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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..c8c2d5b --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54779 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54779) diff --git a/old/54779-0.txt b/old/54779-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 89a3ba1..0000000 --- a/old/54779-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15084 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cheap Jack Zita, by S. Baring-Gould - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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/license - - -Title: Cheap Jack Zita - -Author: S. Baring-Gould - -Release Date: May 24, 2017 [EBook #54779] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHEAP JACK ZITA *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Brian Wilsden 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 NOTES. - -1. Italic script is denoted by _underscores_ and bold script by =equal=. -2. Simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors have been silently - corrected. -3. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - - - - -CHEAP JACK ZITA - - - - -BY THE SAME AUTHOR - -IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA - -THE QUEEN OF LOVE - -CHEAP JACK ZITA - -MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN - -ARMINELL - -JACQUETTA - -URITH - -KITTY ALONE - -MARGERY OF QUETHER - -NOÉMI - -THE BROOM-SQUIRE - -DARTMOOR IDYLLS - -GUAVAS THE TINNER - - - - -CHEAP JACK ZITA - -BY - - - S. BARING-GOULD - - FOURTH EDITION - - METHUEN & CO. - 36 ESSEX STREET, W.C. - LONDON - 1896 - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAP. PAGE - - I. BEFORE THE GALILEE 1 - - II. THE FLAILS 13 - - III. TWO CROWNS 23 - - IV. ON THE DROVE 33 - - V. THE FLAILS AGAIN 44 - - VI. BETWEEN TWO LIGHTS 57 - - VII. PROFITS 63 - - VIII. MARK RUNHAM 76 - - IX. PRICKWILLOW 88 - - X. RED WINGS 100 - - XI. TIGER-HAIR 112 - - XII. ON BONE RUNNERS 122 - - XIII. PIP BEAMISH 131 - - XIV. ON ONE FOOTING 140 - - XV. ON ANOTHER FOOTING 150 - - XVI. BURNT HATS 161 - - XVII. A CRAWL ABROAD 174 - - XVIII. A DROP OF GALL 188 - - XIX. NO DEAL 194 - - XX. DAGGING 201 - - XXI. THE FEN RIOTS 213 - - XXII. TWENTY POUNDS 221 - - XXIII. TEN POUNDS 232 - - XXIV. A NEW DANGER 245 - - XXV. 'I DON'T CARE THAT' 253 - - XXVI. A NIGHT IN ELY 259 - - XXVII. SIR BATES DUDLEY'S RIDE 270 - - XXVIII. TWO PLEADERS 281 - - XXIX. A DEAL 291 - - XXX. IN COURT 295 - - XXXI. PISGAH 311 - - XXXII. A PARTHIAN SHOT 321 - - XXXIII. PURGATORY 327 - - XXXIV. WITH TOASTING-FORKS 335 - - XXXV. THE JACK O' LANTERNS 347 - - XXXVI. A RETURN BLOW 355 - - XXXVII. A CATHERINE WHEEL 364 - - XXXVIII. THE BRENT-GEESE 376 - - XXXIX. THE CUT EMBANKMENT 382 - - XL. THISTLES 394 - - - - -CHEAP JACK ZITA. - - - - -CHAPTER I - -BEFORE THE GALILEE - - -What was the world coming to? The world—the centre of it—the Isle of -Ely? - -What aged man in his experience through threescore years and ten had -heard of such conduct before? - -What local poet, whose effusions appeared in the 'Cambridge and Ely -Post,' in his wildest flights of imagination, conceived of such a thing? - -Decency must have gone to decay and been buried. Modesty must have -unfurled her wings and sped to heaven before such an event could become -possible. - -Where were the constables? Were bye-laws to become dead letters? Were -order, propriety, the eternal fitness of things, to be trampled under -foot by vagabonds? - -In front of the cathedral, before the Galilee,—the magnificent west -porch of the minster of St. Etheldreda,—a Cheap Jack's van was drawn -up. - -Within twenty yards of the Bishop's palace, where every word uttered -was audible in every room, a Cheap Jack was offering his wares. - -Effrontery was, in heraldic language, rampant and regardant. - -A crowd was collected about the van; a crowd composed of all sorts and -conditions of men, jostling each other, trampling on the grass of the -lawn, climbing up the carved work of the cathedral, to hear, to see, to -bid, to buy. - -Divine service was hardly over. The organ was still mumbling and -tooting, when through the west door came a drift of choristers, who had -flung off their surplices and had raced down the nave, that they might -bid against and outbid each other for the pocket-knives offered by -Cheap Jack. - -Mr. Faggs, the beadle, was striding in the same direction, relaxing the -muscles of his face from the look of severe ecclesiastical solemnity -into which they were drawn during divine worship. It had occurred to -him during the singing of the anthem that there were sundry articles of -domestic utility Cheap Jack was selling that it might be well for him -to secure at a low figure. - -Mr. Bowles, the chief bailiff, had come forth from evensong with his -soul lifted up with thankfulness that he was not as other men were: he -attended the cathedral daily, he subscribed to all the charities; and -now he stood looking on, his breath taken away, his feet riveted to the -soil by surprise at the audacity of the Cheap Jack, in daring to draw -up before the minster, and vend his wares during the hour of afternoon -prayer. - -The servant maids in the canons' houses in the Close had their heads -craned out from such narrow Gothic windows as would allow their -brachycephalic skulls to pass, and were listening and lawk-a-mussying -and oh-mying over the bargains. - -Nay, the Bishop himself was in an upper room, the window-sash of which -was raised, ensconced behind the curtain, with his ear open and cocked, -and he was laughing at what he heard till his apron rippled, his bald -head waxed pink, and his calves quivered. - -Very little of the sides of the van was visible, so encrusted were they -with brooms, brushes, door-mats, tin goods, and coalscuttles. Between -these articles might be detected the glimmer of the brimstone yellow -of the carcase of the shop on wheels. The front of the conveyance was -open; it was festooned with crimson plush curtains, drawn back; and, -deep in its depths could be discerned racks and ranges of shelves, -stored with goods of the most various and inviting description. - -The front of the van was so contrived as to fall forward, and in -so falling to disengage a pair of supports that sustained it, and -temporarily converted it into a platform. On this platform stood -the Cheap Jack, a gaunt man with bushy dark hair and sunken cheeks; -he was speaking with a voice rendered hoarse by bellowing. He was -closely shaven. He wore drab breeches and white stockings, a waistcoat -figured with flowers, and was in his shirt sleeves. On his head was -a plush cap, with flaps that could be turned up or down as occasion -served. When turned down, that in front was converted into a peak that -sheltered his eyes, those at the sides protected his ears, and that -behind prevented rain from coursing down the nape of his neck. When, -however, these four lappets were turned up, they transformed the cap -into a crown—a crown such as it behoved the King of Cheap Jacks to -wear. The man was pale and sallow, sweat-drops stood on his brow, -and it was with an effort that he maintained the humour with which -he engaged the attention of his hearers, and that he made his voice -audible to those in the outermost ring of the curious and interested -clustered about the van. Within, in the shadowed depths of the -conveyance, glimpses were obtained of a girl, who moved about rapidly -and came forward occasionally to hand the Cheap Jack such articles as -he demanded, or to receive from him such as had failed to command a -purchaser. - -When she appeared, it was seen that she was a slender, well-built girl -of about seventeen summers, with ripe olive skin, a thick head of -short-cut chestnut hair, and a pair of hazel eyes. - -Apparently she was unmoved by her father's jokes; they provoked no -smile on her lips, for they were familiar to her; and she was equally -unmoved by the admiration she aroused among the youths, with which also -she was apparently familiar. - -'Here now!' shouted the Cheap Jack. 'What the dickens have I got?—a -spy-glass to be sure, and such a spy-glass as never was and never will -be offered again. When I was a-comin' along the road from Cambridge, -and was five miles off, "Tear and ages!" sez I, seein' your famous -cathedral standin' up in the sunshine, "Tear and ages!" sez I; "that's -a wonder of the world." And I up wi' my spy-glass. Now look here. You -observe as 'ow one of the western wings be fallen down. 'Tis told that -when the old men built up that there top storey to the tower, that -it throwed the left wing down. Now I looked through this perspective -glass, and I seed both wings standing just as they used to be, and just -as they ought to be, but ain't. I couldn't take less than seventeen and -six for this here wonderful spy-glass—seventeen and six. What! not -buy a glass as will show you how things ought to be, but ain't?' He -turned to the circle round him from side to side. 'Come now,—say ten -shillings. 'Tis a shame to take the perspective glass out of Ely.' A -pause. 'No one inclined to bid ten shillings? Take it back, Zita. These -here Ely folk be that poor they can't go above tenpence. Ten shillings -soars above their purses. But stay. Zita, give me that there glass -again. There is something more that is wonderful about it. You look -through and you'll see what's to your advantage, and that's what every -one don't see wi' the naked eye. Come—say seven shillings!' - -No bid. - -'And let me tell the ladies—they've but to look through, and they'll -see the _him_ they've set their 'arts on, comin', comin',—bloomin' as -a rose, and 'olding the wedding ring in 'is 'and.' - -In went the heads of the servant maids of the canons' residences. - -'I say!' shouted one of the choristers, 'will it show us a coming -spanking?' - -'Of course it will,' answered the Cheap Jack, 'because it's to your -advantage.' - -'Let us look then.' - -Cheap Jack handed the telescope to the lad. He put his eye to it, drew -the glass out, lowered it, and shouted, 'I see nothing.' - -'Of course not. You're such a darlin' good boy; you ain't going to have -no spanking.' - -'Let me look,' said a shop-girl standing by. - -Cheap Jack waited. Every one watched. - -'I don't see nothing,' said the girl. - -'Of course not. You ain't got a sweetheart, and never will have one.' - -A roar of laughter, and the young woman retired in confusion. - -'And, I say,' observed the boy, as he returned the glass, 'it's all a -cram about the fallen transept. I looked, and saw it was down.' - -'Of course you did,' retorted the Cheap Jack. 'Didn't I say five miles -off? Go five miles along the Wisbeach Road, and you'll see it sure -enough, as I said. There—five shillings for it.' - -'I'll give you half a crown.' - -'Half a crown!' jeered the vendor. 'There, though, you're a quirister, -and for the sake o' your beautiful voice, and because you're such a -good boy, as don't deserve nor expect a whacking, you shall have it for -half a crown.' - -The Bishop's nose and one eye were thrust from behind the curtain. - -'Why,' said the Right Reverend to himself, 'that's Tom Bulk, as -mischievous a young rogue as there is in the choir and grammar school. -He is as sure of a caning this week as—as'— - -'Thanky, sir,' said Cheap Jack, pocketing the half-crown. 'Zita, what -next? Hand me that blazin' crimson plush weskit.' - -From out the dark interior stepped the girl, and the sunshine flashed -over her, lighting her auburn hair, rich as burnished copper. She wore -a green, scarlet, and yellow flowered kerchief, tied across her bosom, -and knotted behind her back. Bound round her waist was a white apron. - -She deigned no glance at the throng, but kept her eyes fixed on her -father's face. - -'Are you better, dad?' she asked in a low tone. - -'Not much, Zit. But I'll go through with it.' - -'Here we are now!' shouted the Jack, after he had drawn the sleeve -of his left arm across his brow and lips, that were bathed in -perspiration. And yet the weather was cold; the season was the end of -October, and the occasion of the visit of the van to Ely was Tawdry -(St. Etheldreda's) Fair. - -A whisper and nudges passed among the young men crowded about the van. - -'Ain't she just a stunner?' - -'I say, I wish the Cheap Jack would put up the girl to sale. Wouldn't -there be bidding?' - -'She's the finest thing about the caravan.' - -Such were comments that flew from one to another. - -'Now, then!' bellowed the vendor of cheap wares; 'here you are again! -A red velvet weskit, with splendid gold—real gold—buttons. You shall -judge; I'll put it on.' - -The man suited the action to the word. Then he straightened his legs -and arms, and turned himself about from side to side to exhibit the -full beauty of the vestment from every quarter. - -'Did you ever see the like of this?' he shouted. 'But them breeches -o' mine have a sort o' deadening effect on the beauty of the weskit. -Thirty shillings is the price. You should see it along with a black -frock-coat and black trousers. Then it's glorious! It's something you -can wear with just what you likes. No one looks at rags when you've -this on, so took up is they with the weskit. What is that you said, -sir? Twenty-five shillings was your offer? It is yours—and all because -I sees it'll go with them great black whiskers of yours like duck and -green peas. It'll have a sort of a mellering effect on their bushiness, -and 'armonise with them as well as the orging goes wi' the chanting of -the quiristers.' - -Jack handed the waistcoat, which he had hastily plucked off his back, -to one of the layclerks of the cathedral. The man turned as red as the -waistcoat, and thrust his hands behind his back. - -'I never bid for it,' he protested. - -'Beg pardon, sir; I thought you nodded your 'ead to me, but it was -the wind a-blowin' of it about. That gentleman with the black flowin' -whiskers don't take the weskit; it is still for sale. I'll let you have -it for fifteen shillings, and it'll make you a conquering hero among -the females. You, sir? Here you are.' - -He addressed the chief bailiff, Mr. Bowles, an elderly, -white-whiskered, semi-clerical official, the pink and paragon of -propriety. - -'No!' exclaimed Cheap Jack, as Mr. Bowles, with uplifted palms and -averted head, staggered back. 'No—his day is past. But I can see by -the twinkle of his eye he was the devil among the gals twenty years -ago. It's the young chaps who must compete for the weskit. I'll tell -you something rare,' continued the man, after clearing his throat and -mopping his brow and lips. 'No one will think but what you're a lord or -a harchbishop when you 'ave this 'ere weskit on. As I was a-coming into -Ely in this here concern, sez I to myself, "I'll put on an appearance -out o' respect to this ancient and venerable city." So I drawed on this -weskit; and what should 'appen but we meets his most solemn and sacred -lordship, the Bishop of the diocese.' - -'This is coming it rather strong,'said the person alluded to behind -the curtain, and his face and head became hot and damp. - -'Well, and when his lordship, the Right Reverend, saw me, he lifted -up his holy eyes and looked at my weskit. And then sez he to himself, -"Lawk-a-biddy, it's the Prince!" and down he went in the dirt afore me, -grovellin' with his nose in the mire. He did, upon my word.' - -'Upon my word, this is monstrous! this is insufferable! A joke is a -joke!' gasped the Bishop, very much agitated. 'There's moderation in -all things—a limitation to be observed even in exaggeration. I haven't -been on the Wisbeach Road this fortnight. I never saw the man. I never -went down in the dirt. This is positively appalling!' - -He took a turn round the room, went to the bell, then considered that -it would be inadvisable to summon the footman and show that he had been -listening to the nonsense of a Cheap Jack. Accordingly he went back to -the window, hid himself once more behind the curtain, but so trembled -with excitement and distress, that the whole curtain trembled with him. - -'Nine and six. Here you are. Nine and six for this splendid garment, -and cheap it is—dirt cheap. You're a lucky man, sir; and won't you -only cut out your rivals with the darling?' - -Cheap Jack handed the plush waistcoat to a young farmer from the Fens; -then suddenly he turned himself about, looked into his van, and said in -a husky voice— - -'Zit, I can't go yarning no longer. I've got to the end of my powers; -you carry on.' - -'Right, father; I'm the boy for you with the general public.' - -The man stepped within. As he did so, the girl lowered one of the -curtains so as to conceal him. He sank wearily on a bench at the side. -She stooped with a quivering lip and filling eye and kissed him, then -sprang forward and stood outside on the platform, contemplating the -crowd with a look of assurance, mingled with contempt. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE FLAILS - - -'Now, here's a chance you may never have again—a chance, let me tell -you, you never _will_ have again.' She extended in both hands packages -of tea done up in silvered paper. 'The general public gets cheated -in tea—it does—tremenjous! It is given sloe leaves, all kinds of -rubbish, and pays for it a fancy price. Father, he has gone and bought -a plantation out in China, and has set over it a real mandarin with -nine tails, and father guarantees that this tea is the very best of -our plantation teas, and he sells it at a price which puts it within -the reach of all. Look here!' she turned a parcel about; 'here you -are, with the mandarin's own seal upon it, to let every one know it is -genuine, and that it is the only genuine tea sent over.' - -'Where's the plantation, eh, girl?' jeered a boy from the grammar -school. - -'Where is it?' answered the girl, turning sharply on her interlocutor. -'It's at Fumchoo. Do you know where Fumchoo is? You don't? and yet you -sets up to be a scholar. It is fifteen miles from Pekin by the high -road, and seven and a half over the fields. Go to school and look at -your map, and tell your master he ought to be ashamed of himself not to -ha' made you know your geography better. Now, then, here's your chance. -Finest orange-flower Pekoe at four shillings. Beat that if you can.' -No offers. 'I am not coming down in my price. Don't think that; not a -farthing. Four shillings a pound; but I'll try to meet you in another -way. I keep the tea in quarter-pound parcels as well. Perhaps that'll -meet your views—and a beautiful pictur' of Fumchoo on the cover, with -the Chinamen a-picking of the tea leaves. What! no bidder?' - -There ensued a pause. Every one expected that the girl would lower the -price. They were mistaken. She went back into the van and produced a -roll of calico. Then ensued an outcry of many voices: 'Tea! give us -some of your tea, please.' In ten minutes she had disposed of all she -had. - -'There, you see,' said Zita, 'our supply runs short. In Wisbeach the -Mayor and Corporation bought it, and at Cambridge all the colleges -had their supplies from us. That's why we're run out now. Stand back, -gents.' - -This call was one of caution to the eager purchasers and tempted -lookers-on. - -Tawdry Fair was for horses and bullocks, and a drove of the latter was -being sent along from the market-place towards Stuntney. For a while -the business of the sale was interrupted. One audacious bullock even -bounded into the Galilee, another careered round the van; one ran as -if for sanctuary to the Bishop's palace. Zita seized the occasion to -slip inside the van. Her father was on the low seat, leaning his head -wearily on his hand, and his elbow on his knee. - -'How are you now, dad?' - -'I be bad, Zit—bad—tremenjous.' - -'Had you not best see a doctor?' - -He shook his head. - -'It'll pass,' said he; 'I reckon doctors won't do much for me. They're -over much like us Cheap Jacks—all talk and trash.' - -'This has been coming on some time,' observed the girl gravely. 'I've -seen for a fortnight you have been poorly.' - -Then, looking forth between the curtains which she had lowered, she saw -that the bullocks were gone, and that the cluster of people interested -in purchases had re-formed round her little stage. - -'I say,' shouted a chorister, 'have you got any pocket-knives?' - -'Pocket-knives by the score, and razors too. You'll be wanting a pair -of them in a fortnight.' - -Whilst Zita was engaged in furnishing the lads with knives, the -Bishop retired from the upstairs window to his library, where he -seated himself in an easy-chair, took up a pamphlet, and went up like -a balloon inflated with elastic gas into theologic clouds, where -controversy flashed and thundered about his head, and in this, his -favourite sphere, the Right Reverend Father forgot all about the Cheap -Jack, and no longer felt concern at his having been misrepresented as -grovelling before a prince of the blood royal in a red waistcoat. - -At the same time, also, a plot concerning Zita was being entered into -by a number of young fen-men who had come to Tawdry Fair to amuse -themselves, and had been arrested by the attractions of the Cheap -Jack's van. - -Whatever those attractions might have been whilst the man was salesman, -they were enhanced tenfold when his place was occupied by his daughter. -Some whispering had gone on for five minutes, and then with one consent -they began to elbow their way forward till they had formed an innermost -ring around the platform. But this centripetal movement had not been -executed without difficulty and protest. Women, boys, burly men were -forced to give way before the wedge-like thrusts inwards of the young -men's shoulders, and they remonstrated, the women shrilly, the boys -by shouts, the men with oaths and blows. But every sort of resistance -was overcome, all remonstrances of whatever sort were disregarded, and -Zita suddenly found herself surrounded by a circle of sturdy, tall -fellows, looking up with faces expressive of mischief. - -That something more than eagerness to purchase was at the bottom of -this movement struck Zita, and for a moment she lost confidence, and -faltered in her address on the excellence of some moth-eaten cloth she -was endeavouring to sell. - -Then one round-faced, apple-complexioned young man worked himself up -by the wheel of the van, and, planting his elbows on the platform, -shouted, 'Come, my lass, at what price do you sell kisses?' - -'We ha'n't got them in the general stock,' answered Zita; 'but I'll ask -father if he'll give you one.' - -A burst of laughter. - -'No, no,' shouted the red-faced youth, getting one knee on the stage. -'I'll pay you sixpence for a kiss—slick off your cherry lips.' - -'I don't sell.' - -'Then I'll have one as a gift.' - -'I never give away nothing.' - -'Then I'll steal one.' - -The young fellow jumped to his feet on the platform. At the signal the -rest of the youths began to scramble up, and in a minute the place -was invaded, occupied, and the girl surrounded. Cheers and roars of -laughter rose from the spectators. - -'Now, then, you Cheap Jack girl,' exclaimed the apple-faced youth. -'Kisses all round, three a-piece, or we'll play Old Harry with the -shop, and help ourselves to its contents.' - -The father of Zita, on hearing the uproar, the threats, the tramp -of boots on the stage, staggered to his feet, and, drawing back the -curtains, stood holding them apart, and looking forth with bewildered -eyes. Zita turned and saw him. - -'Sit down, father,' said she. 