mr. Bramber, if I -have the chance.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kitty, I get very downhearted over my work sometimes. -Then I come up here, and gather courage and strength, -and—and trust, Kitty. You will return to Coombe Cellars -strengthened and nerved to do your duty well and hopefully. -Remember, it was kind of your aunt to let you come. She -has to drudge hard whilst you are absent, but she does it -because you have been ill and need relaxation in mind and -invigoration of body. She does it, Kitty, because she <em>loves</em> -you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, sir!” Kate coloured with astonishment and with -a twinge of pain at her heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, dear little friend, she loves you. She is not a -demonstrative person. She is a clear-headed, practical -woman. She has had a hard life, and much to try her, and -to give her a cold and perhaps repellent manner. Nevertheless, -her heart is sound and warm. When you were ill -I spoke with her. I saw how anxious she was for your -welfare. I saw into her heart, and I read love there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate trembled, and let the mosses fall from her lap and -strew themselves about her feet. The tears came into her -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, sir, I should like to go home at once and do -everything I can for her! I did not think she really cared -for me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You do not return till your father decides that you are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>to go back to work. Then, you will return with a good -courage, as I said.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With all my heart!” answered Kate fervently, and her -face brightened as though the sun shone on it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Afraid of disturbing the old rector at his painting, Kate -withdrew. She was happy at heart. What he had said -had done her good. She had shrunk from the thought of -return to the humdrum of her usual life, but Mr. Fielding -had given her a motive for facing work with cheerfulness. -It was a delight to her to think that her aunt loved her. -She loved her aunt. Daily association with Zerah had -made her cling to the hard, captious woman; she had had -no one else to love, and the young heart must love someone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate delighted to lie by the river, or lie on a rock in it, -and look down into its pellucid pools, or at the flowing -crystal where it broke between the stones. She was accustomed -to the muddy estuary, and though the sea-water -when it flowed was clear, it had none of the perfect transparency -of this spring water near its source. The sea -sweeping up the creek was as bottle-green glass, but this -was liquid crystal itself, without colour of any sort, and -through it everything in the depths was visible as though -no medium intervened.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate could look at the shining pebbles, at the waving -water-weed, at the darting fish. When she had left Mr. -Fielding, she went to one of her favourite haunts beside the -Dart, where it brawled over a cataract of rocks and then -spread into a pool still as glass.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now she saw what puzzled her, and set her active brain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>questioning the reason. As she looked into the water, she -could see no reflection of her own face; the light sky was -mirrored, and where the shadow of her head came, she -could see far more distinctly to the bottom of the pool than -elsewhere. Indeed, when a fish darted past she could discern -its fins and scales, but when it passed beyond her -shadow, its form became indistinct.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Kate rose on her elbows, and as she did this the -sun caught her cheek and nose, and cheek and nose were -at once reflected in the water, and where the reflection -came, there the water was less transparent to her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>To observe was to rouse in the girl’s mind a desire to -find an explanation for the very simple phenomenon that -puzzled her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She was thus engaged, raising her face, then a hand, so -as to be now sunlit, then to intercept the light, and see -what the effect was on the water, when she was startled to -observe in the liquid mirror the reflection of a second face -looking down from above. The sun was on it, in the -eyes, and they glittered up at her from below.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With an exclamation of alarm, she turned and saw a man -standing above her.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXI <br /><span class='small'>AN OFFER</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Kate rose to a sitting posture, and drew her feet -under her, rested one hand on the rock, and with -the other screened her eyes from the glare of the sun, to -observe the intruder on her solitude.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then she recognised Roger Redmore. He was without -his coat, an axe over one shoulder. In his right hand he -held a tuft of cotton grass dug up by the roots.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I knowed as you wor here,” said he, “but I dursn’t -speak before others, lest they should find me out who I -wor.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you living here, Roger?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I be working here at the felling Brimpts oaks. You -see, your fayther, he’s so little at Coombe that he don’t -know me, and I thought I might get money by working -here. And I want you to do a little job for me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it, Roger?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There’s two jobs. First, do y’ see this here root o’ -white shiny grass? Well, I want y’ to take it to Coombe -and to set it on my little maid’s grave. Stick the roots in. -It may grow and it mayn’t. Hereabouts it groweth mostly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>in wet land. But anyhows by it I shall know where the -little maid lies when I come back to Coombe.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are returning, Roger?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not by day. I reckon some night I shall be back just -for an hour or so, and I want, when I does come, to go to -the churchyard and find out at once where my darlin’ -lieth. If it be moonlight, or dimmets (twilight), and I see -the little silver tuft glitter above her head, then I shall -know where her be. I can’t go wi’ my wife; that would -be tellin’ folks I wor home agin. I mun go by myself. -Whereabouts now have they put her?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><a id='corr29.22'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='By'>“By</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_29.22'><ins class='correction' title='By'>“By</ins></a></span> the wall where the cedar is, on the east side.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There’ll niver be no headstone there,” observed -Redmore, “but what o’ that? When once I know where -her lieth, sure but I’ll put a fresh new tuft of silver tassels -as oft as the old ones die, and I reckon they’ll die, not -being in a wet place. My little maid’s grave won’t be wet -save wi’ her father and mother’s tears, and her fayther he -can’t be there but on the sly, and now and then.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will do it for you gladly,” said Kate. “When do -you think you will be home?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Home!” repeated Roger; “I’ve no home—not like to -have. My wife and my little ones, wherever they be, that’s -all the world to me, and I cannot see them but at night, -and very chancy, when I don’t think nobody’s about. And -t’other thing be this.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roger put his hand into his pocket and drew forth -some coin, and gave it to the girl.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Take this to my old woman. I’ve earned wi’ my work -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>a bit o’ money, and here is what I can send her. Tell her -to leave the door ajar. I may come any night; but,” he -paused, “I reckon they’ve turned her out o’ house and -home now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not yet, Roger,” answered Kate. “Mr. Pooke has -not insisted on her leaving at quarter-day, but I believe he -has a fresh workman coming to him in a week, and then -she will have to leave.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And where will she go? Will they drive her into the -street?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I really do not know; but”—she considered and said -timidly, “I have had it on my heart, but have been afraid -to speak of it as yet to my father. There is his cottage, -never or hardly ever occupied. Now I will take courage, -and beg him to let your wife go into it till something can -be settled; but you must keep out of danger, and you are -not safe here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot go far till my wife and little ones are secure -and have a home. Here no one know’th me, the other -woodcutters are all men from the moor. There was but -your father, and he did not recognise me when I axed him -to take me on at felling the timber.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will entreat him to allow your wife and children to -go into his house till something can be done for them. -You will have to escape into another part of the country.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ay, I will go. If I were took, it would go bad with us -all, and there’d be the shame on my little ones—that their -father wor hanged. They’d never shake it off.” Then he -touched Kate on the head. “My hand be but a wicked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>un. It hev set fire to a rick, but it be the hand o’ a hunted -man, as be nigh crushed with sorrows, as was druv to -wickedness thro’ his sufferin’s, and hev bitter repented it -since, and swears he’ll niver do it agin, so help me God!” -He raised his hand solemnly to heaven. “That’s one -thing I ha’ larned, as doin’ wrong niver brings matters right. -There wor just that gettin’ drunk. Then there wor the -cheek to Farmer Pooke. Then my heart were all wormwood; -and when my little maid died, I thought it wor his -doin’; and so in a way it wor, for I’d no work and no -wage, and us was just about starvin’, and I did that deed -o’ fire. It’s kindled a fire in here”—he touched his heart—"that -nothink can quench. The Lord ha’ pity on me. I -don’t know as I’d ha’ come to this mind but for you, little -Kitty Alone, as was pitiful to me when I were bound and -like to be given over to gaol, and you let me go, and fed -me wi’ crumbs out o’ your hand; and now you will find -a house for my dear ones." He laid his hand on her head -again. “Mebbe the Lord’ll hear a sinful thief o’ a man, -and I ax His blessin’ on thee; an’ if I can iver do anything -to show you I’m thankful, I will. Amen.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hah!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roger. Redmore started. He was caught by a hand in -his collar-band.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate sprang to her feet. Her uncle, Pasco Pepperill, -was there. He had come up from behind unobserved, and -had laid hold of the incendiary.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have you, you burning vagabond!” shouted he; “and -by heaven! I’ll hand you over to the constables, and see you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>hanged, as you deserve. Kate, run away—away at -once!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, uncle, do not be cruel! Let him go.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You mind your business,” answered Pasco sharply. -“It’s my belief you let him escape after Jan Pooke had -bound him in the boat. Jan left you in charge, and Roger -slipped away then.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But think, uncle, of his poor wife and children.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a sudden wrench Roger freed himself, and then, -standing back with brandished axe, he said—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Touch me, and I’ll split your head.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Get away from here,” ordered Pasco, turning to his -niece; “and as for you, Redmore, I want a word. You -know very well that if I give the hue and cry you will be -caught, even though now you have slipped from me. -Lower your hatchet; I’m not going to hurt you if you be -reasonable; but wait till that girl is out of earshot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill put his hands into his pockets and watched -Kate as she withdrew. Roger assumed an attitude of -wariness. He was ready at a moment’s notice to defend -himself with his axe, or to take to flight.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look here,” said Pasco, satisfied that he could not be -overheard, “it seems to me that you, with your head -almost in the noose, have done a wonderful silly thing to -stay so near the scene of your crime.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’d my reasons as is not for you to know,” answered -Redmore surlily. “I’m sure you don’t consarn yourself -for me and mine so as to care.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There you are mistaken,” said Pasco. “I don’t mean -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>to say that I am deeply interested in you, but I don’t -intend, unless driven to it, to take any steps to get you -acquainted with Jack Ketch.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can defend myself pretty well, suppose you do.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m not the fool to risk my head in another man’s -quarrel.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I can take to my heels and find a hiding-place -anywhere on these moors.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ay, and a starving-place where your bones will rot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What have you to say to me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Redmore spoke surlily. Now that his whereabouts was -discovered, it would be needful for him to shift his place of -refuge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I suppose you don’t deny setting fire to Farmer Pooke’s -rick?” said Pasco.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roger shrugged his shoulders and jerked his head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How did you do it? smoking a pipe under the tree -when drunk?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, it warn’t.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How was it, then?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I warn’t drunk, niver but that once, and that wor just -because o’ Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum.’ I’ve a bit of a orgin in -zingin’, and the innkeeper he wor terrible longing to have -me in the choir. So he got me in, and they tried to teach -me the tenor part o’ Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum,’ and I cu’dn’t -maister it noways; and they stood me liquor, and I tried, -and I cu’d do naught wi’ it. You see t’other parts went -curling up and about, and bothered me. If they’d a’ -stopped and let me zing alone, I cu’d ha’ done it. Then I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>went out into the open air, and it wor cold and frosty, and -somehow I got mazed wi’ the drink and the ‘Tee-dum’ -together, and I rinned agin my maister, Farmer Pooke, and -I reckon I zed what I ort not, and he turned me off. That -wor it. I niver did it avor, and I’ll niver do it agin. Save -and presarve me from liquor and Jackson’s ‘Tee-dum’!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Never mind about that. So you didn’t fire the rick -with your pipe?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, I didn’t. If it had niver been for Jackson’s -‘Tee-dum,’ I’d not now be in risk of bein’ hanged.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course it was Jackson did it all,” sneered Pasco.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t mean to say that. It wor the beginning on it. -I were throwed out o’ work, and were starvin’, and my -little maid, her died, and then I wor like a mazed chap, -and I ran out wi’ the cann’l, and so I did it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, with the candle?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It wor a rushlight.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve heard of barns and storehouses being set fire to by -men going into them to sleep, and lighting their pipes. -There was the landlord of the Crown and Anchor at -Newton. He had a miserable sort of a house, but a tramp -got in one night”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What, into his house?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, into a linhay over the pigstye, and slept there, or -went there to sleep, and there was straw in the loft, and in -smoking his pipe he managed to set fire to the straw, and -then the whole public-house was in a blaze and burnt -down.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve heard of that. Nobody knows what became o’ the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>tramp. There wor roast pig found in the ashes, and -whether roast tramp nobody cared to inquire.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The inn has been rebuilt. They call it a hotel now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I daresay they does.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The insurance money did that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I s’pose so. Lucky the house wor insured. I wish -Varmer Pooke ’ad been.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I reckon I does. I’m sorry for what I did when I wor -in a b’ilin’ blue rage. Now I can’t get over it noways, and -you may tell’n so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, that fire was the making of the landlord. He -feels no ill-will against the tramp. What are you going to -do with yourself now?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t know.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I suppose you will want to see your wife again?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I s’pose I shall.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“For that you will return to Coombe?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In coorse I must.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“At night—lest you should be seen?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ay—to be sure.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You will lurk about—be in hiding. I’ll tell you what, -I’m your good friend. I will do you no harm. I’ll just -leave the door of my stores open—unhasped; and if you -want to creep in, there’s a lot of wool and other things -there, you can be warm there, Roger, warm in the -wool.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thanky’, sir. You’ll not peach?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And if—if you like a pipe—well”—</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>“No, Mr. Pepperill, I won’t do you that ill turn if you’re -so good to me—and the little maid, Kitty, too.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I did not mean that. I can’t say but if a spark -chanced to fall among the wool, and the whole was to -blaze away, I should be sorry. I can’t say that I should be -troubled, any more than was the landlord at Newton when -the tramp set fire to his linhay over the pigs.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Redmore said nothing. Pepperill spoke slowly, and did -not look the man in the face as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If that chance was to happen to me as happened to -the man at Newton, it might, there’s no saying, be a saving -of me from a great misfortune, and—I shouldn’t mind -being a liberal friend, and helping you out of the country.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is what you mean, is it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It might be a convenience to both of us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“’Tis a wonderful world,” exclaimed Redmore, “when -the biggest rascals go free, and one of them be you! A -little rascal like me, who’s sorry that ever he done wrong, -is chivied like a mad dog.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well—what do you say?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re a rascal and I despise you,” cried Roger, and -turned to go.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will you have me as your friend or your enemy?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Your enemy rather than friend on them terms.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I’ll hang you!” exclaimed Pasco, and set off -running in the direction of Brimpts.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXII <br /><span class='small'>A RACE FOR LIFE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Kate had walked away without a thought of attempting -to gather the subject of her uncle’s conversation -with Redmore. She resolved at once to seek her father -and obtain from him permission to house the unfortunate -wife with her children in his cottage. She had been told -that he had gone to a farm lying somewhat to the right of -the Ashburton road, near the prominent and stately rock -citadel of Sharpitor. She therefore ascended the long, steep -hill, up which scrambles the high road from Dart-meet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Halfway up the ascent is an oblong mass of granite, -lying in the moor, which goes by the name of the Coffin -Stone, because on it coffins are rested by those who are -bearing a corpse to its lasting resting-place in the distant -churchyards of Buckland or Ashburton. Kate had reached -this stone, and was panting for breath, when she heard -shouts and cries in the valley she was leaving, and, leaping -upon the Coffin Stone, she saw a swarm of men on the -opposite bank of the Dart—the Brimpts side—running in -the direction of the bridge, headed by her uncle, who was -then levelling a gun he carried.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>From her elevation she could not only see but hear -everything.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“An incendiary! He set fire to a stack. A pound to -any man who takes him, alive or dead!” shouted Pasco, -and to Kate every word was audible. Then she saw the -flash of the gun, and a little later heard the report. The -shot had missed, for her uncle urged on the men to run -and not let the scoundrel escape, and he himself lagged -behind to reload his barrel.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She looked for the fugitive, but was able to see him for -one moment only, as he leaped a ruinous fence in his flight -down stream.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Why was he taking that direction? Because the way -into the fastnesses of the moorland was closed to him by -his pursuers. He could not run up the hill that Kate -ascended, as he would be exposed throughout, without the -smallest cover, to the gun of Pepperill. Though a course -down the river led ultimately into inhabited land, yet between -the moor and population lay the great woodland -belt of Buckland and Holme Chase, where the river wound -its way in sweeps among dense forest and rock, and where -Redmore knew he could hide with the greatest ease. But -before he could be in the woodland he had a long stretch -of moor to traverse, where there was no road, at best a -fisherman’s track, among rocks scattered in confusion, -among heather and furze bushes, with here and there sloe -and thorn trees and an occasional “witch beam” or rowan -growing out of the rocks. Almost immediately after the -junction of the East with the West Dart, the united stream -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>doubles round Sharpitor, that shoots high above it on one -side, and under the ridges of Benjietor on the other side, -in whose lap grows a little copse, and which, from its crags -to the water’s edge, is green with bracken in summer, -but at this period was russet with withered leaves. -Thence smoke rose—some boys had ignited the gorse, -and the flames ran among the withered ferns and the fallen -oak-leaves, and blackened and burnt the copse.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate hastened on her way. She knew that on reaching -the head of the ridge a short distance intervened between -the road and the precipices of Sharpitor that overhung the -ravine. Thence she could see all that followed—if Roger -Redmore succeeded in turning the moorland spur round -which the river foamed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hot, trembling, and breathless, Kate ran, then halted to -gasp, then ran on, and did not rest for more than a minute -till she had reached the vantage-point on the rocks, and -looked down into a wondrous ravine of river, granite -boulder, and glaring golden furze, and with the blue smoke -of the smouldering fern forming a haze that hung in its -depths, but which rose in places above the rocky crests of -the moor and showed brown against the luminous sky.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate ensconced herself among the piles of granite, with -a “clatter,” as it is locally termed, at her feet, a mass of -rocky ruin, composed of granite, in fragments of every size -and in various conditions of disintegration.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She saw Redmore as he doubled the foot of the mountain, -and for awhile had the advantage of being invisible -to his pursuers, and safe from the gun of Pepperill. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>stood on a great rock half-way out of the water, and looked -about him. He was resolving what to do, whether to continue -his course down stream, or to endeavour to conceal -himself at once. The fire and smoke on the farther side -in the bosom of Benjietor made it impossible for him to -secrete himself there—every lurking-place was scorched or -menaced by the flames. The slope of Sharpitor on his left, -though strewn with the wreckage of the crags above, offered -no safe refuge; it was exposed to full light, without any -bushes in it other than the whortle and heather. Roger -did not take long to make up his mind; he pursued his -course down the river, now wading, then scrambling over -stones, then leaping from rock to rock, and then again -flying over a tract of smooth turf. Occasionally the wind, -playing with the smoke, carried a curl of it across the river, -and drew it out and shook it as a veil, obscuring Redmore -from the eyes of Kate, who watched him in panting unrest, -and with prayers for his safety welling up in her heart. -Then shouts—the men who hunted him had rounded the -flank of Shapitor, and had caught sight of the man they -were endeavouring to catch. One fellow, with very long -legs, familiar with the ground, accustomed all his life to -the moor, was making great way, and bade fair to catch -Roger.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Redmore looked behind him. He had cast away his -axe, and was therefore unarmed, but was lightened for the -race.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A sovereign to the man who catches him!” yelled -Pepperill. “Knock him down, brain him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>Then one man heaved a stone, picked out of the river, -and threw it. A vain attempt. He was not within reach -of Redmore; but in a pursuit, none can quite consider -what is possible, and measure distances with nicety, without -much greater coolness than is possessed by men running -and leaping over difficult ground. The long-legged -man kept forging ahead, with his elbows close to his sides; -he had distanced the rest. He was fleet of foot, he sprang -from stone to stone without pausing to consider, and -without ever missing his footing. Roger advanced slowly: -he was unaccustomed to such difficult ground; sometimes -he fell; he floundered into the river up to his armpits and -scrambled out with difficulty. His pursuer never got into -the water. The man had not merely long legs, he had a -long nose and protruding eyes, and as he ran, with his -elbows back, he held his forefingers extended, the rest -folded. Every stride brought him nearer to Redmore, and -Roger, who had just scrambled upon a rock in the river, -saw that he must be overtaken, and he prepared for the -inevitable struggle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate, leaning forward in her eagerness, at this moment -displaced a large block, that slid down, turned on its edge -and rolled, then leaped, then bounded high into the air, -crashed down on another rock, and from it leaped again in -its headlong course.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The girl held her breath. It seemed as though the -rock must strike the running pursuer, and if it struck him -it would inevitably be his death. The rattle of displaced -stones, the crash of the block as it struck, the cries of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>those behind, who saw the danger, arrested the long-legged -man. He halted, and looked up and around, and at that -moment the stone whizzed past and plunged into the river. -Kate saw in a moment the advantage thus gained, and in -palpitating haste threw down every stone she could reach -or tilt over from its resting-place, where nicely balanced, -thus sending a succession of volleys of leaping, whistling -stones across the path, between the pursued and the pursuers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She heard shouts and execrations from those who were -coming up, and who stood still, not daring to continue their -course, and run the risk of having their brains beaten out -by one of the falling stones. She regarded them not. Her -one idea was to save Roger. She could see that the man -for whom she acted had recognised her intervention, and -continued his flight. She could see that the pursuers were -stationary, uncertain what to do.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then her uncle again raised his gun. Kate put her hands -to her mouth and called to Roger, who looked over his -shoulder, and dropped behind a stone just as the gun was -discharged.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he picked himself up once more and ran on. Kate -dared not desist. She continued to send block after block -rolling. Some were shattered in their descent, and resolved -themselves into a cloud of whizzing projectiles. Some in -striking the soil set a mass of rubble in motion that shot -down and threw up a cloud of dust.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She was hot, weary, her hands wounded. But the consciousness -of success strung her to renewed exertion. -Pasco Pepperill called the party in pursuit together. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>shouted up the height to the girl. Who it was there engaged -in dislodging stones he couldn’t discern, for Kate kept herself -concealed as far as possible, and the confusion of the -granite rocks thrown into heaps and dislocated, served to -disguise the presence of anyone among them. He threatened, -but threatened in vain; Kate did not stay her hand to give -time to listen to what he cried.</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a brief consultation, as the avalanche did not decrease, -the party resolved to cross the river and continue -the pursuit down it on the farther side, through the smoke -and over the ashes of the conflagration. By this means -Roger Redmore could be kept in sight, and possibly it -would be more easy to run over the charred soil among -bushes reduced to ash. Moreover, few, if any, of the stones -dislodged by Kate had sufficient weight and velocity to carry -them to the farther side of the river.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Accordingly, the party began to step on the rocks that -projected from the water, or to wade, so as to reach the -farther side, Pepperill lingering behind reloading his gun, -and keeping his eye on the fugitive. Then a sudden idea -struck him, and, calling to the men to proceed as they had -proposed, he started to climb the steep tide of Sharpitor, at -a point where not menaced by the falling stones, judging -that by this means he would dislodge the person who had -come to the assistance of the fugitive, and at the same time -be able to follow the flight of the latter with his eye better -than below, and to obtain a more leisurely shot at him when -a suitable occasion offered, as his poising himself on a rock, -or halting to resolve on his course.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>Kate desisted from sending down volleys of stones, till -the occasion should arise again. She watched the flight of -Roger, and perceived that he was aiming at a coppice which -was in a fold of the hills undiscernible by those on the -farther side of the river; by means of this coppice, if he -could reach it, Roger would be able to effect his escape.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In three minutes he was safe; then Kate drew a long -breath. At the same moment she was touched on the -shoulder, and, looking round, saw her father.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s all this about? What’s this shouting and firing -of guns?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, father, I hope I have not done wrong! Uncle and -all the men are after Roger Redmore.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who is he?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The man who burnt Mr. Pooke’s ricks, and he has been -working for you here—and uncle recognised him, and sent -the men to take him, and he ran away, and I have helped -him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; by rolling down rocks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jason burst into a fit of laughter. “Come, that is fine. -You and I, Kitty, aiders and abettors of an incendiary. Is -he clear off now?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; but here comes uncle up the steep side.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jason hobbled to the edge of the rock, and, leaning over -called, “Halloo, Pasco! Here we are waiting for you—Kitty -Alone and I.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIII <br /><span class='small'>BORROWING</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>“It is you—you two!” exclaimed Pepperill, as he reached -the summit. He gasped the words; he could not -shout, so short of breath was he. His face with heat was -purple as a blackberry. “What’s the meaning of this?” -He held to a projection of granite, and panted. “Interfering -with law—protecting a scoundrel.” He paused to -wipe his face. “A malefactor—a criminal—guilty”—again -gasped like a fish out of water—"guilty of incendiarism, of -arson, of felony!"</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, Pasco, you’re hot. Keep cool, old boy,” said -Jason, laughing. “Who has created you constable, or sheriff -of the county, that you are so anxious to apprehend rogues?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Rogues? rogues? Only rogues assist rogues in escaping -the reward of their deeds.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is there a warrant out for his apprehension?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t know.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then what on earth makes you put yourself in a heat -and commotion to catch him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco mopped his brow, and, tearing up some ferns, dry -though they were, proceeded to fan his face.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>“Why? Do you ask? For the public security, of course. -And now”—again he puffed—"now I can’t talk; my wind -is gone."</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill looked into the ravine. He could see that the -men on the farther side of the stream were at a nonplus. -The fugitive had escaped them, had dived out of their sight -into the coppice-wood, and they knew that pursuit was in -vain. He turned sharply on his brother-in-law.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is your doing—you and Kate. First you give him -work, and then you let him escape. He who helps a felon -is a felon himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My dear Pasco,” said Jason Quarm, laughing, “what -makes you so fiery in this matter?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Fiery? of course I’m fiery. And look there, Jason! -There are the workmen, a dozen of them, doing nothing, -and we shall have to pay their wages for a half day, and -nothing to show for it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whose fault is that? You sent them from their -tasks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, to catch a villain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Which was no concern of yours.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is a concern of mine, and of every honest man. How -can one be safe with such a malefactor at large? I have -my house, my stores; I shall not be able to sleep at night -with ease, knowing that this fellow is at large. If anything -happens, I shall come on you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll get nothing from me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is the worst; I know it. Why did you help the -man to escape? No one is safe—no one. And I, least -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>of all; for now he regards me as his enemy. He has -sworn vengeance; he may come on me and cut my -throat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not much throat to be cut, Pasco.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is my money-box”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Box, not money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He may set fire to my house—my barns—burn me and -my wife—your sister—Kitty—your daughter. Don’t you -care for that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am not afraid. If you went after him, and have -angered him, well, we helped him, as you suppose, and have -won his good-will.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“As I know. Have I not found you here? Who else -could have rolled down the rocks? Show me your hands. -There, I said so!—there is blood on Kate’s hands; they -are cut and bruised. She has been doing what she could; -and you, her father, who ought to have known better, have -encouraged her. Rascals! rogues!—rogues all!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And oh, how honest am I!—eh, Pasco?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course I’m an honest man. I don’t encourage -burglars, and murderers, and incendiaries.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did not know that Redmore was a murderer or a -burglar.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who can say but, having been an incendiary, he may -go on to murder and plunder; these things run together. -One who can commit arson is capable of doing the other -crimes as well. I shall have to drive back to Ashburton -alone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kitty returns with you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>“What help is there in Kitty? That fellow Roger, full -of rage and desire of revenge, is about the woods, and may -shoot me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He has not a gun.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He may spring upon me with his axe.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He has thrown it away,” said Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You mind your own concerns,” exclaimed the angry -man, turning on his niece. “There are plenty of ways in -which he may fall on me and murder me, and then he will -pick my pockets and make off in my clothes, and Kitty -will help him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are talking nonsense, Pasco. Are you such a -weakling that you cannot defend yourself? But, pshaw! -the man will not injure you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He will steal by night to Coombe. His wife is there; -his children are there. He knows where I am. He has -sworn revenge against me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“When? When he escaped?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; before I set the men after him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Before he knew you would hunt him? A probable -story!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Probable or improbable, it is true. I threatened him, -and I would have arrested him, but could not. Kate knows -I had him by the throat; but he was armed with his axe, -and I could not retain him. Then he swore he would do -me an evil turn, and he will keep his word.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He cannot harm you; he is afraid for himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He can harm me. He can do to my house, my stores, -what he did to Pooke’s rick.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>“Well, that would not hurt you greatly; you are insured -over value.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not over value, with the wool in.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You were a fool about that wool, Pasco. Why did you -not consult me before dealing with Coaker? I knew of -the fall.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, you know everything. You knew that the Brimpts -oak bark was worth three times more than it is; and now -you are felling, without considering that the bark at present -is practically worthless.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The sap doesn’t run.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If the sap ran like the Dart, it would not make the bark -sell for tan. You either knew nothing about the conditions, -or you wilfully deceived me; and I dare be sworn it was -the latter. I can believe even that of you now, a favourer -of incendiaries.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Come, do not be extravagant. What other criminals -have I ever favoured?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am too hot and too angry to argue,” retorted Pasco. -“But I want to know something for certain about this -Brimpts wood. It is well enough to cut it down, but what -I want to know is, how will you transport the oak so as to -make it pay?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sell on the spot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To whom?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To timber merchants.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They will reckon the cost of carriage.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We shan’t have to pay for it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We shall sell at a good price.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>“We shall sell! Such oak as Brimpts oak is not to be -had every day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Have you offered it to anyone—advertised it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, I have not. Time for that when it is all felled.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You will make as much a misreckoning in this as you -have along of the bark.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Trust me. The oak will sell high.