'It's only the general public on a -frolic.' - -She put her hand within and drew forth a stout ashen flail, whirled -it about her head, and at once, like grasshoppers, the youths leaped -from the stage, each fearing lest the flapper should fall on and cut -open his own pate. The last to spring was the apple-faced youth; he was -endeavouring to find some free space into which to descend, when the -flapper of the flail came athwart his shoulder-blades with so sharp a -stroke, that, uttering a howl, he plunged among the throng, and would -have knocked down two or three, had they not been wedged together too -closely to be upset. - -Then ensued cries from those hurt by his weight as he floundered upon -them; cries of 'Now, then, what do you mean by this? Can't you keep to -yourself? This comes of your nonsense.' - -Zita stood erect, leaning on the staff of the flail, looking calmly -round on the confusion, waiting till the uproar ceased, that she -might resume business. As she thus stood, her eye rested on a tall, -well-shaped man, with a tiger's skin cast over his broad shoulders, and -with a black felt slouched hat on his head. His nose was like the beak -of a hawk. His eyes were dark, piercing, and singularly close together, -under brows that met in one straight band across his forehead. - -The moment this man's eye caught that of Zita, he raised his great hat, -flourished it in the air, exposing a shaggy head with long dark locks, -and he shouted, 'Well done, girl! I like that. Give me a pair of them -there ashen flails, and here's a crown for your pluck.' - -'I haven't a pair,' said the girl. - -'Then I'll have that one, with which a little gal of sixteen has licked -our Fen louts. I like that.' - -'I'll give you a crown for that flail,' called another man, from the -farther side of the crowd. 'Here you are—a crown.' - -This man was fair, with light whiskers—a tall man as well as the -other, and about the same age. - -'I'll give you seven shillings and six—a crown and half a crown for -that flail,' roared the dark man. 'I bid first—I want that flail.' - -'Two crowns—ten shillings,' called the fair man. 'I can make a better -offer than Drownlands—not as I want the flail, but as Drownlands -wants it, he shan't have it.' - -'Twelve and six,' roared the dark man. 'Gold's no object with me. What -I wants I will have.' - -The lookers-on nudged each other. A young farmer said to his fellow, -'Them chaps, Runham and Drownlands, be like two tigers; when they meet -they must fight. We shall have fun.' - -'You are a fool!' shouted the fair man,—'a fool—that is what I -think you are, to give twelve and six for what isn't worth two -shillings. I'll let you have it at that price, that you may become the -laughing-stock of the Fens.' - -The flail was handed out of the van to the man called Drownlands, Zita -received a piece of gold and half a crown in her palm. She retired into -the waggon, and immediately reappeared with a second flail. - -'Here is another, after all,' said she; 'I didn't think I had it.' - -'I'll take that to make the pair,' said Drownlands; 'but as you've done -me over the first, I think you should give me this one.' - -'I done you!' exclaimed Zita; 'you've done yourself.' - -'She's right there,' observed a man in the crowd. 'Them tigers—Runham -and Drownlands—would fight about a straw.' - -'Are you going to hand me over that flail?' asked the dark purchaser. - -Zita remained for a moment undecided. She had in verity made an -unprecedented price with the first, and she was half inclined to -surrender the second gratis, but to give and receive nothing was -against the moral code of Cheap Jacks from the beginning of Cheap -Jacking. Whilst she hesitated, holding the flail in suspense, and with -a finger on her lips, the fair man yelled out— - -'Don't let the blackguard have it. I'll have it to spoil the pair for -him, and for no other reason.' - -'I will have it, you scoundrel!' howled the dark man. 'I have as much -gold as ever you have. I don't care what I spend. Here, girl! a crown -to begin with.' - -'Seven and six,' shouted Runham. - -'Ten shillings,' cried Drownlands. - -'Fifteen shillings!' exclaimed the fair man. Then, seeing that his -rival was about to bid, he yelled, 'A guinea!' at the same moment that -the other called, 'A pound!' - -'It is yours,' said the girl to the man Runham, and she handed him the -flail. She saw that the passions of the two men were roused, and she -deemed it desirable to close the scene, lest a fight should ensue, in -which, possibly, she might lose the money that had been offered. - -Runham, flourishing his flail over his head, and throwing out the -flapper in the direction of Drownlands, said, 'There, now! Who can say -but what I'm the best off of the two? Mine cost me a guinea, and his -beggarly flail not above twelve and six. I am the better man of the two -by eight and six.' - -He felt in his pockets and drew forth a guinea. - -'There, you Cheap Jack girl—here's your money all in gold. I'm the -better man of the two by eight and six. I've beat Drownlands like a -gentleman.' - -Some one looking on in the crowd said, 'A pair o' flails and a pair -o' fools at the end o' them, as don't know what is the vally o' their -money. Never since the creation of the world was flails sold at that -price, and never will be again.' - -'And never would have been, or never could have been, anywhere but -among fen-tigers,' said another. - -'I'll tell'y what,' observed the first; 'this ain't the end o' the -story.' - -'No—I guess not. It's the beginnin' rather of a mighty queer tale.' - - - - -CHAPTER III - -TWO CROWNS - - -A Strangely interesting city is Ely. Unique in its way is the -metropolis of the Fens; wonderful exceeding it must have been in the -olden times when the fen-land was one great inland sea, studded at wide -intervals with islets as satellites about the great central isle of -Ely. It was a scene that impressed the imagination of our forefathers. -Stately is the situation of Durham, that occupies a tongue of land -between ravines. It has its own unique and royal splendour. But hardly -if at all inferior, though very different, is the situation of Ely. The -fens extend on all sides to the horizon, flat as the sea, and below the -sea level. If the dykes were broken through, or the steam pumps and -windmills ceased to work, all would again, in a twelvemonth, revert to -its primitive condition of a vast inland sea, out of which would rise -the marl island of Ely, covered with buildings amidst tufted trees, -reflecting themselves in the still water as in a glass. Above the -roofs, above the tree-tops, soars that glorious cathedral, one of the -very noblest, certainly one of the most beautiful, in England—nay, -let it be spoken boldly—in the whole Christian world. It stands as a -beacon seen from all parts of the Fens, and it is the pride of the Fens. - -Ely owes its origin to a woman—St. Etheldreda—flying from a rude, -dissolute, and drunken court. She was the wife first of Tombert, a -Saxon prince in East Anglia, then of Egfrid of Northumbria. Sick of the -coarse revelry, the rude manners of a Saxon court, Etheldreda fled and -hid herself in the isle of Ely, where she would be away from men and -alone with God and wild, beautiful nature. - -Whatever we may think of the morality of a wife deserting her post -at the side of her husband, of a queen abandoning her position -in a kingdom, we cannot, perhaps, be surprised at it. A tender, -gentle-spirited woman after a while sickened of the brutality of the -ways of a Saxon court, its drunkenness and savagery, and fled that she -might find in solitude that rest for her weary soul and overstrained -nerves she could not find in the Northumbrian palace. This was in the -year 673. Then this islet was unoccupied. It has been supposed that it -takes its name from the eels that abounded round it; we are, perhaps, -more correct in surmising that it was originally called the Elf-isle, -the islet inhabited by the mythic spiritual beings who danced in the -moonlight and sported over the waters of the meres. - -This lovely island, covered with woods, surrounded by a fringe of -water-lilies, gold and silver, floating far out as a lace about it, -became the seat of a great monastery. Monks succeeded the elves. - -King Canute, the Dane, was seized with admiration for Ely, loved to -visit it in his barge, or come to it over the ice. It is said that one -Candlemas Day, when, as was his wont, King Canute came towards Ely, he -found the meres overflowed and frozen. A 'ceorl' named Brithmer led the -way for Canute's sledge over the ice, proving the thickness of the ice -by his own weight. For this service his lands were enfranchised. - -On another occasion the king passed the isle in his barge, and over the -still and glassy water came the strains of the singing in the minster. -Whereupon the king composed a song, of which only the first stanza has -been preserved, that may be modernised thus:— - - 'Merry sang the monks of Ely - As King Knut came rowing by. - Oarsmen, row the land more near - That I may hear their song more clear.' - -Ely, although it be a city, is yet but a village. The houses are few, -seven thousand inhabitants is the population, it has two or three -parish churches, and the cathedral, the longest in Christendom. The -houses are of brick or of plaster; and a curious custom exists in Ely -of encrusting the plaster with broken glass, so that a house-front -sparkles in the sun as though frosted. All the roofs are tiled. The -cathedral is constructed of stone quarried in Northamptonshire, and -brought in barges to the isle. - -Ely possesses no manufactures, has almost no neighbourhood, stands -solitary and self-contained. On some sides it rises rapidly from the -fen, on others it slopes easily down. A singular effect is produced -when the white mists hang over the fen-land for miles and miles, and -the sun glitters on the island city. Then it is as an enchanted isle -of eternal spring, lost in a wilderness of level snow. Or again, on a -night when the auroral lights flicker over the heavens, here red, there -silvery, and against the glowing skies towers up this isle crowned with -its mighty cathedral, then, verily, it is as though it were a scene in -some fairy tale, some magic creation of Eastern fantasy. - -A girl was sauntering through the wide, grass-grown streets of Ely. -During the fair the streets were full of people—nay, full is not the -word—were occupied by people more or less scattered about them. It -would take a vast throng, such as the fens of Cambridgeshire cannot -supply, to _fill_ these wide spaces. - -The girl was tall and handsome, rather masculine, with a cheerful -face. She had very fair hair, a bright complexion, and eyes of a -dazzling blue—a blue as of the sea when rippling and sparkling in the -midsummer sun. She was plainly dressed in serge of dark navy blue, -with white kerchief about her neck, a chip hat-bonnet and blue ribbons -in it. Her skirts were somewhat short, they exposed neat ankles in -stockings white as snow, and strong shoes. A fen-girl must wear strong -shoes, she cannot have gloves on her feet. - -'Jimminy!' said the girl, as she turned her pocket inside out. 'Not one -penny! Poor Kainie is the only girl at the fair without a sweetheart, -the only child without a fairing. No one to treat me! Nothing to be got -for nothing. Jimminy! I don't care.' Then she began to sing:— - - 'Last night the dogs did bark, - I went to the gate to see. - When every lass had her spark, - But nobody comes to me. - And it's Oh dear! what will become of me? - Oh dear, what shall I do? - Nobody coming to marry me, - Nobody coming to woo. - - My father's a hedger and ditcher, - My mother does nothing but spin, - And I am a pretty young girl, - But the money comes slowly in'— - -Then suddenly she confronted the fair-haired farmer Runham, coming out -of a tavern, with the flail over his shoulder. A little disconcerted -at encountering him, she paused in her song, but soon recovered -herself, and began again at the interrupted verse:— - - 'My father's a hedger and ditcher, - My mother'— - -'Kainie! Are you beside yourself, singing like a ballad-monger in the -open street?' - -The man's face was red, whether with drink, or that the sight of the -girl had brought the colour into his face, Kainie could not say. His -breath smelt of spirits, and she turned her head away. - -'It's all nonsense,' she said. 'My mother is dead—is dead—and I -am alone. I don't know, I don't see why I should not sing; I want -a fairing, and have no money. I'll go along singing, "My father's -a hedger and ditcher," and then some charitable folk will throw me -coppers, and I shall get a little money and buy myself a fairing.' - -'For heaven's sake, do nothing of the kind. Here—rather than -that—here is a crown. Take that. What would the Commissioners say if -they were told that you went a ballad-singing in the streets of Ely -at Tawdry Fair? They would turn you out of your mill. I am sure they -would. Here, Kainie, conduct yourself respectably, and take a crown.' - -He pressed the large silver coin into her hand, and hurried away. - -'That's brave!' exclaimed the girl, snapping her fingers. 'Now I can -buy my fairing. Now, all I want is a lover. - - "Nobody coming to marry me, - Nobody coming to woo!" - -Jimminy! I must not do that! I've taken a crown to be mum. Now I'm a -young person of respectability—I've money in my pocket. Now I must -look about me and see what to buy. I'll go to the Cheap Jack. How do -you do, uncle?' - -She addressed the dark-haired man Drownlands, who had just turned the -corner, with his flail over his shoulder. He scowled at the girl, and -would have passed her without a word, but to this she would not consent. - -'See! see!' said she, holding up the crown she had received. 'I was -just going along sighing and weeping because I had no money, not a -farthing in my pocket, not a lover at my side to buy me anything. Then -came some one and gave me this—look, Uncle Drownlands! Five shillings!' - -'So—going in bad ways?' - -'What is the harm? I was ballad-singing. Then he came and gave me a -crown.' - -'You ballad-singing!' - -'Yes; how else can I get money? I'm a poor girl, owned by nobody, for -whom nobody cares.' - -'You will bring disgrace—deeper disgrace on the family—on the name.' - -'Not I; I'm honest. If I am given five shillings, may I not receive it? -Master Runham gave me the money to make me shut my mouth. I was singing - - "My father's a hedger and ditcher, - My mother"'— - -'For heaven's sake, silence!' said Drownlands angrily. 'If you will -hold your tongue, I will give you a couple of shillings.' - -'A couple of shillings! And I'm your own niece, and have your name.' - -'More shame to you—to your mother!' exclaimed the farmer bitterly. - -The girl suddenly dropped her head, and her brow became crimson. - -'Not a word about my dear mother—not a stone thrown at her,' she said -in a low tone. - -'Well, no ballad-singing. Take heed to yourself. You are wild and -careless.' - -'Much you think of me! much you care for me!' - -'Begone! You are a disgrace to me—your existence is a disgrace. Take -a crown and spend it properly. You shall have nothing more from me. As -Runham gave you five shillings, it shall not be said that I gave you -less.' - -He handed her the coin, and with a scowl passed on. - -Kainie remained for a moment musing, with lowered eyes. Then she -raised her head, shook it, as though to shake off the sadness, the -humiliation that had come on her with the words of Drownlands, and -hummed— - - 'Nobody coming to marry me, - Nobody coming to woo.' - -'What! Kainie!' - -The words were those of a young man, heavy-browed, pale, somewhat -gaunt, with long arms. - -'Oh, Pip!—Pip!—Pip!' - -'What is the matter, Kainie?' - -'Pip, I'm the only girl here without her young man. It is -terrible—terrible; and see, Pip, I've got two crowns to spend, and -I don't know what to spend them on. There is too much money here for -sweetie stuff; and as for smart ribbons and bonnets and such like, it -is only just about once in the year I can get away from the mill and -come into town and show myself. It does seem a waste to spend a couple -of crowns on dress, when no one can see me rigged out in it. What shall -I do, Pip?—you wise, you sensible, you dear Pip.' - -The young man, Ephraim Beamish, considered; then he said— - -'Kainie, I don't like your being alone in Red Wings. Times are queer. -Times will be worse. There is trouble before us in the Fens. Things -cannot go on as they are—the labouring men ground down under the heels -of the farmers, who are thriving and waxing fat. I don't like you to -be alone in the windmill; you should have some protector. Now, look -here. I've been to that Cheap Jack van, and there's a big dog there the -Cheap Jackies want to sell, but there has been no bid. Take my advice, -offer the two crowns for that great dog, and take him home with you. -Then I shall be easy; and now I am not that. You are too lonely—and a -good-looking girl like you'— - -'Pip, I'll have the dog.' She tossed the coins into the air. 'Here, -crownies, you go for a bow-wow.' - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -ON THE DROVE - - -There is not in all England—there is hardly in the world—any tract -of country more depressing to the spirits, more void of elements of -loveliness, than the Cambridgeshire Fens as they now are. - -In former days, when they were under water—a haunt of wildfowl, a -wilderness of lagoons, a paradise of wild-flowers—when they teemed -with fish and swarmed with insect life of every kind—when the _eys_ -or islets, Stuntney, Shipey, Southconey, Welney, were the sole -objects that broke the horizon, rising out of the marshes, rich with -forest-trees—then the Fens were full of charm, because given over to -Nature. But the industry of man has changed the character and aspect of -the Fens. The meres have been pumped dry, the bogland has been drained. -Where the fowler used to boat after wild duck, now turnips are hoed; -where the net was drawn by the fisherman, there wave cornfields. - -In former times, for five-and-twenty miles north of Ely, one rippling -lake extended, and men went by boat over it to the sand-dune that -divided it from the sea at King's Lynn. To the west a mighty mere -stretched from Ely to Peterborough. To the east lay a tangle of lake -and channel, of marsh and islet. - -Until about a hundred years ago, men lived in houses erected on -platforms sustained upon piles above the level of the water. Walls -and roofs of these habitations were thatched and wattled with reeds. -From the door a ladder conducted to a boat. In these houses there were -hearths, but no chimneys. The smoke escaped as best it might through -the thatch, or under the gables. During the winter the fen-men picked -up a livelihood fishing and fowling. In summer they cultivated such -patches of peat soil as appeared above the surface of the water. There -were no roads; men went from place to place by water, in boats or on -skates. - -In the reign of James I. Ben Jonson wrote his play 'The Devil is an -Ass.' Into this play he introduced a speculator—a starter of bogus -companies, by name Meercraft, and one of this man's schemes was the -draining of the Fens. - - The thing is for recovery of drown'd land, - Whereof the Crown's to have a moiety, - If it be owner; else the Crown and owners - To share that moiety, and the recoverers - To enjoy the t'other moiety for their charge, - * * * * * * which will arise - To eighteen millions, seven the first year. - I have computed all, and made my survey - Unto an acre; I'll begin at the pan, - Not at the skirts, as some have done, and lost - All that they wrought, their timberwork, their trench, - Their banks, all borne away, or else filled up - By the next winter. Tut, they never went - The (right) way. I'll have it all. - A gallant tract of land it is; - 'Twill yield a pound an acre; - We must let cheap ever at first.' - -Jonson introduced this Meercraft as a caution to the people of his day -against being induced to sink money in such ventures, which he regarded -as impossible of realisation. Nevertheless, what Jonson disbelieved in -has been accomplished. The work begun in 1630, was interrupted by the -Civil Wars, resumed afterwards, was carried on at considerable outlay -and with great perseverance, till at the beginning of the present -century the complete recovery of the Fens was an accomplished fact. - -Great was the cost of the undertaking, and those who had invested in -it wearied of the calls on their purses; land, or rather water, owners -were discouraged, and were ready to part with rights and possessions -that hardly fetched a shilling an acre, and which instead of being -drained itself seemed to be draining their pockets. Long-headed fen-men -saw their advantage, and bought eagerly where the owners sold eagerly. -The new canals carried off the water, the machines set in operation -discharged the drainage into the main conduits, and soil that for -centuries had been worthless became auriferous. No more magnificent -corn-growing land was to be found in England. None in Europe might -compare with it, save the delta of the Danube and the richest alluvial -tracts in South Russia. The fen-men made their fortunes before they had -learned what to do with the fortunes they made. Money came faster than -they found means to spend it. - -To this day many of the wealthiest owners are sons or grandsons of -half-wild fen-slodgers. There are no villages in the Fens apart from -such as are clustered on widely dispersed islets. There are no old -picturesque farmhouses and cottages. Everything is new and ugly. There -are no hedges, no walls, for there is no stone in the country. There -are no trees, save a few willows and an occasional ash, from whose -roots the soil has shrunk. The surface of the land is sinking. As the -fen is drained, the spongy soil contracts, and sinks at the rate of two -inches in the year. Consequently houses built on piles are left after -fifty years some eight feet above the surface, and steps have to be -added to enable the inmates to descend from their doors. - -The rivers slide along on a level with the top storeys of the houses, -and the only objects to break the horizon are the windmills that drive -the water up from the dykes into the canals. - -There are no roads, as there is no material of which roads can be -made. In place of roads there are 'droves.' A drove is a broad course, -straight as an arrow, by means of which communication is had between -one farm and another, and people pass from one village to another. - -These droves have ditches, one on each side, dense in summer with -bulrushes. No attempt is made to consolidate the soil in these droves -other than by harrowing and rolling them in summer. In winter they -are bogs, in summer they are dust—dust black, impalpable. Wheeled -conveyances can hardly get along the droves in winter, or wet weather, -as the wheels sink to the axles. - -The canal banks, however, are solid, compacted of stiff clay, and as -they are broad, so as to resist the pressure of the water they contain -between them, their tops make very tolerable paths, and roads for those -on horseback. But no wheeled vehicle is suffered to use the bank tops, -and to prevent these banks from being converted into carriage roads, -barriers are placed across them at intervals, which horses with riders -easily leap. - -At one of the Cambridge Assizes a poor man, a witness in court, when -asked his profession, answered,—'My lord, I am a banker.' The judge, -turning very red, said, 'No joking here, sir.' 'But I _am_ a banker and -nothing else,' protested the witness. He was, in fact, one of the gang -of men maintained for the reparation of the canal banks. - -The reader must be given some idea of the manner in which this vast -level region is drained. It is cut up into large squares, and each -square is a field that is surrounded by dykes. These dykes are in -communication with one another, and all lead to a _drain_ or _load_, -that is to say, to a channel of water of a secondary size, that lies -at the level of a few feet above the dykes. To convey the water from -the ditches into the drains, windmills are erected, that work machinery -which throws the water out of the ditches up hill into the loads. These -loads or drains run to the canal at intervals of two miles; and when -the drain reaches the canal bank, then a pump of great power forces the -water of the load to a still higher level, into the main artery through -which it flows to the sea. On the canals are lighters, and these, -rather than waggons, serve for the conveyance of farm produce to the -markets. Water is the natural highway in the fen-land. - -The short October day had closed in. The fen lay black, streaked with -steely bands—the dykes that reflected the grey sky. - -On the right hand was a bank rising some fourteen feet above the -roadway; it was the embankment of the river or canal that goes by the -name of the Lark. Above it, some wan stars were flickering. On the left -hand the fen stretched away into infinity, the horizon was lost in fog. - -The Cheap Jack's horse was crawling, reeling along the drove under -the embankment, the van plunging into quagmires, lurching into ruts. -The horse strained every muscle and drew it forward a few yards, then -sighed, hung his head, and remained immovable. Once again he nerved -himself to the effort, and as the van started, its contents tinkled and -rattled. The brute might as well have been drawing it across a ploughed -field. Again he heaved a heavy sigh, and then finally abandoned the -effort. - -The Cheap Jack had got out of the conveyance. He was unwell, too unwell -to walk, but he could not think of adding his weight to that the poor -horse was compelled to drag over what was not the apology for, but the -mockery of a road. - -'I say, Zit,' muttered he hoarsely, 'I wish now as we'd a' stayed -overnight in Ely.' - -'I wish we had, father. And we could have afforded it; we've made fine -profits in Ely—tremenjous.' - -The man did not respond. He trudged and stumbled on. - -The drove was as intolerable to walk on as to drive along. - -'Well, I never came along roads like these afore,' said the girl, 'and -I hopes we may soon be out of the Fens, and never get into them again.' - -'I don't know as we shall ever get out,' said the man, reeling as one -drunk. 'It seems as if we was sinking—sinking—and the black mud would -close over us.' - -'Come along, Jewel!' said Zita to the old horse. 'I'd put the lash of -the whip across you, but I haven't the heart to do it.' - -'This is going like snails,' groaned the man. - -'It's going worse than snails,' retorted his daughter. 'Snails carry -their houses safely along with them, but I doubt if we shall convey -our van out of this here region o' stick-in-the-mud, without all its -in'ards being knocked to bits. We'll have to yarn tremenjous, father, -to cover the dints in the tin and the cracks in the crocks.' - -The man halted. - -'I don't think I can get no forrarder,' said he; 'I'm all of a quake -and a chill.' - -'Well, father, let us put up here. It's no odds to us where we stay.' - -'But it is to the hoss. What's Jewel to eat? There's nought but mud and -rushes. If we do take him out of the shafts, he'll tumble into one of -the ditches.' - -'I wonder what is the distance to Littleport?' asked the girl. 'But, -bless me! on these roads it's no calculating distances. There was a -man rode by us on the bank above. He had lanterns to his stirrups. I -wish I'd gone up the side and just asked him how far ahead it was to -Littleport. Now he's got a long way ahead, and it's no use to run after -him.' - -'We must go on. I doubt but we shall sink in the mire if we stay.' - -The man sighed and staggered forward. Then the horse also sighed and -endeavoured to move the van, but failed. It was fast. - -'What is to be done now? There's Jewel can't stir the caravan. Did you -notice, father, how that man's horse jumped as he rode by? There is a -sort of a rail across, or we would have tried to get the conveyance -up on the bank. When the horse jumped, up went the lanterns also. I -suppose there is some farm near here where they'll let us put up Jewel -for the night. We needn't trouble then, as we have our own house on -wheels. But Jewel must have his food and a stall.' - -At that moment a second rider appeared on the embankment, trotting in -the same direction as had the first. He had a single lantern attached -to one stirrup, whereas the first who had passed, and been noticed by -Zita, had two. The girl ran up the slope of the bank, calling. - -The rider drew rein. 'What do you want?' he inquired. - -'Oh, will you tell me where we can put our horse for the night and have -a little hay?' - -'Who are you?' - -Zita knew by the tone of the voice that the man had been drinking, and -that, though not inebriated, he had taken too much liquor— - -'We are the Cheap Jack and his daughter. We cannot get along the way, -it is so bad—and the wheels are stuck in the mud. We want to go to -Littleport, and father'— - -'You are a set of darned rascals!' interrupted the rider. 'I'll have -nothing more to do with you; and you, I suppose, are the gal as cheated -me—the worst of the lot you are.' He had a flail in his hand, and he -flourished it over his head. 'You get along, you Cheap Jackies, or I'll -bring the flail down about your heads and shoulders and loins, and make -you fish out that there guinea I paid—and more fool I.' Driving his -heels into the flanks of his horse, and slashing its neck with the loop -of his bridle, he galloped along the top of the embankment. - -Zita descended. - -The van was stationary. The horse, Jewel, stood with drooping head and -a pout on the nether lip, with legs stiff in the deep mire, resolute -not to budge another inch. Zita took the van lantern and went to his -head. Jewel had thrown an expression into his face that proclaimed his -resolution not to make another effort, whether urged on by whip, or -cajoled by caresses. The girl, still carrying the lantern, came to her -father. He was seated against the embankment, with his hands in his -pockets and his head fallen forward. - -'Father, how are you?' - -'Bad—bad—tremenjous.' - -'Father, let us walk on and seek a house. Jewel will not stir; he has -turned up his nose and set back his ears, and I know what that means. -I don't think any one will come this way and rob the van. Let us go on -together. You lean on me, and we will find a farm.' - -'I can't rise, Zit.' - -'Let me help you up.' - -'I couldn't take another step, Zit.' - -'Make an effort, father.' - -'I'm past that, Zit. I'm dying. It's o' no use urging of me. I sticks -here as does Jewel. I can't move. I'm too bad for that. O Lord! that I -should die in this here fen-land!' - -'Let me get you some brandy.' - -'It ain't of no use at all, Zit. I'm just about done for. 'Tis so with -goods at times; when they gets battered and bulged and broken and all -to pieces, they must be chucked aside. I'm no good no more as a Cheap -Jack. I'm battered and bulged and broken and all to pieces, so I'm -going to be chucked aside.' - -Zita considered for a moment. Then she set down the lantern at her -father's side, ran up the embankment, ran along it in the direction -which had been taken by the riders, one after the other, crying as loud -as she possibly could, 'Help! help! Father is dying. Help! help! help!' - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE FLAILS AGAIN - - -Hezekiah, or, as he was usually called for short, Ki, Drownlands -was riding homewards from the Ely Fair along the embankment of the -river Lark. He bore over his shoulder the flail that had cost him -twelve shillings and sixpence, and in his heart glowed a consuming -rage that his adversary and neighbour—perhaps adversary because -neighbour—Jeremiah or Jake Runham had paid a guinea for the companion -flail, and had outbidden him. - -It was not that Ki Drownlands particularly required a flail, or a -companion flail to that he had secured, but he was intolerant of -opposition, and it was his ambition to be first in his fen; he would -show his supremacy by outbidding the only man approaching him in wealth -and in influence, and that before a crowd made up in part of people -who knew him and his rival. It was gall to his liver to think that he -had been surpassed in his offer, that an advantage over him had been -snatched, and that Jake Runham had been able to carry off from under -his nose something—it mattered not what—that he, Ki Drownlands, had -coveted, and had let people see that he had coveted. - -The rivalry of these two landowners was known throughout the Ely Fens, -and in every tavern the talk was certain to turn on the bidding for -the flails, and folk would say, 'Jake is a better man than Ki by eight -shillings and sixpence.' - -Drownlands had been drinking, and this fact served to sharpen and -inflame his resentment, but he was able to ride upright and steadily, -and sit his horse upright and steadily as the beast leaped the barriers -on the bank. He carried, as already mentioned, lanterns below both -feet attached to the stirrups. They illumined the way, they flashed -upon obstructions, they sent a gleam over the water of the canal. -In the dark—and the night was at times pitch-dark, when clouds cut -off the light of the stars—then it was not safe to ride on the -embankment without a light. The horse might fail to see the barriers, -and precipitate itself against them. It might slip down the bank and -fall with its rider, on one side into the river, on the other into the -drove. On the one side the horseman might be drowned, on the other -break his neck. But, supposing the horse had its wits about it and its -eyes open, the rider might have neither, and be unprepared for the -leap, or the slip in the greasy marl. - -If, conscious of the risk when on the embankment, the horseman took -the drove; then also he was not safe, for there it was doubly dark, -shadowed on one side by the elevation of the embankment, whilst on the -other side lay the dyke, the water brimming, and disguised by sedge -and rushes. Into this a horse might plunge, and, once in, could not be -extricated without infinite labour by several hands. For the bottom of -the ditches is soft bog, and the sides are spongy peat. Not a particle -of firm substance can be found on which a horse may plant its feet, and -obtain the purchase necessary for lifting itself out of the water and -mire. Consequently, when farmers returned late from market and fair in -the long dark winter nights, they provided themselves with lanterns. - -Prickwillow was the name of the farm of Master Ki Drownlands. The -grandfather of Ki had possessed a reed-walled cottage on piles, and a -few acres of soil that showed above the water in March, was submerged -again for a while in July, and then reappeared as the rainy season -ceased. Here he was wont to prick in willow twigs that rapidly grew -into osier beds. On a platform above the rippling water the grandfather -had mended his nets and cleaned his fowling-piece, and the grandmother -had woven baskets. Now all was dry, and a house stood where had been -the lacustrine habitation, and the plough turned up the thousand odds -and ends that successive generations had cast out of the cottage into -the water, never expecting that they would be seen again. - -The flood had retreated, dry land had appeared, and the ark had rested -on what had formerly been the least submerged portion of the tract over -which the ancestral slodger, Drownlands, had exercised more or less -questionable rights; rights, however, which, though questionable, had -never been questioned. With a little money collected by industry, and -more borrowed from the Ely bank, the _père_ Drownlands had extended his -domain, and had rendered his claim absolute and his rights unassailable. - -And now Ki Drownlands was riding home in a fume of wounded pride, -and with a brain somewhat turned by brandy. He sharply drew rein; he -thought he heard a cry. The cry was repeated as he halted to listen. -From whence it came he could not judge, saving only that it proceeded -from the rear. Over the fen, as upon water, sound travels great -distances; over the fen, as over water, meeting with no obstructions, -the waves of sound pass, and it is not easy to judge distances. -Drownlands turned his horse about and faced in the direction of Ely, -the direction whence the call came, as far as he could judge. - -He saw a light approaching. Was it carried, or hung to a stirrup? He -could not tell. Was it the lantern-bearer who summoned him? If so, for -what object? The cry was repeated. - -Surely the voice was that of a female. If the appeal were not to him, -to whom could it be addressed? - -To the best of his knowledge, there was no one else out so late on the -embankment. He recalled passing no one. - -It was true that he had ridden by the van, but he had not seen it. -The van was in the drove below, and he had been twelve or fourteen -feet above the roadway. Moreover, the lanterns at his feet threw a -halo about him, and though they illumined every object that came -within their radius, yet they made all doubly obscure and everything -indistinguishable that was outside that radius. - -Furthermore, Drownlands had been occupied with his own thoughts, and -had not been in an observant mood. - -Zita had not addressed him as he rode by, and he had passed without any -notion that there were travellers toiling along in the same direction -at a lower level. He had not expected to see a conveyance there, and -had looked for none. - -The light that he noticed on the bank was approaching. It was held at -no great distance from the ground. It might equally be carried in the -hand of one on foot, or be swung from the stirrups of a rider. It was, -however, improbable that a horseman would be contented with a single -light. - -Drownlands did not ride forward to meet the advancing light. He -remained stationary, with his right hand holding the flail, so that -the end of the staff rested on his thigh, much as a field-marshal is -represented in pictures holding his _bâton_. - -In the Fens the horses are unshod, and on a way that is without stones -there will be little sound of a horse when trotting; but as the moving -light neared, Drownlands was aware from the vibration of the embankment -that a horse was approaching. - -A minute later, and he saw before him Jake Runham, mounted. - -The recognition was mutual. - -'Out of my way!' shouted Runham. 'Out of my way, you dog, or I will -ride you down!' - -'I will not get out of your way. Why did you call?' - -'I call? I call you? That's a likely tale. What should I want with a -twopenny-ha'penny chap such as you?' - -'Twopenny-ha'penny? Do you mean me?' - -'Yes, I do.' - -'You are drunk. Some one called.' - -'Not I. But I call now, and loud enough. Stand out of my way; get down -the side of the bank; and go to the devil.' - -'I will not make way for you,' said Drownlands. Then between his -teeth, 'It is well we have met.' - -'Ay, it is well.' - -'Now we can settle old scores. Now'—he looked up, and waved his flail -towards heaven, which was clad with clouds—'now that no eyes look down -from above, and we are quite sure there are no eyes watching us from -below'— - -Then Runham, with a yell, dug his spurs into the flanks of his steed, -and made him bound forward. His intention was, with the impetus, to -drive his adversary and horse down the bank. As it was, his horse -struck that of Drownlands, which, being a heavy beast, swerved but -slightly. - -'Keep off, you drunken fool!' shouted Ki. - -'Am I to keep off you? I? Not I. I will have the bank to myself. Let me -pass, or I will ride over you and tread your brains out.' - -'You will have the matter of the past fought out between us?' - -'Ay! Ay!' - -Jake backed his horse, snorting and plunging under the curb. - -Then, when he had retired some twenty yards, he uttered a halloo, -whirled his flail above his head, drove his heels into the sides of his -steed, and came on at a gallop. - -Drownlands raised and brandished his flail, and brought it down with a -sweep before him. This alarmed his own horse, which reared and started, -but more so that of his rival, which suddenly leaped on one side, and -nearly unseated Jake Runham. However, Jake gripped the pommel, and with -an oath urged his horse into the path again. - -Drownlands had forgotten about the call that had induced him to turn -his horse. His attention was solely occupied with the man before him. - -The situation was one in which two resolute men, each determined not to -yield to the other, each inflamed with anger against the other, must -fight their controversy out to the end. The way on the bank top would -not admit of two abreast, consequently not of one passing the other -without mutual concession. On the one side was the drove fourteen feet -below, on the other the canal. He who had to give way must roll down -the embankment into the drove or plunge into the water. - -Each man was armed, and each with a like weapon. - -It would seem as though the horses understood the feelings that -actuated their riders, and shared them. They snorted defiance, they -tossed their manes, they reared and pawed the air. - -Again Runham spurred his steed, and the beasts clashed together, and as -they did so, so also did the flails. - -The two men were at close quarters, too close for the flappers of the -flails to take full effect. They heaved their weapons and struck -furiously at each other, bruising flesh, but breaking no bones. The -strokes of the whistling flappers fell on the saddle back, on the sides -of the horses, rather than on the heads and shoulders of the men. The -lanterns jerked and danced, as the horses pawed and plunged, and bit at -each other. - -The men swore, and strove by main weight to force each other from the -bank,—Runham to drive his antagonist into the river, Drownlands by -side blows of the flail to force the opposed horse to go down the bank -into the drove. - -The struggle lasted for some minutes. To any one standing by it would -have seemed a confusion of dancing lights and reflections—a confusion -also of oaths, blows, and clash of steel bits, and thud of ashen staves. - -Then, by mutual consent, but unexpressed, the two men drew back -equally exhausted. They drew back with no thought of yielding, but -with intent to recover wind and strength to renew the contest. Both -antagonists remained planted opposite each other, panting, quivering -with excitement, their beasts steaming in the cold October night air. - -'You dared to call me by an ugly name before folk!' shouted Drownlands. - -'Dared?—I will do it again.' - -'You shall not be given the chance.' - -'I carried away the flail over your head because you hadn't more -shillings in your pocket.' - -'The flail?' echoed Drownlands. 'This is not a matter now of a flail. -This is not a matter now of a way along the bank. It's a matter of -nineteen years' endurance. For nineteen years I have borne the grossest -of wrongs. I'll bear the burden no longer. The wrong shall not go -another hour unavenged.' - -'You've borne it so long the back is accustomed to the burden,' taunted -Jake. - -'For nineteen years I have endured it. But to-night we are face to -face, and alone.' Again he waved his flail to heaven. 'No eye looks -down upon us. I and you are equally matched as far as weapons go. All -is fair between us, but if there be justice on high, it will weight my -arm to beat you down; and here,' said he, touching his breast with the -end of the flail,—'here is no spark of pity, just as there is now no -spark aloft. If I beat you, I beat you till the blood runs, beat you -till the bones are pounded, beat you till the marrow oozes out, beat -you—as we beat hemp.' - -Then, unable longer to control his fury, the dark man urged his horse -forward with his spurs, and as he did so, the lanterns clashed against -the flanks of the brute, and burnt them as the spurs had stung them. -With a snort of anger and pain, the beast leaped into the air, flung -himself forward, and hurled his whole weight against the horse of -Runham. The latter had altered his tactics, and had drawn up to -receive the charge instead of delivering it as before. At the same -moment Ki swung his flail and brought it down. But he had overshot his -mark, and with the violence of the blow he was carried across the neck -of Runham's horse. Jake saw his advantage at once, caught him by the -tiger-skin, and, grappling that, endeavoured to drag his opponent out -of the saddle. But Ki reared himself up, and tried to wrench the skin -away. His bodily strength was the greatest. The horses leaped, kicked, -reeled, and the two men on them held fast, the tiger-skin between them. -Then Runham twisted his flail in the skin and continued to turn it. In -vain now did Ki endeavour to wrench it away. The skin was fast about -his throat, and as it was drawn tighter and even tighter, it threatened -strangulation. Jake backed his horse, and as he backed, he drew his -opponent after him. The blood thumped in the ears of Drownlands. The -veins in his temples swelled to bursting. - -The plunging of the horses caused the pressure to be relaxed for one -moment, but it was tightened the next, and became intolerable. Ki's -tongue and eyes started, his lips were puffed, foam formed on them. He -could not cry, he could not speak, he snuffled and gasped. With his -heels he thrust his horse forward, to save himself from being drawn -from his saddle to hang to the flail of Runham. - -In another moment Drownlands would have been unhorsed and at his -adversary's mercy. But at this supreme instant he clutched his own -flail, and, holding it with both hands over his bent head, drove -the end of it into the ear of Runham's horse. The more he was drawn -forward, the greater the leverage on the end of his flail, and the -more exquisite the agony of the horse. The brute, driven mad with -pain, gathered itself up into a convulsive, spasmodic shake and leap, -and with the jerk, the tiger-skin was plucked out of the hand of Jake -Runham. - -Drownlands reared himself in his stirrups. He was blinded with blood in -his eyes, but he whirled the flail round his head, and beat savagely in -all directions. It whistled as it swung, it screamed as it descended. -Then a thud, a cry, and indistinctly, through the roar of his pulses in -his ears, he heard a crash down the bank, and indistinctly through his -suffused eyes he saw a black mass stagger into the river. - -Gasping for breath, quivering in every nerve, tingling in every vein, -as the blood recovered its wonted circulation, Drownlands held his -horse motionless, and, gathering his senses, looked before him. - -There was hardly a flake of steely light in the sky. Clouds had spread -over the firmament. What little light there was, lay as a strip on -the horizon, like the glaze of white in a dead man's eye. The inky -water reflected none of it. For a moment, on the surface, the lantern -attached to