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You said the same of the bark. All your ducks are -swans. I <em>must</em> have money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So must I,” said Quarm. “I want it as the March -fields want April showers.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am in immediate need,” urged Pepperill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In a fortnight I shall require money to pay the men -their wages,” observed Quarm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have nothing. You were right; I have a cash-box, -but no cash in it. I have paid away all I had.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dispose of something,” said Quarm cheerily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dispose of what? Coals? No one wants coals now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then something else.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wool, and lose on every pound? That were fatal. I -have not paid for all the wool yet. I want money to satisfy -the coal-merchant, money to meet the bill I gave Coaker; -and then the agent for the bank which has its hold on the -Brimpts estate says we may not remove a stick till everything -is paid.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then do not remove,” said Quarm. “Sell on the spot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To whom?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There are plenty will buy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why have you not advertised?” asked Pasco testily.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>“For one thing, because I did not know you were in -immediate need of cash; for the other, because, till the -timber is down, it cannot be measured. Never sell sticks -standing. A timber merchant will always buy the trees -before felled, and many a landowner is fool enough to sell -standing trees. The merchant knows his gain; the landlord -does not know his loss.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Felled or unfelled, I must realise. My condition is -desperate. I cannot meet any of the demands on me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill had lost his purple colour. He wiped his brow -again, but this time the drops did not rise from heat, but -from uneasiness of mind.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have drawn me into this Brimpts venture, and I -have now all my fortunes on one bottom. If this fails, I am -ruined; there will remain nothing for me but to sell Coombe -Cellars, and then—I am cast forth as a beggar into the -roads. I have trusted you; you must not fail me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, all will come right in the end.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The end—the end! It must come right now. I tell -you that I have to meet the demands of the bank, or I can -do nothing with the sale of the oak, and all now hangs on -that. Owing to the ruinous purchase of Coaker’s fleeces, I -am driven to desperate straits. I cannot sell them at a -loss. I calculated it with the schoolmaster—a loss of some -hundred and twenty pounds. You must help me out of -my difficulty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can but suggest one thing. Go to Devonport, and -see if the Government Dockyard will buy the oak. Ship-building -can’t go on without material. If Government will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>take the timber, you need not concern yourself about the -bank’s demand; it will be satisfied, and more than satisfied, -that the money is safe. Bless you! in these times a man -is happy to see his money within twelve months of him, -and know he must have it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t mind; but I’ll go to Devonport at once,” said -Pepperill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Whilst the conversation thus detailed was taking place, -the three had crossed a strip of moor that intervened -between Sharpitor and the high road, walking slowly, for -Pasco was fagged with his scramble, and Jason was -crippled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t mind,” said Pasco again. “But I shall want a -few pounds to take me there, and my pockets are empty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t help you. Mine wouldn’t yield if wrung out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here comes the parson,” said Pepperill—"our parson, -jogging along as if nothing were the matter and went -contrary in the world. I’ll borrow of him."</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, uncle,” protested Kate, flushing crimson, “pray -do not, if you have no chance of paying.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You impudent hussy, mind your own concerns,” -answered Pasco angrily. “I, with no chance of paying! -I’m a man of means. I’ll let you see what that signifies. -How d’ y’ do, parson?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What! my churchwarden?” exclaimed Mr. Fielding, -drawing rein. “What brings you to the moors?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Business, sir, a trifle with regard to oak timber. I’ve -bought the Brimpts wood—cost me a few hundred, and -will bring me a thousand.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>“Glad to hear it, Mr. Pepperill;—and then we shall have -a double subscription to our school.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I daresay, Mr. Fielding; I’m a free man with my -money, as you and others have found. And, by the way, -talking of that, could you kindly accommodate me with a -little loan of a few pounds. I started from home without -a thought but of returning to-day, and I learn that the -Government has an eye on these oaks—first-rate timber—and -I must to Devonport to strike a bargain. I won’t -come to their terms, they must come to mine. Such -timber as this is worth its weight in gold.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How much do you want, Mr. Pepperill?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How much can you spare, Mr. Fielding?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, let me see.” The rector of Coombe opened his -purse. “I have about six guineas here. I shall want to -retain one for current expenses. When can you let me -have the loan returned.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Any day. I’ll drop you a line to my wife—or—on my -return. I’m only going to Devonport to get the best price -for the timber, and then I shall be back. If you can spare -me five guineas—or five sovereigns—I shall be obliged. -You know me—a man of substance, a man of means, a -warm man. We represent the Church, do we not, Mr. -Fielding? and hang Dissenters all, say I.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can let you have five pounds,” said the rector; “I -see I am short of silver.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That will suffice,” answered Pasco, with dignity. “I -will let you have it back directly I have settled with -Government about the oaks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>Mr. Fielding gave Pepperill the gold, then excused -himself, as he desired to reach home before dark, and rode -on his way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I had no idea that to borrow was so easy,” said Pasco. -“Of course, all depends on the man who asks. Everyone -knows me—sound as the Bank of England.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And same thing,” said Quarm; “all depends on the -man solicited.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pepperill, with his hands in his pockets and head -in the air, his spirits revived as though he had borrowed -five hundred pounds in place of five pounds, walked towards -Dart-meet Bridge humming the old harvest song,—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“We’ve cheated the parson; we’ll cheat him again;</div> - <div class='line'>For why should the vicar have one in ten?</div> - <div class='line in2'>One in ten?</div> - <div class='line'>We’ll drink off our liquor while we can stand,</div> - <div class='line'>And hey for the honour of Old England!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Old England!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIV <br /><span class='small'>SHAVINGS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>With five pounds in his pocket, Pepperill drove to -Plymouth and on to Devonport. His moral -courage was up again now he had gold to spend. When -his purse was empty, his spirits, his tone of mind, became -depressed and despairing. A very little—a few pounds—sufficed -to send them up to bragging point. There was no -limit to his self-complacency and assurance as he appeared -at the dockyard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>His spirits, his consequence that had so risen, were -doomed to sink when he learned that no oak, however -good, was required. Okehampton Park, the finest, the -most extensive in the county, had been delivered over by -the impecunious owners to the woodman; thousands of -magnificent trees, as ancient and as sound as those of -Brimpts, had been felled. The market was glutted, oak -of the best quality sold cheap as beech; and the Government -had bought as much at Okehampton as would be -needed for several years.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is the way with all Government concerns, stupidly -managed by blunderheads. I can do business better with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>private firms. I know very well what this means—to grease -the palms of the authorities. I am a man of principle—I -won’t do it.” So said Pepperill, as he swung away from -the dockyard. “Bah! I’ve always been a staunch supporter -of Church and State, churchwarden and Tory. If the -Government can’t oblige me when I want a little favour -done, but must go to the cheapest shop, blow me if I don’t -turn Whig—that’s not bad enough—roaring Radical, and -cry, Down with the Constitution and the Crown! As for -the Church, I don’t say as I’ll go in for disestablishment -and disendowment just now. There is some benefit in an -Established Church when it will accommodate one at a -pinch with five pounds, and don’t press to have it returned -till convenient.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco betook himself now to private firms of shipbuilders, -but was unable to dispose of his timber. The mowing -down of Okehampton Park had flooded the market with -first-quality oak. One firm was inclined to deal with him, -if he would draw the timber into Plymouth. Sanguine at -this undertaking, he returned to Dart-meet to drive a bargain -with some of the farmers on the moor for conveying the -oak logs to the seaport town. He found that their charges -were likely to be high. The way was long, the road hilly, -in places bad. It would take them two days at least to -convey each load, with a pair of horses, or a team of three, -to Plymouth; and what was one load?—what, but a single -log. Then there was the return journey, that might be done -in a long day; but after three such days, the horses would -not be fit for work on the fourth. A pair of horses was ten -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>shillings; and for three days—that was five-and-twenty; but -in reality three horses would be needed, and that would be -thrice fifteen—two pounds five for each stick of timber -before it was sold. As for the spray,—all the upper portion -of the trees,—that would have to be disposed of on the -spot; and Pepperill foresaw, with something like dismay, -that he would get no price for it. The expense of carriage -would deter all save moor farmers from purchasing, and -they were so few in number, that the supply would exceed -the demand, especially as they could have as much turf as -they wanted for the cutting; and practically not sufficient -would be got from the sale of the faggot wood to pay for -the felling of the timber.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is one of the peculiar features of England that our -roads are absolutely without any of the facilities which -modern engineering would yield to travellers on wheels. -Our ancient highways were those struck out by packmen, -and when wheeled conveyances came into use, the carriages -had to scramble over roads only suitable for pack-horses. -In France and Germany it is otherwise, there modern road-engineering -has made locomotion easy. The main arteries -of traffic ascend and descend by gentle gradients, and -make sweeps where a direct course would be arduous and -exhaustive of time.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now the road from Dart-meet, a main thoroughfare over -the moor, might be carried along the river-bank, with a -gentle fall of a hundred feet in the mile, for six miles. But -instead of that, it scrambles for a mile up a hogsback of -moor, nearly five hundred feet in sheer ascent, then comes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>down to the Dart again; then scrambles another ridge, -and then again descends to the same river. Nothing could -be easier than to have a trotting road the whole way; but -in mediæval times packmen went up and down hill; consequently -we in our brakes, and landaus, and dog-carts must -do the same; not only so, but the transport of granite, -peat, wool, and the oaks from the felled forest was rendered -a matter of heavy labour and great cost. Pepperill saw that -it was quite hopeless to expect to effect any dealings on the -Ashburton side, on account of the tremendous hills that -intervened.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With rage and mortification at his heart, he sought for -his brother-in-law, and could not find him. He was told -that Quarm had gone to Widdecomb. Some repairs were -to be done in the church, the parsonage was to be rebuilt, -and he was going to ascertain whether oak timber would be -required there, and how much, and whether he could -dispose of some of the wood of Brimpts for this object.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He could not wait for Quarm. He wanted to be home. -He was to convey Kate to Coombe Cellars—it had been -so arranged. His wife was impatient for her return, had -begun to discover what a useful person in the house Kate -was. Moreover, the moor air had done what was required -of it, had restored health to the girl’s cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In rough and testy tone, Pepperill told his niece to put -together her traps and to jump up beside him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ve had play enough at our expense,” he growled. -“Your aunt has had to hire a girl, and she’s done nothing -but break, break—and she’s given Zerah cheek—awful. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>Time you was back. We can’t be ruined just because your -father wants you to be a lady, and idle. We’re not -millionaires, that we can afford to put our hands in our -pockets and spend the day loafing. If your father thinks -of bringing you up to that, it’s a pity he hasn’t made -better ventures with his money.” After a pause, with a -burst of rancour, “His money! <em>His</em> money, indeed! it -is mine he plays games with, it is my hard-earned coin he -plays ducks and drakes with—chucks it away as though I -hadn’t slaved to earn every groat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he talked, he worked himself up into great wrath; -and like a coward poured forth his spite upon the harmless -child at his side, because harmless, unable to retaliate. -He was accustomed to hear his wife find fault with Kate, -and now he followed suit. We all, unless naturally -generous, cast blame on those who are beneath us; on -our children, our servants, the poor and weak, when we -are conscious of wrong within ourselves, but are too proud -for self-accusation. It has been so since Adam blamed -Eve for his fall, and Eve threw the blame on the serpent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t hold with holiday-making,” said Pasco. “It is -all very well for wealthy people, but not for those who are -workers for their daily bread. I might ha’ been, and I -would ha’ been, an independent man, and a gentleman -living on my own means, but for your father. He’s been -the mischief-maker. He has led me on to speculate in -ventures that were rotten from root to branch, and all my -poor savings, and all that your aunt Zerah has earned by -years of toil—it is all going—it is all gone. There are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>those workmen cutting down the oak, they are eating my -silver, gorging themselves on my store, and reducing me -and Zerah to beggary. To the workhouse—that’s our -goal. To the workhouse—that is where your father is -driving us. What are you staring about you for like an -owl in daylight?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, uncle,” answered Kate in a voice choked with -tears, “I have been so happy on the moor, and it is all -so beautiful, so beautiful—a heaven on earth; and I was -only looking my last—and saying good-bye to it all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not listening to what I said?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Indeed I was, and I was unhappy—and what you said -made me feel I should never come back here, and I must -work hard now for Aunt Zerah. There was no harm in -my looking my last at what I have loved and shall not see -again! It is so beautiful.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Beautiful? Gah!” retorted Pasco. “A beastly place. -What is beautiful here? The rocks? The peat? The -heather? Gah! It is all foul stuff—I hate it. What are -you hugging there as if it were a purse of gold?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, uncle, it is something I love so! The schoolmaster -sent it me by Mr. Fielding. It’s only a book.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A book? of what sort? Let me see.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate reluctantly produced the cherished volume.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pshaw!” said Pasco, rejecting it with disgust. “Poetry—rotten -rubbish—I hate it. It’s no good to anyone, it -stuffs heads with foolery. I wish I was king, and I’d -make it a hanging matter to write a line of poetry and -publish it. It’s just so much poison. No wonder you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>don’t like work, when you read that vile, unwholesome -trash.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate hastily folded up the volume and replaced it in -her bosom.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No wonder you and your father encourage vagabonds -and incendiaries if you read poetry.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Father did not help Roger Redmore to escape,” said -Kate. “It was I who rolled down the stones. Father -came up when he had already got away to a hiding-place. -I, and I alone, did it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“More shame to you! You’re a bad girl, a vicious girl, -and will come to no good.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He continued grumbling and snarling and harping on -his grievances, and, for some while, jerking out spiteful -remarks. Presently he relapsed into silence, and let the -tired cob jog along till he reached a point where, near -Holne, roads branched: one went down the hill to Ashburton -without passing through the village, the other went -round by the church and village inn. Here Pasco drew -up, uncertain which road to take. There was not much -difference in the distance. The direct way was the shorter, -but by not more than half a mile, whereas the other afforded -opportunity for refreshment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At this point was a carpenter’s shop. The workman -was not there, but he had left his shop open, and outside -was a great pile of shavings.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As Pasco sat ruminating, doubtful which way to take, -his eye rested for some while on the shavings. Presently, -without a word, he got out of the conveyance, let down -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>the back of the cart, collected as many shavings as he -could carry, and thrust them in, under the seat. He went -back to the pile, took as many more as he thought would -suffice, and crammed the body of the cart with them. -Then, still without speaking, he shut the back, remounted, -and drove down the shortest way—the steep hill, the direct -road to Ashburton that avoided the village.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle!” said Kate, after a while.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill started, as though he had been stung. -“Bless me!” he exclaimed; “I had forgotten you were -here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle,” pursued the girl, “you know my dear mother -left a little money, a few hundred pounds, for me. And -my father is trustee, and he has charge of it, and has -invested it somewhere for me. If you are in difficulties, -and really want money, I am sure you are heartily welcome -to mine. I will ask my father to let you have the use of -it. I cannot do other—you and Aunt Zerah have been -very kind to me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, that we have, and been to tremendous expense -over your keep; and there was your education with Mr. -Puddicombe, and the doctor’s bill coming in, and the -medicines; and there has been your clothing—and you -have always eaten—awful. That costs money, and ruins -one. Yes, you are right, you couldn’t do other. I had -not thought of that. But I don’t know what your father -will say.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In a very few years I shall be old enough to have it -as my own to do with as I like. I do not think that my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>father will object to its being employed as I wish. And I -know it will be quite safe with you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, perfectly safe, safe as in the Bank of England. -I’m one of your sound men. Sound, and straight, and -square, all round—everything you can desire, you know. -Everyone trusts me. A man of substance, a man of -means—and with a head for business.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will ask father when I see him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is right. It will be a little relief. You are a -good girl, I always said you were, and had your heart in -the right place. You will write to your father to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco Pepperill was comparatively genial, even boastful, -on the rest of the way. When he arrived at Coombe -Cellars, his wife heard the wheels and came to the door. -She received Kate without cordiality, and took her husband’s -little bag of clothes he had taken with him. Kate -carried hers in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Anything in the cart? Shall I open?” asked Zerah.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nothing—absolutely nothing. Leave the cart alone,” -answered Pasco hastily. “Nothing at all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drew his horse away, unharnessed it, and ran -the dog-cart into the coach-house. Then he stood for a -moment musing, and looking at it. Presently he turned -his back, locked the door, and left his conveyance undischarged -of its load of shavings.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I may chuck ’em away, any time,” said he, “or give -’em to Zerah to kindle her kitchen fire with, or”— He -did not finish the sentence, even in thought.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXV <br /><span class='small'>BORROWING AGAIN</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>When Pepperill, tired with his long day’s journey, -and harassed in mind, went to his bedroom, -Zerah at once fell upon him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How have you fared, I’d like to know? But lawk! -what’s the good of my axing, when I’m pretty confident -your journey has been all down hill, with an upset of the -cart presently.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And if it be so, who is to blame but your brother?” -retorted Pepperill angrily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My brother may have made his mistakes sometimes, -but not always—you never by any chance fail to do the -wrong thing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He has dragged me into this confounded affair of the -Brimpts timber; and now—I cannot sell the bark or the -oaks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He had nothing to say to the wool. What made you -buy at a wrong price?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The market is always changing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes—against your interests. We shall end in the -workhouse.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>“Things will come right.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They cannot. Look here! Here is a lawyer’s letter -about the coals. You must pay by the first of the next -month, or they will put in the bailiffs.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It will come right. I have had an offer.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“For the oak?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, of a loan. Kate, like a good and reasonable and -affectionate girl, is going to get Jason to withdraw her -money and lend it to me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Zerah flushed crimson. “So!” she exclaimed, planting -herself in front of her husband, and lodging her hands on -her hips; “you want to swindle the orphan out of her little -fortune. You know as well as I do, if that money gets -into your hands, it will run between your fingers as has -all other money that ever got there. Folks say that there -is a stone as turns all base metal to gold. I say that your -palm has the faculty of converting gold into quicksilver, -that escapes and cannot be recovered.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is only a temporary embarrassment.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It shall not be done,” said Zerah. “I don’t myself -believe Jason will hear of it, and if he does, and prepares -to carry it out, I’ll knock his head off—that’s my last word. -The parson said I didn’t love Kate, that I was starving her; -but I’ll stand up for her against you—and her own father -if need be.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The coal merchant must wait,” said Pasco, shrugging -his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He will not wait. You have passed over unnoticed -his former demands, and now, unless in a fortnight the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>money is paid, he will make the house too hot to hold -us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We can sell something.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What? You have parted with your farm, the orchard, -the meadow—with everything but the house, to follow your -foolish passion to be a merchant.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He must wait. I have to wait till folk pay me my -little bills. Money doesn’t come in rushes, but in leaks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He will not wait. Where is the ready money to come -from?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco scratched his head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If everything else fails,” said she further, “then I propose -you go to old Farmer Pooke and get a loan of him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pooke? he won’t lend money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am not so sure of that. Jan has called several times -since Kitty has been away, and yesterday he told me, in -his shy, awkward fashion, that he had spoken with his -father about her. The old man made some to-do—he had -fancied Rose Ash as a match for his son, as she is likely to -have a good round sum of money; but when Jan insisted, -he gave way. You see everyone in the place knows that -Kate has something left by her mother, but they don’t -know how much, and, instead of three hundred pounds or -so, they have got the notion into their heads that it is a -thousand pounds. Now, as the father is ready to let his -son marry Kate, I think it like enough he would help you, -so as to prevent the scandal of bailiffs in Coombe Cellars.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He may make that the excuse for breaking off the -match.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>“Jan is obstinate. When that lad sets his head on a -thing, there is no turning him, and that his father knows -well. He’d ha’ turned his son away from Kitty and on to -Rose if he could, but he can’t do it; and what he is aware -of is, that the least show of opposition will make Jan ten -times more set on it than before.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you go to Farmer Pooke and borrow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I! I made to go round as a beggar-woman! You -have brought trouble on the house. You must ask for the -loan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Next day, Pasco Pepperill started for Pooke’s house. -The lion is said to lash itself with its tail till it lashes itself -into fury. Pasco blustered and bragged with everyone he -encountered, till he had worked himself up into self-confidence -and assurance enough for his purpose, and then, -with bold face and swaggering gait, entered the farm-house.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pooke senior was a stout man, as became a yeoman of -substance; he had a red, puffed face, with stony dark eyes; -his hands were enormous, and their backs were covered -with hair.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pooke and Pepperill had not been on the best of terms. -Pooke for some time had been churchwarden, but in a fit -of pique had thrown up the office, when Pepperill had been -elected in his room. But Pooke had not intended his -resignation to be accepted seriously. He had withdrawn -to let the parish feel that it had absolutely no one else fit -to take his place, and he had anticipated that he would -have been entreated to reconsider his resignation. When, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>however, Pepperill stepped into his vacant office, and everything -went on as usual, Pooke was very irate, and spoke of -the supplanter with bitterness and contempt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How do y’ do?” said Pooke, and extended his hand -with gracious condescension, such as he only used to the -rector and to those whom he considered sufficiently well-off -to deserve his salutation. “What have you come here -about?—that matter of Jan?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, now,” answered Pepperill, with a side look at a -servant, “between ourselves, you know, we are men who -conduct business in a different way from the general -run.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Get along with you, Anne,” said Pooke to the maid. -“Now we are by ourselves, what is it? That boy Jan is -headstrong. It runs in the blood. I married, clean contrary -to my father’s wishes, just because I knew he didn’t -like the girl. I don’t think that it was anything else made -me do it. But your niece, Kitty, has money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Money? oh, of course! We are a moneyed family.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is well. Mine is a moneyed family. One cannot -be comfortable oneself without money, nor have anything -to do comfortably with other people unless they’re moneyed. -I have often thought there is a great gulf fixed between the -comfortably off and those who are in poor circumstances, -and those who are in comfort can’t pass to the other side—not -right they should; let them make their associates -among the comfortably off. That’s my doctrine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And mine also,” said Pasco. “I like to hear you talk -like this—it’s wholesome.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>“Well, and what do you want with me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill crossed his legs, uncrossed them, and crossed -them again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve been doing a lot o’ business lately,” said he.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So I hear. But do you want to do business with me? -I bought your orchard and meadow. There I think you -did wrong. Hold on to land; never let that go—that’s my -doctrine. You got rid of it, and where are you now? In -Coombe Cellars, without as much as five acres around it of -your own.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I never was calculated to be a farmer,” said Pasco. -“My head was always set on a commercial life, and I -can’t say I regret it. A lot of money has passed through -my hands.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t care so much for the passing as the sticking of -money,” retorted Pooke.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, in my line, money comes in with a tide and goes -out with a tide. When it is out, it is very much out indeed; -but I have only to wait awhile, and, sure as anything in -nature, in comes the tide once more.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pooke’s stony eye was fixed on Pepperill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Which is it now—high tide or low water?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There it is—low.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pooke thrust his chair back, and looked at the space -between him and Pepperill, as though it were the great gulf -fixed, across which no communication was possible.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merely temporary,” said Pasco, with affected indifference. -“Nevertheless, unpleasant rather; not that I am -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>inconvenienced and straitened myself, but that I am unable -to extend my money ventures. You see, I have been buying -a great oak wood on Dartmoor—splendid oak, hard as -iron; will make men-of-war, with which we shall bamboozle -the French and Spaniards. Then I’ve bought in a quantity -of wool.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What, now? It is worth nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Exactly—because there is a panic. In my business -this is a time for buying. There will be a rebound, and I -shall sell. It is the same with coals. I lay in now when -cheap, and sell when dear—in winter.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you want with me?” asked Pooke -suspiciously.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The thing is this. I find I have to pay for the timber -before I can sell a stick to Government, and I haven’t the -cash at this instant. I’ve had to pay for the wool,—I -bought in two years’ fleeces,—and for the coals, and if I -could lay my hand on four hundred pounds”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Four hundred pound ain’t things easy laid hands -on.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I want the money for three months at the outside. -I’ll give you my note of hand, and what interest you -demand.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Likely to make a good thing out of Government? I’ve -always heard as dealing with Government is like dealing -with fools—all gain your side, all loss theirs.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well! ’Tis something like that,” said Pepperill, with -a knowing wink. “But don’t trouble yourself; if you can’t -conveniently raise four or five hundred, I can easily go -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>elsewhere. I came to you, because my wife said there was -likely to be a marriage between the families, and so I -thought you might help me to make this hit.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, look here,” said Pooke. “I’ve often had a notion -I should like to deal with Government. I’ve a lot of hay -and straw.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m your man. Trust me. If I get to deal with -Government about the timber, they’ll have confidence in -me, for the oak is about first-rate, and no <a id='corr71.9'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='mistake'>mistake.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_71.9'><ins class='correction' title='mistake'>mistake.</ins></a></span> They’ll -become confiding, and I’ll speak a word for you. But if -you haven’t any loose cash, such as four or five hundred -pounds”— Pepperill stood up, and took his hat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t go in a hurry,” said Pooke. “That’s been my -ambition, to deal with Government. Then if one has -mouldy hay, one can get rid of it at a good figure, and -Government is so innocent, it will buy barley straw for -wheaten.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you are so hard up that you have no money”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I—I hard up? Sit down again, Pasco.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pooke considered for a moment, and then said, “Now, I -know well enough that in business matters sometimes one -wants a loan. It is always so. If you’ll just give me a leg -up with Government, I don’t mind accommodating you. -But—I must have security.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“On my stores?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; they might sell out. On your house.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Won’t my note of hand do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, it won’t,” answered Pooke. “See here: my Jan -has gone down your way to make it up with Kitty. When -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>they have settled, you get me your deeds, and then I don’t -mind advancing the sum you want on that security—that -is, if Kitty accepts Jan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She will do so, of course,” said Pepperill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, of course,” said Pooke.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVI <br /><span class='small'>SILVER PENINKS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>As soon in the morning as Kate could disengage herself -from the tasks which her aunt at once imposed on -her, she ran to the cottage occupied by the wife and children -of Roger Redmore. It was of cob, or clay and straw beaten -and trampled together, then shaved down, and the whole -thatched.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such cottages last for centuries, and are warm and dry. -So long as the thatch is preserved over the walls, there is -simply no saying how long they may endure, but if the rain -be suffered to fall on the top of the walls, the clay crumbles -rapidly away. The cob is usually whitewashed, and the -white faces of these dwellings of the poor under the brown -velvet-pile thatched roofs, with the blinking windows beneath -the straw thatching just raised, like the brow of a sleepy -eye, have an infinitely more pleasing, cosy appearance than -the modern cottages of brick or stone, roofed with cold blue -slate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The cottage of the Redmores was built against a red -hedge, rank with hawthorn and primroses. But in verity it -was no longer the cottage of the Redmores, for the family -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>had been given notice to quit, and although after Lady-Day -Farmer Pooke had suffered the woman to inhabit it -for a few weeks, yet now the term of his concession was -exceeded. He had a new workman coming in, and the -unhappy woman was forced to leave.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When Kate arrived at the dwelling, she found that some -sympathetic neighbours were there, who were assisting Jane -Redmore to remove her sticks of furniture from the interior. -The labourer who was incomer was kindly, and also lent a -hand. Her goods had been brought out into the lane, and -were piled up together against the bank, and on them she -sat crying, with her children frightened and sobbing around -her. Neighbours had been good to her, and now endeavoured -to appease the tears and distress of the children -with offers of bread and treacle, and bits of saffron cake, and -endearments. The woman herself was helpless; she did -not know whither she should betake herself for the night, -where she should bestow her goods.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The incomer urged Mrs. Redmore to tell him what were -her intentions. He must bring in his own family that afternoon, -and would help her, as much as he was able, to settle -herself somewhere. It was not possible for her to remain in -the road. The parish officers would interfere, and carry her -off to the poorhouse; but it was uncertain whether she could -be accommodated there, interposed a neighbour, as the house -was full of real widows.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mrs. Redmore was a feeble, incapable creature, delicate, -without the mental or moral power of rising to an emergency -and forming a resolution. She sat weeping and crying out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>that she was without Roger, and he always managed for -her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you see, Jane,” argued a neighbour, “as how Roger -can’t be here for very good reasons, which us needn’t -mention, and so someone must do something, and who else -is there but you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wish I was dead,” wailed the poor creature.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, now, Jane,” said the neighbour, “don’t ye -be so silly. If you was dead, what ’d become o’ the -childer?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>At this juncture Kate arrived, breathless with running.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is well.” She stood panting, with her eyes bright with -pleasure at the consciousness that she brought relief. “I -asked my father, and he says Mrs. Redmore and the little ones -may go into his cottage at Roundle Post, and stay there till -something is settled.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s brave!” exclaimed the women who were standing -round. “Now, let me take the little ones, Jane, and you -lead the way, and Matthew Woodman, he’ll help to carry -some of your things.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have the key,” said Kate; “and the distance is nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Lawk a mussy!” exclaimed one of the women; “what -would us ever a’ done wi’out you, Kitty. The poor creetur -is that flummaged and mazed, her don’t seem right in her -head, and us couldn’t do nothing with she.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mrs. Redmore caught Kate’s hand, and kissed it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’d all a’ died here, but for you,” she said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Indeed,” answered Kate, hastily snatching her hand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>away, “it is my father who has come to your assistance -not I. He lends you the house.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you axed him for it. Oh, if Roger could do anything -for you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I assure you my father is the one to be thanked, if anyone -is.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, if Roger could do aught for he, it would be the -same as to you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Come, let us be on the move.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A little procession formed—women carrying the children, -or crocks, a couple of men with wheelbarrows, removing -some of the heavier goods. Then up came Jan Pooke, -and at once offered his assistance, and worked as hard as -any.