Runham's stirrup floated and danced, whilst the flame burnt -and charred the horn side, then it was drawn under and extinguished. - -Drownlands leaned forward and stretched his flail to the water; then -drew the flapper across the surface where his enemy had sunk, as one -who scratches out a score. - -Then suddenly he was grasped by the foot, and a voice rang in his ears: -'Help! help! Oh, prithee, help!' - -In his condition of nervous excitation, the touch, the call, so -unexpected, wrung from him a scream. It was as though a rude hand had -fallen on an exposed nerve. - -Again a tighter clasp at his foot, again an entreating cry of intenser -entreaty: 'Help! Oh, prithee, prithee, help!' - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -BETWEEN TWO LIGHTS - - -Zita had run on. Her young heart was full of the agony of distress for -her father. He was the one object in the world to whom her heart clung. -She had lost her mother early, and had been accordingly brought up by -her father, who had been father and mother to her in one. She had no -brothers, no sisters. He had been to her father, mother, brothers, and -sisters in one. The young heart is full of love. It is of a clinging -nature. It may not be disposed to demonstrativeness, but it loves, it -clings; and it is in despair when the object to which it has clung, the -person it has loved, fails. - -For some little while, for more than the fortnight of which Zita had -spoken, she had observed that her father was ill, that his powers were -declining. - -She had fought against the terrible thought that she would lose him, -whenever with a flash of horror it had shot through her brain, had -contracted her heart. - -Her father! The daily associate; the one person to whom she could -always speak with frankness, with whom she had had but one interest; -the one person who had watched over her, cared for her, loved her—that -he should be suffering, that he might be removed! The idea was more -than her young heart could bear. Cheap Jacks are human beings, they -have like feelings to us who buy not of Cheap Jacks, but of respectable -tradesmen. Cheap Jacks' daughters, though they have not had the -privileges of the moral and intellectual training that have ours, are -nevertheless—human beings. We admit this tacitly, but do not think out -the truth such an admission contains—that they have in their natures -the same mixed propensities, in their hearts the same passions as -ourselves—as have our own children. - -Now this poor child ran, her pulses beating; as she ran, with every -rush of blood through her pulses, a fire shot in electric flashes -before her eyes. She continuously cried, 'Help! help! My father! my -daddy!' - -Then her breath failed her. She tried to run, but was forced to stay -her feet and gasp for breath. She could not maintain her pace as well -as call for assistance. - -There was a roaring as of the sea over a bar when the tide is coming -in. It was the roar of her thundering blood in her ears. - -She had taken the van lantern and had set it down by her father on the -side of the bank. As she was forced to halt, she looked back. A shudder -came over her. She could not see the light. Had it expired, and with -it, had the flickering light of life expired in her father? - -Then she stepped partly down the bank, and now she saw the light. From -the top she had not been able to see it owing to the slope, and for -a slight curve in the direction of the canal. The light that burned -by her father's side was still there. And before her she could see -the sparks in the direction she was pursuing. A strange medley of -lights—were there two or three or more? She could not count, owing to -her excitement and the tears and sweat that streamed over her eyes. - -She ran on, as the furious throbbing of her heart was allayed, as her -breath returned. - -Suddenly—a crash, a flash as of lightning, and Zita knew not where she -was, and for how long she had been in a state of semi-consciousness. - -The poor child, running with full speed, had run against one of the -barriers set up across the top of the embankment for the prevention of -its employment by wheeled vehicles. - -She had struck her head and chest against the bars, and had been thrown -backwards, partly stunned, completely dazzled by the blow. For some -minutes she lay on the bank confused and in pain. Then she picked -herself up, but was unable to understand what had happened. She again -went forward, and now felt the bars of timber. She put her hands to -them and climbed. She was sobbing with pain and anxiety; through her -tears she could see the lights in front of her magnified with prismatic -rays shooting from them. On reaching the top of the barrier she looked -behind her, and again saw the feeble light from her father's lantern. - -Now her senses returned to her, which for a few moments had been -disturbed by the blow and fall. - -She was running to obtain help, shelter for her dear father. From the -top rail she cried, 'Help! help! My daddy! My poor daddy! Help! help!' - -She listened. She thought she heard voices. Hurt, wearied, breathless, -she hoped that the assistance she had invoked was coming to her aid. - -Should she remain perched where she was, and wait till the lights in -front drew nearer to her? - -Then the fear came over her that she might not have been heard. The man -to whom she had spoken—he with the one lantern to his stirrup—had -addressed her roughly, had shown no good feeling, no desire to assist. -Was it likely that he had changed his mind, and was now returning? - -She was confident that the man whom she had arrested had carried but -a single lantern to his foot. Now as her pulses became more even in -their throb, she was positive that there were more lights than one -before her. She looked behind her. There was one light by her father, -that was stationary. There were several before her; and they were in -the strangest movement, flickering here and there, changing places, now -obscured, now shining out, now low, now high, now on this side, now on -that. - -She leaped from her place on the rail and ran on. - -Then, coming on an unctuous place in the marl, where a horse's hoofs -had been, where, perhaps, it had slipped, and, running in a bee-line, -regardless where she went, ignorant of a slight deviation from the -direct line in the course of the bank, she went down the side, and -plunged into the ice-cold water. - -There was a stake, a post in the water. She clung to that, and, holding -it, struggled to get out. In so doing, she noticed a sort of eye in the -post, a mortice-hole that pierced it, and as at that moment some of the -clouds had parted, she saw the grey sky and a star shine through this -hole. By means of this post, Zita, whose strength was almost spent, was -able to draw herself from out of the water. But so exhausted was she, -that, on reaching the top of the bank, she was constrained to stop and -pant for breath. - -Still the thought of her suffering, perhaps dying, father, urged her -on. She saw the dancing lights close before her, she heard voices. -She felt the embankment tremble under her feet. Surely some violent -commotion was taking place before her; but what it could be she had -neither time nor power to conjecture. - -Then there went by overhead, invisible in the darkness, a train of -wild geese, going south for the winter, and as they flew they uttered -loud, wild cries, like the barking of hounds in the clouds—a horrible, -startling sound fit to unnerve any who were unaware of the cause. - -For a moment she stood still, listening to the aerial ghostly sounds. -She held her breath. Then again she ran. - -As Zita ran, it seemed to her that assuredly she saw but two lights. -There must have been but two, and they were stationary. She tried to -call, but her voice failed her; her throat was parched. She could but -run. - -Next moment the lights blazed large on her, and then she grasped a -foot. 'Help! help!' - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -PROFITS - - -'What do you want? Who are you?' asked Ki Drownlands, when he had -sufficiently recovered his self-possession to see that some one was -clinging to him, and that that person was a woman. - -'Help! Come back! Father is ill.' - -'I don't care. Let go. You hurt me.' - -She hurt him by her touch on his boot! His nerves were thrilling, and -the pressure of her fingers was unendurable in the surexcitation of -every fibre of his system. - -'Oh, help! help!' She would not relax her hold. - -'I cannot. I've my own concerns to attend.' - -Drownlands remained silent for a moment. He was shivering as one in an -ague fit—shivering as though the marrow in his bones were touched with -frost. Presently he asked in a voice of constraint— - -'How long have you been here? What have you seen?' - -He stooped to his stirrup, unhitched one of the lanterns and held it -aloft, above the person who appealed for his aid. - -The dim yellow light fell over a head of thick amber hair and a -pale, beautifully moulded face, with large lustrous eyes, looking up -entreatingly at him. - -His hand that held the lantern was unsteady, and the light quivered. -To disguise his agitation, he gave the lantern a pendulous motion, -and the reflection glinted and went out, glinted again in those great -beseeching eyes, and glowed in that copper-gold hair, as though waves -of glory flashed up in the darkness and set again in darkness. - -'What have you seen?' he repeated. - -'Seen?—I see you. I want help. You will help me?' - -'How long have you been here?' - -'How long? I am but this instant come. I have run.' - -Her bosom was heaving under a gay kerchief, her breath came in little -puffs of steam that passed as golden dust in the halo of the lantern. - -Drownlands rested both his hands on the pommel of the saddle, with the -flail athwart beneath them. He put the handle of the lantern in his -mouth, and the upward glare of the light was on his sinister face. -He was considering. He did not recognise the girl. His mind was -too distraught to think whether or not he had seen her before. She -persisted— - -'Help us! I have been running. I am out of breath. I saw you ride by -on the bank. I called to you, and spoke to you there, and you would -do nothing. My dear father is worse. He is dying. You must—you shall -help.' - -He still looked at her. That beautiful face—the sole object shining -out of the darkness—fascinated him, in spite of his alarm, his -distress. - -'I am Cheap Jack Zita. I am the daughter of the poor Cheap Jack. He is -taken ill—he cannot get on. He is on the bank—dying. My father!' - -Then she burst into tears; and in the lantern light Ki saw the -sparkling drops race down the smooth cheeks, saw them rise in the great -eyes and overflow. He slowly removed the lantern handle from his teeth, -and said— - -'I cannot be plagued with you. I have other matters that concern me.' - -He had been alarmed at first, fearing lest his encounter with Runham -had been witnessed, lest this girl should be able to testify against -him, were he taken to task for the death of his rival and adversary. - -'Oh, come! Oh, do come!' sobbed Zita, as she grasped his boot more -tightly. - -'It was you who called?' - -'Yes, it was I.' - -'You called me?' - -'Yes. There was no one else to call.' - -'Oh,' said he, 'you saw no one else? No one with me?' - -'No. I ran up the bank as you went by. I spoke to you, but you swore at -me.' - -'I—I did that?' - -There was some mistake. She had taken him for the man now beneath the -water. - -'You shall not go!' cried the girl, clinging desperately to the -stirrup. 'You cannot be so heartless as to let my poor father die.' - -'What is your father to me? Let go.' - -'I will not let go.' - -He pricked his horse on; but she held to the bridle and arrested it. - -'Take care!' said Drownlands. 'I will not be stayed against my will.' - -She clung to the bridle. - -'You may ride over me, and kill me too. I will not let go.' - -'What do you mean?' asked he, with a gasp. 'What do you mean by "kill -me too"?' - -'You shall ride over me, but I shall not let go.' - -'But why did you say "kill me too"?' he asked threateningly. - -'I will die as well as my father. I do not care to live if he die. -How can you leave him? how can you be so cruel?' She broke forth into -vehemence that shook her whole frame, and shook the horse whose bridle -she grappled. - -'What's that?' asked Drownlands, as the horse stumbled. - -He held up the lantern. - -On the embankment, under the horse's feet, lay the flail that had been -twisted into his tiger-skin. - -'I know you—I know you,' said the girl. 'It was you who bought the -flail.' Then again, 'My father is ill. He is sitting on the bank; he -cannot walk. He will die of the cold if you do not help.' - -'Let go,' shouted Drownlands, 'or I'll bring the flail down on your -hands.' - -'You may break them. I will cling with my teeth.' - -He brandished the flail angrily. - -Then Zita bowed herself, picked up the second flail, and, planting -herself across the way, said— - -'You are bad and you are cruel. I cannot get you to come to my father -for the asking. I will drive you to him—drive you with the flail; I -will force you to go.' - -He tried to pass the girl, but she would not budge; and before the -whirling flapper and her threatening attitude, the horse recoiled and -almost threw himself and his rider down the embankment into the drove. - -Drownlands uttered a curse, and again attempted to push past, but was -again driven back by Zita. - -'Take care, or I will ride you down,' he threatened; then shivered, as -he recalled how that a few minutes previously Jake Runham had used the -same threat to him. - -He considered a moment. - -He could not allow this girl to retain the flail she had picked up. -It was evidence against him. Every one in Burnt Fen, every one in -Weldenhall and Soham Fens, would hear of the contest at Ely before the -Cheap Jack van. If that flail were known to have been found on the -embankment, it would be known at once where it was that Runham fell -into the Lark. It might be surmised that a struggle had there taken -place, and marks of the struggle would be looked for. - -The girl who stood before Drownlands was the sole person who could -by any possibility appear as witness against him—could prove that -he had been on the spot where Runham had perished; and this girl was -now appealing to him for help. It was advisable that she should be -conciliated—be placed under an obligation to himself. - -He made no further attempt to pass her; he made no attempt to fulfil -his threat that he would ride her down. - -In a lowered tone he said, 'Where is your father?' - -'A little way back,' answered Zita. 'How far back I cannot say. I -ran—I ran.' - -'I will go with you. Give me up that flail.' - -'No,' she answered; 'I do not trust you. You would ride away when you -had it.' - -'I swear to you that I will not do that.' - -She shook her head, retained the flail, slung it over her shoulder, and -walked at his side. - -Had she seen the contest? Had she seen him beat his adversary -down—down into the river? Drownlands asked himself these questions -repeatedly, and was tempted to question her, but shrank from so doing -lest he should awake suspicions. He need not have feared that. Her -whole mind was occupied with a single thought—her dying father. - -Drownlands riding, the Cheap Jack girl walking, retraced the path in -the direction of Ely. Not for a moment would she relax her hold on -the bridle, for she could not trust the good faith of the rider. The -river was stealing by, the current so sluggish that it seemed hardly to -move. It made no ripple on the bank, no lapping among the reeds. It had -no curl of a smile on its face, no undulation on its bosom. It was a -river that had gone to sleep, and was on the verge of the stagnation of -death. Ki found himself wondering how far during the night the man and -horse who had gone in would be swept down. He wondered whether it were -possible that one or other had succeeded in making his way out. He had -heard no sound; it was hardly possible that either could have escaped. - -Presently a jerk on the reins roused Drownlands from his meditations, -and he felt his horse descend the bank, guided by the girl. In the -darkness he could see a still darker object, which the faint light from -a lantern on the bank partially illumined, along with a motionless -horse, which seemed of very stubbornness to be transformed to wood. -When, however, the beast heard the steps of its mistress, it turned its -head and looked stonily towards her, with a peculiar curl of the nose -and protrusion of the lower lip that was a declaration of determined -resistance to being made to move forward. Zita paid no attention to the -horse. She called to her father, and received a faint response. - -'You will not leave me now? you will help?—you swear?' said she, -turning to the rider. - -'No,' answered Ki; 'now that I am here, I am at your service to do for -you what I can.' - -He dismounted and attached his horse by the bridle to the back of the -van, then took one of his lanterns, and went to where he heard Zita -speaking to her father. - -'I be bad, Zit—bad—tremenjous. I be done for,' said the Cheap Jack. -'It's no good saying "Get along." I can't; there's the fact. I be -stuck—just as the van be. I seems to have no wish but to be let alone -and die slick off.' - -'You shall not do that, father. Here is one of the gentlemen as bought -the flails of us. He will help.' - -Then Drownlands came to the side of the sick man and inquired, 'What is -it? What can I do for you?' - -'I don't know as I want nort,' answered the Cheap Jack; 'nort but to be -let alone to die. Don't go and worrit me, that's all.' - -'My farm is not a mile distant,' said Ki. 'Get into the waggon and -drive along.' - -'I can't abear the joggle,' answered the Cheap Jack. 'I wants to go -nowhere. But whatever will become of Jewel and Zit?' - -He groaned, sighed, and turned over on the bank towards the scanty -grass and short moss that covered the marl, and laid his face in that. -The girl held his hand, and knelt by him. Presently he raised his head -and said, 'Arter all, Zit, we did a fine business, what wi' the tea and -what wi' the flails. Them as didn't cost us eighteenpence sold for one -pun' thirteen and six—tremenjous!' - -'Now listen to me,' said Drownlands. 'This horse of yours will never be -able to get the van along. I will ride home and fetch a team, and we'll -have the whole bag of tricks conveyed to Prickwillow in a jiffy. I'll -bring help, and we'll lift you on to a feather tye.' - -'You will not play me false?' asked Zita. - -'Not I,' answered Ki, as he picked up the second flail; 'trust me. I -shall be back in half an hour.' - -He mounted his horse and rode away. The girl watched him as he departed -with some anxiety; then, as he departed into the darkness, Zita seated -herself on the bank, and endeavoured to raise her father, that his head -might repose on her bosom. He looked at her and put his arm about her -neck. - -'You've been a good gal,' said he. 'You've done your dooty to the -wan and the 'oss and me, and I bless you for it. That there tea as -we made out o' sweepins as we bought at London Docks, and out o' -blackthorn leaves as we picked off the hedges and dried on the top of -the wan—'twas a fine notion, that. Go on as I've taught you, Zit, and -you'll make a Cheap Jack o' the right sort. One pun' thirteen and six -for them flails! That's about one pun' twelve profits. What's us sent -into the world for but to make profits? I've done my dooty in it. I've -made profits. I feel a sort o' in'ard glow, just as if I wos a lantern -wi' a candle in me, when I thinks on it. One pun' twelve—I say, Zit, -what's that per cent.? I can't calkerlate it now; it's gone from me. -One pun' twelve is thirty-two. And thirty-two to one and an 'arf'—He -heaved a long sigh. 'I be bad—I can't calkerlate no more.' - -Zita leaned over the sick man's face, and with the corner of her gaily -figured and coloured kerchief wiped his brow. His mind was wandering. -From silence and impatience of being spoken to and having to exert -himself to speak, he had come to talk, and talk much, in rambling -strains. - -'Father, I've brought you some brandy from the van. Take a drop. It may -revive you.' - -She put a flask to his lips. He found a difficulty in swallowing, and -turned his face away. He had raised his head to the flask with an -effort; it sank back on his daughter's bosom. - -'Dad, how wet your hair is!' - -'Things ain't as they ort to be,' said the Cheap Jack sententiously. -'I've often turned the world over in my head and seed as the wrong -side comes uppermost. Then I'm sure I was ordained to be a mimber o' -parliament, but I never got a chance to rise to it. How I could ha' -talked the electors over into believin' as black was white! How I could -ha' made 'em a'most swallow anything and believe it was apricot jam! I -could ha' told 'em lies enough to carry me to the top o' the poll by -a thumping majority. It's lies does it, all the world over—leastways -with the general public in England. It's lies sells damaged goods. It's -lies as makes 'em turn their pockets out into your lap. It's lies as -carries votes. It's lies as governs the land. The general public likes -'em. It loves 'em. They be as sweet and dear to the general public as -thistles is to asses.' - -Then he lay quiet, except only that he turned his head from side to -side, as though looking at something. - -'What is it, dad?' - -'I thinks as I sees 'em—miles and miles, going right away into nothing -at all.' - -'What, father?' - -'The hawthorn hedges in full bloom, white as snow—it's our own -tea plantation, Zit, you know—touched up wi' sweepins. When the -flowers fall, then the leaves will come, and there'll be profits. -Assam, Congou, Kaisow, Darjeeling, Souchong—just what you like—and, -in truth, hawthorn leaves and sweepins—all alike. There's -profits—profits comin' in the leaves, Zit.' - -A light sleet was falling, and it gleamed in the radiance of the -lantern planted on the bank near the dying man's head. - -'So you see, Zit,' he said, pointing into space, 'the thorn leaves be -fallin',—scores o' thousands,—and the green leaves will come and -bring profits.' - -'What you see is snow that is coming down, father.' - -'No, Zit. It's the thorns sheddin' their white flowers to grow profits. -Fall, fall, fall away, white leaves.' - -He remained silent for a while, and then began to pluck at his daughter -with the hand that clasped her waist. - -'What is it, father?' - -'I ain't easy.' - -'Shall I lift your head higher?' - -' 'Tain't that. It's in my mind, Zit.' - -'What troubles you, dad?' - -'That tin kettle wi' the hole in it. I've never stopped it. Put a bit -o' cobbler's wax into the hole and some silverin' stuff over it, and -you'll sell it quick off. Nobody won't find out till they comes to bile -water in it.' - -'I'll do that, father. Hush! I hear the horses coming.' - -'I don't want to go wi' them. I hears singing.' - -'It is the wind whistling.' - -'No, Zit. It be the quiristers chanting in Ely. Do you hear their -psalm?' - -'No, we cannot hear them. They do not sing at night, and are also too -distant.' - -'But I does hear 'em singing beautiful, and this is the psalm they -sing—"One pun' twelve—and hawthorn tea at four shillin'. There's -profits."' - -He was sinking. He weighed heavy on her bosom. - -She stooped to his ear and whispered, 'Are you happy, father?' - -'Happy? In course I be. One pun' twelve on them flails, -and four shillin' on thorn leaves and sweepins—there's -profits—profits—tremenjous!' - -And he spoke no more. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -MARK RUNHAM - - -No sight in the Fens is so solemn, so touching, as a funeral. There -are no graveyards in the Fens. There is no earth to which the dead can -be committed—only peat, and this in dry weather is converted into -dust, and in rain resolved into a quagmire. A body laid in it would be -exposed by the March winds, soddened by the November rains. - -Consequently the dead are conveyed, sometimes as many as nine miles, to -the islets—to Ely, to Stuntney, or to Littleport, wherever there is -a graveyard; and a graveyard can only be where there is an outcrop of -blue clay. For a funeral, the largest cornwain is brought forth, and -to it is harnessed a team of magnificent cart-horses, trimmed out with -black favours. - -In the waggon is placed the coffin, and round it on the wain-boards sit -the mourners. The sorrowful journey takes long. The horses step along -slowly, their unshod feet muffled in the dust or mire, and their tread -is therefore noiseless. But their bells jingle, and now and then a sob -breaks forth from one of the mourners. - -Two waggons bearing dead men took the road to Ely. In one sat a single -mourner, Zita; and this waggon preceded the other. The second was full, -and was followed by a train of labourers who had been in the service of -the deceased, and of acquaintances who had roistered or dealt with him. - -A cold wind piped over the level, and rustled the harsh dun leaves of -the rushes in the dykes. Royston crows in sable and white stalked the -fields, dressed as though they also were mourners, but were uninvited, -and kept at a distance from the train. Lines of black windmills -radiated from every quarter of the heavens, as though they were -mourners coming over the fens from the outermost limits to attend the -obsequies of a true son of the marshland. - -To the south-west stood up the isle of Ely, tufted with trees; and -soaring above the trees, now wan against a sombre cloud, then dark -against a shining sky, rose the mighty bulk of the minster, its size -enhanced by contrast with the level uniformity of the country. - -Although it cannot be said that no suspicion of foul play was -entertained relative to the death of Jake Runham, yet nothing had -transpired at the coroner's inquest that could in any way give it -grounds on which to rest; nothing that could in the smallest degree -implicate Drownlands. - -Runham had drunk freely at the tavern at Ely, and he had ridden away -'fresh,' as a witness euphemistically termed it, implying that he was -fuddled. He had started on his home journey with a single lantern, in -itself likely to occasion an accident, for it vividly illumined one -side of the way and unduly darkened the other. Some one in the tavern -yard had commented on this, and had advised the extinction of the -single light as more calculated to mislead than none at all. - -Horse and man had been discovered in the water about a mile above the -drove that led to Crumbland, his farm. Runham had been found with his -legs entangled in the stirrups. Possibly, had he been able to disengage -himself when falling, he might have escaped to land. Certainly the -horse would have found its way out; but the weight of the rider had -prevented the poor beast from reaching the bank. It was observed that -Runham had gone into the canal on his right hand, and that the lantern -had been slung to his left foot. - -There were, it was noticed, contusions on the head and body of the -deceased, but these were easily accounted for without recourse to -the supposition of violence. At intervals in the course of the Lark -piles were driven into the banks to protect them against the lighters, -and horse and man might have been carried by the stream, or in their -struggles, against these stakes, and thus the abrasions of the skin and -the bruises might have been produced. - -Something was, indeed, said about a recent quarrel between the dead -man and his neighbour, Drownlands; but then, it was asked, when, for -the last nineteen years, had there been an occasion on which they had -met without quarrelling? The quarrel, according to report, had been -inconsiderable, and had concerned nothing more than a flail for which -both men had bidden high. Furthermore, Drownlands, it was ascertained, -had been detained on his way to Prickwillow, before reaching the -spot where the corpse had been found. He had been detained by the -Cheap Jack's daughter on account of the Cheap Jack's sickness. It was -known that Drownlands had summoned his men, and with a team of horses -had removed the van to his rickyard. He had been attentive to the -unfortunate vagabond, and had been at his side till his death. - -There was no specifying the exact hour when Runham had fallen into the -water, but, as far as could be judged, it must have been about the time -when Drownlands was occupied with the Cheap Jack. - -A floating suspicion that Ki might have had a hand in the death of Jake -did exist, but there was nothing tangible on which a charge could be -based. On the contrary, there was a great deal to show that he was not -present; enough to free him from suspicion. - -When the funerals were over,—and both had taken place simultaneously, -the graves being adjacent, one chaplain performing the service over -both,—then the waggons returned. That in which the Cheap Jack's coffin -had been conveyed to its last resting-place was empty. Zita declared -her intention to walk. - -Those who had walked behind the waggon of Runham were taken up into it, -the horses started at a trot, and both conveyances were soon far away, -and appeared as specks in the distance. - -Zita walked slowly along the road. She was in no hurry. She had to -resolve what she was to do for her maintenance. - -Should she pursue the same trade as her father? Would it be safe for -her to do so? At times there was a good deal of money in the van; -and if she, a young girl, were alone, she might be robbed. She had -abundance of ready wit, she had assurance, she had at command the -stock-in-trade of old jokes used by her father, and was perfectly -competent to sell goods and reap profits. But the purchase of the stock -had been managed by her father, and with that part of the business she -was not conversant. Could she manage the van and its stores and the -horse alone? If not alone, then whom might she take into partnership -with herself? Not another girl. A man it must be; but a man—that -would not do for other reasons. The girl coloured as she walked and -pondered on the perplexed question of her future. - -She then considered whether it would be advisable for her to dispose -of her van and its contents. But she saw that she could do so only at -a ruinous loss. Her situation would be taken advantage of. The damaged -goods would not sell at all, unhelped out in the exaggerations, lies, -the flourish and scuffle of a public auction. All the articles were -not, indeed, like the tin kettle and the 'own plantation tea.' Some -were really good. A majority were good, but the collection was spiced -with infirm and defective articles. - -If she did dispose of the van and her stock, what should she do -with herself? Into service she could not go—the bondage would be -intolerable. Into a school she could not go—she had no education. To -become a dressmaker was not possible—she could not cut out. To enter a -factory of any sort was hardly to be considered. She knew no trade. She -could befool the general public—that was her sole accomplishment. - -As she walked along, musing on her difficulties, she was caught up by -a young man, dressed in deep mourning. At first he made as though he -would pass her by, for he was walking at a greater pace than hers, but -after a few steps in advance he halted, turned back, and said in a -kind tone— - -'We are both orphans. You lost your father on the same night as that on -which I lost mine. They have been buried on the same day, and the same -service has been read over both. I am Mark Runham; you are the Cheap -Jack girl.' - -'Yes, I am Cheap Jack Zita.' - -'I could not call you by any other name; your real name I did not know. -Let us walk together, unless you desire to be alone.' - -'Oh no.' - -'When I was in the waggon, with my dead father in the coffin before me, -I looked forward, and then I saw you—you, poor little thing, sitting -alone, with your head bowed down over your father's coffin. I thought -it infinitely sad. You were all alone, and I had so many with me.' - -Zita turned her face to him. - -'You are very kind,' she said. - -'Not at all. My heart is sore because I have lost my father—but there -is so much to take the sharpness off my pain; I have my mother alive. -And you?' - -'My mother has been dead these five years.' - -'And I have many relatives, and more friends. But you?' - -'I have none. I am alone in the world.' - -'And then I have house and lands. And you?' - -'I have the van.' - -'A wandering house—no real house. What are you going to do with -yourself?' - -'That is just what I was considering as I walked along.' - -'Will you tell me your plan?' - -'I have none. I have not resolved what to do.' - -'I am glad that I have caught you up. I sent on the waggon. I had to -stay behind and make arrangements with the undertaker and the clerk. I -am glad I remained; it has given me the opportunity of speaking with -you. Our mutual losses make us fellows in sorrow, and you seem to me so -piteously lonely. Even when I was in the wain my eyes wandered to you, -and with my eyes went my thoughts. I could not fail to consider how -much greater was your desolation than mine.' - -Again Zita turned to look at the young fellow who spoke. He had fair -hair, bright blue eyes, a fresh, pleasant face, frank and kindly. - -'I think you sold something to my father,' he said; 'I have heard the -chaps talk about it. You sold it middling dear. A flail—and he paid a -guinea for it.' - -'Yes, I sold a flail for a guinea, and another for twelve and six. Mr. -Drownlands bought one of them.' - -'And my father the other. I was not at the fair when that took place, -but folk have talked about it. I think, had I been there, I would have -prevented my father bidding so high. The flail was not found with him -when he was recovered from the river.' - -'No; it was on the bank.' - -'It was probably carried down by the Lark,' said he, not noticing her -words, 'and went out in the Wash.' - -The flail! Zita was surprised. One flail she knew that Drownlands held -when she met him, the other she had herself picked up, and had used to -prevent him from continuing his course, and to compel him to assist her -father. - -She stood still and considered. The matter was, however, of no -consequence, so she stepped on. If she found the flail at Prickwillow, -she would take it to Crumbland. It belonged to Mark Runham by right. - -'What is it?' asked the young man, surprised at her look of -concentrated thought. - -'It is nothing particular,' she answered; 'something occurred to -me—that is all. But it is of no matter.' - -'I should like to know what is going to become of you,' said the young -man. 'Have you no kindred at all?' - -'None that I know of.' - -'And no home?' - -'None, as I said, but the van. When that is sold, I shall have none at -all.' - -'But you have friends?' - -'A friend—yes—Jewel, the old horse. Well, he ain't so old, neither. I -call him old because I love him.' - -'I say, when you've made up your mind what to do with yourself, come to -our farm, Crumbland, and tell me.' - -'That's blazin' impudence,' said Zita. 'If you want to know, you can -come and ask of me.' - -'I cannot do that. Do you not know that my father and Ki Drownlands -were mortal enemies? I cannot set foot on his soil, or he would -prosecute me for trespass. If I went to his door, I would be met with -something more than bad words.' - -'Why were they enemies?' - -'I do not know. They have been enemies as long as I can remember -anything. Well, you will let me have some tidings concerning you. I -will come out on the embankment near Prickwillow, and you can come -there too. It is so dreadful that you should have no one to care for -you, and no place as a home to go to. If I can help you in any way tell -me. My mother is most kind. As it has chanced that we have both been -made orphans at one time, and as our two fathers were buried, as one -may say, together, and as we are walking home together, it seems to me -that it would be wrong and heartless were I to do nothing for you. To -sit and nestle into my home and comforts at Crumbland and see you -wander forth desolate and alone—the Pharisee couldn't have done half -so bad with the poor man by the wayside, and I won't. I should never -forgive myself. I should never forget the sight of the poor little lass -in black, with the coffin in the great waggon, all alone.' - -'You are kind,' said Zita, touched with the honest, genuine feeling his -tones expressed. 'I thank you, but I want no help. I have money, I have -goods, I have a horse, and I have a home on wheels. And I have—what is -best of all—a spirit that will carry me along.' - -'Yes; but one little girl is a poor and feeble thing, and the world is -very wide and very wicked, and terribly strong. I'd be sorry that this -bold spirit of yours were crushed by it.' - -'Here is the place where I live,' said Zita. - -'Yes, that's Prickwillow drove. Here am I, eighteen years old, and I -have never been along it—never been on Drownlands farm, along of this -quarrel. And what it was all about, blessed if I or any one else knows!' - -Zita lingered a moment at the branch of the road. Mark put out his -hand, and she took it. - -'I'll tell you what,' said she; 'you've been kind and well-meanin' with -me, and I'll give you a milk-strainer or a blacking-brush, whichever -you choose to have.' - -Mark Runham was constrained to laugh. - -'I'll tell you which it is to be next time we meet; to-morrow on the -embankment—just here. Remember, if you are short of anything beside a -milk-strainer or a blacking-brush—it is yours.' - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -PRICKWILLOW - - -A sleepless night followed the day of the funeral. Zita needed rest, -but obtained none. She had brain occupied by care as well as heart -reduced by sorrow. She had loved her father, the sole being in the -world to whom she could cling, her sole stay. The wandering life she -had led prevented her contracting friendships. Since her father's death -she had lain at night in the van. This conveyance was so contrived -as to serve many purposes. It was a shop, a kitchen, a parlour, an -eating-house, a carriage, a bank. The goods were neatly packed, and -were packed so close that the inmates could very commodiously live in -the midst of their stores. There was a little cooking stove in it. -There were beds. There was, indeed, no table, but there were boxes that -served as seats and as tables, and the lap is the natural dinner-table -every man and woman is provided with. - -When the front of the van was raised so as to shut up the shop for the -night, the crimson plush curtains with their gold fringe and tassels -concealed the board on which so much trade had been carried on during -the day. There was a window at the back that admitted light. The -stove gave out heat, and the inmates of the travelling shop settled -themselves to their accounts, and then to rest. - -The accounts were calculated not in a ledger, but on their fingers, and -balanced not on paper but in their heads. - -When darkness set in, then a lamp illumined the interior, and the -little dwelling was suffused with a fragrance of fried onions and -liver, or roast mutton chops—something appetising and well earned; -something for which the public had that day paid, and paid through its -nose. The horse had been attended to, and then the father sat on a -bench, pipe in mouth and legs stretched out, and occasionally removed -the pipe that he might inhale the fumes of the supper his daughter was -preparing. Cheap Jack had possessed a fund of good spirits, and his -good humour was never ruffled. He had been the kindest of fathers; -never put out by a mishap, never depressed by a bad day's trade, never -without his droll story, song, or joke. But for a fortnight before his -death he had failed in cheeriness and flagged in conversation. The work -of the day had become a burden instead of a pleasure, and had left him -so weary that he could often not eat his supper or relish his pipe. - -He had combated his declining health, and endeavoured to disguise the -advance of disease from the eyes of Zita. But love has keen sight, and -she had noted with heartache his gradual failure of spirits and power. -Till then no thought as to her own future had occupied her mind. Now -that the dear father was gone, Zita had no one on whom to lean. No -other head than her own would busy itself about her prospects, no other -heart than her own concern itself about her to-morrow. - -She was kindly treated at Prickwillow. The van was placed under cover, -and the horse provided with a stall. - -The housekeeper, a distant relative of Ki Drownlands, was hearty in -her offers of assistance, and the maid-of-all-work, who was afflicted -with St. Vitus' dance, nodded her kindly good wishes. Both Drownlands -and the housekeeper had urged Zita to accept the accommodation of the -house, in which were many rooms and beds, but she had declined the -invitation; she was accustomed to van life, and could make herself -comfortable in her wonted quarters. She needed little, and the van -was supplied with most things that she required. There were in it -even sufficient black odds and ends to serve her for mourning at her -father's funeral. What was there not in the van? It was an epitome of -the world, it was a universal mart, a Novgorod Fair sublimated to an -essence. - -'What are you about?' asked Drownlands. - -He had come into the yard behind the farmhouse, and he saw Zita -engaged in harnessing the horse. The front was down, and on it stood a -milk-strainer, some blacking-brushes, and a flail. - -'What are you about? Whither are you going?' - -Drownlands was a tall man, with a face like a hawk, and dark bushy -brows that stood out over his eyes and the root of his nose. - -'I am going,' answered Zita. - -'Going? Who told you to go?' - -'I am going to be an inconvenience no longer.' - -'Who told you you were an inconvenience?' - -'No one, but I know that I am not wanted. I thank you for what you have -done, and will pay you.' - -'Pay me? Who said a word about payment?' - -'No one, but of course I pay. Mark Runham—I think that was his -name—was kind to me,—that is to say, he spoke civil to me,—and I'm -going to pay him for good words with a milk-strainer. You have done -me good deeds, and I will pay you. Get into the van and pick out what -you like up to five pounds. Do you want door-mats? There's a roll o' -carpet, but I don't recommend it, and there's tinned goods.' - -Drownlands stared at the girl. Then his eyes rested on the flail. - -'What have you got that for? It was in my house.' - -'Yes. You took it in. But it is not yours. It belongs to Mark Runham. -His father bought it of us. He gave a guinea for it. I picked it up -on the bank when I overtook you. You had your flail in your hand. You -would have ridden on and left me and my father in the lurch, but I -stood in the way with that flail. It is not mine. I have the guinea I -received for it in my purse. Now that the old man is dead, for certain -it belongs to his son. That is why I am taking it to him.' - -'He shall not have it! He must not have it!' exclaimed Drownlands. 'How -came you to know Mark Runham?' - -'The young man walked from his father's funeral. So did I. He walked -the fastest, and he caught me up. He spoke kindly, and so I shall -pay him for it with a milk-strainer, or, if he prefers it, with -blacking-brushes.' - -'Give him the blacking-brushes, by all means.' - -'Or the milk-strainer?' - -'Or the milk-strainer; but not the flail.' - -'It is his,' said Zita. 'The old man paid down his money for it.' - -'Give him back the money, not the flail. Here'— - -Drownlands thrust his hand into his pocket, and drew a handful of -money, gold, silver, copper, mixed, from it, and extended it to the -girl. - -'Here! you said you would pay me for what I have done. Pay me with the -flail. I want nothing more. Then I have the pair; or if you wish to -restore the guinea—take it.' - -'The flail was bought. It is no longer mine.' - -Drownlands stamped, put out his hand and snatched the flail from the -board on which it stood. - -'He shall not have it. I will accept nothing else.' - -'Then I must give the young man its value—a guinea's worth of goods.' - -'Do so, and take the pay from me.' - -'I will let him have your mats, and I'll tell him that you'— - -'Tell him nothing. Not a word about the flail. That is all I ask of -you. Say nothing. If you owe me anything for what I have done for your -father and you, then pay me by your silence.' He mused for a moment, -then caught the girl by the arm and drew her after him. 'Come and see -all I have.' - -He led her athwart the rickyard to where were ranged his stacks of -wheat—two, each forty paces long, with a lane between them. Down this -lane he conducted her. 'Look,' said he, 'did you ever see such ricks as -these? No, nowhere out of the Fens. Do you know how much bread is in -them? No, nor I. It would take you many years to eat your way through -them; and every year fresh wheat—as much as this—grows. There are -rats and mice in these stacks. They sit therein and eat their fill, -they rear their families there. What odds is that to me? A few more -rats and mice—a few more mouths in the house—I care not. There is -plenty for all.' Then he drew Zita into another yard that was full of -young stock, bullocks and heifers. - -'Look here,' said he. 'Do you see all these? How much meat is on them? -How long would it take you to eat them? Whilst you were eating, others -would be coming—that is the way of Nature. Nature outstrips us; it -shovels in with both hands, whilst we take out with one—so is it, -anyhow, in the Fens. What is another cut off a round of beef to such as -me?' - -Then he strode to the stables, threw open the door, and said, 'There -are stalls for horses; there is hay in the loft to feed them, oats in -the bins to nourish them. What odds to me if there be one more horse in -the stalls? Here!' he called to one of his men. 'Take the Cheap Jack -horse out of the van-shafts again and bring him to this stable.' - -Zita endeavoured to free herself from his grasp. - -'No,' said Drownlands; 'you have not seen all. You have been about the -world, I daresay; seen plenty of sights; but there is one thing you -have not seen before,—a fen-farm,—and it is a sight to unseal your -eyes. Come along with me.' - -He held her wrist with the grip of a vice, and now drew her in the -direction of the kitchen. - -'Look!' said he. 