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As soon as the poor woman was settled into her new -quarters, Jan sidled up to Kate, and, seizing her hand and -breathing heavily, said, “Kitty, I want to say something to -you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The girl looked at him inquiringly, waiting for what he -had to say.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I mean, Kitty, alone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am Kitty Alone,” observed she, with a smile.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t mean that. I have something I want to say to -you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it?” said she. “You look very odd.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s—it’s—the silver peninks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What of them?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>It must be premised that the “silver peninks” are the -<span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>narcissus poeticus</em></span>.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>“They are in an orchard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know it,” said Kate. “Lovely they are—and yet, -somehow, I like the daffodils as well.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, it’s a curious thing,” said Jan, “that the same -roots bring up first daffies, and then silver peninks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is not possible,” objected Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But it is so. Come into the orchard, Kitty, and see for -yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know, without seeing, that it cannot be.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you will come and look, Kitty, you will see that just -where the daffies were, there the peninks are now. When -the daffies die down, the peninks bloom.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Exactly, Jan, because their time for blooming is a month -later than the daffodils.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But they come out of the same roots.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That cannot be, by any means.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pooke rubbed his head, and said humbly, “I know, -Kitty, I’m a duffer, and that you’re clever, but I’ve seen ’em -with my own eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Have you ever dug up the bulbs?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, I can’t say I have done that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Till you have, you cannot say that the golden flower -and the silver flower spring from one root.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It isn’t only the peninks, Kitty—can’t you understand?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not. You are very wonderful to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I want to talk to you in the orchard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can say what it is, here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><a id='corr77.26'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='‘No,'>“No,</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_77.26'><ins class='correction' title='‘No,'>“No,</ins></a></span> I cannot. I want to show you the silver peninks, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>and I want to say”—he let go her hand, with which he had -been sawing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate looked round. It would be considerate to leave -the poor woman alone with her children to get settled into -her new quarters, and she desired to escape another outburst -of gratitude.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, Jan, I will go and look at the flowers, and I hope -to show you your mistake—the withered heads of <a id='corr78.8'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='daffodill'>daffodil</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_78.8'><ins class='correction' title='daffodill'>daffodil</ins></a></span> -apart from the bursting bud of the penink.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The two young people walked together down the lane to -the gate into the orchard. Jan threw this open, and Kate, -without hesitation, stepped in.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now,” said Jan, “I said it was not the peninks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is not the peninks—the daffodils? I thought -you said that the one plant was the same which throws up -yellow flowers and white ones.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You try not to understand me, Kitty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am trying hard to understand you, Jan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look here,” he exclaimed, letting go the gate. Kate -did as desired; she looked him full in the face. His mouth -was twitching. “Tell me, Kate”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>She waited for him to conclude the sentence, and as he -did not, she asked him gently what it was that he desired -her to tell him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You know already what I mean,” he exclaimed, breathing -short and quick.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate shook her head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look here, Kitty. My father has given his consent at -last, and I am going to be married.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>“I am so glad to hear it, Jan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kate, you tease me. You—you”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Indeed, I wish you all happiness.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That I can only have with you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With me?” Kate was frightened, drew back, and fixed -her great, dark blue, tranquil eyes on him. The sweat rolled -off his brow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, Jan! What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You know what I mean. You shall be my missus.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jan—that cannot be.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not? Give me your hand—no, give me both.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot do that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A pause ensued.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kitty, you don’t care for me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do care for you, Jan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then love me—take me. Sister Sue will be so -pleased.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot do it, Jan, even for sister Sue.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You cannot love me?” he gasped, and his face lost its -colour. “Oh, Kitty, since we were in the boat together I -have thought only of you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And before that, of Rose. Was it not so?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, Kitty. Rose rather teased me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jan, you are a dear, good old fellow, and I like you -better than any—I mean, almost better than anyone else -in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whom do you like better?” he inquired in a tone -between sulk and anger.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My dear father, of course.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>“Oh, your father!—anyone else?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I love the dear old parson.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The parson? why so?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because one can learn so much from him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, learn, learn!” exclaimed Pooke impatiently. “At -that rate you will love the schoolmaster, for he can teach -you all sorts of things—why some stars twinkle and others -do not; and why the tides do not come regular by half an -hour. If that sort of foolery suits you, he’ll do.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is no foolery, dear friend Jan. I have said that I -did regard and like you.” Her face had become crimson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you will not love me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jan, I shall always think of you as a brother or a cousin. -You are so good, so true, so kind. You deserve the best -girl in Coombe, and I am not that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He wanted to interrupt her, but she proceeded, laying -her finger-tips on his breast.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, Jan, I am not that—I know it well; and I know -that your father, not even sister Sue, would have you marry -me. I cannot love you, and you would be unhappy with -me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because I would be for ever asking you questions which -you could not answer. And I, with you, would not be -happy, because I could get no answers out of you. You -would be telling me such things as that silver peninks -sprang out of daffodil roots, and that—I could not believe.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So you refuse me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jan, you must get a good dear wife, who will believe -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>that silver peninks grow out of daffodil bulbs—will not -bother whether they do or not—one who loves you with her -whole heart. I know one who does that—no—listen to -me!” as he made a gesture of impatience, as if he would -turn away. “Let me speak plainly, Jan. Rose is a merry, -good-hearted girl; and if she has done an unkind thing to -me, it has not been out of malice, but because it made her -mad to think that you did not love her, and cared a little -for me. No one in Coombe can say a bad word against her. -She is the prettiest girl in all the country round. She is -always neat and fitty (dapper). If you know at all what -love is, Jan, you must judge how miserable Rose is, when, -loving you with all her heart, she finds you indifferent, and -even rough towards her; she hates me, only because you -prefer me to her. Your father, I am quite sure, has no -wish to see you marry anyone but Rose. Sister Sue is her -friend, and Sue knows and cares nothing about me. Let -us always remain friends. I shall ever value you for your -goodness of heart, dear Jan. I wish I could love you -enough to accept you, but I cannot—I cannot, Jan—and -after saying that silver peninks”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, confound the peninks!” he used a worse word than -“confound.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jan! Do not say that. It is a necessity of my heart -to learn. I must ask questions, and I never can love a -man who cannot give me something to satisfy my mind. -Dear Jan, if we were married, and you said that silver”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>He stamped his feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, never mind the peninks. It cannot be, Jan. It -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>cannot be. We were never created for each other. Woman -is made out of a rib of the man to whom she must belong. -If I am so eager to ask questions, and get to know things, -that shows, Jan, I was never made out of your rib, never -taken from your side, and so never can go there.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVII <br /><span class='small'>TROUBLE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>When Kate returned to Coombe Cellars, she saw -that some trouble had occurred. Her aunt was -sitting at the table in tears, Pasco had planted himself -on the settle, with his legs stretched before him, wide -apart, the soles turned up and his hands in his pockets. -His hat was on and he was whistling a tune—a strain out -of Jackson’s “Tee-dum”—in unconcern.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate had heard enough of the altercations between her -aunt and uncle to be aware that their circumstances were -strained, and that Zerah disbelieved in her husband’s -business capacities. Pasco had himself admitted to her, -on the drive from Brimpts, that he was in difficulties.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Zerah, so far from refraining from her comments before -Kate, hailed her entrance as an opportunity for renewing -her animadversions on Pasco.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look here, Kitty! Here is what we have come to—read -that! Your uncle, like a reckless fool, has gone and -bought wool when there is no sale for it, and has given a -bill for it which has expired. The bank has returned it to -Coaker, dishonoured,—dishonoured, do you hear that, Pasco?—and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>here is Coaker, furious, and demanding immediate -payment. On the other side, there is the Teignmouth coal -merchant threatening proceedings. What is to be done?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate looked at her uncle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t be excited and angry, Zerah,” said he, with the -utmost composure. “After rain comes sunshine. It is -darkest before dawn. When the tide is at lowest ebb, it is -on the turn to the flow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But what is to be done? Dishonoured!” exclaimed -Zerah.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dishonoured?—fiddlesticks! The bill is returned, that -is all. The money will come.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whence. Can you stamp on the ground and make the -coin leap up? Can you throw your net into the Teign and -gather guineas as you can shrimps?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It will come right,” said Pasco. “There is no need -for this heat, I tell you. I have seen Farmer Pooke, and -he will advance me five hundred pounds.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes—on the security of this house.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, what of that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And five hundred pounds will not suffice to meet all -the claims.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, there are Kitty’s hundreds.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They shall not be touched.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You promised me the loan of them, did you not, Kitty?” -asked her uncle, scarcely raising his head to look at her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, you are heartily welcome to them,” said the girl.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They shall not be touched!” exclaimed Zerah, leaning -her fists on the table.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“That is as Jason thinks and chooses,” answered Pasco. -“He is trustee for Kitty, not you. He got me into the -hobble, and must get me out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What!—did he get you into this about the wool?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I should have managed about the wool, were it not for -the Brimpts business.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And the coals?” asked Zerah ironically.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can manage well enough when not drawn away into -foreign speculations. Jason persuaded me against my will -to embark in this timber business, and that is it which is -creating this obstruction. He got me in—he must get me -out. Kate’s a good girl,—she helps, and don’t rate and -rant as you do, Zerah.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t say she is not a good girl,” retorted Zerah. -“What I say is, you are a bad uncle to desire to rob -her”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Rob her? I ask only a loan for a few weeks. Her -money and that from Pooke will set us on our feet again.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>At that moment, the man just alluded to came in with -much noise. His face was red, his expression one of great -anger, and without a greeting, he roared forth—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is an insult. The girl is an idiot. She has refused -him—him—a Pooke!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who? What?” asked Zerah, letting go the table and -staggering back, overcome by a dreadful anticipation of evil.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who? What?” retorted Pooke, shaking his red face -and then his great flabby hand at Kate. “She—Kitty -Alone—has said No to my John!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Zerah uttered an exclamation of dismay. Pasco’s jaw -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>fell, and, drawing in his feet, he pulled his hands from his -pockets and leaned them on the arms of the settle, to be -ready to lift himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She—that chit—has dared to refuse him!” roared Pooke. -“Not that I wanted her as my daughter. Heaven defend! -I think my John is worth better girls than she. But that -she should have refused him—my John—she who ought to -have gone down on her knees and thanked him if he gave -her a look—that she should have the impudence—the—the”—he -choked with rage. “Now, not one penny of -mine shall you have, not on note of hand, on no security -of your beggarly house—a cockle and winkle eating tea-house—bah!—not -a penny!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he turned, snapped his fingers at Zerah and Pasco, -and went out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There ensued a dead hush for some moments. Kate -had turned very white, and looked with large frightened -eyes at her uncle, then at her aunt. She felt that this was -but the first puff of a storm which would break in full force -on her head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco stumbled to his feet, planted his right fist in the -hollow of his left palm, and, coming up close to Kate, said -hoarsely, “You won’t have him? You, you frog in a well! -You won’t have him, the richest young chap in Coombe! -I say you shall have him. You shall run after Mr. Pooke, -and say it is all a mistake—you take Jan thankfully—you -only said No just out of bashfulness, you did not think -yourself worthy. Tell him you said No because you -thought Jan was asking you against his father’s wishes. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>Say that now you know how the old man feels, you -gratefully accept. Do you hear? Run.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate did not move. Her head had fallen on her bosom -when he began, now she raised it, and, looking her uncle -steadily in the face, she said, “I cannot. I have told Jan -my reasons.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Reasons, indeed! precious reasons. What are they?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate did not answer. Her reasons were such as Pasco -could not understand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kate,” interposed Zerah in an agitated voice, “what -is the meaning of this?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, dear aunt, it is true, I cannot take Jan. I have -refused him, and I cannot, will not withdraw the No. In -this matter I alone am answerable, and answerable to God.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I insist,” stormed Pasco.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot obey,” answered Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Cannot—will not obey us who have brought you up. -I suppose next you will refuse to obey your father?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In this matter, yes, if he were to order me to take -Jan Pooke.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll force you to take him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You cannot do that, uncle.” She spoke with composure, -whereas he was in a towering passion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look at this,” said he, snatching up the letter from the -table. “I’m dishonoured now, indeed, as Zerah says. -If you take Jan, all is well. The old father will find me -money, and all runs on wheels. You put in your spoke, -and everything is upset. Dishonoured, ruined, beggared—and -all through you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>He beat down his hat over his brows, laughed wildly, -and shook his fist at Kate. “I was chucked out of the -trap t’other day. I wish I had broken my neck sooner -than come to this. I’ve nourished a viper in my bosom, -and now it turns and stings me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Leave her to me,” said Zerah. “You make matters -worse by your violence. That is the way with you men. -Leave her to me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco flung himself back in the settle, and thrust out his -legs as before, and rammed his fists into his pockets. -Before he had held his chin up, now it was buried in his -shirt front.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Zerah pulled her niece into the window. Kate -drew a long breath. She knew that now came the worst -trial of all.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kitty,” said the aunt, holding both the girl’s arms, and -looking into her face. “Are you utterly heartless? Is it -a matter of no concern to you that we should be ruined? -You have but to run after Mr. Pooke, and all will be well. -Why should you not give way to my wishes and those of -your uncle? What have you against the lad? He is -good, and he is rich.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not love him,” answered Kate confusedly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But he is so well off. There is no one with half his -prospects in the place. I can’t understand. He likes you. -He is desperately fond of you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will never take one I do not love,” said Kate, shaking -her head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you have heard the condition we are in? Your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>uncle owes money on all sides. If money is due to him, he -cannot recover it. He has sold the farm, there remains -only this house. If he sells that, we are without a home. -Then where will you be? Come—yield to our wishes, -child.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot, indeed I cannot,” answered Kate, trembling -in all her limbs. “I would have taken Jan if I could.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is to prevent you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate was silent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is—there can be no one else in the way?” -pursued Zerah.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again no answer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Stubborn and hardhearted, that is what you are,” said -Zerah bitterly. “It is all the same to you what becomes -of us. We reared you. We have loved you. I have -been to you as a mother. You have never shown either -your uncle or me that you were grateful for what we have -done for you. Your own father you treat as though he -were a dog—take no notice of him. I have heard of -hearts of stone, I never believed in them before. I do -now. No; there is—there can be no one else so insensible. -You have not got it in you to love anyone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate sighed. The tears ran down her cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dear aunt, I have always loved you, and I love you -now, and ever will.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then show me that you have a heart,” said Zerah. -“Words without deeds are wind. If my own dear child -Wilmot had been alive, this would not have happened. -Jan would have loved her, not you; and even if she had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>not cared for him, yet, when she knew my wishes, she -would have yielded. She would have given her heart’s -blood for me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate pressed her folded hands to her bosom; her heart -was bursting with pain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it that I ask of you?” pursued Zerah, and -brushed the tears from her own eyes. “Nothing but what -is for your own advantage, your own happiness. How will -you like starvation—rags, no roof over your head? If you -take Jan Pooke, you become the first woman in the place. -You will have money to do with just as you likes. Jan is a -good-hearted fellow. Never have you heard of his having -wronged man, woman, or child. He is amiable; you can -turn him round your little finger. What more can a woman -wish for?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate’s mind was tossed with trouble. She had so -often longed that the opportunity might arise for her to -prove to her aunt that she loved her. Now the occasion -had come. The future was full of threat and disaster, and -one word from her might avert this and restore serenity; -and not only would that one word relieve her uncle and -aunt in their present distress, but it would also suffice to -make poor, worthy Jan a happy man. But that word she -could not speak, she could not prevail with herself to speak -it. She liked John Pooke, and but for one thing she -perhaps might have yielded—that one thing was that she -had met with a man very different from the young yeoman, -one who could answer questions and satisfy her hungry -mind.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>“I cannot, dear auntie.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Cannot? What stands in the way? <em>Who</em> stands in -the way?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot, auntie.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perverse, headstrong, heartless child! When luck -comes to you, you throw it away, and cast your own self, -and all belonging to you, into misery. I wish you had -never come here; I wish I had never nursed you in my -arms, never cared for you as a child, never watched over -you as a grown girl.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Auntie!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Away—I will not speak to you again.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVIII <br /><span class='small'>ALTERNATIVES</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Pasco had left the room and the house. His anger -with Kate was obscured by his unrest as to his own -condition. What could he do? He must meet the bill -for the wool, he must pay for the Brimpts timber before -he removed any of it, or forfeit what had already been -spent over felling the trees. He must pay the coal -merchant’s account, or bailiffs would be put into the house.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He went into his stores and observed the contents of his -warehouse. There was wool on the upper storey, coal was -lodged below. Above stairs all the space was pretty well -filled with fleeces.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he went to his stable, and looked at his cob, then -into the covered shed that served as coach-house. He put -his hand in his pocket, pulled out the key, and opened the -back of the cart. The shavings he had put in were there -still. He could not carry them into the house now, whilst -Zerah was engaged with Kate. Besides, he would not -require so much kindling matter within doors. Where -should he bestow it?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Suspecting that he heard a step approach, Pasco hastily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>closed the flap of the cart, and went to the front of the -shed. No one was there. He returned to the shed and -reopened the box of the cart, and filled his arms with -shavings, came out and hastily ran across with them to his -warehouse.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he came back on his traces, carefully picking up -the particles that had escaped him. There remained more -in his dog-cart. Would it do for him to run to and fro, -conveying the light shavings from shed to warehouse? -Might it not attract attention? What would a customer -think were he to come for coals, and find a bundle of -kindling wood among them? What would neighbours -think at the light curls caught by the wind and carried -away over the fields?</p> - -<p class='c001'>He went hastily back to the warehouse and collected -the bundle he had just taken there, and brought it all back -in a sack, and rammed this sack into the box of his cart; -and then went again to the stores, and raked the coals over -the particles of shavings that remained.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pasco harnessed his cob, and drove away to the -little town of Newton. A craving desire had come over him -to see again the new public-house erected in the place of -that which had been burnt. He had no clear notion why -he desired to see it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he drove along, he passed the mill, and Ash, the -miller, who was standing outside his house, hailed him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By the way, Pepperill—sorry to detain you; there is -a little account of mine I fancy has been overlooked. Will -you wait?—I will run in and fetch it; my Rose—she does -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>all the writing for me, I’m a poor scholard—she has just -made it out again. It was sent in Christmas, and forgot, -I s’pose, then again Lady-Day, and I reckon again overlooked. -You won’t mind my telling of it, and if you could -make it convenient to pay”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Certainly, at once,” answered Pasco, and thrust his -hand into his pocket and drew it forth empty. “No hurry -for a day or two, I reckon? I find I have come away -without my purse.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh no, not for a day or two; but when it suits you, -I shall be obliged.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will to-morrow do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course. I say, Pepperill, your brother-in-law is a -right sort of a man.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why do you say that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Giving up his cottage to that poor creetur, Jane -Redmore.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not understand you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What—have you not heard? There was like to be a -proper mess. Farmer Pooke wanted Roger’s cottage for -his new man, and so she, poor soul, had to turn out. -There was no help for it. She had no notion where to go, -and what to do. A lost sort of creetur I always thought, -and now that Roger is away and not to be found, and -what wi’ the death of her little maid, gone almost tottle -(silly). Her had to clear out, and folks was nigh mazed -to know what to do wi’ her, when your niece, Kitty Alone, -came and said as how her father Jason gave his cottage -till Jane Redmore could settle something.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>“I never heard a word of this till this moment,” said -Pasco. “When did it happen?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To-day—not long ago. Jane Redmore is in Jason -Quarm’s house now. Kate gave her the key.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill grew red, and said, not looking Ash in the face, -but away at the ears of his horse, “I don’t like this—not -at all. We ought to get rid of Redmore and all his -belongings. You are not safe in your house, your mill is -not safe, I am not safe, with that firebrand coming and -going amongst us—and come and go he will so long as -his wife and children be here. He were mighty fond of -they.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Roger will do you no harm. Your people have been -good to him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What! do you call Jason ‘my people’?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jason and Kitty have housed his wife.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It don’t follow that he loves me. I set the men in -pursuit of him at Dart-meet, and he knows it, and hates me. -I live in fear of him as long as he is uncaught.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The miller shrugged his shoulders. “Roger is not so -bad, but Farmer Pooke did try him terrible. I won’t -detain you. You’ll mind and pay that little account, will -you not—to-morrow?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes—certain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pepperill drove on. He passed a man in a cart, -and the man did not salute him. In fact, the way was -narrow, and the fellow was careful that the wheels should -clear, and had not leisure to look at and touch his hat to -Pasco. But Pepperill regarded the omission as an intentional -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>slight. He was in an irritable condition, and -when shortly after he drove before a cottage, and the -woman in the doorway, hushing her child, did not address -him, or answer his address, his brows knitted and he swore -that everyone was against him. His disturbed and anxious -mind longed for recognition, flattery, to give it ease, and -unless he received this from everyone, he suspected that -there was a combination against him, that a wind of his -difficulties had got abroad, and that folk considered he was -no longer worth paying attention to.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There were not many on the road, and he acted capriciously -towards those few. Some he greeted, others he -passed without notice. He fancied he detected a sneer -in the faces of such as returned his salutation or a -purposeful lessening of cordiality. On reaching the new -inn at Newton, his heart was full of anger against all -mankind.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The host did not receive him with cordiality, as he -expected; he looked out at the door and went in again -with a hasty nod.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the yard Pasco cautiously opened his gig-box when -the ostler was not looking and drew out a halter, then, -hastily closed the flaps, and, extending the cord, said, -“I’m not going to stay many minutes; don’t take the -cob out of harness. Let him stand and eat a bite, that -is all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pepperill went into the inn and called for a glass -of ale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Halloa, Pepperill!” said a cheery voice, and Coaker -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>moved up to him at the table. “How are you? Sold the -wool yet? I hear there is a rise.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drew back and turned blood-red; this was the -man to whom he owed so much money—the man to whom -he had given the bill that was dishonoured.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, I haven’t sold,” answered Pasco surlily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I advise you not to. You’ll make something yet. -That Australian wool won’t go down with our weavers. -It’s not our quality, too fine, not tough enough. Hold -back, and you will make your price.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is all very well for you to say, but”— Pasco -checked himself. What was on his lips was—"It is ready-money -I need, not a profit a few months hence."</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There’s good things coming to you yet,” continued -Coaker. “I heard on the moor that your brother-in-law -has near on made a sale of the Brimpts oaks.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He has?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; there has been a timber merchant from Portsmouth -come there. He wanted the Okehampton oaks, -but was too late, they had been picked up, so he came on -to Dart-meet, and I reckon now it is only about price they -are haggling, that is all.” Coaker dropped his voice and -said, “There’s an awkwardness about that bill of yours. -Nay, don’t kick out; I won’t be so terrible down on you -just for a fortnight or three weeks. I’ll let you turn that -timber over first if you will be sharp about it. There, -don’t say I’m down on you. A fortnight or three weeks -I give you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco held up his head, but the sudden elation was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>damped by the thought that he could not remove any of -the timber till the covenanted price had been paid for it, -and whence was this money to come? Money he must -have to enable him to hold on with the wool till it fetched -a better price, and to dispose of the oaks he had felled on -the moor, to enable him to escape the scandal and -humiliation of having the bailiffs put in his house by the -coal merchant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But then, in the event of a certain contingency which -loomed before Pasco’s inner eye, there would be no wool -to be disposed of, it would have been reduced to—even -to himself he would not complete the sentence. -Would that matter? The insurance would more than -cover the loss, and he would be able to dispose of the -oak.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will you have a pipe?” asked Coaker, and after having -stuffed his tobacco into his bowl, he produced a match-box -and struck a light with a lucifer. At the period of this -tale lucifer matches were a novelty. The tinder-box was -in general use for domestic purposes, and men carried -about with them small metal boxes, armed with a steel -side, containing amadou and flint, for kindling their pipes -and cigars.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you call that?” asked Pepperill, observing -the proceedings of the farmer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah! I reckon this be one of the finest inventions of -the times. Have you never seen or read of this yet? It -is better than the phosphorus bottle, and than Holmberg’s -box. Look here. This little stick has got some chemical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>stuff, sulphur and something else, phosphorus, I believe, -at the end; all you have to do is to rub, and the whole -bursts into flame.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill took the box, turned it over, opened it, looked -at and smelt the matches.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are they terrible expensive?” he asked musingly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh no. There, as you are curious about it, I’ll give -you the box, and you can show it to your missus.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco put out his hand to shake that of Coaker. It was -cold and trembled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The devil was playing a game with him. He was offering -him a reprieve from his embarrassments, and at the same -time thrusting him forward to the accomplishment of the -evil deed on which he brooded, and was placing in his hands -the means of executing it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco sank into deep thought, looking at the match-box -and playing with it, now opening, then shutting it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m depriving you of it,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a bit. I have a dozen. They are just brought in -from London and are selling off amazin’ fast at Ashburton. -In a week they’ll be all over the country and the tinder -boxes chucked away.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are they dangerous—I mean to carry about with -one?” asked Pasco.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a bit. There is no fire till you strike it -out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pepperill again fell into meditation. He put the -box into his pocket, and sat looking before him into space, -speechless.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>Suddenly a shock went through his frame. He had -been touched on the arm by Coaker.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it?” he asked, with quivering lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look at the landlord,” said the farmer in an undertone, -with his hand to his mouth. “Do you know what folks -say of him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco asked with his eyes. He could not frame the -words with his lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They do say that he set fire to the old place, so -as to get the insurance money for rebuilding in grand -style.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A tramp did it—got into the cellar,” said Pasco in a -whisper.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nobody never saw thickey tramp come, and sure and -sartain nobody never saw him go. I don’t believe in the -tramp. He did it himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You should not speak that unless sure of it,” said -Pepperill, thrusting back his chair. “You have no evidence.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, evidence! Folks talk, and form their opinion.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Talk first and form opinions after on the idle chatter—that’s -about it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco stood up. He was alarmed. He was afraid he -had not fastened the box of his dog-cart. The flap might -have fallen, and then the interior would be exposed to -view; and what would the ostler, what would anyone -think who happened to come into the stable-yard and saw -what constituted the lading of his cart? His hand had -shaken as he turned the key, after bringing out the halter; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>almost certainly in his nervousness he had imperfectly -turned it. He could not rest. He went out into the yard -and looked at his dog-cart. It was closed. He tried the -key. The lock was fast.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Put the cob in,” said he to the ostler, and he returned, -much relieved, to the house.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Coaker had departed. Pepperill called for another glass -of ale, and found interest in observing the landlord. That -man had set fire to his tavern so that he might construct -an hotel. He seemed cheery. He was not bowed down -with consciousness of guilt. His voice was loud, his spirits -buoyant. He looked Pepperill full in the eyes, and -it was the eyes of Pepperill that fell, not those of the -landlord.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wonder,” considered Pasco, “whether he did do it, -or did not? If he did not, it is just as bad as if he did, -for people charge him with it all the same. No one will -believe he is innocent. Suppose he did it—and I reckon it -is most likely—well, Providence don’t seem to ha’ turned -against him; on the contrary, it is a showering o’ prosperity -over him. P’r’aps, after all, there ain’t no wrong in it. -It was his own house he burnt. A man may do what he -will with his own.” He put resolutely from him the -thought of fraud on the insurance company. What was a -company? Something impersonal. Then Pepperill rose, -paid for his ale, and went forth. As he jumped into the -dog-cart, the ostler held up the halter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will you give me the key and I will put it inside?” -asked the man.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>“No, thank you—hand it to me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The ostler gave him the halter, and Pepperill -fastened it to the splashboard and drove on. He -had attached it hastily, carelessly, and before long the -rope uncoiled and hung before him. His eyes were -drawn to it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What would come to me if the bailiffs were put into -the house, and Coombe Cellars were sold over my head to -pay what I owe?