'What is that? That is our fuel. That is turf. What -do we pay for keeping ourselves warm in winter? Nothing. I have heard -say that some folks pay a pound and even forty shillings for a ton of -sea-coal. And for wood they will pay a guinea a load. We pay nothing. -The fuel lies under our feet. We take off a spit of earth, and there it -is for the digging, some ten—fifteen—twenty feet of it. It costs us -no more than the labour of taking up. Do I want a bit of brass? I go -to market, and say I have ten acres of turf to sell at sixty pounds an -acre. A dozen hands are held up. I get six hundred pounds at once. That -is what I call making money. Come on. You have not seen all yet.' - -He drew her farther. He pulled her up the steps to the door, then -turned, and, pointing to a large field in which were mounds of clay at -short intervals, he said— - -'Do you see that? What is done elsewhere when land is hungry, and -demands a dressing? Lime is brought to fertilise the exhausted soil. We -in the Fens never spend a shilling thus. If we desire dressing, we dig -under the turf, and there it lies—rich, fat clay—and spread that over -the surface. That is what it is to have a fen-farm. Come within now.' - -He conducted Zita through the door, and threw open the dairy. - -'Look,' said he. 'See the milk, the churns, the butter. Everything -comes to us in the Fens. Butter is a shilling a pound, and there are -twenty-eight pounds there now. There will be as much next churning, and -all goes as fast as made. Touch that churn. Every time you work it you -churn money. Come on with me farther.' - -He made the girl ascend the stairs, and as he went along the passage at -the head of the staircase, he threw open door after door. - -'Look in. There are many rooms; not half of them are occupied, but -all are furnished. Why should I stint furniture? I have money—money! -See!' He drew her into a small apartment, where were desk and table and -chairs. It was his office. He unlocked a safe in the wall. - -'See! I have money here—all gold. Come to the window.' - -Drownlands threw open the casement. Below was the yard, in which were -the young cattle, trampling on straw and treading it into mire. He -thrust his hand into his pocket, drew forth a handful of coins, and, -without looking what he held,—whether gold, or silver, or copper,—he -threw it broadcast over the bullocks and heifers. Some coins struck the -backs of the beasts, and bounded off them and fell among the straw, -some went down into the mud, and was kneaded in by their feet. - -'What is money to me? It grows, it forces itself on me, and I know not -what to do with it. I can throw it away to free myself of the trash -and more comes. It comes faster than I can use it; faster than I can -cast it away. Now, girl—Cheap Jack girl—now you know what a fen-farm -is. Now you see what a fen-tiger can do. You remain at Prickwillow -with me. I will shelter you, feed you, clothe you, care for you. Eat, -drink, sleep, laugh, and play. Work a little. All is given to you -ungrudgingly.' - -He put the flail to his knee and endeavoured to break it, but failed. -Then he cast it into the corner of the room, where was a collection of -whips, sticks, and tools. - -'There,' said he, 'all I ask is—not a word about my having been on the -embankment. Not a word about the flail—least of all to Runham. I have -my reasons, which you do not understand, and which you need not know.' - -Zita hesitated. She had not expected such an offer. She doubted whether -she could contentedly settle into farm life. - -'You were about to leave,' continued Drownlands, 'or rather to try to -leave. But how could that horse of yours draw the van out of the Fens? -You know how it was when you came this way. The wheels sank, and the -horse was powerless. I sent my team, and only so could we draw the -van along. Never, unassisted, could you reach Littleport or Ely, not, -at all events, in winter. When you got into the drove the wheels would -sink again, and I should send my team and drag the van back here once -more. You have got your feet into the peat earth and clay, and are held -fast. Listen to me. Supposing you did get a little way and then stick, -and I were angry at your departure, and refused to come to your aid and -draw you back to Prickwillow, what then? Let me tell you what would -happen were you left out all night unprotected, sunk to the axle in the -fen. There are slodgers in the fen; there are tigers, as they call them -here—plenty round Littleport. That story of the sale of the flails is -spread and talked about. It is known that you have money. It is known -that your father is dead. Do you think there are not men who, for the -sake of what money you have, would not scruple to steal on you in the -dark, to come up like rats out of the dykes, like foxes from the holes, -and take your money, and nip that brown throat of yours to prevent -peaching? If you think there are not, then you think differently of the -Fens and the fen-men than do I who have lived in the Fens and among the -tigers all my days. Come'— - -He put his hand to her throat and pinched it. - -'This, and your body found in a drain, black in fen-water, of -a morning. This on one side; on the other, my offer of a home, -protection—everything.' - -Zita withdrew from his grasp with a shudder. - -'I accept your offer,' she said; 'I can do no other. There is no choice -in the matter.' - -'You are right there,' said he, with a laugh. 'To you there is no -choice.' - - - - -CHAPTER X - -RED WINGS - - -Days passed; Zita had settled into Prickwillow. She was given her own -room, and into that she removed the contents of the van. The walls -were lined with the stock in trade, and the crimson and gold curtains -festooned the window. - -A chamber in a farmhouse seemed to Zita bare and comfortless after -the well-covered interior of the shop on wheels. She could not rest -till she had hidden the naked walls, and brought her room into some -resemblance to the interior of the rolling house she had inhabited for -so many years. But she had further reasons for accumulating the stores -in her own apartment. The van was in an outhouse, and was exposed to -damp, with its attendant evils, moth, rust, and mildew, that would make -havoc of her property if exposed to them. - -Zita made herself useful in the house. She considered that she could -not accept the offer made her of shelter and sustenance without -acknowledgment of a practical nature, and as she was endowed with -energy and intelligence, she speedily adapted herself to the work of a -farmhouse. She found that there was need for her hand. The housekeeper -was without system, and disposed to abandon to the morrow whatever -did not exact immediate attention. The maid with St. Vitus' dance was -a worker, but required direction. Zita had been compelled to be tidy -through the exigencies of van life. In the travelling shop a vast -number of very various goods had to be packed into a small compass, -and the claims of trade had obliged her to keep every article in -the brightest condition, that it might look its best, and sell—if -possible—for more than its intrinsic value. Accordingly, not only did -Zita see that everything was in its place, but also that everything was -furbished to its brightest. She was nimble with her fingers in plying -the needle, and took in hand the household linen, hemmed the sheets, -attached buttons, darned holes, and put into condition all that was -previously neglected, and through neglect had become ragged, and was -falling to premature decomposition. - -The girl noticed that Drownlands watched her at her work, but she -also saw that he averted his eyes the moment she gave token that she -perceived his observation; she was aware, not only that she interested -him, but that he, in a manner and in a measure, feared her. - -She had a difficult course to steer with Leehanna Tunkiss, the -housekeeper, who had received the tidings that Zita was to become -an inmate of the house for some length of time, with doubt, if not -disapproval. The woman, moreover, resented the improvements made by the -girl as so many insults offered to herself. To hem what had been left -ragged was to proclaim to Drownlands and to the quaking help-maid, that -Leehanna had neglected her duty; to sew on a button that had been off -the master's coat for a week, was to exhibit a consideration for his -interests superior to her own. - -At the outset, before the funeral, the woman had been gracious, -believing that Zita was but a temporary lodger. When she found that -she was likely to become a permanent resident, her manner towards her -completely altered. - -One afternoon, when Zita had nothing particular to engage her, she -wandered along the drove, and then rambled from it across the fields. - -A frost had set in on the day of her father's funeral, and had ever -since held the earth in fetters. It was one of those severe frosts that -so often arrive in November, and sweep away the last traces of summer, -clear the trees of the lingering leaves, and then sere the grass that -is still green. - -It was one of those early frosts which frequently prove as severe as -any that come with the New Year. The clods and the ruts of the drove -were rigid as iron. It would have been difficult to move the van when -the way was a slough, it was impossible now that it was congealed. The -lumps and the depressions were such as no springs could stand, and no -goods endure. Pots would be shivered to atoms, and pans be battered out -of shape. Whatever Zita may have desired, perhaps hoped, she recognised -the impossibility of leaving her present quarters under existing -circumstances. A thaw must relax the soil, harrows and rollers must -be brought over the road, before a wheeled conveyance could pass over -it. Finding it difficult, painful even, to walk in the drove, where -there was not a level surface on which the foot could be planted, Zita -deserted it for a field, and then struck across country towards a mill, -the sails of which, of ochre-red, were revolving rapidly. The fields -are divided, one from another, by lanes of water. The fen-men all -leap, and pass from field to field by bounds—sometimes making use of -leaping-poles. With these latter they can clear not the ditches only, -but the broad drains or loads. - -Zita was curious to see a mill. From one point she counted -thirty-six, stretching away in lines to the horizon. She had hitherto -known windmills only for grinding corn. Here the number was too -considerable, and their dimensions too inconsiderable, for such a -purpose. - -Lightly leaping the dykes, she made her way towards the red-winged -mill. As she approached, she saw that the mill was larger than the -rest, that it had a tuft of willows growing beside it, and that, on -an elevated brick platform, whereon it was planted, stood as well a -small house, constructed, like the mill, of boards, and tarred. This -habitation was a single storey high, and consisted, apparently, of one -room. - -On the approach of Zita, a black dog, standing on the platform -with head projected, began to bark threateningly. Zita drew near -notwithstanding, as the brute did not run at her, but contented itself -with protecting the platform, access to which it was prepared to -dispute. - -Then Zita exclaimed, 'What, Wolf! Don't you know me? Haven't you been -cheap-jacking with us for a couple of months, since father took you off -the knife-swallowing man? We'd have kept you, old boy, but didn't want -to have to pay tax for you, so sold you, Wolf.' - -The dog had not at first recognised Zita in her black frock; now, at -the sound of her voice, it bounded to her and fawned on her. - -A girl now came out from the habitation, called, 'What is it, Wolf?' -and stood at the head of the steps that led to her habitation, awaiting -Zita. - -'Who are you?' asked the girl on the platform She was a sturdy, -handsome young woman, with fair hair, that blew about her forehead in -the strong east wind. Over the back of her head was a blue kerchief -tied under her chin, restraining the bulk of her hair, but leaving the -front strands to be tossed and played with by the breeze. She was, in -fact, that Kainie whose acquaintance we have already made. - -'I believe that I know who you are,' she said. - -She had folded her arms, and was contemplating her visitor from the -vantage-ground of the brick pedestal that sustained mill and cot. 'You -are the Cheap Jack girl, I suppose?' - -'Yes. I am Cheap Jack Zita. And who are you?' - -'I—I was christened Kerenhappuch, but some folks call me Kainie and -Kenappuch. I answer to all three names. It's no odds to me which is -used. What do you want here?' - -'I have come to look at the mill. What is its purpose? You do not grind -corn?' - -'Grind corn? You're a zany. No; we drive the water up out of the dykes -into the drains. Come and see. Why, heart alive! where have you been? -What a fool you must be not to know what a mill is for! Step up. Wolf -won't bite now he has recognised you. If you'd been some one else, -and tried to step up here, and me not given the word to lie still, -he'd have made ribbons of you.' She waved her arms towards the low -wooden habitation. 'I lives there, I does, and so did my mother afore -me. Some one must mind the mill, and a woman comes cheaper than a -man. Besides, it ain't enough work for a man, and when a man hasn't -got enough work, why, he takes to smoking and drinking. We women is -different; we does knitting and washing. We's superior animals in that -way, we is. Here I am a stick-at-home. I go nowhere. I have to mind -the mill. You are a rambler and a roll-about—never in one place. It's -curious our coming to know one another. What is your name, did you say?' - -'Zita—Cheap Jack Zita.' - -'Zita? That's short enough. No wonder with such a name you're blowed -about light as a feather. It'd take a thundering gale to send -Kerenhappuch flying along over the face of the land. Her name is enough -to weight her. Now, what do you want to see? Where does your ignorance -begin?' - -'It begins in plain blank. I know nothing about mills.' - -'My mill is Red Wings. If you look along the line to Mildenhall and -count ten, then you'll see Black Wings. Count eight more, and you have -White Wings.' - -The girl threw open a door and entered the fabric of the mill, stepping -over a board set edgewise. She was followed by Zita. - -Nothing could be conceived more simple, nothing more practical, than -the mechanism of the mill. The sails set a mighty axletree in motion, -that ran the height of the fabric, and this beam in its revolution -turned a wheel at the bottom, that made a paddle revolve outside the -mill. This paddle was encased in a box of boards, and at first Zita -could not understand the purpose of the mechanism, not seeing the -paddle. - -'Would you like to climb?' asked Kainie. 'Look! I go up like a -squirrel. You had best not attempt it. If your skirts were to catch -in the cogs, there'd be minced Cheap Jack for Wolf's supper. I'm not -afraid. My skirts seem to know not to go near the wheels, but yours -haven't the same intelligence in them. A woman's clothes gets to know -her ways. Mine, I daresay, 'd be terrible puzzled in that van of yours.' - -'Don't you talk to me about petticoats,' said Zita. 'Petticoats to a -woman is what whiskers is to a cat. They have feeling in them. A cat -never knocked over nothing with his whiskers, nor does a woman with her -skirts if she ain't a weaker fool than a cat.' - -Then up the interior of the mill ran Kainie, with wondrous agility, -playing in the framework, whilst the huge axletree turned, and the oak -fangs threatened to catch or drag her into the machinery. - -'Do come down,' said Zita. 'I do not like to see you there.' - -But it was in vain that she called; her voice was drowned in the rush -of the sails, the grinding of the cogs, and the creak of the wooden -building. - -Presently Kainie descended, as rapidly as she had run up the ribs of -the mill. - -'Mother did not let me do it when she was alive,' said the mill girl. -'But I did it all the same. Now, what next? Come and see this.' - -She led Zita outside, and took her to the paddle-box, flung open a -door in it, and exposed the wheel that was throwing the water from the -'dyke' up an incline into the 'load' at a considerably higher level. - -'It licks up the water just like Wolf, only it don't swallow it. -There's the difference. And Wolf takes a little, and stops when he's -had enough; but this goes on, and its tongue is never dry.' - -'Does the mill work night and day?' - -'That depends. When there's no wind, then it works neither night nor -day, but goes to sleep. But when there has been a lot of rain, and the -fen is all of a soak—why, then, old Red Wings can't go fast enough or -long enough to please the Commissioners. Look here; the water has gone -down eighteen inches in the dyke since this morning. Red Wings has done -it. He's not a bad sort of a chap. He don't take much looking after. -There's a lot of difference in mills; some are crabbed and fidgety, and -some are sly and lazy. Some work on honest and straight without much -looking after, others are never doing their work unless you stand over -them and give them jaw. It's just the same with Christians.' - -'And what is that long pole for?' asked Zita. - -'That, Miss Ignorance, is the clog. I can stop the wings from going -round if I handle that, or I can set the sails flying when I lift the -clog. Come here. I'll teach you how to manage it.' She instructed Zita -in the use of the clog. 'There!' said she; 'now you can start the mill -as well as I can, or you can stop it just the same. You've learned -something from me today. I hope you won't forget it.' - -'No; I never forget what I am taught.' - -'Not that it will be of any use to you,' said Kainie. 'You're never -like to want to set a mill going.' - -'Perhaps not; but I know how to do that, and it is something. There is -no telling whether I may want it or not.' - -'It's as easy as giving a whack to the hoss who draws the van,' said -Kainie. - -'Now,' said Kainie, after a pause, 'this here hoss of mine has reins -too. Do you see those two long poles, one on either side, reaching to -his head? Them's the reins; with them I turn his head about so that he -may face the wind. That's the only way in which my hoss can go. Now -come and see where I live.' - -She led the way to her habitation, which was beyond the sweep of the -wings. - -'It's small, but cosy,' said Kerenhappuch. 'No one can interfere with -me, for Wolf keeps guard. But, bless you, who'd trouble me? I've no -money. And yet one does feel queer after such things as have happened.' - -'What things?' - -'Ah! and it is a wonder to me how you or any one can abide in the same -house with him.' - -'With whom?' - -'Why, with Ki Drownlands. Though he be my uncle, I say it.' The girl's -face darkened. 'He never spoke to my mother, his own sister; never -helped her with his gold, and he rich and we poor. The Commissioners -gave us our place, not Uncle Drownlands.' - -'Who are the Commissioners?' - -'You are a silly not to know. Every man who owns a couple of score -acres in the Fens is a Commissioner. And the Commissioners manage the -draining, and levy the rates. They have their gangers, their bankers, -their millers—I'm one of their millers. No,' said Kainie vehemently. -'No thanks to Ki Drownlands for that.' She grasped Zita by the -shoulders, put her mouth to her ear, and said in a half whisper, 'It -was Uncle Ki who killed Jake Runham.' - -Zita drew back and stared at her. - -'I am sure of it,' said Kainie; 'and there be others as think so too, -but durstn't say it. But there is nothing hid that shall not come to -light. Some day it will be said openly, and known to all, that Ki -Drownlands did it.' - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -TIGER-HAIR - - -Zita walked back in the direction of Prickwillow with a weight on her -heart and her mind ill at ease. Incidents half observed rose in her -memory and demanded consideration—as in a pool sunken leaves will -rise after a lapse of time and float on the surface. Facts that had -been indistinctly seen and scarce regarded, now assumed shape and -significance. - -She recalled the incidents of the night of her father's death, and -marshalled them in order with that nicety and precision that marked -her arrangement of the goods in the van. She remembered how that she -had seen two men ride along the bank, one after another, with an -interval of some minutes intervening between them, as they passed above -where she had been with the van and her father. The first rider had -been furnished with two lanterns to his feet. She had let him pass -without attempting to arrest him. That man she now knew was Hezekiah -Drownlands. Then, after a lapse of some minutes, a second rider had -passed, going in the same direction. He had carried a single lantern -attached to his left stirrup. To him she had run, him she had brought -to a standstill, and she had asked and been refused his assistance. -That man was Jeremiah Runham. - -Zita next recalled every particular of her run along the bank after -the second rider. She now distinctly remembered having seen a glitter -of several lights before her, a cluster of lights leaping and falling, -flashing and disappearing. How many these had been she could not -recall. They had changed position, they were not all visible at once. -At the time, in her distress of mind, she had not counted them. But -she was now convinced that the lights which she had seen, and seen in -one constellation, had been more than two. A single star would have -represented Runham. Two stars would have indicated Drownlands. More -than two—that showed that the men had been together. Further, she had -heard shouts and cries. At the time, as she ran, she had supposed that -these were in response to her appeals for assistance; but when she had -reached Drownlands, the only man on the bank she did come upon, then, -as she now recalled, he was startled at her appearance, as if it were -wholly unexpected. He could not, therefore, have called in answer to -her cries. But where was the third light? What had become of Runham? - -When she had reached Drownlands no third light was visible, whereas a -minute previously there had certainly been more than two before her. -What had become of the second rider? - -It was, of course, conceivable at the time that the third light had -been extinguished, and the second rider was in full career along the -bank in the direction he desired to go. But such an explanation was -no longer admissible when it was known that this rider was dead, and -had been drowned in the river. When Zita considered that this rider, -Runham, had been found in the water, with the light of life as well as -that of his lantern extinguished, and when she remembered that she had -picked up the flail he had been carrying at the spot where she came up -with Drownlands, it appeared certain to her that Drownlands must have -witnessed, if he did not cause, the death of Runham. It was possible -that Runham, returning tipsy from market, may have urged his horse on -one side, so as to pass the man before him, and so have plunged into -the river; and it was possible enough that Drownlands had chosen to -maintain silence on the matter, lest any admissions on his part might -have been construed into an accusation of having caused the death of -his adversary. - -Zita was turning these thoughts over in her mind when she reached the -embankment. She started to walk along it. She was confident that she -could fix the spot where she had slipped into the water, and that was -but about a hundred paces from where she had come up with Drownlands. -She remembered to have observed there a post in the water that had in -it a mortice-hole, like an eye, and that the head was so indented and -rugged as at one moment to make her suppose it was a human face. - -As has already been stated, there had been sufficient frost to harden -mud into rock. Traces of a scuffle—if a scuffle had taken place—would -be recognisable still to an eye that knew precisely where to look for -them. - -Zita went with nimble feet, a busy brain, and fluttering heart towards -the point where the van had been arrested in the mud, and she resolved -thence to follow the course she had taken on that eventful night along -the bank. On this occasion she walked deliberately where she had -previously run, and came after a while to the spot where, according -to her calculation, she had slipped into the canal. There she found -the post standing up out of the water to which she had clung, close to -the bank, with the mortice-hole in it that had looked so like a human -eye. This was the only post of the kind she had come across, and this -was not more than a hundred yards from the spot where she had grasped -Drownlands' foot, had held him, and had heard him scream at her touch. - -At this point, some hundred yards beyond the post with the hole in it, -she carefully explored the soil. The top of the embankment was indented -with hoof-marks, but these might have been made by the gangers' horses, -which were constantly driven up and down the embankment. But there was -something that satisfied the girl that at this spot a struggle had -taken place, for on the land side of the embankment tufts of grass and -clods of clay had been torn out and thrown into the drove, and on the -water side hoof-marks and a slide in the greasy marl were sealed up -by the frost as evidences of a horse having there gone down into the -water. These had not been observed by any one else, as no one save -Zita had known the exact place where to look for them, and though -distinguishable enough when searched for, they were not obtrusively -manifest. - -Zita had not merely a well-arranged mind, but she was able to prize -whatever facts came before her at their true value. - -Now, as she walked away from the river towards Prickwillow, she -realised that there was strong presumptive evidence that Drownlands -had been engaged in a tussle with his enemy, and that he knew how it -was that Runham had met his death, even if he were not absolutely his -murderer. - -As Zita entered the house, she heard the master's voice raised in tones -of anger. He was addressing Mrs. Tunkiss, the housekeeper. - -'It's all idle excuse—you don't want the trouble of it. I know your -ways.' - -'I haven't a needle will go through it,' answered Leehanna. - -Then Drownlands came out of the kitchen. He was swinging in his hand -the tiger-skin that usually in cold or wet weather was slung over his -shoulders. His eye lighted on Zita, and his face brightened at once. - -'Look here, you Cheap Jack girl,' said he. 