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco was a man who could live only where he was -esteemed, looked up to, and where he could impose on -underlings and brag among equals. The idea of being in -every man’s mouth as “gone scatt”—a ruined man—was -intolerable. “I would die rather than that,” he exclaimed -aloud, and put his hand to the halter to twist it and knot -it again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a sin to commit suicide. His life was his own, -but he could not take that. His storehouse with his stores -was his own. Would it be wrong for him to destroy that? -Better that than his own life. There were but two courses -open to him. He must either use the halter for his own -neck and swing in the barn, or recover himself out of the -insurance money on his stores. He drove on brooding -over this question, arguing with his conscience, and presently -he held up his head. He saw that his life was too -precious to be thrown away. What would Zerah do without -him? He must consider his wife, her despair, her -tears. He had no right to make her a widow, homeless. -Were he to die—that would not relieve the strain. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>sale would take place just the same, and Zerah be left -destitute. Pepperill held up his head. He felt virtuous, -heroic; he had done the right thing for the sake of his -dear wife, made his election, and saw a new day dawning—dawning -across a lurid glare.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIX <br /><span class='small'>A FRIEND GAINED</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Kate fled upstairs to her bedroom, where she might -be alone and have free scope for tears. She threw -herself on her knees by her bed, and putting her hands -under the patchwork quilt, drew it over her ears and head, -that the sound of her sobs might be muffled, so as not to -reach her aunt were she to ascend the staircase. She -feared lest there should be a repetition of the scene on the -return of her father. Aunt Zerah would wait impatiently -for him, and the moment that he arrived, would pour forth -her story, not in his ear only, but in Kate’s as well, whom -she would forcibly retain to hear it and receive the reproaches -of her father. That her father would be disappointed -that she had put from her the chance of becoming -a well-to-do yeoman’s wife, she knew for certain. He had -never concerned himself very greatly about her, had never -endeavoured to sound her mind and put his finger on her -heart, and would be quite unable to appreciate the reasons -she could give for her conduct; he would look on her -refusal of young Pooke as a bit of girlish caprice. She -feared that he would view it as a bad speculation, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>would hasten off without consulting her, to endeavour to -pacify the mortified vanity of the old man, and to assure -the young one that she, Kate, had rejected him out of -girlish bashfulness, whilst loving him in her heart. There -was no bond of sympathy between her father and herself. -That which filled his mind had no place in hers; what -interested him she shrank from. She had returned from -Dartmoor with heart glowing with gratitude to him for -having insisted on her having a holiday, to her uncle for -having taken her out to Dartmoor, and to her aunt for having -spared her. It had been her desire to find occasions to -prove to them that she was grateful, and now, her first act -on return was to run contrary to their wishes, and anger -her uncle and aunt, and lay up matter for reprimand on -the arrival of her father.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Her aunt had never comprehended the character of Kate, -filled to the full as her heart was with bitterness at the loss -of her own daughter. Kate was in all points the reverse of -Wilmot, and because so unlike, woke the antipathy of the -bereaved mother, as though the silence and reserve of Kate -were assumed out of slight to the memory of the merry, -open-hearted girl. She looked on her niece as perverse, as -acting in everything out of a spirit of contrariety. How -else explain that a young girl with warm blood in her veins -should not retain the longings and express the wishes -common to other girls of her age? that she had no fancy -for dress, made no efforts to coquette with anyone, had no -desire for social amusements?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Wilmot had been frolicsome, roguish, winsome—did -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>Kate desire to eschew everything that had made her cousin -a sunbeam in the house, and the delight of her mother’s -heart, out of wilfulness, and determination not to please -her aunt, not to make up to her for the loss of her own -child?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Not only by her aunt was Kate regarded as heartless and -perverse. That was the character she bore in the village, -among the girls of her own age, among the elders who -adopted the opinions of their daughters. Kate had been -brought in contact with the village girls at school, in the -choir, and elsewhere, and some had even attempted to -make friends with her. But those things which occupied -the whole souls of such young creatures—dress, the budding -inclination to attract the youths of the place—were -distasteful to Kate; there was nothing in common between -them and her, and when both became conscious of this, -they mutually drew apart, and the girls arrived at the same -conclusion as her aunt, that she was a dull, unfeeling child, -who was best left alone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate had felt acutely this solitariness in which she lived; -her aunt had often thrown it in her teeth that she made no -friends. Her father was displeased that he heard no good -report of his daughter; her uncle had rudely told her that -a girl who made herself so unpopular to her own sex would -never attract one of the other. Now the opportunity had -come to her to falsify his predictions, to gratify her father, -and to make her aunt proud—but she had rejected it, and was -more than ever alone. Loneliness was endurable ordinarily. -Kitty had her occupations, and, when not occupied, her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>thoughts, recently her book, to engross her; but now, -when her own relatives were against her it was more than -she could bear. The pain of desolation became insupportable. -There were but two persons she knew with whom -she was in touch, two persons only who could feel with and -for her, and to one of these she could not fly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The rector, whom she had loved and respected, was the -only friend to whom she could unburden her trouble, and -she feared to approach him, because she had just done -what he might not like, any more than did her uncle and -aunt. He would hear, and that speedily, of her conduct, -and Kate wished greatly to see him, and explain her -refusal to him as far as she could, that he might not blame -her. But even should her explanation prove unsatisfactory -to him, she was not prepared to withdraw her refusal. -Kate never wavered. She was one of those direct persons -who, when they have taken a course, hold to it persistently.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She rose from her knees, bathed her face, brushed her -hair, and descended.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Her aunt was in the kitchen, and averted her face as the -girl entered. She did not ask Kate where she was going, -nor turn her head to see what she was about.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I shall be back again in a few minutes, auntie; if you -can spare me, I should like to go out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>No answer; and Kate left.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She had not taken many steps from the house, walking -with her head down, as the glare of the sun was too strong -for her tear-stung eyes, when she was caught, and before -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>she could see in whose arms she was, she was boisterously -kissed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are a dear! you are a darling! I shall always love -you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kitty saw before her Rose Ash, with glowing cheeks and -dancing eyes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You darling! I never believed it of you, you are so -still. I thought you were sly. I am so sorry I misunderstood -you; so sorry I did anything or said anything against -you. I will never do it again. I will stand your friend; I -will fight your battles. And, look here!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A polished wood workbox was at her feet. She had put -it down for the purpose of disengaging her hands to hug Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look, Kitty! This is my own workbox. Is it not -beautiful? It has a mother-of-pearl escutcheon on it and -lock-plate. And it locks—really locks—not make-believe, -like some you buy. And, see! pink silk inside. It is for -you. I give it to you. It is nearly new. I am not much -of a needlewoman, and so have not used it. It is really a -hundred times better than that which Noah knocked—I -mean, that which the bear danced upon and smashed. And -there is a silver thimble in it. I give it you with all my -heart—that is to say, with as much heart as I have left to -give to anyone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate stepped back in astonishment. What did this -mean?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“O Kitty! you really shall no longer be Kitty Alone; -it shall be Kitty and Rose. We shall be regular friends. -Only think! I was so jealous of you. I thought that Jan -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>Pooke had taken a fancy to you—and I suppose the silly -noodle had done so for a bit, but you know he properly -belongs to me. We are to make a pair—everyone says so, -and his father and sister Sue wish it; and I’m sure, I’m -sure, so do I. But men are cruel giddy, they turn and -turn like weathercocks; and just for a while Jan fancied -you. But you put him off bravely, you did.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What have I done to you?” asked Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My dear, I heard it all. I saw you and Jan going to -the orchard, and I was so jealous that I hid myself in the -linhay. I got over the hedge and tore my frock in a -bramble, but I did not heed it; I slipped in where I could -peep and see, and put out my ears and listen. I know -everything. I heard how you spoke up for me, and quite -right and reasonable too; and how you refused him, and -very sensible you was. Just think what a thing it would -ha’ been, Kitty, if he’d gone right off his head and married -you, and then come to his senses and found he had got the -wrong one, and it was me all along he should have had. -You would never have known happiness after. You never -would have enjoyed peace of conscience again. But you -were a sensible child, and did what you ought to ha’ done, -and nobody can’t do more than that; nor promise and vow -to do more than what is in the catechism. So, now, I’m all -for you, and there is my workbox I give you in place of -that the bear kicked to pieces. I don’t mind telling you -now, Kate, that Noah did it. I put him up to it; I told -him he was to do it. He didn’t like it, but I forced him -to it—I mean to knock the workbox from under your arm. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>He’s a good chap is Noah, and now that it is all put right -between Jan and me”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is it? Have you spoken with him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh no, I can’t say that; but you have refused him. It -will take him a day or two to steady his head, and then he -will come up right again, and we will make it up, and be the -better friends in the end. And, what is more, I’ll stand -friend to you, Kate. I daresay you’d like Noah, and I’ll -get him to walk you out on Sundays and to sweetheart you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t want Noah,” said Kate, shrinking.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh yes, you do. Every girl must have her young chap. -It ain’t natural without. I’ll speak with him. He’s a terrible -good chap is Noah; he’ll do anything I ask him. I made -him knock the workbox under the bear’s feet, and if he’d -do that much for me, I’m sure you need not be afraid -but he’d sweetheart you at my axing. Besides, he’ll be -tremendous thrown out when he sees me take up with Jan -again, and he’ll want some one to walk with, and may just -as well take you as another.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; please, Rose, do not. I had rather be left alone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Stuff and fiddlesticks! It is not right that you should -be without a sweetheart. You leave all that to me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, dear Rose, no. You be my friend; that suffices.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is because I am your friend that I will do a friend’s part.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, no, Rose.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, you always were queer; I can’t understand you. -But never mind; we are friends, though you make me a -helpless one. What is the good of a friend but to assist -a girl to a lover?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXX <br /><span class='small'>UNDER THE MULBERRY TREE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Kate disengaged herself from Rose, and hastened to -the Rectory. She opened the garden gate. She -was a privileged person there, coming when she liked about -choir matters, sent messages by her uncle, who was churchwarden, -running in when she had a spare hour to look at -Mr. Fielding’s picture-books, in strawberry time to gather -the fruit and eat it, in preserving time to collect his raspberries, -currants, plums, for the cook to convert into -jams.</p> - -<p class='c001'>She saw the rector sitting under a mulberry tree on his -lawn with a book on his lap. He had removed his hat, -and the spring air fluttered his silver hair.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He saw Kate at once, and, smiling, beckoned to her to -come and sit by him on the bench that half encircled the old -tree.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This she would not do, but she stood before him with -downcast eyes and folded hands, and said, “Please, sir, I -am afraid you will be cross with me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am never that, Kitty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, sir, never.” She raised her flashing blue eyes for a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>moment. “Perhaps you may be vexed with me. I’ve just -gone and done clean contrary to what you said.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What did I say?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You said after my holiday I was to go home, and obey -my uncle and aunt in everything.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am sure I never said that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was something like it—be obliging and good.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, have you not been obliging and good?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What have you done?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve crossed them, and I fancy father will be cross -too.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What have you done to cross them?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Refused Jan Pooke.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The rector drew back against the tree and smiled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Refused? I don’t quite understand.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Please, sir, Jan wanted to make me his wife.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I said ‘No.’”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You had made up your mind already?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I knew I must say ‘No.’ Do you know, sir, Jan thought -that silver peninks came from daffodil roots.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh! and accordingly you could not say ‘Yes’?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was silly; was it not?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And that was your real, true reason for saying ‘No’?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kitty looked down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are not angry with me, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No. Are your relations so?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; uncle and aunt are dreadfully vexed, and that is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>what has made me cry. I came home wishing to do everything -to please them, and the first thing I did was to make -them angry and call me a little viper they had brought up -in their bosom. You do not think I did wrong? You are -not angry also?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; I do not think you could have done otherwise, if -you did not care for John Pooke.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did, and I do care for John Pooke.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then why did you not take him? Only because of the -silver peninks?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, sir; not that only. I care for him, but not enough; -I like him, but not enough.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Quite so. You like, but do not love him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, that is it.” Kate breathed freely. “I did not -know how to put it. Do you think I did right?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The rector paused before he answered. Then he said, -signing with his thin hand, “Come here, little Kitty. Sit -by me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He took her hand in his, and, looking before him, said, -“It would have been a great thing for this parish had you -become John Pooke’s wife, the principal woman in the -place, to give tone to it, the one to whom all would look up, -the strongest influence for good among the girls. I should -have had great hopes that all the bread I have strewed -upon the waters would not be strewn in vain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought you wished it,” burst forth from the girl, with -a sob. “And yet I could not—I could not indeed. Now -I have turned everyone against me—everyone but Rose,” -she added, truthful in everything, exact in all she said.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>“No, Kitty, I do not wish it. It is true, indeed, that it -would be a rich blessing to such a place as this to have you -as the guiding star to all the womanhood in the place, set -up on such a candlestick as the Pookes’ farm. But I am -not so sure that the little light would burn there and not -be smothered in grease, or would gutter, and become extinguished -in the wind there. The place is good in itself, -but not good for you. It might be an advantage to the -parish, but fatal to yourself. John Pooke is an honest, -worthy fellow, and he has won my respect because he saw -your value and has striven to win you. But he is not the -man for you. For my little Kitty I hope there will come -some one possessed of better treasures than broad acres, -fat beeves, and many flocks of sheep; possessed of something -better even than amiability of temper.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is that, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A well-stored intellect—an active mind. Kitty, no one -has more regard for young John than myself, but it would -have been terrible to you to have been tied to him. ‘Thou -shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together’ was the -command of Moses, and we must not unite under one -yoke the sluggish mind with that which is full of activity. -No, no, Kitty. You acted rightly. The man who will be -fitted to be coupled in the same plough with you will be -one of another mould. He will be”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>The garden gate opened, and Walter Bramber entered. -A twig of laurel caught his sleeve, and he turned to extricate -himself, and did not perceive the rector and Kate. A -sudden confusion came over the girl, caused—whether by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>her thoughts, whether by the words of the rector, whether -from natural shyness, she could not tell, but she started -from the seat and slipped behind the mulberry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The schoolmaster came up to the rector when called, -and found the old man with a smile playing about his -lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have come, sir,” said Bramber, “to ask your advice.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In private?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, sir, if you please.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I cannot grant you an audience now. If you -will run round the mulberry, you will discover why.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bramber was puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do what I say. There is someone there, someone who -must retire farther than behind a tree if you are to consult -me without being overheard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The schoolmaster stepped aside to go about the mulberry, -and saw Kate standing there, leaning against the trunk, -holding together her skirts, and looking down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh!” laughed Walter; “this is the audience! I do -not in the least mind a discussion of my concerns before -such an one.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Come out, Kitty! You hear your presence is desired,” -called Mr. Fielding, and the girl stepped forward. “Take -the place where you were before on one side of me, and -Mr. Bramber shall sit on the other, and we will enter on -the consideration of his affairs. What are they as to -complexion, Bramber, sanguine or atrabilious?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not cheerful, I am afraid. I have my troubles and -difficulties before my eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>“So has Kitty. She comes to me from the same cause.” -Then he added, “Well, let us hear and consider.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It concerns Mr. Puddicombe. I do not know what I -ought to do, or whether I should do anything. There is -an organised opposition to me, and the late schoolmaster is -at the bottom of it. I can clearly perceive that not parents -only, but children as well, have been worked upon to offer -stubborn opposition to all my changes, and to make myself -ridiculous. I need not enter into details. There is this -feeling of antagonism in the place, and it paralyses me. -If the children were left unmanipulated, I could get along -and gain their confidence; but at home they hear what -their parents say, what is said to their parents, and they -come to school with a purpose not to obey me, not to -listen to my instructions, and to make my task in every -particular irksome and distasteful. I see precisely what -Puddicombe is aiming at—to force me to use the cane, not -once or twice, but continuously, and to force me to it by -making discipline impossible without it. Then he will -have a handle against me, and will rouse the parish to -hound me out. What am I to do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Have you called on him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, sir, I have not. I really could not pluck up -courage to do so. I hardly know what I could say to him -that is pleasant if we did meet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have not yet met him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No. I do not know him by sight.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He is not a bad fellow; jovial, a sportsman at heart, -and his heart was never in the school; it was to be sought -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>in the kennels, in stables, in the ring, anywhere save in -class. That was the blemish in the man. His thoroughness -was not where it should have been. His centre of gravity -was outside the sphere in which it was his duty to turn. -But he is not a bad fellow, good-hearted, placable, and only -your enemy because his vanity rather than his pocket is -touched by his dismissal. I hear he has announced his -intention of becoming a Dissenter; but as he hardly ever -came to church when he was professedly a Churchman, I -do not suppose chapel will see much of him when he -professes himself a Nonconformist. It is a great misfortune -when a man’s interests lie outside his vocation.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What shall I do, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Call on him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What shall I say to him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Something that will please him—nothing about the -school; nothing about your difficulties.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am supremely ignorant of the cockpit and the race-course. -It is very hard when two men belonging to different -spheres meet; they can neither understand the -other.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My dear young man, that is what I have been -experiencing these many years here; we must strive to -accommodate ourselves to inferior ways of thinking and -speaking, and then, then only, shall we be able to insinuate -into the gross and dark minds some spark of the higher life. -Kitty, have I your permission to tell Mr. Bramber what it -is that you have just communicated to me? It will be -public property throughout Coombe in half an hour, if -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>everyone does not know it now, so it will be revealing no -secrets.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate looked, with a startled expression in her eyes, at the -rector. Why should he care to speak of this matter now? -Why before Bramber? But she had confidence in him, -and she did not open her lips in remonstrance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a quiet smile, Mr. Fielding said: “You have not -yet heard the tidings with regard to our little friend here, -I presume?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Tidings—what?” The schoolmaster looked hastily -round and saw Kate’s head droop, and a twinkle come in -the rector’s eye. A slight flush rose to his temples.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merely that she has received an offer”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Offer?” Bramber caught his breath, and the colour -left his face.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of marriage,” continued Mr. Fielding composedly. -“A most remarkable offer. The young man is eminently -respectable, very comfortably off; age suitable; looks -prepossessing; parents acquiescing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kate! Kitty!” Bramber’s voice was sharp with alarm -and pain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not know whether the attachment has been one -of long continuance,” proceeded the rector. “The fact of -the proposal—now passing through Coombe—is like the -dropping of a meteorite in its midst. Popular fame had -attributed Rose Ash to John Pooke.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“John Pooke, is it?” gasped the schoolmaster, and he -sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“John Pooke the younger, not the father, who is a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>widower of many years’ standing. The disparity of ages -makes that quite impossible. The younger John it is who -has aspired.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kate, tell me—it cannot be. It must not be,” exclaimed -Bramber, stepping before the girl, and in his excitement -catching her hands and drawing them from her face, in -which she had hidden them. She looked up at him with a -flutter in her eyes and hectic colour in her cheeks. She -made no attempt to withdraw her hands.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By the way,” said the rector, “I will <a id='corr119.10'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='ook'>look</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_119.10'><ins class='correction' title='ook'>look</ins></a></span> up cockfighting -in my <cite>Encyclopædia Britannica</cite>, and make an -extract from the article, if I find one, that may be serviceable -to you, Bramber, when you call on Mr. Puddicombe. -I’ll go to my library. I shall not detain you many -minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The many minutes were protracted to twenty. When -Mr. Fielding returned, the young people were seated close -to each other under the mulberry-tree, and still held hands; -their eyes were bright, and their cheeks glowing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am sorry I have been so long,” said the rector; “but -there was a great deal of matter under the head of ‘Cock-pit’ -in the <cite>Encyclopædia</cite>; and I had to run through it, and -cull what would be of greatest utility. I have written it -out. Do not rise. I will sit beside you—no, not between -you—listen! ‘It must appear astonishing to every reflecting -mind, that a mode of diversion so cruel and inhuman as -that of cockfighting should so generally prevail, that not -only the ancients, barbarians, Greeks, and Romans should -have adopted it; but that a practice so savage and heathenish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>should be continued by Christians of all sorts, and even -pursued in these better and more enlightened times.’ That -is how the article begins—very true, but won’t do for Mr. -Puddicombe. ‘The islanders of Delos, it seems, were great -lovers of cockfighting; and Tanagra, a city in Bœotia, the -Isle of Rhodes, Chalcis in Eubœa, and the country of -Media, were famous for their generous and magnanimous -race of chickens.’ I don’t think this is much good. -Puddicombe, though a schoolmaster, will hardly know the -whereabouts of Delos, Tanagra, Rhodes, and Chalcis. -‘The cock is not only an useful animal, but stately in his -figure, and magnificent in his plumage. His tenderness -towards his brood is such, that, contrary to the custom of -many other males, he will scratch and provide for them -with an assiduity almost equal to that of the hen; and his -generosity is so great, that, on finding a hoard of meat, he -will chuckle the hens together, and, without touching one -bit himself, will relinquish the whole of it to them. He -was called <em>the bird</em>, κατ’ ἐξοχήν by many of the ancients’—But, -bless me, are you attending?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Mr. Fielding,” answered Bramber, “I do not think I -shall have much trouble in finding a topic on which to -speak with my predecessor in the school. He was Kitty’s -schoolmaster. She will introduce me to him. We will go -to him at once; and when he hears what we have to say,—that -I, the new schoolmaster, am going to take to me the -favourite, most docile, the best scholar of the old one; and -when he learns that he is the first person to whom we make -the announcement, and that he is at liberty to run up and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>down, and in and out of every house, communicating the -news,—why, I am pretty sure that he will be won.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, now!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And Kitty will cease to be Kitty Alone some time -next year.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXI <br /><span class='small'>ON MISCHIEF BENT</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>When Pasco returned from Newton, he drew up his -tax-cart close to the door of the storehouse, took -the horse out, but did not unharness him; he merely -removed the bridle and gave the brute a feed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he entered the dwelling-house and seated himself -at the kitchen table without a word to his wife, and emptied -his pocket on the board. A couple of sovereigns and a few -shillings clinked together. With his forefinger he separated -the gold from the silver coins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What! money come in, in place of going out?” asked -Zerah. Then, looking over his shoulder, she said, “And -precious little it is.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Little is better than nothing,” growled Pasco. “I got -this from Cole, the baker. I’d somehow forgot he owed -me a trifle, and he stopped me and paid his account. I -owe something to the miller, so I’m no better off than I -was. In at one pocket, out at the other.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now look here, Pasco,” said his wife. “For first and -last I say this. I have laid by a trifle that I have earned -by cockles and winkles, whilst you have been chucking -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>away in coals and wool. If you will pass me your word -not to run into extravagance, and not to listen to any more -of Jason’s schemes, I will let you have this. No”—she -corrected her intent; “you are not to be trusted with the -money. It shall not leave my hand to go into yours. And -your word ain’t of any strength, it is as weak as your -resolutions. I’ll settle the matter of the coals with the -merchant at Teignmouth; that is the great call at this -moment. I don’t do it for you, but to avoid the scandal -of having bailiffs in the house—a house where I’ve kept -myself respectable so many years, and where my Wilmot -was born and died. I wouldn’t have the brokers sell the -bed she laid on when dead, not for all my savings. So I’ll -over to Teignmouth and see what I can manage about the -coal merchant’s bill; and you, just take that money and -pay Ash the miller, and have done with him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again the thought rose up in the mind of Pasco that the -Evil One was making sport of him. At one time he was in -a condition of hopelessness, in another moment there was a -lightening in the sky before him. The means of striking -fire had been put into his hands at the same time that he -was shown that his difficulties were not insurmountable. -But the heart which has once resolved on a crime very -speedily comes to regard this object as a goal at which it -must necessarily aim, and to look with impatience upon all -suggestions of relief, upon all dissuasives, and stubbornly, -with shut eyes, to pursue the course determined on. The -struggle to form the determination once overpassed, the -mind shrinks from entering into struggle again, and allows -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>itself to be swept along as though impelled by fatality, as -though launched on a stream it is powerless to oppose.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now his wife’s suggestion that she should go to Teignmouth -and settle with the merchant for the coals opened -up to him a prospect, not of relief from his pecuniary -difficulty, but of getting rid of her to enable him the more -easily to carry out his intention unobserved. He put his -shaking hand into his breast-pocket for his handkerchief, -and in pulling this forth drew out also the lucifer match-box, -that in falling rattled on the table.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What have you there, Pasco?” asked Zerah.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nothing,” he answered, and hastily replaced the -box.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t tell me that was nothing which I saw and heard,” -said his wife testily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well—it’s lozenges.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Didn’t know you had a cough.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Never mind about that, Zerah,” said Pasco. “If you -go to Teignmouth it must be at once, or the tide will be out, -and I don’t see how you can get back to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve my cousin, Dorothy Bray, there. I’ll go to her. -I’ve not seen her some months, and she has a room. I’ll -leave Kitty at home now, to attend to the house, and you -won’t need me to the morning flow. I suppose, between -you, you can manage to light a fire?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco started and looked at his wife with alarm, thinking -that she had read his thoughts; but he was reassured by -her changing the topic. “There—I’ll give you three pounds -towards the miller’s bill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>Pepperill was now all anxiety to hurry his wife off. He -urged precipitancy on account of the falling tide. He bade -her row herself across, and leave the boat on the farther -shore till the next morning.</p> - -<p class='c001'>His impatience in a measure woke her suspicion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You seem mighty eager to get rid of me,” she said -querulously.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“’Tain’t that, Zerah,” he answered; “but I want myself -to be off to Brimpts.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To Brimpts?—and leave Kitty alone in the house?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; I shall take her with me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What!—leave the house to take care of itself?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What can harm it? No one will break in. They know -pretty well there is nothing to be got but bills that ain’t -paid.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t half like it—and the stores?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is no moving wool or coals without waggons, and -I shall lock up.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Zerah stood in uncertainty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wish you’d not go, Pasco.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I may or may not—but be off, or you’ll get stuck in the -mud, as did Kitty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>In ten minutes Pasco was alone. He stood on the -platform where were the tea-tables and benches, and watched -till his wife was half-way across. Then he drew a long -breath, and passed through the house, went out at the main -door, and hastened to the cart. Again he stood still, and -looked searchingly in every direction; then he let down -the flap behind, drew out first the sack of shavings and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>carried it within, and then he cleared out all that remained. -He was not satisfied till with a broom he had swept every -particle of chip within, leaving not a tell-tale white atom -without. Then he tacked some scraps of sacking over the -window that no one might look within, and he proceeded -to place bundles of the shavings among the coals, not in one -great heap, but dispersed in handfuls here and there, and -he broke up some pieces of board into splinters and thrust -them among the shavings.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was startled by a voice calling in the door, “Uncle, -are you here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hot, agitated, and alarmed, Pasco hastened to the -entrance, and saw Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you want? Why are you shouting?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where is aunt? I want to see her. I cannot find her -in the house. I have something to tell her.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are not like to find her,” said Pepperill, coming -outside and locking the door behind him. “She is gone -over the water, and will stay at Cousin Bray’s; and I’m off -to Brimpts again, and mean to take you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, uncle! we have but just returned from -there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, that’s no concern of yours, where you are, so -long as you have your eatin’ and drinkin’. I must go, and -your aunt thinks I mustn’t leave you alone. So be sharp; -run and put what things you require together, and I will -harness the cob.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How long shall we be away, uncle?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We shall be back to-morrow evening, or the day after. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>I can’t say. Come, be quick. I can’t wait talking with you; -it is late already.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate obeyed, a little surprised. She speedily returned, -with her little bundle tied up in a scarlet kerchief.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco was ready and waiting. He was looking up at the -drift of the clouds. The wind was from the east and -blowing strongly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drove through the village. He halted at the -public-house to call out the taverner, ask for a glass of ale, -and tell him he was bound for Dartmoor. At the mill he -again drew up, and shouted for the miller, who, on emerging -from his door, saluted Pasco with the remark, “Why, you -are on the road to-day a great deal. I thought you had gone -this way already.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So I had—to Newton; but there I learned something. -The Government has come round to a reasonable mind, -and will buy my timber. Not at Devonport, but at Portsmouth; -and I am going to measure up. I ran home to -tell my old woman. And now, by the way, I will settle that -little account between us, if agreeable to you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Always right with me to receive,” said the miller.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco drew out a handful of money and discharged his -debt. “Just receipt it, will you, with the date, and say what -o’clock in the afternoon also—that there may be no mistake.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are not going to Brimpts to-night?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I am. Business must be attended to.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Rather late for the little maid by the time you get there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That can’t be helped—she is strong now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pepperill drove on. He continued his course -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>without interruption, as the country he passed through was -sparsely populated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate’s heart was full. She was in doubt whether to tell -her uncle that which had taken place between herself and -Walter Bramber. She would greatly have preferred to have -made the communication to her aunt and let her inform -Mr. Pepperill. She was afraid of Pasco. He was violent -and brutal. Her aunt was merely harsh. Pasco had been -very angry with her for refusing Jan Pooke, and she did not -believe that he would receive with favour the communication -she had to make relative to the schoolmaster. She dreaded -another outburst. Yet her strong sense of duty pressed her -to communicate to him what he must learn within a short -time, from other lips if not from her own. Then ensued a -painful struggle in her breast, and she was constrained to -free herself at length, and to say—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle, you know I refused Jan Pooke, but since then, -what I could not say to him I have said to Walter Bramber, -the schoolmaster.