'The servants are idle curs, -both of them. I want Leehanna Tunkiss to mend my skin. I have torn it. -A few threads will suffice, and she declares she has no needle that -will go through the leather. It's all idleness and excuse.' - -'I will do it,' said Zita. 'We have all sizes and sorts of needles in -stock—for cobblers, tailors, and all.' - -She took the tiger-hide out of his hand. - -'That's my great-coat—my mantle by day and my rug and coverlet by -night,' said Drownlands. 'I wear no other. We, who have been born and -bred in the Fens, folk are pleased to call fen-tigers. That is why I -got this skin. Ten, fifteen years ago it was for sale in Ely, and I -bought it as a fancy, and have come to think I can't do without it. -Folks have got to know me now by it, and call me the Fen-tiger King. -Can you mend it?' - -Turning the skin about, Zita said, 'It has been given a -wrench—tremenjous.' - -'Well, so it has, and there is a rip as well. If it is not drawn -together now, it will go worse. I don't want to wear rags, and I won't, -that's more—though Leehanna would have me, to save trouble. It is -easier to find an excuse than to run threads with a needle.' - -'I will do it,' said Zita. 'But you must suffer me to take it to my -room, that I may find a suitable needle and stout thread.' - -'Yes, take it,' said Drownlands, with his beetling brows drawn together -and his eyes fixed on her from below them. 'Yes, Chestnut-hair! you can -do everything. In your store you keep everything but excuses.' - -'We could not sell them,' said Zita. - -'And it is with excuses Leehanna serves me,' he replied, and looked -sideways angrily at his housekeeper, who retreated muttering into the -kitchen. - -Then Drownlands went out, and Zita retired to her room to accomplish -the task she had undertaken. As she turned the hide about, she was -struck with the evidence it gave of having been wrenched and twisted -with great strain of violence. The wrench was no ordinary one, produced -by the catching of the skin in a nail or door. The hide was in one -place stretched out of shape by the force exerted on it; not only so, -but it had been contorted. Again, on closer investigation, it appeared -that some of the hair had been ripped out by the roots, by this means -exposing the bare hide. - -As Zita worked at the repair, her busy brain occupied itself with the -causes of this strain and rent: how they could have been produced, why -the tension had been so excessive. - -That Drownlands had not ridden to Ely on the fair-day with his skin -torn she was convinced by his asking to have it mended now; whereas, -had it been in this condition before fair-day, he would have required -it to be repaired before riding into Ely. Drownlands was eccentric in -his dress, but he was also punctilious about its neatness. The injury -done to the tiger-skin must have been done since Tawdry fair-day. All -at once Zita dropped needle and twine, started up, left her room, and -went to that which Drownlands used as his office, the apartment into -which he had conducted her when he showed her his money. - -Into the corner of this room he had flung the flail that he had taken -from her when she was about to leave his farm and to return it to Mark -Runham; the flail she had picked up on the bank was that Runham the -elder had bought from her for a guinea. - -Zita knew that Drownlands was out, she had seen him go to the stables -across the yard. He had not returned. She had not heard his voice -or step in the house since. Into the office she was justified in -penetrating, for the master had asked her to keep it in order for him. -Leehanna Tunkiss neglected it, on the excuse that she was afraid of -disarranging his papers and books. Zita knew that both flails were in -this room; that which Drownlands had bought was suspended to a nail, -the other was in the corner where he had cast it. - -Zita took both flails and examined them. She saw that they had been -subjected to rough usage. The wood was bruised in both. It had not -been so when they left her hands in the afternoon of Tawdry Fair. The -flappers were dinted, and there was a deep bruise in the 'handfast' of -one. Both had been employed to strike, and both had clashed against -each other. - -Zita replaced Drownlands' flail on the nail whence she had unhitched -it, and took a further look at that which had belonged to Runham. - -She now observed that the leather thongs that attached the flapper to -the handfast were twisted, stretched, and strained, and that in the -twist was a tuft of hair precisely similar to that of the tiger-skin. - -She detached some of this hair, took it to her room, and compared it -with that still in place on the hide. There could no longer be any -question but that a struggle had taken place between the two men, that -they had fought with the flails, that in course of the contest the -flail of Runham had become entangled in the hide worn by Drownlands, -and that the flail had been twisted, and so had strained and torn the -skin. - -In this case Drownlands most certainly knew of the death of his -adversary, and had had some hand in it. - -Zita knew enough, and she shuddered at the thought that she was -enjoying the hospitality of a murderer. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -ON BONE RUNNERS - - -'Heigh! Cheap Jack girl!' - -Zita was out enjoying the crisp, frosty air, on the frozen soil, -sparkling under the winter sun. - -The November frost had continued, and canals and rivers were iced over -as well as dykes and drains. God's plough was in the soil—that is what -country folk say when the frost cuts deep into the earth. Where God's -plough has been, there golden harvests are turned up to gladden all -sorts and conditions of men, and golden harvests turn to metallic gold -in the pockets of the farmers. - -Every fen man, woman, and child can skate. As soon as a child has found -its legs, it essays to slide, and when it can slide, it attempts to -skate. Fen skating is inelegant. Speed alone is considered, and legs -and arms fly about in all directions. With scorn does the fen-man -contemplate the figuring of the fine gentleman on the ice. - -In winter, skating matches come as thick as do football matches -elsewhere. Parish is pitted against parish, fen against fen, islet -contests with islet; even the frequenters of one tavern are matched -against the frequenters of another. - -During a hard frost, locomotion for once becomes easy and speedy in the -Fens. Men and women skate to market, children to school, and smugglers -run their goods from King's Lynn. - -Zita had gone to the river side to see a sight that was novel to her. -As she stood watching the skaters, Mark Runham came to the bank side, -his cheeks glowing, his fair hair blowing about his ears, his eyes -sparkling as though frost crystals were in them. - -'I say, Cheap Jack, get on your patines and come.' Skates are termed -_patines_ in the Fens. - -'If you mean skates, I have none. Besides, I do not know how to use -them.' - -'Not got patines? Not know how to use them? Then take a ride in my -sleigh. I'll run you along. Stay here a few minutes till I have brought -it.' - -He was gone, flying down the river like a swallow, and in ten minutes -he had returned, drawing after him a little sledge, and stayed his -course on the frozen surface of the Lark before Zita. - -'It's fine fun,' said he, with a voice cheery as his smile. 'I'll -run you where you like to go; to Rossall Pits if you will—to -Littleport—down to the sea—up to Cambridge—to the end of the -world—anywhere you will.' - -'Take me for a short distance only.' - -'Then seat yourself in the sledge. We shall go as the wind.' - -Zita descended the bank to the ice. - -'Look!' said he; 'do you see how my sleigh is made? It is set on the -leg-bones of a horse. It runs on them in prime style. They wear as -steel, and slip along better.' - -With her face radiant with happiness, Zita placed herself in the little -sleigh. - -Then with a merry 'Whoop!' off he started down the river. The wind -rushed in Zita's face, sharp and fresh, and drove the blood to her -cheeks. - -They passed many 'patiners,' men and boys. There were few women out. -Later, when the sun set, they would skate along the frozen surface to -the tavern. The tavern is an institution in the Fens more frequented -than elsewhere, and frequented without scruple, not by men only, -but by women as well. There is a reason for this. The fen-water is -undrinkable. There are no springs in the Fens. Those who live near -the rivers derive thence their tea water; river water is potable and -harmless when boiled, that which is drawn from the peat is neither. -Consequently the inhabitants of the Fens are compelled to drink -something other than water, and instinctively seek that something other -at the public-houses. When the woman's work-day is over, she dons her -patines and is off to the 'Fish and Duck,' or the 'Spade and Becket,' -the 'Pike and Eel,' or the 'Sedge Sheaf,' to moisten her dust-dry clay. - -As Zita flew along the ice, she laughed for joy of heart. Never had -she travelled so fast. Her wonted pace had been that of the snail, for -she had made progress in a heavily-laden van, drawn by a depressed and -stolid horse. She was whirled past one of the main pumps for throwing -the water of the loads into the river, and before she conceived it -possible, she had passed a second. And these engines, as Mark told her, -were two miles apart. Jewel's fashion of travelling was very different -from that of Mark. Along the smoothest and most level road he had been -accustomed to crawl, and then, after having made his pulses throb and -his sweat break out, to stand still, with head down, to revive himself. -Then nothing would induce him to proceed till he considered himself -refreshed, when he would stumble on for a couple of miles, and again -pause. But Mark flew along as though he would never know exhaustion, -and there was no bringing him to a standstill. - -After several vain attempts to arrest him, Zita succeeded. He stood -beside her sleigh with a smile on his pleasant face, and with the steam -blowing from his nostrils. - -'You must not go too far,' said Zita. 'We have come a long way from -Prickwillow.' - -'What! are you tired? You have not been dancing on sketches?' - -'I do not understand your meaning.' - -'Sketches?—does that word puzzle you as did patines? They are what -some folk call stilts. I can run on them like a crane. But sketches are -cumbrous, and, when the fen is soft, tire one speedily.' - -'Let us return now.' - -'No indeed. You have nothing to call you back. That fellow Drownlands, -old scoundrel,—I beg your pardon,—will not be angry with you and -thrash you, I suppose?' - -'He is not at home. He has gone abroad for the day.' - -'Then come along. We will visit Newport.' - -'Please do not take me much farther.' - -'Why not? Are you not enjoying the run?' - -'I love it.' - -'Then away we go. You are not afraid of travelling, with me as your -horse?' - -She looked straight into his bright, honest face, and laughed. 'No—you -are too good for any one to fear you.' - -'How do you know that?' - -'You carry honesty in your eyes, and "good boy" written across your -brow.' - -'It is time for me to run,' laughed Mark, 'or my head will be turned.' - -He buckled himself to his task, pranced from side to side, swinging the -little sleigh to right and left, in his light-hearted frolic, and then -away he went, running the sleigh with Zita in it straight along the -canal. - -The flatness, the monotony of the Fens, the absence of unshackled -nature, the treelessness of the region, the lack of everything that can -arrest the changing lights and passing shadows, combine to make the -district one to send a chill into the mind of the visitor. Flat as the -sea, it is devoid of its diversity of tint and tumultuous or glassy -beauty. Nevertheless, the fen exercises a charm over the mind and holds -with a spell the heart of the native. He can live nowhere else. He will -not emigrate. He feels bound to spend all his days in the fen. Only -when the vital spark expires does his body leave the turf to repose in -the clay of the islet graveyards. That the farmer and landowner should -love the fen is not marvellous, because of the richness of the soil and -the profits they make out of it; but why the labourer should cling to -the spongy turf is not so explicable. He may be discontented, and be a -grumbler, but he is discontented with his lot, and envies the taverner -or the smuggler on the Fens, grumbles at the hardness of his work or -the lowness of his pay; but he is not discontented because the fen is -so flat, and he has no word against its hideousness, or, at least, its -uniformity. - -One reason why the labourer in the Fens does not think of leaving -it may be that he uses tools there different from those employed -elsewhere, and he would have to learn his trade anew, employ unfamiliar -tools, and be subjected to ridicule when handling them awkwardly. It -is strange, but true, that those men are more naturally prone to leave -their homes who inhabit mountainous lands than such as dwell in level -districts. - -How far was Mark going? How Zita flashed past the windmills, some of -which had their sails in motion! A little rising ground showed, with -some trees clustered on it—that must be Littleport. - -'Mark,' said Zita suddenly, 'I want to ask you a question.' - -'Say on,' said he, and relaxed the speed at which he was spinning her -along, and finally came to a standstill. How pretty she was, with her -glowing cheeks, her cherry lips, the light of the winter sun in her -soft hazel eyes and in her rich, burnished, chestnut hair! How pretty -that hair was now, in some confusion, puffed out of its order, the -coppery strands on her brow, one down her cheek! The wildness of her -appearance thus untidied by the wind made her more than ever charming. - -Mark looked with eyes that could not be satiated with looking. - -But it was not merely her beauty that struck him. It was the exuberant -happiness that seemed to be bursting forth at her eyes, running out of -her little head in every shining hair, glowing in those bright-tinted -cheeks, burning in those carnation-red lips. - -'Well, my dear little Zita, what is it?' - -'Mark, it is something I have thought about and have puzzled over. It -seems strange to speak about it now—now when I am so joyous—and it is -connected with things so sad to me and to you.' - -'But what is it, little rogue?' - -'Mark, that terrible night when your father and mine died'—. She -paused. - -'Well, Zita?' - -'Then—before his death, I mean—before the death of my own dear daddy, -and I can't say whether it was before or after yours was drowned—I -heard such a strange, such an awful sound.' - -'Where?' - -'In the sky—above; like the barking of dogs. It was just as though a -hunter was going by with his pack. Shall I tell you what I thought it? -It was just as if the dogs had smelt the fox, and gave tongue. Was it -not dreadful? I could see nothing; I could hear—that was all.' - -'I think nothing of that,' said Mark. 'I know our fen-folk say it is -the devils running after a human soul. They have snuffed it from the -bottomless pit, then the Great Hunter of Souls opens the kennel door, -and out they burst, yelping, snapping, panting, and come after it.' - -'Oh, Mark!' - -'But if the soul be very nimble, it runs before them, runs on the -wind, swift as an arrow, and slips in at heaven's gate, and then the -evil spirits yelp and bay and bark outside. But it is all fudge and -nonsense. I believe that the sound comes from the wild geese.' - -'I shall ever think of this. Oh, I hope I shall never hear that -dreadful sound again. My dear father—no—he would certainly escape -those hounds. They would never catch him. For him the Golden Gate would -be opened, and the dogs be shut outside. He was so gentle, so kind, so -true. Oh, I loved him so—so much!' And thereupon the brightness was -gone out of the sunny little face, and it was bathed in tears. - -'Put all this aside. Think no more of it.' - -'They were in full pursuit when I heard them.' - -'The geese? And you are a little goose if you think more of this.' - -'Mark, may I never hear that sound again!' - -'Or, if you do, Zita, may I be near you to laugh your fears away. No, -not laugh—kiss them away, as I do now.' - -'Mark! you _are_ a naughty boy! I did not think it of you.' - -The roses had come back, and the glow was returned, and in one cheek -deeper than the other. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -PIP BEAMISH - - -'Do go on and leave me alone,' said Zita. - -Then again the young man sped forward with the sledge, at full speed on -his skates. There was a glow of something more than health—something -more than the reaction produced by the fresh wind—in his cheeks. - -'Here's a joke!' exclaimed Mark, stopping for a moment. 'I see quite a -throng round Beamish's mill.' - -Again he went on. And Zita, looking in the direction he had indicated, -saw that a considerable number of persons was collected, some on the -banks, some on the ice, and as many as could be accommodated on the -brick platform of a windmill. - -Without halting, Mark said, 'The paddle can't go because of the frost, -but Pip Beamish's tongue can wag, and when it wags it is for mischief. -He is a restless, dissatisfied rascal. We'll go and hear what he has to -say.' - -Mark stayed the sledge when he reached the outer ring of the -congregation that was gathered together about the mill. - -The day was Sunday, so no work was being done. There were idlers -everywhere, specially on the ice. In present days there is little -church-going in the Fens, in former days there was none. Churches are -few and far apart. In mediæval times the monks of Ely had chapels on -every islet that rose a few feet above the meres, and they boated from -one to another, gathering around them for divine service and moral -instruction the aquatic population of the Fens. With the Reformation -these chapels were let fall into ruin, and care for the souls of the -fen-dwellers ceased. The canons of the cathedral were wealthy and idle, -and it never so much as occurred to their sleepy, stagnant consciences -that they had duties to perform towards the inhabitants of the district -whence they drew their revenues. - -When the meres were dried, and settlers occupied the drained land, then -the parochial clergy were unable to cope with the altered condition -of affairs. The roads were impassable, the distances enormous, their -incomes had not increased with the alteration in the value of the lands -included in their vast parishes. Consequently, the fen-folk came to -think little of their religious duties. The church towers might serve -as landmarks, but the church pastors were not spiritual guides. The -only form of religion that commended itself to an amphibious population -was Anabaptism, and that mainly because it consisted of a good souse in -fen-water. A few of the sterner spirits settled into the sect, but the -bulk of the natives grew up and lived without any religion at all; or, -if they professed to be Christians, they took care to allow it in no -way to interfere with their profits or their pleasures. - -The assemblage about the mill consisted of labouring men and their -wives; some were in their Sunday clothes, but others had not taken the -trouble to 'clean' themselves. Such were the men who lounged about on -holidays with springes and nets in their pockets, and a gun barrel up -the left sleeve. - -A stool was planted close to the mill, and on it stood a young man with -high cheek-bones, long dark hair, and glittering eyes under heavy, -bushy brows. He had unusually lengthy arms, and at the extremities of -the arms unusually broad, flat hands. These he flourished about. He -drew in his elbows to his sides, and emphasised an appeal by suddenly -throwing out his arms and extending his fingers. Having his back to the -mill, which was constructed of boards, what he said was audible to some -distance. The boards served as reverberators. - -'I say it is a sin,' shouted the orator. 