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, ah! Jan Pooke—yes, to be sure.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, not Jan, but the schoolmaster.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Drat it!” exclaimed Pasco, stroking his head; “I’ve -forgotten to lock up the house. I let the door stand as it -was when you came out. Now anyone can go in and take -what they like, break into my bureau and steal my money, -get hold of Zerah’s silver spoons. I say, Kitty, jump out -and open that field-gate. There is a linhay there. I’ll put -up the trap and horse, and you shall wait by ’em whilst I -run back to Coombe Cellars and lock the house.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>“But how is aunt to get in when she returns?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You be easy. I’ll put the key in the little hole over the -lintel. She knows where to find it. Look alive, jump and -open the gate. Drat it! what a way I shall have to run!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not drive back, uncle?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?—Because the cob must be spared. I’ve -been into Newton already to-day, and the distance he has -to go is just about enough to rub his hoofs down.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drove the cart into the field indicated, whilst -Kate held wide the gate. Then he took the cob out and -ran the cart under cover.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You keep in shelter, and mind you do not show yourself. -If anyone pass along the road, be still as a mouse. -Never mind who it may be. I shall be gone perhaps an -hour, perhaps a little more. It will be dark before I am -back. You keep close. There is some straw in the corner, -lie on that and go to sleep. We have still a long journey -to take, and get on we must, through the night, and this is -a darned matter detaining me. Hush!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They heard something like a cart rattling along.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Git along, Neddy! ‘If I had a donkey ’wot wouldn’t -go’—you know the rest, Neddy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is my father, I believe,” said Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t believe it is. Anyhow, be still,” whispered -Pasco. “Your father is at Brimpts. He can’t be returned -here. It’s some other chap with a donkey.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The sound of the wheels was lost, as at the point where -they had turned in at the gate there was a sweep in the -road between high hedges and overarching trees.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>“I think it was father,” said Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I say it was not. However, whoever it was, he’s -gone now. You bide here. I’m off—mind don’t be seen -or heard by nobody till my return.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pasco departed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He did not take the way by the road. He crossed the -field, scrambled over a hedge, and directed his course -towards the river. This was not the shortest way, and it -was certainly the most arduous, for it entailed the breaking -through of several hedges, and the scrambling over many -banks.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The evening was rapidly closing in.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He saw—or heard—the keeper, and crouched under a -hedge, holding his breath. Happily for him, the man -passed at some distance. His dog barked, but was called -to heel, and Pasco did not venture from his lurking-place -till ten minutes after the man had gone his <a id='corr130.17'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='way,'>way.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_130.17'><ins class='correction' title='way,'>way.</ins></a></span> Then he -sprang up and ran, and did not relax his pace till he had -reached the river bank, having first floundered through a -backwater deep in mire. On the bank was a foot-path, -somewhat frequented by lovers at dusk, and Pasco advanced -along it stealthily, listening and peering before him at -intervals, to make certain that no one approached.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The tide was out, the mud exhaled its peculiar and not -pleasant odour. Something flopped into it near at hand—whether -a bird had dropped, or a stone had been flung, or -a flounder had been left by the tide, and beat the mud with -his tail, Pasco could not tell. The sound sent the blood -with a rush to his heart and turned him sick and giddy.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>Looking at him over a rail was a white horse. He did -not see it until close upon the bank, and then the apparition -of the great head turning to him and rubbing its chin on the -rail gave him another start, and he almost slipped into the -mud beside the path.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At length he reached the field adjoining the spit of land -on which stood Coombe Cellars; here the path turned -towards the village, but there was a way through the hedge -to his own house. Pasco took this track, emerged in front -of the Cellars, and found the door open, a light shining -through the window of his kitchen and Jason Quarm inside.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXII <br /><span class='small'>JASON IN THE WAY</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Jason had lighted a candle, and had made himself -comfortable in the settle. Pepperill stood staring at -him in speechless anger and uncertainty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where’s the sister? Where’s Kitty?” asked Jason in -unconcern.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What are you doing here?” roared Pasco, convulsed -with sudden rage. “Is this your house, that you dare come -in and use it as your home?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Quarm looked at his brother-in-law in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Get out of the place at once,” shouted Pasco. “If I -happen to go away for ten minutes, is that a reason for -every Jack and Tom to come here, as if it was ‘Beggars’ -Hall’?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, what on earth has put you out?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What has put me out? you—by coming in here. This -is my house, not yours.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Brother-in-law,” said Jason, puzzled at the strange -humour of Pasco, “is not that a sufficient answer, when I -give you that title? Zerah is my sister—I have ever been -welcome here. Kate is my daughter—she lives with you. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>Why am I here? Put it—I have come to see my sister, -come to kiss my child.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Neither is in the house.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then where are they?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am not bound to answer you,” shouted Pepperill in -anger, vexation, and fear, aggravated by the coolness with -which Quarm answered him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, you are. I have ties of blood, and ties of affection, -your bad temper can’t snap. I ask, where is my -daughter?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Gone back to the moor.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That can’t be—alone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She is not alone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is Zerah with her?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, she is not; Zerah is at Teignmouth, gone there to -get me out of one of the difficulties into which you have -plunged me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I—I got you into difficulties? I am always showing -you rope’s-ends by which you may crawl out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who else but yourself has now put me in such an upsetment -that I do not know under what stone to look for -money; that I’m threatened with legal proceedings; that -the bailiffs are on the way to my house?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is your own doing, not mine. Who threatens -you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is my bill for the wool unmet. There is my -account for coals unpaid.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have had to do with neither. You acted like a fool -about Coaker’s wool—buying when in all the papers it was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>told how that there had been an importation from New -South Wales.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I never read the papers.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you have no right to do business. You do it at -inevitable loss. But this is neither here nor there, above -nor below. Where is Kate?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have told you—gone to the moor.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“When?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“An hour or two ago.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With whom?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then how came you here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because I had left the doors unlocked against impertinent -fellows coming in. I left Kate with the trap -whilst I ran back. Now, are you content? Out of my -house immediately. I want to lock up and go back to her.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is a queer tale,” said Quarm. “I have myself -but just arrived. I must have passed you on the way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not at all, if we had gone into a friend’s for a cup of -tea.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With what friends were you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I shall not stand and be catechised by you. I say, get -out. I am going to lock up.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now look here, Pasco, and be reasonable. I would -not have returned to Coombe and left the men at Dart-meet -unlooked after, had I not good news to communicate.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good news?” mocked Pepperill. “The best of news -would be that you were going to take yourself off.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe we shall sell the oak.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>“I have heard of that already—from Coaker.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I tell you it is so. The authorities at Portsmouth -will take it at a reasonable price, if we deliver it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is the thing we can’t do—that spoils it all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, we can—deliver it here in the Teign. There is -the Stover Canal—we can send it down by that and ship it -all to Portsmouth right away.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill was silent. This was indeed a rift in the cloud. -“The only difficulty is not this—it is that we must have -the timber sawn at Brimpts, and sent down and put on -board in planks. They cannot freight a vessel with rude -oak timber unsawn. Now I have a scheme—there is the -river Dart pouring down its volumes of water of no good -to anyone. Let us put up a saw-mill, and we shall have -the oak run into planks and ready for transport in a -jiffy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And the cost?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Forty pounds.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Forty pounds?” roared Pasco, and thrust Quarm from -him by a rude stroke on the shoulder. “Where am I to -look for forty pence?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is our only chance. I must agree to-morrow, or the -thing is off. If I engage to saw up the timber and despatch -it by water, we shall get a very tidy profit—not what we -had hoped, but something. If I do not accept the offer, -then I really do not see my way to disposing of the oak -at all. The felling of the Okehampton Park oaks has -spoiled the market in this country. Come, what say you, -Pasco—shall I settle?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>“I cannot do it,” answered Pepperill, a cold sweat breaking -out over his brow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is an old mine wheel available. I can buy it -for a song,” said Quarm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have no money. Have I not told you that—or -must I knock it into your brain with my fist—or the house -key?” He raised his hand threateningly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Be reasonable, Pasco. I cannot tell what has come -over you to-night. You are not yourself. If you do not -care about the outlay for a saw-mill, we must saw all up -by hand, and that will come costlier in the end. I fancy -if you bestirred yourself you could raise a loan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will not. I will have but one thing now—your -absence. Get out of my house!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where be I to go to?” asked Quarm, settling himself -from one leg to the other. “There’s Jane Redmore in my -cottage, with all her children.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t go there—the place is full.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are a fool to have suffered it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kate begged and prayed of me”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Take the consequences, and be homeless.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I cannot, for to-night. You are going to Brimpts, and -it is as well the men should see you. I shall return to-morrow, -but to-night I must house me somewhere. Let -me stay here; there is no one in the place, and I’ll keep -guard for you if you wish.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is nothing here to guard, but emptiness. I -want no help of yourn.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>“But I must have a roof over my head at night.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Any roof but mine. Will you go, or must I fling you -out and down the steps?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re in a wonderful queer temper to-night. What is -up?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My temper, as you say, is up; and like to be so—when -it is through you I am brought to ruin and beggary.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He caught Jason by the shoulders, whirled him round, -and with hands and knees thrust him out of the door, and -then he slammed it behind him and turned the key. Next -moment he blew out the light. Then he threw himself -panting on the settle and buried his head in his hands.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had not sat there many minutes before Quarm was -kicking at the door, and calling him by name. Transported -with anger, Pasco sprang to his feet, took down the -blunderbuss that was over the kitchen fire, and, going to -the door, half opened it and thrust forth the muzzle of -his piece.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Go away, or I will shoot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is rank folly!” bawled Jason. “Are you gone -demented? Give me shelter for the night; I will do no -harm. What do you mean by refusing me such a reasonable -request? I tell you I can’t go home—all the Redmores -are there packing every corner.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jason thrust up the end of the blunderbuss, and put his -shoulder to the door.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll kill you if you trouble me further,” said Pasco -between his teeth. “Take the consequences of befriending -scoundrels and their families.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>He drove Quarm back and refastened the door, then -he stood at the door listening, with the butt of the gun on -his foot. He heard his brother-in-law growl and pass -remarks upon him. He heard him limp away, and then -all was still.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill stepped to a window and looked out, to -observe the direction taken by Quarm, but the darkness -was too great for him to see anything. He went back to -the settle and tried to think.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The elaborate precautions he had taken to dissemble -his return, to make believe that he had departed before -sunset, had been made futile by the appearance of Jason -on the scene. Should what he purposed take place—then -he could not declare that he had been from home at the -time. What availed it that he had paid the miller’s bill -at a quarter to seven, when his brother-in-law could aver -that he had been back at the Cellars an hour later?</p> - -<p class='c001'>What was to be done? Should he abandon his intention -because of this mischance? Rage against his brother-in-law -ate into his heart. All had promised so well. -Everything was moving with such smoothness, till Quarm -appeared. What but a malevolent mind could have -brought this fellow back from Brimpts to cross him?</p> - -<p class='c001'>What was to be done? It was of no practical use -storming against Jason. Should he abandon his purpose -or defer it?</p> - -<p class='c001'>To abandon it seemed to him an impossibility. By -carrying it out alone could he be released from his present -pecuniary difficulty. To defer it was difficult, for he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>wanted immediate relief; moreover, when again could he -calculate on having the ground so clear now—his wife as -away in Teignmouth, his niece waiting at a distance with -the cart?</p> - -<p class='c001'>What if Jason had seen him? Would he dare to give -evidence against him—his own brother-in-law? Was it -not to Jason’s interest that he, Pasco, should be flush of -money, and ready to embark in the proposed scheme of -erecting a saw-mill?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Even if Jason spoke of having seen him, he could deny -it. Pasco sprang from the settle. He would run the risk. -It was worth it.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXIII <br /><span class='small'>ONE CRIME LEADS TO ANOTHER</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Pasco remained in the dark in his house for about -half an hour, waiting till he supposed that Jason -was far away. He allowed him time to harness his ass, -put it into the cart, and depart. He went once or twice -to the door to listen, but did not venture to open it, lest -Jason should be without, and should take advantage of the -occasion to burst in. He remained all the while bathed in a -clammy sweat, his hair stuck to his skull as though plastered -about his temples with fish-glue, he felt it heavy and dank -on his head like a cap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Repeatedly did he try to collect his thoughts and to -coolly consider whether it were not advisable for him, -under the circumstances, to abandon his scheme. But -his thoughts were in a condition of dislocation, he could -not gather them and fit them together into consecutive -order. He felt himself impelled, having formed his resolve, -to proceed with it, and to leave to the future the removal -of such difficulties as might spring up, as came in his -way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was restless, yet afraid to be stirring. He was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>impatient for the time to pass, and counted the ticks of -the clock, yet forgot after a few minutes the number he -had reached.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The seat was hard and bruised him, he leaned back, -and his back ached. He held out his hand, placed it on -the table and endeavoured to steady it. He was aware -that it shook, and he used all the power of his will to arrest -its convulsive quiver, but ineffectually. At length, unable -longer to endure inaction, and convinced that sufficient -time had elapsed for his brother-in-law to have got away, -he cautiously unlocked the door and looked out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the dark he could see no one; he listened and could -hear no sound.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he stepped back to the kitchen table and removed -the candle-end from the stick, and put it into his pocket. -No sooner had he reached the door again, however, than -it occurred to him that a candlestick without a tallow -candle in it, if left on the table, would attract attention and -comment. He therefore returned for it, and placed it -on the mantelshelf above the hearth. In doing this he -knocked over a canister that fell at his feet. He groped -and found the canister; the cover had come off, and some -of the contents were spilled. This was gunpowder. -Greatly disconcerted, Pasco felt for a brush and swept all -the grains he could into the hollow of his hand, and shook -them into his trousers-pocket, then he swept the brush -vigorously about, so as to disperse over the floor any particles -that had escaped him in the dark. After which he proceeded -carefully to replace the canister. He now again -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>made his way to the door, passed without, locked the door -behind him, and placed the key in a hollow above the -lintel, known to Zerah and himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he stealthily crossed the yard to his great warehouse, -but at every second step turned his ears about, -listening for a sound which might alarm him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He did not breathe freely till he was within his store. -He had not locked it—indeed, of late he had been wont -to leave it unfastened, labouring under the hope that the -hint thrown out to Roger Redmore might be taken by -the fellow, thus relieving himself of his self-imposed -task.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Without, there was a little light from the grey sky. -Within was none. What amount might have found its -way in through the window was excluded by the sacking -that Pasco had nailed over the opening.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He now proceeded to light his candle end. When the -wick was kindled, he looked about him timidly, then with -more confidence; lastly with a sensation of great regret -and even pity for the fabric in which he had so long stored -his supplies that he retailed to the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But no thought of retreat came over his mind now, he -was impelled forward irresistibly. The doubt was past -that had tortured him, after his interview with Jason -Quarm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He stuck the candle-end upon the ground, and went -about among the coals, examining the places where he had -put the shavings, adding here and there some bits of stick, -or rearranging the coals, and then strewing over them the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>contents of his out-turned pocket. Then he sat down and -panted. He must rest a moment and wipe his brow before -the irrevocable act was accomplished.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Presently, slowly, painfully, he rose from the block of -coal on which he had seated himself. The sack lay hard -by into which he had stuffed the shavings. It was now -empty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He took up the candle-end and went towards the nearest -mass of shavings, stooped—the grease ran over his fingers. -The wick had become long and the flame burnt dull. He -thought to snuff it with his fingers, but they shook too -much to be trusted. He might extinguish the flame, and -he shuddered at the thought of being left there—in his old -storehouse—in the dark. He again set down the candle, -and with a bit of stick beat the red wick, and struck off -sparks from it, till he had somewhat reduced the length of -the snuff.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was about to take up the candle to apply it to the -shavings, when he heard a sound—a strange grating, -rattling sound behind him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He looked round, but could see nothing, his great body -was between the light and the rear of the shed, whence the -sound proceeded. He was too much alarmed to perceive -the cause of the obscurity. Then he heard a voice—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pasco, I never thought you a scoundrel till now—but -now I know it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill recognised the voice at once—it was that of -Jason Quarm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Immediately he realised the situation. Expelled from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>Coombe Cellars, debarred from sheltering in his own house, -Quarm had entered the store-shed, and had climbed the -ladder into the loft to lie among the wool, and there -sleep.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A sudden wild, fierce thought shot through Pasco’s brain -like the flash of summer lightning. He sprang to his feet. -The terror that had momentarily unnerved him passed -away. Leaving the candle burning on the ground, without -a word, he strode to the ladder, which Quarm was descending -laboriously, owing to his lameness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With clenched teeth and contracted brow, and with every -muscle knotted like cord, Pepperill threw himself on the -ladder, just as Jason got his head below the opening of the -loft, and shook it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“For Heaven’s sake! what are you about?” screamed -Jason.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll rid myself of a danger,” answered Pasco between -his teeth and lips, indistinctly, and he twisted the ladder, -and kicked at its feet to throw it down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pasco, let go! Pasco, will you kill me?” shrieked the -crippled man, catching ineffectually at the floor through -which he had crawled, then clutching the side of the -ladder.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill uttered an oath; he ran under the ladder, set -his back against it and kicked with his heels.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pasco! I’ll not tell—I swear!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I won’t give you the chance,” gasped Pepperill. The -ladder was reeling, sliding, the feet were slipping on the -slate floor. A piercing scream, and down came ladder and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>man upon Pasco, throwing him on his knees, but precipitating -the unfortunate cripple with a crash on the -pavement.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill, though shaken and bruised, was not seriously -hurt. He gathered himself up, stretched his limbs, felt his -arms, and with lowering brow stepped towards his prostrate -brother-in-law, who lay on his back, his arms extended, the -hands convulsively contracted. His chin was up, and the -dim glow of the candle cast its light below the chin, and -had no rays for the upper portion of the face.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill felt in his pocket for the lucifer matches, and, -stooping over Quarm, lit one, and passed the flame over his -countenance. Jason was apparently insensible. Blood -was flowing from his mouth at the corners. The flame of -the match was reflected in the white of the upturned -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco held the match till it burnt his fingers, then he let -it fall, and remained considering for a moment. Should -he let his brother-in-law lie where he was? Could he be -sure that he would not awake from a momentary daze -caused by the blow on his head as he fell on the stone -floor?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco picked up a huge lump of coal and stood over -Jason, ready to dash it down on his head, and make sure -of his not awaking. But though his heart was hard, and -he was launched on a course of crime, yet conscience -makes strange distinctions in crime, and shrinks from doing -boldly the evil at which it aims covertly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco laid aside the block of coal. He would not dash -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>out his brother-in-law’s brains, but he would by other means -make sure that he should not rouse to give him future -trouble.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He took the sack, in which had been the shavings, and -proceeded to thrust into it the legs of Quarm, who offered -no more resistance than would a dead man, and gave no -sign of consciousness. With much labour, Pasco drew the -sack up, enclosing the body; he pulled down the arms and -forced them into the sack also. But he was unable to -envelop Jason completely. The sack was not of sufficient -length for the purpose. It reached to his breast and -elbows only.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a rope hanging in the store to a crook in the -wall. Pepperill disengaged this, and with the cord bound -Jason’s feet, then tightly strapped him about the arms so as -to make it impossible for him to free himself, should he -return to consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The exertion used by Pasco had steadied his nerves. -He no longer trembled. His hand had ceased to shake, -and his heart no longer contracted with fear.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Greatly heated by his labour, he stood up and wiped his -brow with his sleeve. Then he was aware of a cool current -of air wafting across him, and he saw that in this same -current the candle-flame consumed its wick and swaled -away profusely. He turned in the direction of the draught, -and found that the door into the shed was partly open. -He had not locked it when he entered, but had closed it. -The night wind had swung it ajar, and then by its own -weight it had opened farther. Pepperill shut it again, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>placed a lump of coal against the foot to prevent a recurrence -of the same thing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he returned to where Jason lay, he heard a slight noise -overhead, and saw a white and black pigeon perched on a -swinging pole.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The bird was young. It had been given to Pasco the -week before, as he had expressed a wish to have pigeons. -He had shut the bird up in his shed to accustom it to -regard the shed as its home, and to remain there. He had -fed the bird himself with crumbs, and had entertained an -affection for it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now a qualm came over his heart. He could not bear -to think of this innocent bird falling a victim. He had -compunction for the pigeon, none for the unconscious -Jason. Therefore, rolling a barrel under the perch, he -climbed upon it, captured the sleep-stupid bird and carried -it between his hands to the door, pushed aside the lump -of coal, and threw the pigeon into the open air -without.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That act of mercy accomplished, he shut the door and -went back to where the candle was. This he now detached -from the floor and the mass of melted tallow around it, and -applied the flame to one, then to another, of the little -parcels of combustibles in various places. Flames danced -about, and for a minute Pasco looked on with satisfaction, -assuring himself that the shavings had ignited the sticks, -and the sticks had kindled the coals. When well satisfied -that all was as he desired, he knelt down, and by sheer -force rolled the heavy, lifeless body of Jason Quarm from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>the floor, up the slope of the coals, and lodged it among -large blocks on the top.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pepperill turned, extinguished his candle, went -out through the door, locked it, and started at a run across -the fields in the direction whence he had come an hour -before.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXIV <br /><span class='small'>AND YET ANOTHER</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Pasco ran on, easily surmounting the hedges which he -had clambered over with difficulty on his way to -Coombe Cellars. He reached the track by the water’s -edge, and ran along that without once looking behind him, -and only paused when he arrived at the point at which he -must strike inland, to his left, leaving the river margin to -ascend the sloping shaws in the direction of the shed where -tarried Kitty with cob and cart. Here he halted, and a -chill ran through his arteries, making him shiver and his -teeth chatter. He was hot with running, yet withal in an -icy tremor, and with a feeling of swimming in his head and -sickness at his heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The thought had risen up in him, an almost tangible -thought, like a great beast coiled in his heart, stretching -itself, getting on its feet, and turning. The thought was -this—that it was not too late to save his brother-in-law. -He might return, unlock the store, rush in, and drag the -unconscious man down from the heap of coals, through the -smoke and flame. The fire had not yet reached him; it -was tonguing up the heap, sending the tips of its flames -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>tastingly towards him; the fire was hot beneath, but the -crust still upheld the man in the sack; would it be so -much longer? As the coals were consumed beneath, there -would be formed a great core of red fire, and if Jason -moved, the crust would give way, and then, shrieking, -unable to assist himself, he would drop into that glowing -mass, where the cords would be burnt to free him, but only -when it would be too late for him to escape.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Had Jason already woke from his trance, and was he -cuddled up in his sack, watching the approaching flames, -crying for help, and getting none? Was he tearing at his -bands with his teeth, writhing—trying to precipitate himself -down the black mound of combustible material, in the -hopes of being able to roll along the floor to the door? -And if he succeeded so far—what more could he do? -Nothing but watch the fire grow, break out in gushes of -scarlet and orange, pour forth volumes of stifling smoke, -and then lie with his mouth below the door, gasping for -the air that rushed in beneath.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Shuddering, Pasco Pepperill stood with eyes open, looking -into the night, seeing all this as really as though the -vision were unrolled before his naked eyes. He dared not -look behind him, his neck was stiff, and he could not turn -it—he could not even turn his eyes in the direction of the -Cellars.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Should he retrace his course and free Jason? Could he -not rely on Jason to remain silent after this terrible experience? -But what if he arrived too late? What if the fire -had already broken out, and had laid hold of its prey? -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>Why should he give himself the lasting horror of seeing -what he must then see? And of what avail would it be to -the burning man?</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was too late. Pasco had taken his line, had cast his -lot, and there was no return. He resumed his run up the -hill, through the meadows; the wind blowing off the river -assisted him. When he reached the field in which was the -shed, he knew that Coombe Cellars was no longer visible. -There was a shoulder of hill between.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But though the Cellars might not be visible, the sky -overhead might show redness, might throb with light; and -lest he should see this, he fixed his eyes resolutely in an -opposite direction.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In crossing the field he no longer ran. He had lost his -breath ascending the hill; he walked slowly, panting, and -ever and anon stopped to wipe his brow, and remove his -hat, that the cool wind might play about his wet hair.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The qualm of conscience relative to Jason was overpassed, -and now Pepperill congratulated himself on his -success. Now—all was as could be desired, there was -nothing to inculpate him, no one to turn evidence against -him, except—</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was one person, and one only, who was a danger to -Pasco; one person, and one only, who knew that he had -been to Coombe Cellars after having ostensibly left it; one, -and one only, that he had been on the spot precisely at the -time when, presumably, the fire broke out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If Kate Quarm were to speak, then what he had done -was done in vain; the Company would refuse to pay the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>sum for which his stock was insured, and he might be suspected -of having caused the death of his brother-in-law. -Would not Kate speak—when she knew that her father -was dead? Might she not make dangerous admissions -should there be an inquest? The charred corpse or burnt -bones would be discovered when the ashes of the store -were removed, and Jason’s cart and ass being in Coombe, -would lead to the conclusion that he, Jason Quarm, had -caused the conflagration and had perished in it. It would -be supposed that he had gone to the Cellars, and, finding it -locked and no one within, had taken shelter for the night in -the warehouse, where he had lit his pipe, gone to sleep, and -inadvertently had set fire to the coals and wool.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But then—what might Kate be brought to say if -questioned by the coroner?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill entered the shed and called the girl. He called -twice before he received an answer. Then he struck a -light, and as the match flared he saw before him the drowsy -face of Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, uncle! What a long time you have been away! -I fell asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Long time? I have not been a quarter of an hour. I -ran to the Cellars and ran back the whole way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It has been more than a quarter of an hour, Uncle -Pasco. I waited, watching for ever such a time, and then -I went to sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are mistaken. Because you shut your eyes you -think the time was long.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is that, uncle, you are burning?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>“A lucifer match.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How did you get it alight?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By striking it on the box.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>"How could that light it? Is there a bit of tiny flint on -the match and steel on the box?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, there is not. I don’t know how the fire comes—but -it comes somehow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That must be a very curious contrivance, uncle.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whether curious or not is no concern of yours.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He struck another match and held it aloft. The girl -stood on one side of the cart, he on the other. The lucifer -flame twinkled in her eyes. Her hair was ruffled with -sleep.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As Pasco looked at her by the dying flame, he was considering -what to do. He had no doubt that he was -insecure so long as she lived. Desperate, hardened, projected -along an evil course, could he withhold his hand -now and not make himself secure? Would it not be -weakness as well as folly to allow this testimony to remain -who could at any moment reveal his guilt? But if he were -to strike her down with a stake or stone, what could he do -with the body?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Take care, uncle,” said Kate. “There is dry furze -here. If the spark falls, there may be a blaze.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He extinguished the match with his fingers. He did not -desire that his course should be marked by fires.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is there much furze here, Kitty?” he asked in a -smothered voice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh no! only just under foot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>“No great heap in a corner?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“None, uncle.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not enough to cover you over if you were asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate laughed and answered, “I would never lie on furze -if I could help it, and be covered with it—I should be -tormented with prickles. I sat down and laid my head -against the hedge that makes the back of the linhay.” He -was prodding the bedding of furze with his whip. “It is -all fresh,” said Kate. “I reckon Miller Ash is going to -turn his cow in here, when he has taken away her calf.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah! she has calved?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; last week.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“True—the cow will be here to-morrow, or in a couple -of days.” To himself he muttered, “It won’t do”—then -aloud, “Jump into the cart, Kitty. We must push on. -You drive out, I will open the gate.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>In another minute Pasco Pepperill was in his seat with -Kitty at his side, driving in the direction away from the -Cellars.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He feared every moment to hear her say, “Uncle, what -is that light shining over Coombe? Can there be a -fire?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Instead of that she said, “Uncle, did you see nothing -of my father? I am quite sure that was he who drove by -after we had got into Mr. Ash’s field. I heard his voice. -I know his way with the donkey. I am quite certain that -was father.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Your father?—no. Never set eyes on him. You were -mistaken.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>“I am sure it was my father. I know the rattle of the -cart wheel.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I say it was not; and take care how you say a word -about ever having gone into the field, and about my having -returned to the Cellars.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, uncle?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because Ash will summons me for trespass, and because -my horse ate the grass. That’s one reason; but -there’s a better one—I don’t choose that you should -speak.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate was accustomed to his rough manner, and she did -not answer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Pasco’s mind began to work on the theme that -had occupied it before. He had been seen driving out of -Coombe with Kate at his side. But what of that? Would -it not be a sufficient answer to give, were she not to be -seen again, that he had met Jason Quarm on the road, and -that the man had taken his daughter with him, and that -thereupon both had perished in the flames?</p> - -<p class='c001'>The more he considered the matter, the more essential -to his security did it seem to him that Kate should be got -rid of. The only embarrassment he felt was as to the -means to be employed, and the place where it was to be -done. Not till she was removed could the weight now -oppressing his mind be cast off.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle,” said Kate after a long course in silence, “I -cannot think how that lucifer acts, if there be no flint -and no steel. How else can the match be made to -light?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>“How is no matter to me—kindle it does, somehow.” -Then, abruptly, “Have you got your cotton dress on? -The wind is from the east and chilly.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh no, uncle, I have on my thick woollen dress, -and am very warm—thank you kindly for considering -me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The thick wool, is it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, uncle—very sure, very thick and warm.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then that would not do. It had occurred to him to -drop a lighted match on her frock, set her in flames, and -throw her out into the road at a lonely spot. No, that -would not do. He reversed his whip and beat the cob -with the handle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Diamond is not going badly, uncle,” said Kate in mild -remonstrance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was in reality trying the weight of the whip handle -and the stiffness of the stem. That would not effect his -purpose; there was no metal to signify at the butt-end. -The horse did not greatly mind a blow dealt it with a full -swing of its master’s arm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco bore no malice against his niece. In his cold -fashion he liked her. She was useful in the house, and -saved him the expense of a maid. It was doubtful whether -any servant would have been as submissive to Zerah as was -Kitty, whether any would have continued so long in service -to her. He had forgotten his momentary resentment at -Kate refusing the offer of John Pooke. He wished the -girl ill for no other reason than his own safety. Had he -been able to send her away, out of the country, that would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>have satisfied him. But as there was no opportunity for -getting her out of the way without hurt to himself, she -must be removed by such means as were possible to -him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>How to do this, and where to do it, remained undecided. -Not where he then was could it be attempted, for he was -now approaching Newton. The lights were twinkling through -the trees, cottages were passed with illumined windows, and -sometimes with persons standing in the doors.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On entering Newton, Pepperill turned his horse’s head to -make a detour, so as to avoid passing the inn that had been -rebuilt after having been burnt down. For some reason -undefined in his own heart, he shrank from driving before -that house.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a few minutes the cob was trotting along the Ashburton -road. Pasco looked behind him. He heard the sound of -the hoofs of another horse, and the rattle of other wheels. -Some traveller was on the road that night.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle,” said Kate, “I think the moon is going to -rise.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I suppose so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will it not be grand on the moor, with the moon shining -over it, and the Dart flowing like silver below?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Silver? I wish it were silver, and I’d pocket it,” growled -Pasco. “Dang it! what is that which is following?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He slackened his pace, but the conveyance did not pass -him; it approached, and the driver was content to keep in -the rear.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will you go on?” shouted Pasco, turning his head.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>“No, we’ll remain as we are,” answered the driver.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How far are you going?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To Ashburton.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Well, thought Pasco, the loneliest, wildest part of the -road is that between Ashburton and Brimpts.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXV <br /><span class='small'>UNSUCCESSFUL</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>On leaving Ashburton, Pasco Pepperill was relieved of -the attendance which had been so irksome to him. -He would not, probably, have carried out his purpose -between Newton and Ashburton, as that was a high road, -much frequented, running through cultivated lands, and -with farms and cottages along it at no great intervals. -Nevertheless, the knowledge irritated him that someone was -following him, that should an opportunity otherwise propitious -arise, he could not seize it because of the man in the trap -at his heels. Never able clearly to bring all contingencies -together before his inward eye, in the conduct of his business, -he was now more dull and confused in mind than usual.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He took it into his head that there was something -menacing in the pursuit; that the man in his rear was -aware of what he had done at the Cellars, that he foresaw -his present purpose, and was intentionally following him, -keeping him in sight, either that he might deliver him up -to justice for what he had done, or to prevent the execution -of his present design.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was consequently with immense relief that he heard -the man’s cheery “Good-night,” and his wheels turn off by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>a by-street, as he trotted through Ashburton and along the -road leading to Dart-meet and Brimpts.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At a distance of rather over a mile from Ashburton the -Dart is crossed, then the road climbs a steep hill, cutting -off the great sweep made by the river as it flows through -Holne Chase, and it crosses the river again as it bursts from -the moor at Newbridge. Nearly the whole of this way is -through woods, and does not pass a single human habitation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Directly New Bridge is crossed, the character of the -surroundings changes. In place of rock and woods of pine -and oak and beech, succeed the solitude and desolation of -moorland, heather, and furze brake, with at one spot only -a cluster of small cottages about a little inn, with a clump -of sycamores behind them and a few acres of mountain -pasture before them, laboriously cleared of granite boulders. -Immediately after passing this hamlet, the road traverses -moorland entirely uninhabited. Tors rise to the height of -from twelve to fifteen hundred feet; their sides are strewn -with rocky ruin. Dense masses of furze cover the moorland -sweeps, and between the clefts of the rocks whortleberry grows -rankly into veritable bushes, hung in June with purple berries. -Below, at the depth of a thousand feet, foams and roars the -Dart amidst boulders and bushes of mountain-ash and thorn.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was obvious to the clouded mind of Pepperill that if -he was to get rid of Kitty, it must be done either in the -Holne Wood or on the moor. One place was as good as -the other for disposal of the child’s body; the dense forest -growth or the equally dense whortle and furze would -effectually conceal it.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>When the first Dart bridge was crossed, and the steep -ascent begun, Pepperill said roughly to his niece—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You ain’t going to sit here and make the horse drag you -all the way up this tremendous hill, be you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, uncle dear; I was only waiting for you to draw up -that I might jump out. Do you see the moon coming up -behind the trees, shining through them, like a good thought -in the midst of dark imaginings?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dang the moon and your imaginings! Get out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I was thinking of something my book says,” apologised -Kate, descending to the road.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Your book? What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I mean that which the schoolmaster gave me, which I -have read and read, and in which I always find something -new, and always am sure of something true.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What does the book say?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I learned it by heart—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Within the soul a faculty abides,</div> - <div class='line'>That with interpositions’—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>That means things which come between. He explained -that to me. I cannot always make out what is said till it -is explained; but when it is, then the full truth and loveliness -rises and shines into me like the moon when it has got -over the hills and the woods.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Go on.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>“‘A faculty abides,</div> - <div class='line'>That with interpositions, which would hide</div> - <div class='line'>And darken, so can deal that they become</div> - <div class='line'>Contingencies of pomp, and serve to exalt</div> - <div class='line'>Her native brightness.’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>I did not understand what contingencies meant, but he told -me, and now all is quite plain as it is quite true. And it -goes on—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>‘As the ample moon</div> - <div class='line'>Rising behind a thick and lofty grove,</div> - <div class='line'>Burns like an unconsuming fire, light</div> - <div class='line'>In the green trees’”—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>“Cease this foolery,” said Pasco impatiently. He was -fumbling in his pocket for his clasp-knife, and was opening -it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do look, uncle dear!” exclaimed Kate, turning to -observe the moon as it mounted over the rich Buckland -Woods on the farther bank of the Dart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Halt,” shouted Pasco to the horse.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They had reached an eminence. The girl stood wrapped -in delight, with the silver shield of the moon before her, -casting its glorious light over her face and folded hands. -Pasco had his knife out. She heard the click, as the spring -nipped the blade firmly, but did not turn to see what -occasioned the sound.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The moon has come up out of the trees just as he said—I -mean the poet—like a power in the heart and soul that -has been entangled in all kinds of dark and twisted matters -of every day. Oh, uncle, what is that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco drew back. A white dog—a mongrel, short-haired -lurcher—crossed the road. Simultaneously a whistle was -heard, and this was answered by another in the distance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There are poachers about,” said Pepperill. He shut his -knife, pocketed it, and called Kate to get into the trap. -He was not going to halt to see a darned moon rise, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>all kinds of vagabonds were about, and there was no safety -for honest men.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco drove rapidly down the hillside into the Dart -Valley at New Bridge. The road was mostly in shadow, -but the bare moor on the farther side was white in the -moonlight, as though it had been snowed over. The horse -was tired, and tripped. Pasco had to be on his guard lest -the beast should fall. In the shadow of the trees it could -not see the stones that strewed the way. At the bottom of -the valley flowed the Dart; the rush of the water breaking -over the rocks was audible.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If a harm came to you or me in the river, I reckon -the body would be washed right away to Sharpitor,” said -Pepperill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle!” said Kate, with a laugh, “that would be going -up hill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m getting mazed,” growled he; “so it is. Well, folk -would say one or other of us had come by an accident -among the rocks o’ Sharpitor, and tumbled into the river -and been carried down by the stream. That’s likely—eh?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I suppose so, uncle. But if anything were to happen -to one, that the other would know, and do all he could to -help.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill was looking at the brawling torrent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And if anything were to chance to one here, the body -would be carried right down the Chase for miles till it came -to the other bridge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>“I daresay, uncle. But don’t talk like that. Let us -look at the moonlight. There is a man yonder—by the -side of the river.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A man—where?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By that large stone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He is catching salmon. Not a fish has a chance up -here on the moor. What a parcel of rascals there -be!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drove across the bridge. He had intended—he -hardly dared articulately to express to himself his -intention. Again he was frustrated—just at a suitable -point—by this fellow catching salmon by night.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Beyond the bridge the road rose rapidly. Both uncle -and niece were forced to descend from the cart, and relieve -the horse. Some six hundred feet had to be mounted -without any zigzags in the road. Kate walked along -cheerily. Pasco lagged behind. The horse, with nose -down, laboriously stepped up the steep incline. Pasco -took out his knife and cut a branch of thorn from the -hedge, and in doing so tore his fingers. He put the thorn -behind the seat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When the summit of the hill was almost reached, he -said to Kate, “I shall turn to the left, and leave the -road.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What—out on the moor?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; I think we can cut off a great curve and -avoid the cottages. You walk by the horse’s head; I will -mount and hold the reins. There are large stones in the -way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>This was the case. Kate thought that her uncle was -rash in taking the track across the moor at night, a way he -could not know, merely to save a mile that the road made -in detour. But she said nothing. She was pleased to go -by a way that commanded the gorge of the Dart, and had -no fear, as the moon shone brilliantly, and every bush -and stone was visible as in the day. The mica and spar -in the granite made each rock sparkle as though encrusted -with diamonds. A heavy dew had fallen, cobwebs hanging -on the furze were as silvery fairy tissue.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Rabbits were out sporting, feeding, darting away with a -gleam of snowy tail when alarmed. Owls were flitting and -hooting in the ravine. The wind from the east hummed -an Æolian strain in the moor grass and heather.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The moon rose high above all obstruction to its placid -light, and Kate breathed slowly, and in the chill air her -breath came away as a fine shining vapour. Every now -and then the cob struck out a red fire-spark from the stones -against which his shoe struck. Kate held the reins at the -bit, and paced at his head, her heart swelling with -happiness, as she drank in the loveliness of the night, till -she was so full of the beauty that her eyes began to fill. -Pasco Pepperill was silent. He was knotting the thorn-branch -to his whip. His eye was on her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Presently the track on the turf ran at the edge of a steep -slope. Rocks from a tor overhead had fallen and strewn -the incline, and formed fantastic objects in the moonlight, -casting shadows even more fantastic. A sheep that had -been sleeping under one of the rocks started up and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>bounded away. The spring of the sheep close beside him -alarmed the horse, and he started back, plunged, and -dragged Kate off her feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, with a cry of rage, Pasco rose in the cart, whirled -his whip about, and lashed the cob with the full force of -his arm, at the same time that he raised the reins in his -left and beat with them as well, and jerked at the brute’s -mouth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate was down. She had slipped; she was before the -plunging beast. Pasco saw it. He swore, lashed this side, -that, then at the flanks, at the head, at the belly of the -tortured brute, that leaped and staggered, kicked and -reeled under the strokes of the thorns which tore his skin. -He snorted, reared, put down his head; the steam came -off him in a cloud.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was one thing the beast would not do—rush -forward and trample on the fallen girl. Pasco saw it, and -cursed the horse. He flung himself from the trap, he -rushed at the bridle; his foot was on Kate’s gown.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle! uncle!” she cried.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With one hand he dragged the horse forward, with the -other he swung the thorn-bush. A step, and the hoofs and -wheels of the horse and cart would be over the girl. Then -a thrust would suffice to send her down the side of the -slope into the torrent below.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But the brute leaped into the air before the swinging -thorn-bush, swerved up hill, dragging Pasco at his head, -and flung him over a rock. His hand became entangled; -he could not for a moment disengage it; he was dragged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>forward; the head-gear gave way, and Pasco fell among the -bushes, crying out with rage and pain. Next moment -Kate stood before him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is the matter, uncle dear? Are you hurt? I -am safe.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXVI <br /><span class='small'>ALL IN VAIN</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_4_0_4 c010'>Pasco Pepperill staggered to his feet, and at once -felt pain in one ankle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you hurt, dear uncle?” again inquired Kate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hurt? I’ve strained and bruised myself all over. My -right arm—my leg—I can hobble only. Where’s the trap?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you have no bones broken, uncle, sit down, and I -will see after Diamond.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The horse was browsing unconcernedly at no great distance. -Too tired to run far, too hungry to heed his wounds, -he had at once applied himself to the consumption of the -sweet moorland grass. Happily the cart was uninjured. -It had not been upset, and no more of the harness was -broken than a strap at the head. The cob allowed Kate to -approach and take him by the forelock without remonstrance. -He knew Kate, who had been accustomed to -fondle him, and who, in the absence of friends of her own -order, had made one of the brute beast. She managed to -fasten up the broken strap and replaced the headstall; then -she drew the horse along to where her uncle sat rubbing -his leg and arm.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>“It’s the right arm, drat it!” said Pasco; “won’t I only -give that cursed beast a leathering when I can use my -arm again!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Surely, uncle, poor Diamond was going on all right till -you beat him. He is so patient that he does not deserve -a beating. There is a thorn branch about which the whip -has become entangled. I suppose that must have hurt -him, poor fellow. He was good, too; when my foot -slipped and I fell, he would not trample on me. You were -beating him, uncle, and did not see where I was. Just -think how good he was!—notwithstanding the thorns, yet -he would not tread on me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh yes, that is all you think about, you selfish minx, -your own self. Because you are uninjured, you don’t care -for me who am bruised all over.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was of no use pursuing the matter. Kate knew her -uncle’s unreasonable moods, so she changed the subject -and asked, “What is to be done now? shall we go on along -the moor or turn back?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is of no use going along the moor now. We may -come to some other darned accident with this vile brute. -Lead him back along our tracks to the road. I don’t want -to be thrown out again. This is the second time he has -treated me in this manner. If I had a gun, I’d shoot him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uncle, that other occasion was no fault of his. You -were driving the schoolmaster, and Walter Bramber told -me about it—you sent the wheel against a stone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course the blame is mine, and this time also. The -horse is innocent.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>“If you had not beaten poor Diamond”—</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Go on with the cart, and hold your tongue.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Pasco walked with pain. He had not taken many -steps before he asked to be helped up into the trap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Kate led the horse and spoke caressingly to the brute, -that was greatly fagged with the long journey without a -break he had taken that evening. Usually he would be -given an hour’s rest and a feed at Ashburton, before the -worst and most arduous portion of the journey was taken; -but on this occasion he had been urged on at his fastest -pace and never allowed to slacken it, and not given any -rest, not even a mouthful of water, at Ashburton. No -wonder that he tripped.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco looked sullenly before him at the girl walking in -the moonlight, speaking to the horse. The chance of -doing her an injury was past. He could with difficulty -move his arm. If he drew his knife on her and attacked -her there on the moor, she could run from him, and he -would be unable to pursue her, owing to his sprained -ankle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was no help for it, he must make the best of the -circumstances, threaten her if she showed an inclination to -speak and compromise him. Perhaps, taken all in all, it -was as well that his purpose had been frustrated. There -was no telling; he might have got into difficulties had he -killed her. In escaping from one danger, he might have -precipitated himself into another.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He saw now what he had not seen before. It had been -his intention to attribute the fire to Jason Quarm. Had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>Kitty disappeared according to his purpose, then he would -have said she had returned to Coombe with her father. It -was known that she had left the place in his own company -in the trap. She had been seen by the publican and by -the miller. But it was possible, it was probable, that Jason -had been seen as he drove through Coombe to the Cellars. -If so, then it would have been observed that he was alone; -accordingly his—Pasco’s—story of her return with her -father would have been refuted. Then, what explanation -could he have given of her disappearance?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill drew a long breath. He had been preserved -from making a fatal mistake. He was glad now that his -attempt on Kate had been frustrated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, again, a new idea entered his brain. Could he -not have attributed her death to accident on the moor, had -the horse trampled on her? He might have done so, but -then, would not folks have thought there was something -more than coincidence in the death, the same night, of -father and daughter?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe I’d ha’ been a stoopid if I’d ha’ done it,” -said Pasco, and resigned himself to circumstances. “Be us -in the road? I reckon us be.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, uncle; here is where we turned off from the -highway. Which turn shall I take—on to Brimpts or back -to Ashburton?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“On ahead, Brimpts way. There’s a little public-house -at Pound Gate, and I be that dry, and the cob, I reckon, -be that lazy—we’d best turn in there and rest the night. -The shaking of the cart hurts me, moreover.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>Kate got up into the vehicle and drove. Her uncle gladly -resigned the reins to her. He could have held them, -indeed, but not have used the whip, and Diamond would -not go with him unless he used the whip.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Before long the little tavern was reached—a low building -of moorstones, whitewashed, with a thatched roof, and a -sign over the door.</p> - -<p class='c001'>To the surprise of Pepperill, he saw a chaise without -horses outside.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At the inn he drew up. The landlord came to the door -and helped him to descend.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What! hurt yourself, Mr. Pepperill?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; had a spill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“On your way to Brimpts, I suppose? I hear you are -selling the timber.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, to Government. Have you visitors?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ay! Some one come after you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“After me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Notwithstanding his bad ankle, Pasco started back. Had -his face not been in shadow, the landlord might have -observed how pale he had become.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What! come from Coombe?” he asked in a faltering -voice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hardly that, master,” answered the landlord. “Not -likely <em>that</em> when you be come from there. No, o’ course, -came t’other road. He asked about you at Brimpts, and -then drove on. He’s purposing to sleep the night here, -and was intending to push on to Coombe to-morrow. He’s -ordered some supper, and my old woman ha’ done him a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>couple of rashers and some eggs. Have you a mind to -join him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But who is he? What does he want?” Pasco was -still uneasy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A sort of a lawyer chap.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A lawyer?” Pepperill hobbled to his trap. “I’ll push -on, thank ye, I’ll not stay.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nay, you’d better. I hold wi’ you, master, that it is -best in general to give clear room to lawyers. But this -time I don’t think but you’d safest come in. He’ll do you -no hurt, and maybe he brings you good, Mr. Pepperill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll go on,” said Pasco decidedly. “I hate all lawyers -as I do ravens.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Halloo! What is this?” A gentleman put his head -out of the bar parlour window, which was open. “Who is -it that hates lawyers? Not Mr. Pepperill?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco attempted to scramble into his trap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is that Mr. Pepperill, of Coombe Cellars? You must -stay. I have a word to speak with you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I won’t stay—not a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll not charge you six-and-eight. Yet it is something -to your advantage. I’m Mr. James Squire, solicitor, -Tavistock. I have come about your affairs. Your old -uncle, Sampson Blunt, is dead—died of a stroke—sudden—and -you come in for everything. What say you now? -Will you stay? Will you put up your horse? Will you -come in and have some of my rasher and eggs? I’m -drinking stout—what will you take? You won’t drive any -farther to-night, I presume? Sampson has died worth -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>something like three thousand pounds; and every penny -comes to you, except what Government claims as pickings—probate -duty, you understand.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Three thousand pounds?” gasped Pasco.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ay, not a guinea under, and it may be more. His -affairs haven’t been properly looked into yet. I came off -post-haste, took a chaise from Tavistock, didn’t think to -meet you. Was coming on to-morrow. An apoplectic -stroke. No children, no one else to inherit but yourself, -the only heir-at-law. Now, then, what do you say? Rum -and milk, they tell me, is the moor tipple, but I go in for -stout.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With glazed eyes and open mouth stood Pasco Pepperill, -his hands fallen at his side; he seemed as though he had -been paralysed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Three thousand five hundred—there’s no saying,” -continued Mr. Squire, through the window. “Look sharp, -come in, or the rashers and eggs will be cold. I asked for -a chop. Couldn’t have it. Pleaded for a steak. No good. -No butchers on the moor. So ham and eggs, and ham salt -as brine. Never mind—drink more. Come in.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the head of the lawyer disappeared behind the -blind, and the click of his knife and fork was audible.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco tried to raise his right arm, failed, then he clapped -his left hand to his brow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good heavens!” he almost shouted; “I’ve done it all -for naught.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Done what?” asked the innkeeper.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco recovered himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>“Nothing. I am stunned. This has turned my head. -Lend me your arm. I must go in. No—I must return -home—get me another horse—I cannot stay. Quick; I -must return—oh, be quick.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, that’s coorious!” said the landlord. “I reckon -you ought to go in and listen to what the lawyer has to -say, first. As for horses, I don’t keep ’em, and the lawyer’s -post-horses be gone into the stable for the night.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Lend me your arm,” said Pepperill. “I don’t know -right what I’m about. This has come on me quite -unexpected.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wish three thousand pounds’d come unexpected on -me,” replied the host.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pasco entered the room where the lawyer was eating.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right,” said the latter. “Take a snack. There’s -some for all, I say, with my rasher, and you may say so -with your legacy, and give me a slice off your dish. Polly—a -plate and knife and fork for the gentleman.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Pepperill seated himself. He was as if stupefied. Then -he put both elbows on the table, though the movement of -his right arm pained him, and began to cry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s what I like,” said the lawyer. “Feeling, sentiment. -It’s what we all ought to do. Amen. When -grieving is done, there’s a couple of eggs left. But I like -that. Heart in the right place. Quite so. What is your -tipple? That’s very nice. Feeling—I love it. I didn’t -know, though, that you had seen your uncle for twenty -years, and cared twopence about him. P’r’aps you didn’t -in times gone by; now, of course, it’s different with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>three thousand pounds. I respect your emotion; I love -it. But cry when you go to bed. Eat now. There is a -place and there is a time for everything. It does you -credit, I shall make a point of mentioning it—no extra -charge.”</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>END OF VOL. II.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>MORRISON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a1'>a1</span><span class='large'>A LIST OF NEW BOOKS</span></div> - <div>AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF</div> - <div>METHUEN AND COMPANY</div> - <div>PUBLISHERS: LONDON</div> - <div>36 ESSEX STREET</div> - <div>W.C.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>CONTENTS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='88%' /> -<col width='11%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'> </td> - <td class='c009'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>FORTHCOMING BOOKS,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a1'>2</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>POETRY,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a13'>13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>GENERAL LITERATURE,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a15'>15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>THEOLOGY,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a17'>17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>LEADERS OF RELIGION,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a18'>18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>WORKS BY S. BARING GOULD,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a19'>19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>FICTION,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a21'>21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>NOVEL SERIES,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a24'>24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a25'>25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>THE PEACOCK LIBRARY,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a26'>26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERIES,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a26'>26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>SOCIAL QUESTIONS OF TO-DAY,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a28'>28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CLASSICAL TRANSLATIONS,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a29'>29</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>COMMERCIAL SERIES,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a29'>29</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>WORKS BY A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A.,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a30'>30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>SCHOOL EXAMINATION SERIES,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a32'>32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>PRIMARY CLASSICS,</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_a32'>32</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='large'>OCTOBER 1894</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a2'>a2</span>October 1894.</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c015'> - <div><span class='xlarge'><span class='sc'>Messrs. Methuen’s</span></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>ANNOUNCEMENTS</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c016' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>Poetry</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><span class='floatright'>[<em>May</em> 1895.</span> -<b>Rudyard Kipling.</b> BALLADS. By <span class='sc'>Rudyard Kipling</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>The announcement of a new volume of poetry from Mr. Kipling will excite wide -interest. The exceptional success of ‘Barrack-Room Ballads,’ with which this -volume will be uniform, justifies the hope that the new book too will obtain a -wide popularity.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Henley.</b> ENGLISH LYRICS. Selected and Edited by <span class='sc'>W. E. Henley</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 30 copies on hand-made paper <em>Demy 8vo. £1, 1s.</em></div> - <div class='line'>Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. <em>Demy 8vo. £2, 2s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Few announcements will be more welcome to lovers of English verse than the one -that Mr. Henley is bringing together into one book the finest lyrics in our -language. Robust and original the book will certainly be, and it will be produced -with the same care that made ‘Lyra Heroica’ delightful to the hand and -eye.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>“Q”</b> THE GOLDEN POMP: A Procession of English Lyrics -from Surrey to Shirley, arranged by <span class='sc'>A. T. Quiller Couch</span>. <em>Crown -8vo. Buckram. 6s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 40 copies on hand-made paper. <em>Demy 8vo. £1, 1s.</em></div> - <div class='line'>Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. <em>Demy 8vo. £2, 2s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Mr. Quiller Couch’s taste and sympathy mark him out as a born anthologist, and -out of the wealth of Elizabethan poetry he has made a book of great attraction.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Beeching.</b> LYRA SACRA: An Anthology of Sacred Verse. -Edited by <span class='sc'>H. C. Beeching</span>, M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c020'>Also 25 copies on hand-made paper. <em>21s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This book will appeal to a wide public. Few languages are richer in serious verse -than the English, and the Editor has had some difficulty in confining his material -within his limits.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Yeats.</b> AN ANTHOLOGY OF IRISH VERSE. Edited by -<span class='sc'>W. B. Yeats</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a3'>a3</span><span class='xlarge'>Illustrated Books</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES retold by <span class='sc'>S. -Baring Gould</span>. With numerous illustrations and initial letters by -<span class='sc'>Arthur J. Gaskin</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 75 copies on hand-made paper. <em>Demy 8vo.</em> £1, 1<em>s.</em></div> - <div class='line'>Also 20 copies on Japanese paper. <em>Demy 8vo.</em> £2, 2<em>s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Few living writers have been more loving students of fairy and folk lore than Mr. -Baring Gould, who in this book returns to the field in which he won his spurs. -This volume consists of the old stories which have been dear to generations of -children, and they are fully illustrated by Mr. Gaskin, whose exquisite designs -for Andersen’s Tales won him last year an enviable reputation.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> A BOOK OF NURSERY SONGS AND -RHYMES. Edited by <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>, and illustrated by the -Students of the Birmingham Art School. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c020'>Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. <em>4to. 21s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A collection of old nursery songs and rhymes, including a number which are little -known. The book contains some charming illustrations by the Birmingham -students under the superintendence of Mr. Gaskin, and Mr. Baring Gould has -added numerous notes.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Beeching.</b> A BOOK OF CHRISTMAS VERSE. Edited -by <span class='sc'>H. C. Beeching</span>, M.A., and Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Walter Crane</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 75 copies on hand-made paper. <em>Demy 8vo.</em> £1, 1<em>s.</em></div> - <div class='line'>Also 20 copies on Japanese paper. <em>Demy 8vo.</em> £2, 2<em>s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A collection of the best verse inspired by the birth of Christ from the Middle Ages -to the present day. Mr. Walter Crane has designed some beautiful illustrations. -A distinction of the book is the large number of poems it contains by modern -authors, a few of which are here printed for the first time.</span>.</p> -<p class='c017'><b>Jane Barlow.</b> THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND MICE, -translated by <span class='sc'>Jane Barlow</span>, Author of ‘Irish Idylls’ and pictured -by <span class='sc'>F. D. Bedford</span>. <em>Small 4to. 6s. net.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. <em>4to. 21s. net.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This is a new version of a famous old fable. Miss Barlow, whose brilliant volume -of ‘Irish Idylls’ has gained her a wide reputation, has told the story in spirited -flowing verse, and Mr. Bedford’s numerous illustrations and ornaments are as -spirited as the verse they picture. The book will be one of the most beautiful -and original books possible.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c022'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a4'>a4</span><span class="blackletter"><span class='large'>Devotional Books</span></span></div> - <div><em>With full-page Illustrations.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. By <span class='sc'>Thomas À Kempis</span>. -With an Introduction by <span class='sc'>Archdeacon Farrar</span>. Illustrated by -<span class='sc'>C. M. Gere</span>. <em>Fcap. 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 15<em>s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. By <span class='sc'>John Keble</span>. With an Introduction -and Notes by <span class='sc'>W. Lock</span>, M.A., Sub-Warden of Keble College, -Author of ‘The Life of John Keble,’ Illustrated by <span class='sc'>R. Anning -Bell</span>. <em>Fcap. 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 15<em>s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>These two volumes will be charming editions of two famous books, finely illustrated -and printed in black and red. The scholarly introductions will give them -an added value, and they will be beautiful to the eye, and of convenient size.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>General Literature</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Gibbon.</b> THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN -EMPIRE. By <span class='sc'>Edward Gibbon</span>. A New Edition, edited with -Notes and Appendices and Maps by <span class='sc'>J. B. Bury</span>, M.A., Fellow of -Trinity College, Dublin. <em>In seven volumes. Crown 8vo.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>The time seems to have arrived for a new edition of Gibbon’s great work—furnished -with such notes and appendices as may bring it up to the standard of recent historical -research. Edited by a scholar who has made this period his special study, -and issued in a convenient form and at a moderate price, this edition should fill -an obvious void.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> A HISTORY OF EGYPT, <span class='sc'>from the -Earliest Times to the Hyksos</span>. By <span class='sc'>W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>, -D.C.L., Professor of Egyptology at University College. <em>Fully Illustrated. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This volume is the first of an illustrated History of Egypt in six volumes, intended -both for students and for general reading and reference, and will present a complete -record of what is now known, both of dated monuments and of events, from -the prehistoric age down to modern times. For the earlier periods every trace of -the various kings will be noticed, and all historical questions will be fully discussed. -The volumes will cover the following periods;—</span></p> -<p class='c023'><span class='small'>I. Prehistoric to Hyksos times. By Prof. Flinders Petrie. II. xviiith to xxth -Dynasties. III. xxist to xxxth Dynasties. IV. The Ptolemaic Rule. -V. The Roman Rule. VI. The Muhammedan Rule.</span></p> -<p class='c024'><span class='small'>The volumes will be issued separately. The first will be ready in the autumn, the -Muhammedan volume early next year, and others at intervals of half a year.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a5'>a5</span><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> EGYPTIAN DECORATIVE ART. By -<span class='sc'>W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>, D.C.L. With 120 Illustrations. <em>Crown -8vo. 3s. 6d.</em> -<span class='small'>A book which deals with a subject which has never yet been seriously treated.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> EGYPTIAN TALES. Edited by <span class='sc'>W. M. -Flinders Petrie</span>. Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Tristram Ellis</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. -3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c024'><span class='small'>A selection of the ancient tales of Egypt, edited from original sources, and of great -importance as illustrating the life and society of ancient Egypt.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Southey.</b> ENGLISH SEAMEN (Howard, Clifford, Hawkins, -Drake, Cavendish). By <span class='sc'>Robert Southey</span>. Edited, with an -Introduction, by <span class='sc'>David Hannay</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This is a reprint of some excellent biographies of Elizabethan seamen, written by -Southey and never republished. They are practically unknown, and they deserve, -and will probably obtain, a wide popularity.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Waldstein.</b> JOHN RUSKIN: a Study. By <span class='sc'>Charles Waldstein</span>, -M.A., Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. With a Photogravure -Portrait after Professor <span class='sc'>Herkomer</span>. <em>Post 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 25 copies on Japanese paper. <em>Demy 8vo.</em> 21<em>s.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c024'><span class='small'>This is a frank and fair appreciation of Mr. Ruskin’s work and influence—literary -and social—by an able critic, who has enough admiration to make him sympathetic, -and enough discernment to make him impartial.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Henley and Whibley.</b> A BOOK OF ENGLISH PROSE. -Collected by <span class='sc'>W. E. Henley</span> and <span class='sc'>Charles Whibley</span>. <em>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<div class='lg-container-l c019'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Also 40 copies on Dutch paper. 21<em>s.</em> <em>net.</em></div> - <div class='line'>Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. 42<em>s.</em> <em>net.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c024'><span class='small'>A companion book to Mr. Henley’s well-known ‘Lyra Heroica.’ It is believed that -no such collection of splendid prose has ever been brought within the compass of -one volume. Each piece, whether containing a character-sketch or incident, is -complete in itself. The book will be finely printed and bound.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Robbins.</b> THE EARLY LIFE OF WILLIAM EWART -GLADSTONE. By <span class='sc'>A. F. Robbins</span>. <em>With Portraits. Crown -8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c024'><span class='small'>A full account of the early part of Mr. Gladstone’s extraordinary career, based on -much research, and containing a good deal of new matter, especially with regard -to his school and college days.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> THE DESERTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL -FRANCE. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>, With numerous Illustrations by -<span class='sc'>F. D. Bedford</span>, <span class='sc'>S. Hutton</span>, etc. <em>2 vols. Demy 8vo. 32s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This book is the first serious attempt to describe the great barren tableland that -extends to the south of Limousin in the Department of Aveyron, Lot, etc., a -country of dolomite cliffs, and canons, and subterranean rivers. The region is -full of prehistoric and historic interest, relics of cave-dwellers, of mediæval -robbers, and of the English domination and the Hundred Years’ War. The -book is lavishly illustrated.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a6'>a6</span><b>Baring Gould.</b> A GARLAND OF COUNTRY SONG: -English Folk Songs with their traditional melodies. Collected and -arranged by <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span> and <span class='sc'>H. Fleetwood Sheppard</span>. -<em>Royal 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>In collecting West of England airs for ‘Songs of the West,’ the editors came across -a number of songs and airs of considerable merit, which were known throughout -England and could not justly be regarded as belonging to Devon and Cornwall. -Some fifty of these are now given to the world.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Oliphant.</b> THE FRENCH RIVIERA. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Oliphant</span> -and <span class='sc'>F. R. Oliphant</span>. With Illustrations and Maps. <em>Crown 8vo. -6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A volume dealing with the French Riviera from Toulon to Mentone. Without falling -within the guide-book category, the book will supply some useful practical -information, while occupying itself chiefly with descriptive and historical matter. -A special feature will be the attention directed to those portions of the Riviera, -which, though full of interest and easily accessible from many well-frequented -spots, are generally left unvisited by English travellers, such as the Maures -Mountains and the St. Tropez district, the country lying between Cannes, Grasse -and the Var, and the magnificent valleys behind Nice. There will be several -original illustrations.</span></p> -<p class='c025'><b>George.</b> BRITISH BATTLES. By <span class='sc'>H. B. George</span>, M.A., -Fellow of New College, Oxford. <em>With numerous Plans. Crown -8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c026'><span class='small'>This book, by a well-known authority on military history, will be an important -contribution to the literature of the subject. All the great battles of English -history are fully described, connecting chapters carefully treat of the changes -wrought by new discoveries and developments, and the healthy spirit of patriotism -is nowhere absent from the pages.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Shedlock.</b> THE PIANOFORTE SONATA: Its Origin and -Development. By <span class='sc'>J. S. Shedlock</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This is a practical and not unduly technical account of the Sonata treated historically. -It contains several novel features, and an account of various works little -known to the English public.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Jenks.</b> ENGLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. By <span class='sc'>E. Jenks</span>, -M.A., Professor of Law at University College, Liverpool. <em>Crown -8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A short account of Local Government, historical and explanatory, which will appear -very opportunely.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a7'>a7</span><b>Dixon.</b> A PRIMER OF TENNYSON. By <span class='sc'>W. M. Dixon</span>, -M. A., Professor of English Literature at Mason College. <em>Fcap. 8vo. -1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This book consists of (1) a succinct but complete biography of Lord Tennyson; -(2) an account of the volumes published by him in chronological order, dealing with -the more important poems separately; (3) a concise criticism of Tennyson in his -various aspects as lyrist, dramatist, and representative poet of his day; (4) a -bibliography. Such a complete book on such a subject, and at such a moderate -price, should find a host of readers.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Oscar Browning.</b> THE AGE OF THE CONDOTTIERI: A -Short History of Italy from 1409 to 1530. By <span class='sc'>Oscar Browning</span>, -M.A., Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. <em>Crown 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This book is a continuation of Mr. Browning’s ‘Guelphs and Ghibellines,’ and the -two works form a complete account of Italian history from 1250 to 1530.</span></p> -<p class='c025'><b>Layard.</b> RELIGION IN BOYHOOD. Notes on the Religious -Training of Boys. With a Preface by <span class='sc'>J. R. Illingworth</span>. -by <span class='sc'>E. B. Layard</span>, M.A. 18<em>mo.</em> 1<em>s.</em></p> -<p class='c025'><b>Hutton.</b> THE VACCINATION QUESTION. A Letter to -the Right Hon. <span class='sc'>H. H. Asquith</span>, M.P. by <span class='sc'>A. W. Hutton</span>, -M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. 1s.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c027'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Leaders of Religion</span></div> - <div><em>NEW VOLUMES</em></div> - <div><em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'>LANCELOT ANDREWES, Bishop of Winchester. By <span class='sc'>R. L. -Ottley</span>, Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, and Fellow of Magdalen. -<em>With Portrait.</em></p> -<p class='c025'>St. AUGUSTINE of Canterbury. By <span class='sc'>E. L. Cutts</span>, D.D. -<em>With a Portrait.</em></p> -<p class='c025'>THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Oliphant</span>. <em>With a -Portrait. Second Edition.</em></p> -<p class='c025'>JOHN KEBLE. By <span class='sc'>Walter Lock</span>, Sub-Warden of Keble -College. <em>With a Portrait. Seventh Edition.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c027'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a8'>a8</span><span class='xlarge'>English Classics</span></div> - <div>Edited by <span class='sc'>W. E. Henley</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c026'><span class='small'>Messrs. Methuen propose to publish, under this title, a series of the masterpieces of -the English tongue.</span></p> -<p class='c026'><span class='small'>The ordinary ‘cheap edition’ appears to have served its purpose: the public has -found out the artist-printer, and is now ready for something better fashioned. -This, then, is the moment for the issue of such a series as, while well within the -reach of the average buyer, shall be at once an ornament to the shelf of him that -owns, and a delight to the eye of him that reads.</span></p> -<p class='c026'><span class='small'>The series, of which Mr. William Ernest Henley is the general editor, will confine -itself to no single period or department of literature. Poetry, fiction, drama, -biography, autobiography, letters, essays—in all these fields is the material of -many goodly volumes.</span></p> -<p class='c026'><span class='small'>The books, which are designed and printed by Messrs. Constable, will be issued in -two editions—</span></p> -<p class='c025'>(1) A small edition, on the finest Japanese vellum, limited in most -cases to 75 copies, demy 8vo, 21<em>s.</em> a volume nett;</p> -<p class='c026'>(2) The popular edition on laid paper, crown 8vo, buckram, 3<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> a -volume.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c028'> - <div><span class='small'>The first six numbers are:—</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY. -By <span class='sc'>Lawrence Sterne</span>. With an Introduction by <span class='sc'>Charles -Whibley</span>, and a Portrait. 2 <em>vols.</em></p> -<p class='c029'>THE WORKS OF WILLIAM CONGREVE. With an Introduction -by <span class='sc'>G. S. Street</span>, and a Portrait. 2 <em>vols.</em></p> -<p class='c029'>THE LIVES OF DONNE, WOTTON, HOOKER, HERBERT, -and SANDERSON. By <span class='sc'>Izaak Walton</span>. With an Introduction -by <span class='sc'>Vernon Blackburn</span>, and a Portrait.</p> -<p class='c029'>THE ADVENTURES OF HADJI BABA OF ISPAHAN. -By <span class='sc'>James Morier</span>. With an Introduction by <span class='sc'>E. S. Browne</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c029'>THE POEMS OF ROBERT BURNS. With an Introduction -by <span class='sc'>W. E. Henley</span>, and a Portrait. 2 <em>vols.</em></p> -<p class='c029'>THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS. By <span class='sc'>Samuel -Johnson</span>, LL.D. With an Introduction by <span class='sc'>James Hepburn -Millar</span>, and a Portrait. 3 <em>vols.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c027'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Classical Translations</span></div> - <div><em>NEW VOLUMES</em></div> - <div><span class='small'><em>Crown 8vo. Finely printed and bound in blue buckram.</em></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>LUCIAN—Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, Icaro-Menippus, The Cock, -The Ship, The Parasite, The Lover of Falsehood). Translated by <span class='sc'>S. -T. Irwin</span>, M.A., Assistant Master at Clifton; late Scholar of Exeter -College, Oxford. 3<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em></p> -<p class='c029'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a9'>a9</span>SOPHOCLES—Electra and Ajax. Translated by <span class='sc'>E. D. A. -Morshead</span>, M.A., late Scholar of New College, Oxford; Assistant -Master at Winchester. 2<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em></p> -<p class='c029'>TACITUS—Agricola and Germania. Translated by <span class='sc'>R. B. -Townshend</span>, late Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. 2<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em></p> -<p class='c029'>CICERO—Select Orations (Pro Milone, Pro Murena, Philippic II., -In Catilinam). Translated by <span class='sc'>H. E. D. Blakiston</span>, M.A., Fellow -and Tutor of Trinity College, Oxford. 5<em>s.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c027'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>University Extension Series</span></div> - <div><em>NEW VOLUMES. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c026'>THE EARTH. An Introduction to Physiography. By <span class='sc'>Evan -Small</span>, M.A. <em>Illustrated.</em></p> -<p class='c025'>INSECT LIFE. By <span class='sc'>F. W. Theobald</span>, M.A. <em>Illustrated.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c027'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Social Questions of To-day</span></div> - <div><em>NEW VOLUME. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>WOMEN’S WORK. By <span class='sc'>Lady Dilke</span>, <span class='sc'>Miss Bulley</span>, and -<span class='sc'>Miss Whitley</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Cheaper Editions</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'><b>Baring Gould.</b> THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS: The -Emperors of the Julian and Claudian Lines. With numerous Illustrations -from Busts, Gems, Cameos, etc. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>, -Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. <em>Third Edition.</em> <em>Royal 8vo.</em> 15<em>s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A most splendid and fascinating book on a subject of undying interest. The great -feature of the book is the use the author has made of the existing portraits of the -Caesars, and the admirable critical subtlety he has exhibited in dealing with this -line of research. It is brilliantly written, and the illustrations are supplied on a -scale of profuse magnificence.’—<em>Daily Chronicle.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Clark Russell.</b> THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD. -By <span class='sc'>W. Clark Russell</span>, Author of ‘The Wreck -of the Grosvenor.’ With Illustrations by <span class='sc'>F. Brangwyn</span>. <em>Second -Edition. 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A most excellent and wholesome book, which we should like to see in the hands of -every boy in the country.’—<em>St. James’s Gazette.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a10'>a10</span><span class='xlarge'>Fiction</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> KITTY ALONE. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>, -Author of ‘Mehalah,’ ‘Cheap Jack Zita,’ etc. <em>3 vols. Crown 8vo.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A romance of Devon life.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Norris.</b> MATTHEW AUSTIN. By <span class='sc'>W. E. Norris</span>, Author of -‘Mdle. de Mersai,’ etc. <em>3 vols. Crown 8vo.</em> -in 4 -<span class='small'>A story of English social life by the well-known author of ‘The Rogue.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Parker.</b> THE TRAIL OF THE SWORD. By <span class='sc'>Gilbert -Parker</span>, Author of ‘Pierre and his People,’ etc. <em>2 vols. Crown 8vo.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A historical romance dealing with a stirring period in the history of Canada.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Anthony Hope.</b> THE GOD IN THE CAR. By <span class='sc'>Anthony -Hope</span>, Author of ‘A Change of Air,’ etc. <span class='sc'>2 vols. Crown 8vo.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A story of modern society by the clever author of ‘The Prisoner of Zenda.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Mrs. Watson.</b> THIS MAN’S DOMINION. By the Author -of ‘A High Little World.’ <em>2 vols. Crown 8vo.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A story of the conflict between love and religious scruple.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Conan Doyle.</b> ROUND THE RED LAMP. By <span class='sc'>A. Conan -Doyle</span>, Author of ‘The White Company,’ ‘The Adventures of Sherlock -Holmes,’ etc. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This volume, by the well-known author of ‘The Refugees,’ contains the experiences -of a general practitioner, round whose ‘Red Lamp’ cluster many dramas—some -sordid, some terrible. The author makes an attempt to draw a few phases of life -from the point of view of the man who lives and works behind the lamp.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Barr.</b> IN THE MIDST OF ALARMS. By <span class='sc'>Robert Barr</span>, -Author of ‘From Whose Bourne,’ etc. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A story of journalism and Fenians, told with much vigour and humour.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Benson.</b> SUBJECT TO VANITY. By <span class='sc'>Margaret Benson</span>. -With numerous Illustrations. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A volume of humorous and sympathetic sketches of animal life and home pets.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>X. L.</b> AUT DIABOLUS AUT NIHIL, and Other Stories. -By X. L. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A collection of stories of much weird power. The title story appeared some years -ago in ‘Blackwood’s Magazine,’ and excited considerable attention. The -‘Spectator’ spoke of it as ‘distinctly original, and in the highest degree imaginative. -The conception, if self-generated, is almost as lofty as Milton’s.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Morrison.</b> LIZERUNT, and other East End Idylls. By -<span class='sc'>Arthur Morrison</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A volume of sketches of East End life, some of which have appeared in the ‘National -Observer,’ and have been much praised for their truth and strength and pathos.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>O’Grady.</b> THE COMING OF CURCULAIN. By <span class='sc'>Standish -O’Grady</span>, Author of ‘Finn and his Companions,’ etc. Illustrated -by <span class='sc'>Murray Smith</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>The story of the boyhood of one of the legendary heroes of Ireland.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a11'>a11</span><span class='xlarge'>New Editions</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>E. F. Benson.</b> THE RUBICON. By <span class='sc'>E. F. Benson</span>, Author -of ‘Dodo.’ <em>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Mr. Benson’s second novel has been, in its two volume form, almost as great a -success as his first. The ‘Birmingham Post’ says it is ‘<em>well written, stimulating, -unconventional, and, in a word, characteristic</em>’: the ‘National Observer’ -congratulates Mr. Benson upon ‘<em>an exceptional achievement</em>,’ and calls the -book ‘<em>a notable advance on his previous work</em>.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Stanley Weyman.</b> UNDER THE RED ROBE. By <span class='sc'>Stanley -Weyman</span>, Author of ‘A Gentleman of France.’ With Twelve Illustrations -by R. Caton Woodville. <em>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A cheaper edition of a book which won instant popularity. No unfavourable review -occurred, and most critics spoke in terms of enthusiastic admiration. The ‘Westminster -Gazette’ called it ‘<em>a book of which we have read every word for the sheer -pleasure of reading, and which we put down with a pang that we cannot forget -it all and start again</em>.’ The ‘Daily Chronicle’ said that ‘<em>every one who reads -books at all must read this thrilling romance, from the first page of which to the -last the breathless reader is haled along</em>.’ It also called the book ‘<em>an inspiration -of manliness and courage</em>.’ The ‘Globe’ called it ‘<em>a delightful tale of chivalry -and adventure, vivid and dramatic, with a wholesome modesty and reverence -for the highest</em>.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> THE QUEEN OF LOVE. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring -Gould</span>, Author of ‘Cheap Jack Zita,’ etc. <em>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo, 6s.</em>.in 2</p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The scenery is admirable and the dramatic incidents most striking.’—<em>Glasgow -Herald.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Strong, interesting, and clever.’—<em>Westminster Gazette.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘You cannot put it down till you have finished it.’—<em>Punch.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Can be heartily recommended to all who care for cleanly, energetic, and interesting -fiction.’—<em>Sussex Daily News.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Mrs. Oliphant.</b> THE PRODIGALS. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Oliphant</span>. -<em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Richard Pryce.</b> WINIFRED MOUNT. By <span class='sc'>Richard Pryce.</span> -<em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>The ‘Sussex Daily News’ called this book ‘<em>a delightful story</em>’, and said that the -writing was ‘<em>uniformly bright and graceful</em>.’ The ‘Daily Telegraph’ said that the -author was a ‘<em>deft and elegant story-teller</em>,’ and that the book was ‘<em>an extremely -clever story, utterly untainted by pessimism or vulgarity</em>.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Constance Smith.</b> A CUMBERER OF THE GROUND. -By <span class='sc'>Constance Smith</span>, Author of ‘The Repentance of Paul Wentworth,’ -etc. <em>New Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a12'>a12</span><span class='xlarge'>School Books</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>A VOCABULARY OF LATIN IDIOMS AND PHRASES. -By <span class='sc'>A. M. M. Stedman</span>, M.A. 18<em>mo.</em> 1<em>s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>STEPS TO GREEK. By <span class='sc'>A. M. M. Stedman</span>, M.A. 18mo. -1<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>A SHORTER GREEK PRIMER OF ACCIDENCE AND -SYNTAX. By <span class='sc'>A. M. M. Stedman</span>, M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>SELECTIONS FROM THE ODYSSEY. With Introduction -and Notes. By <span class='sc'>E. D. Stone</span>, M.A., late Assistant Master at Eton. -<em>Fcap. 8vo. 2s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>THE ELEMENTS OF ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM. -With numerous Illustrations. By <span class='sc'>R. G. Steel</span>, M. A., Head Master -of the Technical Schools, Northampton. <em>Crown 8vo. 4s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>THE ENGLISH CITIZEN: <span class='sc'>His Rights and Duties</span>. By -<span class='sc'>H. E. Malden</span>, M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em> -<span class='small'>A simple account of the privileges and duties of the English citizen.</span></p> -<p class='c017'>INDEX POETARUM LATINORUM. By <span class='sc'>E. F. Benecke</span>, -M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. 4s. 6d.</em> -<span class='small'>A concordance to Latin Lyric Poetry.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Commercial Series</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>A PRIMER OF BUSINESS. By <span class='sc'>S. Jackson</span>, M.A. <em>Crown -8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. By <span class='sc'>F. G. Taylor</span>. <em>Crown -8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a13'>a13</span><span class="blackletter"><span class='large'>New and Recent Books</span></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>Poetry</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Rudyard Kipling.</b> BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS; And -Other Verses. By <span class='sc'>Rudyard Kipling</span>. <em>Seventh Edition. Crown -8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c023'>A Special Presentation Edition, bound in white buckram, with -extra gilt ornament. 7<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Kipling’s verse is strong, vivid, full of character.... Unmistakable genius -rings in every line.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The disreputable lingo of Cockayne is henceforth justified before the world; for a -man of genius has taken it in hand, and has shown, beyond all cavilling, that in -its way it also is a medium for literature. You are grateful, and you say to -yourself, half in envy and half in admiration: “Here is a <em>book</em>; here, or one is a -Dutchman, is one of the books of the year.”’—<em>National Observer.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘“Barrack-Room Ballads” contains some of the best work that Mr. Kipling has -ever done, which is saying a good deal. “Fuzzy-Wuzzy,” “Gunga Din,” and -“Tommy,” are, in our opinion, altogether superior to anything of the kind that -English literature has hitherto produced.’—<em>Athenæum.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘These ballads are as wonderful in their descriptive power as they are vigorous in -their dramatic force. There are few ballads in the English language more -stirring than “The Ballad of East and West,” worthy to stand by the Border -ballads of Scott.’—<em>Spectator.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The ballads teem with imagination, they palpitate with emotion. We read them -with laughter and tears; the metres throb in our pulses, the cunningly ordered -words tingle with life; and if this be not poetry, what is?’—<em>Pall Mall Gazette.</em></span></p> - -<p class='c017'><b>Henley.</b> LYRA HEROICA: An Anthology selected from the -best English Verse of the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries. By -<span class='sc'>William Ernest Henley</span>, Author of ‘A Book of Verse,’ ‘Views -and Reviews,’ etc. <em>Crown 8vo. Stamped gilt buckram, gilt top, -edges uncut. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Henley has brought to the task of selection an instinct alike for poetry and for -chivalry which seems to us quite wonderfully, and even unerringly, right.’—<em>Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Tomson.</b> A SUMMER NIGHT, AND OTHER POEMS. By -<span class='sc'>Graham R. Tomson</span>. With Frontispiece by <span class='sc'>A. Tomson</span>. <em>Fcap. -8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'>An edition on hand-made paper, limited to 50 copies. 10<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> <em>net.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mrs. Tomson holds perhaps the very highest rank among poetesses of English birth. -This selection will help her reputation.’—<em>Black and White.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a14'>a14</span><b>Ibsen.</b> BRAND. A Drama by <span class='sc'>Henrik Ibsen</span>. Translated by -<span class='sc'>William Wilson</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. Second Edition. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The greatest world-poem of the nineteenth century next to “Faust.” “Brand” -will have an astonishing interest for Englishmen. It is in the same set with -“Agamemnon,” with “Lear,” with the literature that we now instinctively regard -as high and holy.’—<em>Daily Chronicle.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>“Q.”</b> GREEN BAYS: Verses and Parodies. By “Q.,” Author -of ‘Dead Man’s Rock’ etc. <em>Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The verses display a rare and versatile gift of parody, great command of metre, and -a very pretty turn of humour.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>“A. G.”</b> VERSES TO ORDER. By “A. G.” <em>Cr. 8vo. 2s.6d. -net.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A small volume of verse by a writer whose initials are well known to Oxford men.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A capital specimen of light academic poetry. These verses are very bright and -engaging, easy and sufficiently witty.’—<em>St. James’s Gazette.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Hosken.</b> VERSES BY THE WAY. By <span class='sc'>J. D. Hosken</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. 5s.</em></p> - -<p class='c030'>A small edition on hand-made paper. <em>Price 12s. 6d. net.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A Volume of Lyrics and Sonnets by J. D. Hosken, the Postman Poet. Q, the -Author of ‘The Splendid Spur,’ writes a critical and biographical introduction.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Gale.</b> CRICKET SONGS. By <span class='sc'>Norman Gale</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. -Linen. 2s. 6d.</em></p> - -<p class='c030'>Also a limited edition on hand-made paper. <em>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. -net.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘They are wrung out of the excitement of the moment, and palpitate with the spirit -of the game.’—<em>Star.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘As healthy as they are spirited, and ought to have a great success.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Simple, manly, and humorous. Every cricketer should buy the book.’—<em>Westminster -Gazette.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Cricket has never known such a singer.’—<em>Cricket.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Langbridge.</b> BALLADS OF THE BRAVE: Poems of Chivalry, -Enterprise, Courage, and Constancy, from the Earliest Times to the -Present Day. Edited, with Notes, by Rev. <span class='sc'>F. Langbridge</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. Buckram 3s. 6d.</em> School Edition, <em>2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A very happy conception happily carried out. These “Ballads of the Brave” are -intended to suit the real tastes of boys, and will suit the taste of the great majority.’—<em>Spectator.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The book is full of splendid things.’—<em>World.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a15'>a15</span><span class='xlarge'>General Literature</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Collingwood.</b> JOHN RUSKIN: His Life and Work. By -<span class='sc'>W. G. Collingwood</span>, M.A., late Scholar of University College, -Oxford, Author of the ‘Art Teaching of John Ruskin,’ Editor of -Mr. Ruskin’s Poems. <em>2 vols. 8vo. 32s. Second Edition.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This important work is written by Mr. Collingwood, who has been for some years -Mr. Ruskin’s private secretary, and who has had unique advantages in obtaining -materials for this book from Mr. Ruskin himself and from his friends. It contains -a large amount of new matter, and of letters which have never been published, -and is, in fact, a full and authoritative biography of Mr. Ruskin. The book -contains numerous portraits of Mr. Ruskin, including a coloured one from a -water-colour portrait by himself, and also 13 sketches, never before published, by -Mr. Ruskin and Mr. Arthur Severn. A bibliography is added.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘No more magnificent volumes have been published for a long time....’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘This most lovingly written and most profoundly interesting book.’—<em>Daily News.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘It is long since we have had a biography with such varied delights of substance -and of form. Such a book is a pleasure for the day, and a joy for ever.’—<em>Daily -Chronicle.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Ruskin could not well have been more fortunate in his biographer.’—<em>Globe.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A noble monument of a noble subject. One of the most beautiful books about one -of the noblest lives of our century.’—<em>Glasgow Herald.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Gladstone.</b> THE SPEECHES AND PUBLIC ADDRESSES -OF THE RT. HON. W. E. GLADSTONE, M.P. With Notes -and Introductions. Edited by <span class='sc'>A. W. Hutton</span>, M.A. (Librarian of -the Gladstone Library), and <span class='sc'>H. J. Cohen</span>, M.A. With Portraits. -<em>8vo. Vols. IX. and X. 12s. 6d. each.</em></p> -<p class='c029'><b>Clark Russell.</b> THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD. -By <span class='sc'>W. Clark Russell</span>, Author of ‘The Wreck -of the Grosvenor.’ With Illustrations by <span class='sc'>F. Brangwyn</span>. <em>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A really good book.’—<em>Saturday Review.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A most excellent and wholesome book, which we should like to see in the hands of -every boy in the country.’—<em>St. James’s Gazette.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Clark.</b> THE COLLEGES OF OXFORD: Their History and -their Traditions. By Members of the University. Edited by <span class='sc'>A. -Clark</span>, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Lincoln College. <em>8vo. 12s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Whether the reader approaches the book as a patriotic member of a college, as an -antiquary, or as a student of the organic growth of college foundation, it will amply -reward his attention.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A delightful book, learned and lively.’—<em>Academy.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A work which will certainly be appealed to for many years as the standard book on -the Colleges of Oxford.’—<em>Athenæum.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a16'>a16</span><b>Wells.</b> OXFORD AND OXFORD LIFE. By Members of -the University. Edited by <span class='sc'>J. Wells</span>, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of -Wadham College. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This work contains an account of life at Oxford—intellectual, social, and religious—a -careful estimate of necessary expenses, a review of recent changes, a statement -of the present position of the University, and chapters on Women’s Education, -aids to study, and University Extension.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘We congratulate Mr. Wells on the production of a readable and intelligent account -of Oxford as it is at the present time, written by persons who are, with hardly an -exception, possessed of a close acquaintance with the system and life of the -University.’—<em>Athenæum.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Perrens.</b> THE HISTORY OF FLORENCE FROM THE -TIME OF THE MEDICIS TO THE FALL OF THE -REPUBLIC. By <span class='sc'>F. T. Perrens</span>. Translated by <span class='sc'>Hannah -Lynch</span>. <em>In Three Volumes. Vol. I. 8vo. 12s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This is a translation from the French of the best history of Florence in existence. -This volume covers a period of profound interest—political and literary—and -is written with great vivacity.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘This is a standard book by an honest and intelligent historian, who has deserved -well of his countrymen, and of all who are interested in Italian history.’—<em>Manchester -Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Browning.</b> GUELPHS AND GHIBELLINES: A Short History -of Mediæval Italy, <span class='fss'>A.D.</span> 1250-1409. By <span class='sc'>Oscar Browning</span>, Fellow -and Tutor of King’s College, Cambridge. <em>Second Edition. Crown -8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A very able book.’—<em>Westminster Gazette.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A vivid picture of mediæval Italy.’—<em>Standard.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>O’Grady.</b> THE STORY OF IRELAND. By <span class='sc'>Standish -O’Grady</span>, Author of ‘Finn and his Companions.’ <em>Cr. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Novel and very fascinating history. Wonderfully alluring.’—<em>Cork Examiner.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Most delightful, most stimulating. Its racy humour, its original imaginings, its -perfectly unique history, make it one of the freshest, breeziest volumes.’—<em>Methodist -Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A survey at once graphic, acute, and quaintly written.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Dixon.</b> ENGLISH POETRY FROM BLAKE TO BROWNING. -By <span class='sc'>W. M. Dixon</span>, M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> - -<p class='c030'>A Popular Account of the Poetry of the Century.</p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Scholarly in conception, and full of sound and suggestive criticism.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The book is remarkable for freshness of thought expressed in graceful language.’—<em>Manchester -Examiner.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Bowden.</b> THE EXAMPLE OF BUDDHA: Being Quotations -from Buddhist Literature for each Day in the Year. Compiled -by <span class='sc'>E. M. Bowden</span>. With Preface by Sir <span class='sc'>Edwin Arnold</span>. <em>Third -Edition. 16mo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a17'>a17</span><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> TELL EL AMARNA. By <span class='sc'>W. M. Flinders -Petrie</span>, D.C.L. With chapters by Professor <span class='sc'>A. H. Sayce</span>, D.D.; -<span class='sc'>F. Ll. Griffith</span>, F.S.A.; and <span class='sc'>F. C. J. Spurrell</span>, F.G.S. With -numerous coloured illustrations. <em>Royal 4to. 20s. net.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Massee.</b> A MONOGRAPH OF THE MYXOGASTRES. By -<span class='sc'>George Massee</span>. With 12 Coloured Plates. <em>Royal 8vo. 18s. net.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A work much in advance of any book in the language treating of this group of -organisms. It is indispensable to every student of the Myxogastres. The -coloured plates deserve high praise for their accuracy and execution.’—<em>Nature.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Bushill.</b> PROFIT SHARING AND THE LABOUR QUESTION. -By <span class='sc'>T. W. Bushill</span>, a Profit Sharing Employer. With an -Introduction by <span class='sc'>Sedley Taylor</span>, Author of ‘Profit Sharing between -Capital and Labour.’ <em>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>John Beever.</b> PRACTICAL FLY-FISHING, Founded on -Nature, by <span class='sc'>John Beever</span>, late of the Thwaite House, Coniston. A -New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author by <span class='sc'>W. G. Collingwood</span>, -M.A. Also additional Notes and a chapter on Char-Fishing, by A. -and <span class='sc'>A. R. Severn</span>. With a specially designed title-page. <em>Crown -8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A little book on Fly-Fishing by an old friend of Mr. Ruskin. It has been out of -print for some time, and being still much in request, is now issued with a Memoir -of the Author by W. G. Collingwood.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Theology</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Driver.</b> SERMONS ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH -THE OLD TESTAMENT. By <span class='sc'>S. R. Driver</span>, D.D., Canon of -Christ Church, Regius Professor of Hebrew in the University of -Oxford. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A welcome companion to the author’s famous ‘Introduction.’ No man can read these -discourses without feeling that Dr. Driver is fully alive to the deeper teaching of -the Old Testament.’—<em>Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Cheyne.</b> FOUNDERS OF OLD TESTAMENT CRITICISM: -Biographical, Descriptive, and Critical Studies. By <span class='sc'>T. K. Cheyne</span>, -D.D., Oriel Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at -Oxford. <em>Large crown 8vo. 7s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>This important book is a historical sketch of O.T. Criticism in the form of biographical -studies from the days of Eichhorn to those of Driver and Robertson Smith. -It is the only book of its kind in English.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The volume is one of great interest and value. It displays all the author’s well-known -ability and learning, and its opportune publication has laid all students of -theology, and specially of Bible criticism, under weighty obligation.’—<em>Scotsman.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A very learned and instructive work.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a18'>a18</span><b>Prior.</b> CAMBRIDGE SERMONS. Edited by <span class='sc'>C. H. Prior</span>, -M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Pembroke College. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A volume of sermons preached before the University of Cambridge by various -preachers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop Westcott.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A representative collection. Bishop Westcott’s is a noble sermon.’—<em>Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Full of thoughtfulness and dignity.’—<em>Record.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Beeching.</b> BRADFIELD SERMONS. Sermons by <span class='sc'>H. C. -Beeching</span>, M.A., Rector of Yattendon, Berks. With a Preface by -<span class='sc'>Canon Scott Holland</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Seven sermons preached before the boys of Bradfield College.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>James.</b> CURIOSITIES OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY PRIOR -TO THE REFORMATION. By <span class='sc'>Croake James</span>, Author of -‘Curiosities of Law and Lawyers.’ <em>Crown 8vo. 7s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘This volume contains a great deal of quaint and curious matter, affording some -“particulars of the interesting persons, episodes, and events from the Christian’s -point of view during the first fourteen centuries.” Wherever we dip into his pages -we find something worth dipping into.’—<em>John Bull.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Kaufmann.</b> CHARLES KINGSLEY. By <span class='sc'>M. Kaufmann</span>, -M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 5s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A biography of Kingsley, especially dealing with his achievements in social reform.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The author has certainly gone about his work with conscientiousness and industry.’—<em>Sheffield -Daily Telegraph.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Leaders of Religion</span></div> - <div>Edited by H. C. BEECHING, M.A. <em>With Portraits, crown 8vo.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c031'><span class='floatright'><span class='xxlarge'>2/6 & 3/6</span></span> -A series of short biographies of the most prominent -leaders of religious life and thought of -all ages and countries.</p> - -<p class='c031'>The following are ready— <b>2s. 6d.</b></p> -<p class='c017'>CARDINAL NEWMAN. By <span class='sc'>R. H. Hutton</span>. <em>Second Edition.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Few who read this book will fail to be struck by the wonderful insight it displays -into the nature of the Cardinal’s genius and the spirit of his life.’—<span class='sc'>Wilfrid -Ward</span>, in the <em>Tablet</em>.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Full of knowledge, excellent in method, and intelligent in criticism. We regard it -as wholly admirable.’—<em>Academy.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'>JOHN WESLEY. By <span class='sc'>J. H. Overton</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘It is well done: the story is clearly told, proportion is duly observed, and there is -no lack either of discrimination or of sympathy.’—<em>Manchester Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a19'>a19</span>BISHOP WILBERFORCE. By <span class='sc'>G. W. Daniel</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>CARDINAL MANNING. By <span class='sc'>A. W. Hutton</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>CHARLES SIMEON. By <span class='sc'>H. C. G. Moule</span>, M.A.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div>3s. 6d.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>JOHN KEBLE. By <span class='sc'>Walter Lock</span>, M.A. <em>Seventh Edition.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Oliphant</span>. <em>Second Edition.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c033'> - <div><span class='small'>Other volumes will be announced in due course.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Works by S. Baring Gould</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>OLD COUNTRY LIFE. With Sixty-seven Illustrations by -<span class='sc'>W. Parkinson</span>, <span class='sc'>F. D. Bedford</span>, and <span class='sc'>F. Masey</span>. <em>Large Crown -8vo, cloth super extra, top edge gilt, 10s. 6d. Fourth and Cheaper -Edition. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘“Old Country Life,” as healthy wholesome reading, full of breezy life and movement, -full of quaint stories vigorously told, will not be excelled by any book to be -published throughout the year. Sound, hearty, and English to the core.’—<em>World.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'>HISTORIC ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. <em>Third -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A collection of exciting and entertaining chapters. The whole volume is delightful -reading.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'>FREAKS OF FANATICISM. <em>Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Baring Gould has a keen eye for colour and effect, and the subjects he has -chosen give ample scope to his descriptive and analytic faculties. A perfectly -fascinating book.’—<em>Scottish Leader.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'>SONGS OF THE WEST: Traditional Ballads and Songs of -the West of England, with their Traditional Melodies. Collected -by <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>, M.A., and <span class='sc'>H. Fleetwood Sheppard</span>, -M.A. Arranged for Voice and Piano. In 4 Parts (containing 25 -Songs each), <em>Parts I., II., III., 3s. each. Part IV., 5s. In one -Vol., French morocco, 15s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A rich and varied collection of humour, pathos, grace, and poetic fancy.’—<em>Saturday -Review.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'>YORKSHIRE ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. -<em>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a20'>a20</span>STRANGE SURVIVALS AND SUPERSTITIONS. With -Illustrations. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. Second Edition. -6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A book on such subjects as Foundations, Gables, Holes, Gallows, Raising the Hat, Old -Ballads, etc. etc. It traces in a most interesting manner their origin and history.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘We have read Mr. Baring Gould’s book from beginning to end. It is full of quaint -and various information, and there is not a dull page in it.’—<em>Notes and Queries.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><em class='gesperrt'>THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS</em>: The -Emperors of the Julian and Claudian Lines. With numerous Illustrations -from Busts, Gems, Cameos, etc. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>, -Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. <em>Third Edition. Royal 8vo. 15s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A most splendid and fascinating book on a subject of undying interest. The great -feature of the book is the use the author has made of the existing portraits of the -Caesars, and the admirable critical subtlety he has exhibited in dealing with this -line of research. It is brilliantly written, and the illustrations are supplied on a -scale of profuse magnificence.’—<em>Daily Chronicle.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The volumes will in no sense disappoint the general reader. Indeed, in their way, -there is nothing in any sense so good in English.... Mr. Baring Gould has -presented his narrative in such a way as not to make one dull page.’—<em>Athenæum.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c033'> - <div><span class='large'><em>MR. BARING GOULD’S NOVELS</em></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c025'><span class='small'>‘To say that a book is by the author of “Mehalah” is to imply that it contains a -story cast on strong lines, containing dramatic possibilities, vivid and sympathetic -descriptions of Nature, and a wealth of ingenious imagery.’—<em>Speaker.</em></span></p> -<p class='c026'><span class='small'>‘That whatever Mr. Baring Gould writes is well worth reading, is a conclusion that -may be very generally accepted. His views of life are fresh and vigorous, his -language pointed and characteristic, the incidents of which he makes use are -striking and original, his characters are life-like, and though somewhat exceptional -people, are drawn and coloured with artistic force. Add to this that his -descriptions of scenes and scenery are painted with the loving eyes and skilled -hands of a master of his art, that he is always fresh and never dull, and under -such conditions it is no wonder that readers have gained confidence both in his -power of amusing and satisfying them, and that year by year his popularity -widens.’—<em>Court Circular.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c034'> - <div><b>SIX SHILLINGS EACH</b></div> - </div> -</div> - - <ul class='ul_1 c000'> - <li>IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA: A Tale of the Cornish Coast. - </li> - <li>MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN. - </li> - <li>CHEAP JACK ZITA. - </li> - <li>THE QUEEN OF LOVE. - </li> - </ul> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c035'> - <div><b>THREE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE EACH</b></div> - </div> -</div> - - <ul class='ul_1'> - <li>ARMINELL: A Social Romance. - </li> - <li>URITH: A Story of Dartmoor. - </li> - <li>MARGERY OF QUETHER, and other Stories. - </li> - <li>JACQUETTA, and other Stories. - </li> - </ul> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c036'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a21'>a21</span><span class='xlarge'>Fiction</span></div> - <div class='c000'>SIX SHILLING NOVELS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c037'><b>Corelli.</b> BARABBAS: A DREAM OF THE WORLD’S TRAGEDY. By <span class='sc'>Marie Corelli</span>, Author of ‘A Romance of Two -Worlds,’ ‘Vendetta,’ etc. <em>Eleventh Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Miss Corelli’s new romance has been received with much disapprobation by the -secular papers, and with warm welcome by the religious papers. By the former -she has been accused of blasphemy and bad taste; ‘a gory nightmare’; ‘a hideous -travesty’; ‘grotesque vulgarisation’; ‘unworthy of criticism’; ‘vulgar redundancy’; -‘sickening details’—these are some of the secular flowers of speech. -On the other hand, the ‘Guardian’ praises ‘the dignity of its conceptions, the -reserve round the Central Figure, the fine imagery of the scene and circumstance, -so much that is elevating and devout’; the ‘Illustrated Church News’ styles the -book ‘reverent and artistic, broad based on the rock of our common nature, and -appealing to what is best in it’; the ‘Christian World’ says it is written ‘by one -who has more than conventional reverence, who has tried to tell the story that it -may be read again with open and attentive eyes’; the ‘Church of England -Pulpit’ welcomes ‘a book which teems with faith without any appearance of -irreverence.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Benson.</b> DODO: A DETAIL OF THE DAY. By <span class='sc'>E. F. -Benson</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. Fourteenth Edition. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A story of society by a new writer, full of interest and power, which has attracted -by its brilliance universal attention. The best critics were cordial in their -praise. The ‘Guardian’ spoke of ‘Dodo’ as <em>unusually clever and interesting</em>; -the ‘Spectator’ called it <em>a delightfully witty sketch of society</em>; the ‘Speaker’ -said the dialogue was <em>a perpetual feast of epigram and paradox</em>; the -‘Athenæum’ spoke of the author as <em>a writer of quite exceptional ability</em>; -the ‘Academy’ praised his <em>amazing cleverness</em>; the ‘World’ said the book was -<em>brilliantly written</em>; and half-a-dozen papers declared there <em>was not a dull page -in the book</em>.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA: A Tale of -the Cornish Coast. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>. <em>New Edition. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN. -By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>. <em>Third Edition. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A story of Devon life. The ‘Graphic’ speaks of it as <em>a novel of vigorous humour and -sustained power</em>; the ‘Sussex Daily News’ says that <em>the swing of the narrative -is splendid</em>; and the ‘Speaker’ mentions <em>its bright imaginative power</em>.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> CHEAP JACK ZITA. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>. -<em>Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A Romance of the Ely Fen District in 1815, which the ‘Westminster Gazette’ calls -‘a powerful drama of human passion’; and the ‘National Observer’ ‘a story -worthy the author.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> THE QUEEN OF LOVE. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring -Gould</span>. <em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>The ‘Glasgow Herald’ says that ‘the scenery is admirable, and the dramatic incidents -are most striking.’ The ‘Westminster Gazette’ calls the book ‘strong, -interesting, and clever.’ ‘Punch’ says that ‘you cannot put it down until you -have finished it.’ ‘The Sussex Daily News’ says that it ‘can be heartily recommended -to all who care for cleanly, energetic, and interesting fiction.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a22'>a22</span><b>Norris.</b> HIS GRACE. By <span class='sc'>W. E. Norris</span>, Author of -‘Mademoiselle de Mersac.’ <em>Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The characters are delineated by the author with his characteristic skill and -vivacity, and the story is told with that ease of manners and Thackerayean insight -which give strength of flavour to Mr. Norris’s novels. No one can depict -the Englishwoman of the better classes with more subtlety.’—<em>Glasgow Herald.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Norris has drawn a really fine character in the Duke of Hurstbourne, at once -unconventional and very true to the conventionalities of life, weak and strong in -a breath, capable of inane follies and heroic decisions, yet not so definitely portrayed -as to relieve a reader of the necessity of study on his own behalf.’—<em>Athenæum.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Parker.</b> MRS. FALCHION. By <span class='sc'>Gilbert Parker</span>, Author of -‘Pierre and His People.’ <em>New Edition. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Mr. Parker’s second book has received a warm welcome. The ‘Athenæum’ called -it <em>a splendid study of character</em>; the ‘Pall Mall Gazette’ spoke of the writing as -<em>but little behind anything that has been done by any writer of our time</em>; the -‘St. James’s’ called it <em>a very striking and admirable novel</em>; and the ‘Westminster -Gazette’ applied to it the epithet of <em>distinguished</em>.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Parker.</b> PIERRE AND HIS PEOPLE. By <span class='sc'>Gilbert -Parker</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Stories happily conceived and finely executed. There is strength and genius in Mr. -Parker’s style.’—<em>Daily Telegraph.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Parker.</b> THE TRANSLATION OF A SAVAGE. By <span class='sc'>Gilbert -Parker</span>, Author of ‘Pierre and His People,’ ‘Mrs. Falchion,’ etc. -<em>Crown 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<p class='c029'><span class='small'>‘The plot is original and one difficult to work out; but Mr. Parker has done it with -great skill and delicacy. The reader who is not interested in this original, fresh, -and well-told tale must be a dull person indeed.’—<em>Daily Chronicle.</em></span></p> -<p class='c029'><span class='small'>‘A strong and successful piece of workmanship. The portrait of Lali, strong, dignified, -and pure, is exceptionally well drawn.’—<em>Manchester Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c029'><span class='small'>‘A very pretty and interesting story, and Mr. Parker tells it with much skill. The -story is one to be read.’—<em>St. James’s Gazette.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Anthony Hope.</b> A CHANGE OF AIR: A Novel. By -<span class='sc'>Anthony Hope</span>, Author of ‘The Prisoner of Zenda,’ etc. -<em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A bright story by Mr. Hope, who has, the <em>Athenæum</em> says, ‘a decided outlook and -individuality of his own.’</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A graceful, vivacious comedy, true to human nature. The characters are traced -with a masterly hand.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Pryce.</b> TIME AND THE WOMAN. By <span class='sc'>Richard Pryce</span>, -Author of ‘Miss Maxwell’s Affections,’ ‘The Quiet Mrs. Fleming,’ -etc. New and Cheaper Edition. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Pryce’s work recalls the style of Octave Feuillet, by its clearness, conciseness, -its literary reserve.’—<em>Athenæum.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a23'>a23</span><b>Marriott Watson.</b> DIOGENES OF LONDON and other -Sketches. By <span class='sc'>H. B. Marriott Watson</span>, Author of ‘The Web -of the Spider.’ <em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘By all those who delight in the uses of words, who rate the exercise of prose above -the exercise of verse, who rejoice in all proofs of its delicacy and its strength, who -believe that English prose is chief among the moulds of thought, by these -Mr. Marriott Watson’s book will be welcomed.’—<em>National Observer.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Gilchrist.</b> THE STONE DRAGON. By <span class='sc'>Murray Gilchrist</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The author’s faults are atoned for by certain positive and admirable merits. The -romances have not their counterpart in modern literature, and to read them is a -unique experience.’—<em>National Observer.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><b>THREE-AND-SIXPENNY NOVELS</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> ARMINELL: A Social Romance. By <span class='sc'>S. -Baring Gould</span>. <em>New Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c029'><b>Baring Gould.</b> URITH: A Story of Dartmoor. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring -Gould</span>. <em>Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The author is at his best.’—<em>Times.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘He has nearly reached the high water-mark of “Mehalah.”’—<em>National Observer.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> MARGERY OF QUETHER, and other Stories. -By <span class='sc'>S. Baring Gould</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> JACQUETTA, and other Stories. By <span class='sc'>S. Baring -Gould</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Gray.</b> ELSA. A Novel. By <span class='sc'>E. M’Queen Gray</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. -3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c029'><span class='small'>‘A charming novel. The characters are not only powerful sketches, but minutely -and carefully finished portraits.’—<em>Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Pearce.</b> JACO TRELOAR. By <span class='sc'>J. H. Pearce</span>, Author of -‘Esther Pentreath.’ <em>New Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A tragic story of Cornish life by a writer of remarkable power, whose first novel has -been highly praised by Mr. Gladstone.</span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>The ‘Spectator’ speaks of Mr. Pearce as <em>a writer of exceptional power</em>; the ‘Daily -Telegraph’ calls the book <em>powerful and picturesque</em>; the ‘Birmingham Post’ -asserts that it is <em>a novel of high quality</em>.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Edna Lyall.</b> DERRICK VAUGHAN, NOVELIST. By -<span class='sc'>Edna Lyall</span>, Author of ‘Donovan,’ etc. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Clark Russell.</b> MY DANISH SWEETHEART. By <span class='sc'>W. -Clark Russell</span>, Author of ‘The Wreck of the Grosvenor,’ etc. -<em>Illustrated. Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a24'>a24</span><b>Author of ‘Vera.’</b> THE DANCE OF THE HOURS. By -the Author of ‘Vera.’ <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Esmè Stuart.</b> A WOMAN OF FORTY. By <span class='sc'>Esmè Stuart</span>, -Author of ‘Muriel’s Marriage,’ ‘Virginié’s Husband,’ etc. <em>New -Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘The story is well written, and some of the scenes show great dramatic power.’—<em>Daily -Chronicle.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Fenn.</b> THE STAR GAZERS. By <span class='sc'>G. Manville Fenn</span>, -Author of ‘Eli’s Children,’ etc. <em>New Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A stirring romance.’—<em>Western Morning News.</em></span></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Told with all the dramatic power for which Mr. Fenn is conspicuous.’—<em>Bradford -Observer.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Dickinson.</b> A VICAR’S WIFE. By <span class='sc'>Evelyn Dickinson</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Prowse.</b> THE POISON OF ASPS. By <span class='sc'>R. Orton Prowse</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Grey.</b> THE STORY OF CHRIS. By <span class='sc'>Rowland Grey</span>. -<em>Crown 8vo. 5s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Lynn Linton.</b> THE TRUE HISTORY OF JOSHUA DAVIDSON, -Christian and Communist. By <span class='sc'>E. Lynn Linton</span>. Eleventh -Edition. <em>Post 8vo. 1s.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><b>HALF-CROWN NOVELS</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c030'><span class='floatright'><span class='xxlarge'>2/6</span></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><em>A Series of Novels by popular Authors, tastefully bound in cloth.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - - <ul class='ul_1'> - <li>1. THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. By <span class='sc'>F. Mabel Robinson</span>. - </li> - <li>2. DISENCHANTMENT. By <span class='sc'>F. Mabel Robinson</span>. - </li> - <li>3. MR. BUTLER’S WARD. By <span class='sc'>F. Mabel Robinson</span>. - </li> - <li>4. HOVENDEN, V.C. By <span class='sc'>F. Mabel Robinson</span>. - </li> - <li>5. ELI’S CHILDREN. By <span class='sc'>G. Manville Fenn</span>. - </li> - <li>6. A DOUBLE KNOT. By <span class='sc'>G. Manville Fenn</span>. - </li> - <li>7. DISARMED. By <span class='sc'>Betham Edwards</span>. - </li> - <li>8. A LOST ILLUSION. By <span class='sc'>Leslie Keith</span>. - </li> - <li>9. A MARRIAGE AT SEA. By <span class='sc'>W. Clark Russell</span>. - </li> - <li><span class='pageno' id='Page_a25'>a25</span>10. IN TENT AND BUNGALOW. By the Author of ‘Indian Idylls.’ - </li> - <li>11. MY STEWARDSHIP. By <span class='sc'>E. M’Queen Gray</span>. - </li> - <li>12. A REVEREND GENTLEMAN. By <span class='sc'>J. M. Cobban</span>. - </li> - <li>13. A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR. By <span class='sc'>W. E. Norris</span>. - </li> - <li>14. JACK’S FATHER. By <span class='sc'>W. E. Norris</span>. - </li> - </ul> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><span class='small'>Other volumes will be announced in due course.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Books for Boys and Girls</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'><b>Baring Gould.</b> THE ICELANDER’S SWORD. By <span class='sc'>S. -Baring Gould</span>, Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. With Twenty-nine -Illustrations by <span class='sc'>J. Moyr Smith</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A stirring story of Iceland, written for boys by the author of ‘In the Roar of the Sea.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Cuthell.</b> TWO LITTLE CHILDREN AND CHING. By -<span class='sc'>Edith E. Cuthell</span>. Profusely Illustrated. <em>Crown 8vo. Cloth, -gilt edges. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>Another story, with a dog hero, by the author of the very popular ‘Only a Guard-Room -Dog.’</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Blake.</b> TODDLEBEN’S HERO. By <span class='sc'>M. M. Blake</span>, Author of -‘The Siege of Norwich Castle.’ With 36 Illustrations. <em>Crown -8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>A story of military life for children.</span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Cuthell.</b> ONLY A GUARD-ROOM DOG. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Cuthell</span>. -With 16 Illustrations by <span class='sc'>W. Parkinson</span>. <em>Square Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'> -‘This is a charming story. Tangle was but a little mongrel Skye terrier, but he had a -big heart in his little body, and played a hero’s part more than once. The book -can be warmly recommended.’—<em>Standard.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Collingwood.</b> THE DOCTOR OF THE JULIET. By <span class='sc'>Harry -Collingwood</span>, Author of ‘The Pirate Island,’ etc. Illustrated by -<span class='sc'>Gordon Browne</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘“The Doctor of the Juliet,” well illustrated by Gordon Browne, is one of Harry -Collingwood’s best efforts.’—<em>Morning Post.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a26'>a26</span><b>Clark Russell.</b> MASTER ROCKAFELLAR’S VOYAGE. By -<span class='sc'>W. Clark Russell</span>, Author of ‘The Wreck of the Grosvenor,’ etc. -Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Gordon Browne</span>. <em>Second Edition, Crown 8vo. -3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Mr. Clark Russell’s story of “Master Rockafellar’s Voyage” will be among the -favourites of the Christmas books. There is a rattle and “go” all through it, and -its illustrations are charming in themselves, and very much above the average in -the way in which they are produced.’—<em>Guardian.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'><b>Manville Fenn.</b> SYD BELTON: Or, The Boy who would not -go to Sea. By <span class='sc'>G. Manville Fenn</span>, Author of ‘In the King’s -Name,’ etc. Illustrated by <span class='sc'>Gordon Browne</span>. <em>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘Who among the young story-reading public will not rejoice at the sight of the old -combination, so often proved admirable—a story by Manville Fenn, illustrated -by Gordon Browne? The story, too, is one of the good old sort, full of life and -vigour, breeziness and fun.’—<em>Journal of Education.</em></span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>The Peacock Library</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c038'><span class='floatright'><span class='xxlarge'>3/6</span></span> -<em>A Series of Books for Girls by well-known Authors, -handsomely bound in blue and silver, and well illustrated. -Crown 8vo.</em></p> - - <ul class='ul_2'> - <li>1. A PINCH OF EXPERIENCE. By <span class='sc'>L. B. Walford</span>. - </li> - <li>2. THE RED GRANGE. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Molesworth</span>. - </li> - <li>3. THE SECRET OF MADAME DE MONLUC. By the Author of ‘Mdle Mori.’ - </li> - <li>4. DUMPS. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Parr</span>, Author of ‘Adam and Eve.’ - </li> - <li>5. OUT OF THE FASHION. By <span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span>. - </li> - <li>6. A GIRL OF THE PEOPLE. By <span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span>. - </li> - <li>7. HEPSY GIPSY. By <span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span>. <em>2s. 6d.</em> - </li> - <li>8. THE HONOURABLE MISS. By <span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span>. - </li> - <li>9. MY LAND OF BEULAH. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Leith Adams</span>. - </li> - </ul> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>University Extension Series</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c030'><span class='small'>A series of books on historical, literary, and scientific subjects, suitable -for extension students and home reading circles. Each volume is complete -<span class='pageno' id='Page_a27'>a27</span>in itself, and the subjects are treated by competent writers in a -broad and philosophic spirit.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div>Edited by J. E. SYMES, M.A.,</div> - <div>Principal of University College, Nottingham.</div> - <div class='c000'><em>Crown 8vo. Price (with some exceptions) 2s. 6d.</em></div> - <div class='c000'><em>The following volumes are ready</em>:—</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND. By <span class='sc'>H. de -B. Gibbins</span>, M.A., late Scholar of Wadham College, Oxon., Cobden -Prizeman. <em>Third Edition.</em> With Maps and Plans. <em>3s.</em></p> -<p class='c018'><span class='small'>‘A compact and clear story of our industrial development. A study of this concise -but luminous book cannot fail to give the reader a clear insight into the principal -phenomena of our industrial history. The editor and publishers are to be congratulated -on this first volume of their venture, and we shall look with expectant -interest for the succeeding volumes of the series.’—<em>University Extension Journal.</em></span></p> -<p class='c017'>A HISTORY OF ENGLISH POLITICAL ECONOMY. By -<span class='sc'>L. L. Price</span>, M.A., Fellow of Oriel College, Oxon.</p> -<p class='c017'>PROBLEMS OF POVERTY: An Inquiry into the Industrial -Conditions of the Poor. By <span class='sc'>J. A. Hobson</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>VICTORIAN POETS. By <span class='sc'>A. Sharp</span>.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. By <span class='sc'>J. E. Symes</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>PSYCHOLOGY. By <span class='sc'>F. S. Granger</span>, M.A., Lecturer in Philosophy -at University College, Nottingham.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE EVOLUTION OF PLANT LIFE: Lower Forms. By -<span class='sc'>G. Massee</span>, Kew Gardens. With Illustrations.</p> -<p class='c017'>AIR AND WATER. Professor <span class='sc'>V. B. Lewes</span>, M.A. Illustrated.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE AND HEALTH. By <span class='sc'>C. W. -Kimmins</span>, M.A. Camb. Illustrated.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE MECHANICS OF DAILY LIFE. By <span class='sc'>V. P. Sells</span>, M.A. -Illustrated.</p> -<p class='c017'>ENGLISH SOCIAL REFORMERS. <span class='sc'>H. de B. Gibbins</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>ENGLISH TRADE AND FINANCE IN THE SEVENTEENTH -CENTURY. By <span class='sc'>W. A. S. Hewins</span>, B.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE. The Elementary Principles of -Chemistry. By <span class='sc'>M. M. Pattison Muir</span>, M.A. Illustrated.</p> -<p class='c017'>A TEXT-BOOK OF AGRICULTURAL BOTANY. By <span class='sc'>M. C. -Potter</span>, M.A., F.L.S. Illustrated. <em>3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a28'>a28</span>THE VAULT OF HEAVEN. A Popular Introduction to -Astronomy. By <span class='sc'>R. A. Gregory</span>. With numerous Illustrations.</p> -<p class='c017'>METEOROLOGY. The Elements of Weather and Climate. -By <span class='sc'>H. N. Dickson</span>, F.R.S.E., F.R. Met. Soc. Illustrated.</p> -<p class='c017'>A MANUAL OF ELECTRICAL SCIENCE. By <span class='sc'>George -J. Burch</span>, M.A. With numerous Illustrations. <em>3s</em>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Social Questions of To-day</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Edited by <span class='sc'>H. de B. GIBBINS</span>, M.A.</div> - <div class='c000'><em>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d</em>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c030'><span class='floatright'><span class='xxlarge'>2/6</span></span> -A series of volumes upon those topics of social, economic, -and industrial interest that are at the present moment foremost -in the public mind. Each volume of the series is written by an -author who is an acknowledged authority upon the subject with which -he deals.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><span class='small'><em>The following Volumes of the Series are ready:</em>—</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>TRADE UNIONISM—NEW AND OLD. By <span class='sc'>G. Howell</span>, -M.P., Author of ‘The Conflicts of Capital and Labour.’ <em>Second -Edition</em>.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT TO-DAY. By <span class='sc'>G. J. -Holyoake</span>, Author of ‘The History of Co-operation.’</p> -<p class='c017'>MUTUAL THRIFT. By Rev. <span class='sc'>J. Frome Wilkinson</span>, M.A., -Author of ‘The Friendly Society Movement.’</p> -<p class='c017'>PROBLEMS OF POVERTY: An Inquiry into the Industrial -Conditions of the Poor. By <span class='sc'>J. A. Hobson</span>, M.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE COMMERCE OF NATIONS. By <span class='sc'>C. F. Bastable</span>, -M.A., Professor of Economics at Trinity College, Dublin.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE ALIEN INVASION. By <span class='sc'>W. H. Wilkins</span>, B.A., Secretary -to the Society for Preventing the Immigration of Destitute Aliens.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE RURAL EXODUS. By <span class='sc'>P. Anderson Graham</span>.</p> -<p class='c017'>LAND NATIONALIZATION. By <span class='sc'>Harold Cox</span>, B.A.</p> -<p class='c017'>A SHORTER WORKING DAY. By <span class='sc'>H. de B. Gibbins</span> -and <span class='sc'>R. A. Hadfield</span>, of the Hecla Works, Sheffield.</p> -<p class='c017'>BACK TO THE LAND: An Inquiry into the Cure for Rural -Depopulation. By <span class='sc'>H. E. Moore</span>.</p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a29'>a29</span>TRUSTS, POOLS AND CORNERS: As affecting Commerce -and Industry. By <span class='sc'>J. Stephen Jeans</span>, M.R.I., F.S.S.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE FACTORY SYSTEM. By <span class='sc'>R. Cooke Taylor</span>.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE STATE AND ITS CHILDREN. By <span class='sc'>Gertrude -Tuckwell</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Classical Translations</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Edited by H. F. FOX, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Brasenose</div> - <div>College, Oxford.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c030'>Messrs. Methuen propose to issue a New Series of Translations from -the Greek and Latin Classics. They have enlisted the services of some -of the best Oxford and Cambridge Scholars, and it is their intention that -the Series shall be distinguished by literary excellence as well as by -scholarly accuracy.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><em>Crown 8vo. Finely printed and bound in blue buckram.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>CICERO—De Oratore I. Translated by <span class='sc'>E. N. P. Moor</span>, M.A., -Assistant Master at Clifton. <em>3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>ÆSCHYLUS—Agamemnon, Chöephoroe, Eumenides. Translated -by <span class='sc'>Lewis Campbell</span>, LL.D., late Professor of Greek at St. -Andrews. <em>5s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>LUCIAN—Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, Icaro-Menippus, The Cock, -The Ship, The Parasite, The Lover of Falsehood). Translated by -<span class='sc'>S. T. Irwin</span>, M.A., Assistant Master at Clifton; late Scholar of -Exeter College, Oxford. <em>3s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>SOPHOCLES—Electra and Ajax. Translated by <span class='sc'>E. D. A. -Morshead</span>, M.A., late Scholar of New College, Oxford; Assistant -Master at Winchester. <em>2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>TACITUS—Agricola and Germania. Translated by <span class='sc'>R. B. -Townshend</span>, late Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. <em>2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>CICERO—Select Orations (Pro Milone, Pro Murena, Philippic <span class='fss'>II.</span>, -In Catilinam). Translated by <span class='sc'>H. E. D. Blakiston</span>, M.A., Fellow -and Tutor of Trinity College, Oxford. <em>5s.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Methuen’s Commercial Series</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>BRITISH COMMERCE AND COLONIES FROM ELIZABETH -TO VICTORIA. By <span class='sc'>H. de B. Gibbins</span>, M.A., Author -of ‘The Industrial History of England,’ etc., etc. <em>2s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a30'>a30</span>A MANUAL OF FRENCH COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE. -By <span class='sc'>S. E. Bally</span>, Modern Language Master at -the Manchester Grammar School. <em>2s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>COMMERCIAL GEOGRAPHY, with special reference to Trade -Routes, New Markets, and Manufacturing Districts. By <span class='sc'>L. D. -Lyde</span>, M.A., of The Academy, Glasgow. <em>2s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>COMMERCIAL EXAMINATION PAPERS. By <span class='sc'>H. de B. -Gibbins</span>, M.A. <em>1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>THE ECONOMICS OF COMMERCE. By <span class='sc'>H. de B. Gibbins</span>, -M.A. <em>1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>A PRIMER OF BUSINESS. By <span class='sc'>S. Jackson</span>, M.A. <em>1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. By <span class='sc'>F. G. Taylor</span>, -M.A. <em>1s. 6d.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Works by A. M. M. Stedman, M.A.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>INITIA LATINA: Easy Lessons on Elementary Accidence. -<em>Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 1s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>FIRST LATIN LESSONS. <em>Fourth Edition Crown 8vo. 2s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>FIRST LATIN READER. With Notes adapted to the Shorter -Latin Primer and Vocabulary. <em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY SELECTIONS FROM CAESAR. Part 1. The Helvetian -War. <em>18mo. 1s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY SELECTIONS FROM LIVY. Part 1. The Kings of -Rome. <em>18mo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY LATIN PASSAGES FOR UNSEEN TRANSLATION. -<em>Third Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EXEMPLA LATINA: First Exercises in Latin Accidence. -With Vocabulary. <em>Crown 8vo. 1s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY LATIN EXERCISES ON THE SYNTAX OF THE -SHORTER AND REVISED LATIN PRIMER. With Vocabulary. -<em>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em> Issued with the consent -of Dr. Kennedy.</p> -<p class='c017'>THE LATIN COMPOUND SENTENCE RULES AND -EXERCISES. <em>Crown 8vo. 2s.</em> With Vocabulary. <em>2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_a31'>a31</span>NOTANDA QUAEDAM: Miscellaneous Latin Exercises on -Common Rules and Idioms. With Vocabulary. <em>Second Edition. -Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>LATIN VOCABULARIES FOR REPETITION: Arranged -according to Subjects. <em>Fourth Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>A VOCABULARY OF LATIN IDIOMS AND PHRASES. -<em>18mo. 1s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>LATIN EXAMINATION PAPERS IN MISCELLANEOUS -GRAMMAR AND IDIOMS. <em>Fourth Edition.</em></p> - -<p class='c030'>A <span class='sc'>Key</span>, issued to Tutors and Private Students only, to be had on -application to the Publishers. <em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>STEPS TO GREEK. <em>18mo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY GREEK PASSAGES FOR UNSEEN TRANSLATION. -<em>Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY GREEK EXERCISES ON ELEMENTARY SYNTAX.</p> -<div class='c039'><span class='small'>[<em>In preparation.</em></span></div> -<p class='c017'>GREEK VOCABULARIES FOR REPETITION: Arranged -according to Subjects. <em>Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>GREEK TESTAMENT SELECTIONS. For the use of -Schools. <em>Third Edition.</em> With Introduction, Notes, and Vocabulary. -<em>Fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>GREEK EXAMINATION PAPERS IN MISCELLANEOUS -GRAMMAR AND IDIOMS. <em>Third Edition.</em> <span class='sc'>Key</span> (issued as -above). <em>6s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>STEPS TO FRENCH. <em>18mo. 8d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>FIRST FRENCH LESSONS. <em>Crown 8vo. 1s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY FRENCH PASSAGES FOR UNSEEN TRANSLATION. -<em>Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>EASY FRENCH EXERCISES ON ELEMENTARY SYNTAX. -With Vocabulary. <em>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>FRENCH VOCABULARIES FOR REPETITION: Arranged -according to Subjects. <em>Third Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 1s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>FRENCH EXAMINATION PAPERS IN MISCELLANEOUS -GRAMMAR AND IDIOMS. <em>Seventh Edition. Crown -8vo. 2s. 6d.</em> <span class='sc'>Key</span> (issued as above). <em>6s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>GENERAL KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION PAPERS. -<em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em> <span class='sc'>Key</span> (issued as above). <em>7s.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_a32'>a32</span><span class='xlarge'>School Examination Series</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Edited by A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. <em>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>FRENCH EXAMINATION PAPERS IN MISCELLANEOUS -GRAMMAR AND IDIOMS. By <span class='sc'>A. M. M. Stedman</span>, M.A. -<em>Sixth Edition.</em></p> -<p class='c030'>A <span class='sc'>Key</span>, issued to Tutors and Private Students only, to be had on -application to the Publishers. <em>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</em></p> -<p class='c017'>APERS IN MISCELLANEOUS -GRAMMAR AND IDIOMS. By <span class='sc'>A. M. M. 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Liddell</span>, M.A. <em>1s. 6d.</em></p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<p class='c030'><a id='endnote'></a></p> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c032'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c030'>The few errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been -corrected, and are noted here. The minor errors in the section -of advertisments have been corrected with no further notice.</p> - -<p class='c030'>The references are to the page and line in the original. -The following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions.</p> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='12%' /> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='18%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_13.19'></a><a href='#corr13.19'>13.19</a></td> - <td class='c008'>but I’m up again in a jiff[e]y.</td> - <td class='c040'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_29.22'></a><a href='#corr29.22'>29.22</a></td> - <td class='c008'>[“]By the wall where the cedar is</td> - <td class='c040'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_71.9'></a><a href='#corr71.9'>71.9</a></td> - <td class='c008'>and no mistake[.]</td> - <td class='c040'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_119.10'></a><a href='#corr119.10'>119.10</a></td> - <td class='c008'>I will [l]ook> up cockfighting</td> - <td class='c040'>Inserted.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_77.26'></a><a href='#corr77.26'>77.26</a></td> - <td class='c008'>[‘/“]No, I cannot.</td> - <td class='c040'>Replaced.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_78.8'></a><a href='#corr78.8'>78.8</a></td> - <td class='c008'>the withered heads of daffodil[l]</td> - <td class='c040'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><a id='c_130.17'></a><a href='#corr130.17'>130.17</a></td> - <td class='c008'>after the man had gone his way[,/.]</td> - <td class='c040'>Replaced.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Kitty Alone (Volume 2 of 3), by S. 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