'Here be the farmers turning -earth into corn, and corn into gold guineas, and the men as helps them -to do it ain't paid enough to keep body and soul together. What was -wheat a quarter only a short while ago? It was one hundred and twenty -shillings and sixpence. Now it is ninety-six shillings. And what are -the wages? Seven to ten shillings. What is the difference between seven -shillings and ninety-six? Eighty-nine, is it not? That is what goes -into the farmers' pockets. Who do all the work? And who get all the -gains? Look into every stackyard and see what wheat is there for the -rats and mice to eat,—they are not begrudged it, let them eat,—but -you and your children must starve. Why are not the stacks threshed -out? Because the farmers are waiting till the wheat goes up to one -hundred and twenty-six shillings again. You may perish of hunger—that -is nothing to them. Your children may run naked—that is nothing to -them. You may drink fen-water because you haven't twopence to pay for a -half-pint of beer—that is nothing to them. You mayn't have a blanket -to throw over your beds this freezing weather—they don't care. You may -have the walls of your cots so full of cracks that the wind whistles -through them—they don't care. Your hands have held the plough, your -hands have sown the corn, your wives and children have hoed it three -times, you have reaped it, you have stacked it—and there it stands -for rats and mice to eat, till prices go up to one hundred and -twenty-six shillings. Ninety-six is not good enough for them,—these -bloodsuckers,—and you are content to let things remain so. What I -maintain is, that you have a right to say to the farmers, "Thresh out -now while we are hungry; the price is too high even now for us, and why -should sad days for us be golden days for you?"' - -His address was received with applause. - -Mark turned to Zita and said in a low tone, 'He is right after a -fashion. I'll set to work and thresh to-morrow. I'll let the labourers -who are on my farm have this corn ten per cent. under market price. I -cannot act fairer than that.' - -'And how is it with the millers?' pursued the orator. 'Don't they take -toll of every sack of corn you send to them to be ground? Are not their -pigs and cows kept fat on what the miller's fist brings up out of your -flour? As if it were not enough that you were cheated by the farmer, -you must be cheated also by the miller. Pillaged in every way, pinched -on every side, trodden on by every one—that is your fate.' - -His words met with applause. - -'We have gone on hoping, and we have been disappointed. What good -comes to us from Parliament? None at all. What help do we get from -the laws? The laws are made for the benefit of the farmer, and not -for the poor man. What good to us are magistrates—justices of the -peace? They are appointed to hold us down, to fine and imprison us. -They are the farmer's friends, not the friends of the poor man. We are -told that Old Boney is the foe of our country. Men are called from the -plough, plucked away from their wives and children, to serve the king -against this Bonaparte. What does patriotism mean? It means loving the -country where we are ill-treated and starved, loving the king who never -concerns himself about us, loving the laws that oppress us, loving the -magistrates who imprison us, loving the farmers who are sucking the -marrow out of our bones. I'm no patriot. As well ask a poor prisoner -to love his jail, shed his blood in its defence. I'll tell you what it -is, friends, Heaven helps them who help themselves. No good will come -to us from waiting. Heaven is silent so long as we bear and do nothing, -but Heaven will send its lightning and hailstones when we take the -matter into our own hands. It was so in the day of battle in Gibeon; -then the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon the oppressors -of Israel, and made sun and moon to stand still till they were cut to -pieces, smitten hip and thigh. The great stones would have remained in -the clouds, sun and moon have taken their usual courses, had not Joshua -and Israel armed themselves to fight—to right their own wrongs. So -will it be again, so has it ever been, so will it be unto the end. We -must raise our hands to fight our fight, raise our hands against our -oppressors, or there will be no help for us from on high. If you remain -hoping and doing nothing, then, as I said before—to be trampled into -the mud—that is your fate.' - -'And to be thrashed and to be kicked out of employ—that is what is -laid up for you, you rascal!' shouted an imperious voice. - -Zita and Mark looked round, and saw behind them Drownlands on his horse. - -'I will see to you, Pip Beamish, as sure as that I am a Commissioner,' -continued the master of Prickwillow. 'You were not set to tend a mill -that you might stump it and foment ill-feeling. I shall report what -you have said at the next meeting of the Commissioners, and shall have -you cast adrift.' Then, turning to the audience, Drownlands brandished -his whip and cried, 'As for the rest of you, disperse instantly, or I -will ride up and down among you and lash you with my whip, and send you -skipping home.' - -The crowd broke up into knots, then further dissolved and dispersed. - -'I'll have your names, and see that you are thrown out of employ. Get -home at once, before the whip is at your breech.' - -The haughty, commanding tone of the man, and the knowledge that he was -one ready to execute his threats, seemed to make those who hesitated -consider that the better part of valour was discretion, and they -scattered in all directions. - -Drownlands, upright in his stirrups, looked about him, marking those -who seemed reluctant to obey his orders. Then his eye rested on Zita. -His face changed immediately. - -'You here?' - -'Mark ran me up in his sleigh.' - -'Mark? Mark? What Mark? How dare you come here without leave from me?' - -'I am not your servant. I am not your prisoner. I go where I choose. I -do what I will,' answered Zita, nettled at his tone. - -'Hallo!' scoffed Drownlands. 'What! has the mad folly of Ephraim -Beamish infected your little brain?' - -'My brain is sound enough. It is you, Master Drownlands, who forget -what your place is, and what is mine. You are not my master. I am not -your servant. I pay my way. I am a lodger at Prickwillow, nothing more. -If I please to go out for a run on the ice with Mark, I am not idle. I -have done my work in your house, and may enjoy myself as I like.' - -'Do not bandy words with me.' - -'It is of no use arguing with him,' whispered the young yeoman. 'He is -in one of his passions, when he acts and talks unreasonably. Take no -notice of him.' - -'What are you whispering about? Making mock of me?' roared Drownlands. - -'Come, Cheap Jack,' said Mark, 'jump on to the sleigh again; and you, -Master Drownlands,' he looked at the horseman with a laugh, 'let us -race—you on the bank, I on the canal—and Zita the prize.' - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -ON ONE FOOTING - - -Zita was back at Prickwillow long before the master. - -She anticipated a scene with him and prepared for it. He was wont to -domineer in his house and on the farm, and she had just seen how he -domineered and enforced his will on an assemblage of men not under -subjection to him. - -She was sensible that he had gradually assumed towards herself an air -of authority, but he had not hitherto addressed her in a dictatorial -tone so distinct as to provoke resistance. She had, however, perceived -that the time was approaching when some understanding must be reached -as to her position and their mutual relations. She was not a domestic -in the house, to be ordered about or to have her liberty curtailed. She -had accepted his hospitality, not entered into his service. - -Zita was alive to the fact that every one in the house and on the -farm—Mrs. Tunkiss, the shaking maid-of-all-work, the herd, the -labourers, the stable-boy—all stood in awe of him. The housekeeper -was as a lamb under his reprimand; a word addressed to the girl with -St. Vitus' dance drove her into convulsions; an order given to the men -galvanised them into momentary agility and sent the boy skipping like a -flea. Zita despised them for their subserviency. She was not afraid of -Drownlands. She knew that concerning him which was sufficient to make -him quake before her. - -Zita had been accustomed to face men of every description. Her father -had stood between her and coarse insult, but she had been obliged to -confront men rude, boisterous, and disposed to take advantage of her -weakness, and had acquired readiness in dealing with them, and nerve -not to show timidity. - -When she had seen the cringe and cower of those whom Drownlands had -threatened, she tossed her chestnut gold head in a manner expressive of -impatience. - -Drownlands had noticed this, and Zita had seen in his darkening brow -that he had observed, was surprised and offended at the contemptuous -action. The moment was not far off when he would test his strength -against hers. - -'The sooner the better,' said Zita to herself; and, instead of avoiding -him, she went across the yard to meet him as he rode up the drove. She -took his horse by the bridle and said, 'I will lead him to the stable; -the men are at chapel or the beerhouse, and the boy is with the cows.' - -'You won't curry favour by doing this,' said Drownlands. - -'Curry favour? I curry nothing. Currycomb your horse yourself!' - -'I want a word with you, Cheap Jack.' - -'And I with you, Fen-tiger—we must settle terms.' - -'Terms? What terms?' - -'The price of my lodging.' - -'I do not understand you.' - -'I have a capital copper warming-pan,' said Zita, 'with George and the -Dragon on the lid. A stunner. I've reckoned up what meat I've ate, and -all I've drunk, and the wear and tear of knives, linen, dishes, and so -forth, and I think the copper warming-pan will cover it all.' - -Drownlands had flung himself from his horse. - -He stared at Zita; he did not in the least seize her meaning. - -'If you don't care for a warming-pan,' she said, 'then there's half -a dozen red plush weskits, with gilded buttons and dogs' heads on -'em—you can't wear all six, but take your choice and I'll make up -with scrubbing-brushes, starch, and blue. I think the tiger-skin and a -red weskit under it, and them bushy eyebrows tied in a knot as they be -now, will make such a figure of you as will drive babies and girls into -fits.' - -'You are mocking me! You dare to do that?' - -'I'm not mocking you, though I don't say I'm not inclined to whisk a -red weskit before you, when you stamp and blare like a bull—for fun, -you know. I love fun, but I am not mocking you. I am too much obliged -to you for receiving me to do that.' - -'I will turn you out—you and your van—into the winter frost.' - -'When? To-morrow? I am ready to go.' - -'You shall not go!' exclaimed Drownlands, coming round the head of the -horse to her and seizing her wrist. 'You shall not go; I know why you -want to leave me. I know whither you want to go.' - -'Whither?' - -'To Crumbland.' - -'I have not been invited there; but if you turn me out, I shall find a -shakedown somewhere. There is that girl Kenappuch at the mill. She'll -have me for certain, and I'll pay her; not so high as a warming-pan, -but in currants and figs and a roll of calico. The accommodation won't -be so good as yours, nor the feeding so liberal.' - -'You have got to know her also?' - -'Yes.' - -'And Mark Runham?' - -'Yes; he has got to know me. That's the way to put it.' - -'You are resolved to seek friends where I disapprove—among those who -are my enemies?' - -'I know nothing and care less about your quarrels. I've got acquainted -with both, and they are the only persons in the Fens for whom I care'— - -'Oh, you care only for them.' - -'Outside Prickwillow. You cut me short before I had finished my -sentence. That is bad manners. If we kept manners in stock, I'd sell -you a penn'orth.' - -'Ah,' said Drownlands, for a moment relaxing his iron grasp, 'you allow -me some of your regard?' - -'I always care for every one who is kind to me, and you have been kind -to both me and my poor father.' At the mention of her father Zita's -lips and voice quivered, and tears filled her eyes. 'You were good to -him. I do not forget that, and I'll pay you for it in anything I have -got that you fancy. What do you say to smoked mother-of-pearl buttons?' - -'Will you be quiet?' roared Drownlands, with an oath. - -'Or,' continued Zita, 'there are several pounds of strong fish-glue. It -went soft and got mouldy in the van, but I got it dry in the kitchen -and wiped the mould off. It is all right now; the strength isn't taken -out of it. A shilling a pound is what it would cost you in Ely, but -as I offer it to you, I'll knock off twopence. You shall have it for -tenpence per pound—so you see I do care for you, twopence in the -shilling.' - -Drownlands' face darkened; he pressed the girl's wrist so that she -uttered an exclamation of pain. - -'You hurt me,' she said; 'that's something off your account.' - -'You are making a jest of me!' gasped the man. 'And you dare to do so? -You are not afraid?' - -'What should I be afraid of?' - -'I can hurt you—worse than by nipping your wrist.' - -'And I can defend myself,' she answered. '_I_ afraid of _you_? No; it -was you who trembled and screamed like a woman when I touched you on -the river bank that night we first met. It is _you_ who have reason to -be afraid of _me_.' - -The colour went out of his face. - -'No, I am not afraid of you,' continued Zita. 'I remember how, when you -sought to ride on, I stopped your way, and drove you where I wanted you -to go—drove you with the flail.' - -He released her arm. She felt that his hand was shaking. He knew that -it shook, and he was afraid lest she should observe it. - -He walked in silence to the stable with his head lowered. Zita -followed. She had gained a first advantage. She had forestalled his -attack, and now, instead of her being cowed by him, he was subdued by -her. - -When they were both in the stable,—for she had followed him to show -him how little fear she entertained,—then he addressed her in an -altered tone. - -'You do not intend to leave me?' - -'No; if you desire me to remain, I will remain.' - -'I do desire it. I could not endure that you should go.' - -'That is right; but why did you threaten me? I will stay. I could -not put up old Jewel in the windmill, and I haven't been invited to -Crumbland by Mark Runham.' - -He stamped his foot impatiently and set his teeth. - -'Why do you speak of him again?' - -'Speech is free here—in the van—in a king's palace—everywhere save -a gaol. I will speak of any one I choose, at any time, before any one, -and in any place I like.' - -'Why did you go with him today?' - -'Because I am free to go where I choose, and with whom I choose. This -is Sunday, and a holiday.' - -'Yes; but if you have any regard for me, do not go with him at all.' -He drew a long breath, removed and put on again his broad-brimmed hat. -'Why do you speak to me of payment for the trifling things I have done -for you? of payment with warming-pans, red waistcoats, and fish-glue?' - -'I am glad we are round to that point again,' said Zita, 'for speak of -that I must. No one can be expected to do things for nothing. If you -house me and Jewel, and feed us both'— - -'You have worked—you have done more than that beldame Leehanna and the -girl would do in twenty years.' - -'I have taken that into account. I know how many hours I have -worked at fivepence three-farthings (needles and thread included). -Nevertheless, the balance is against me. There is the warming-pan, or -the scrubbing-brushes, or the fish-glue'— - -He struck his fist against the stable door to drown her words. - -Zita put her hand on his arm. - -'It is of no good your acting the fool,' she said. 'What is right is -right. I shouldn't feel square in my insides if the account were not -balanced. My dear father was mighty particular on that score. Every -night we balanced our accounts as true as any banker, with a stump of a -pencil as he sucked. If I don't balance I can't sleep. I'll put to my -account some pins I had set to yours, all because of that squinch of -the wrist you gave me. If I were to leave your house to-morrow, Master -Drownlands, you'd find on the shelf in my room a row of articles that I -reckoned up would belong in rights to you as balancing our account.' - -He did not answer. He thrust his horse into a stall and put a halter -round its head. - -Then Zita went to the corn-chest and brought out a feed. The horse -whinnied as he sniffed the oats. Drownlands was in the stall tightening -the knot at the end of the halter. As Zita turned to depart, after -having tossed the oats into the manger, he came out after her, and, -laying hold of one side of the corn-measure, said— - -'Are you going?' - -'Yes. I have fed Pepper.' - -He shook the measure, and said, in tones of angry discouragement, 'You -will not take a bite of my bread, nor lie on a flock of my wool, nor -cover your golden head with one tile of my roof, but you must weigh -each and prize and pay me its value to the turn of a hair.' - -'Not so exactly; of course, I leave a margin.' - -'A margin of what?' - -'Profits!' - -'To whom?' - -'To myself, of course. We should never get along in the world without -profits. When we come to deal among friends, as you and I, then the -profits are reasonable. But when one has to do with the general -public,—that father always called the General Jackass,—then you lay -it on thick and heavy. Without profits of some sort one can't sleep the -sleep of innocence, as father said. But it is one thing dealing with -General Jackass and another with a friend; and I want you to understand -the footing on which we deal is the latter.' - -'So—the footing of buy and sell?' - -'Yes. I take my small profits. When a dressmaker makes your frocks, she -charges you for a packet of needles and uses one—the rest are profits. -She charges you for a knot of tape, and uses two yards and a half—the -rest is profit. And she cuts out eight yards of lining, and puts down -twelve—four are profits; and she puts you some frilling round your -neck and cuffs, charging three yards, and she uses one—there's profits -again. I do the same with you. I couldn't sleep if I didn't. It's -feather bed and pillow and bolster to me—profits.' - -'Take what you will. All you like.' - -'No,' said Zita. 'Fair trade between us. We deal as friends. I respect -and regard you too greatly to treat you as if you were General Jackass.' - -Then she left the empty corn-measure in his hand and walked away, with -a swing of the shoulders, a toss of the head, an elasticity in her -tread, that appertained to one who was victor—not to one defeated. And -Drownlands stood looking after her, holding the empty corn-measure, and -he wondered at himself that he had been beaten at every point by this -girl—he who had galloped home boiling with anger, resolved to break -her into meek subjection to his will. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -ON ANOTHER FOOTING - - -A sough of wind passed over the Fens like a long-drawn sigh. Every one -who heard it listened in silence. It was repeated, and then the general -comment was, 'The skating is over.' - -Nor was the comment falsified by the event. The wind had veered round -suddenly, without warning, to the south-west. It blew all night -and sent a warm rain against the windows that faced that quarter. -It covered wood and walls with dew. The ice broke up in the river, -it dissolved in the dykes. The sails of the mills were again in -revolution, they whirled merrily, merrily. - -Zita had come upon the embankment to see the broken ice drift down the -sluggish river, swept along by the wind rather than the current. There -she encountered Mark Runham. - -'What, you here, Cheap Jackie? No, hang it! I won't call you that. It -seems impudent; but I do not mean that, you may be sure.' - -'I know that, and am not offended.' - -'Your name—it continually slips my memory.' - -'Zita.' - -'A queer sort of a name that.' - -'It is not often you meet a Cheap Jack girl. They do not come thick as -windmills in the flats. So it suits me to bear a queer name.' - -'A queer name becomes a queer girl.' - -'Thanks. I have something for you—half a pound of bird's eye.' - -'What for?' - -'In payment for my run on the ice.' - -'I do not want payment.' - -'It gave you trouble, made you hot, but it was a very great pleasure to -me.' - -'I won't take it.' The young fellow laughed with his merry eyes as well -as with his fresh lips. 'Can you understand this, that it gave me five -times as much pleasure as it did you to spin you along and see the red -roses bloom in your cheeks and those dark eyes of yours twinkle as -though there were Jack o' Lanterns dancing in them? Zita, it is not -every day that a lad gets the chance of running a pretty girl along the -ice. It is I am in debt to you. We'll square the account, anyhow.' He -caught her head between his hands and gave her a kiss on her red lips. -'There is the account scored out, and a new account begun.' - -'That is not fair!' exclaimed Zita, shrinking back. - -'What! not settled? Again, then.' He kissed her once more. 'And -so—till all is right, and the balance squared.' - -Then he laughed, and, releasing her head, said— - -'You know we raced,—that old Drownlands and I,—and you were to be the -prize. I won you.' Then, seeing that she looked disturbed, he went off -to, 'Now, Cheap Jackie, tell me, was not that a droll sort of a life, -going over the world in that comical van?' - -'It was a very happy life, and the van was not comical at all. It is -splendid.' - -'I have not seen it.' - -'Then why did you call it unsuitable names?' - -'A jolly life, was it?' - -'Indeed it was. I was very happy in it—specially when we had piled up -the profits.' - -'You made a pile when you sold my father a flail for a guinea.' - -'We did; but if it is any satisfaction to you to know it, it was the -thoughts of that made him pass away so happy.' - -'A guinea was nought to my father; he was rich. Now I am rich.' Then, -with a trip of his foot on the bank as though he were dancing, 'Zita, -what a joke it would be for us to go round in the summer with the old -van and the stock-in-trade. What have you done with the goods?' - -'They are safe.' - -'And we will visit Swaffham, and Littleport, and Ely together, and -sell away like blazes. I'll attend to the horse, and you shall do all -the talking the folk want. What fun it will be!' - -'No,' said Zita, colouring; 'that will not be right.' - -'Why not?' - -'No. It was all very well with my father. But I will not go again.' - -'You must—you shall—with me!' - -'I will not—indeed I will not.' She turned away. - -'Well, anyhow you will show me the van?' - -'Yes. When you like.' - -'I can't well go into Prickwillow as matters are between us and -Drownlands—not that I bear him ill-will, but he is sour as a crab -towards me. We will manage it somehow at some time. But I can't help -thinking what fun it would be for us two to travel the world all over -together, selling pots and pans. I wish I had been born a Cheap Jack. -Where are you off to now, Zita?' - -'I am going to see Kainie at Red Wings.' - -'I will go with you. I also want to see her. I am very fond of Kainie, -I am.' Said with a mischievous laugh. - -'I daresay you are, but I am going alone.' - -'Nonsense! I shall go with you. I must see Kainie. I have an errand to -her.' - -'Who sent you?' - -Mark hesitated, then said, 'Well, no one. But it is business. I must -go.' - -'Then go. I will remain here.' - -Zita observed a lighter moored to the bank in the river. She stepped -towards it. 'I will go into the barge. Will you come with me and punt -me about?' - -'I cannot. I must go to Kainie.' - -'You wanted to come with me in the van, asked me to go with you. Now I -ask you to come with me in the boat, and you will not.' - -'I pay you off,' said Mark good-naturedly. 'You would not travel -with me in the van, so I will not travel with you in the barge. But, -seriously, I cannot. I must go on to Kainie. Come along with me,' urged -Mark. 'Kainie will be pleased to see you.' - -'Oh! you can answer for her?' - -'In some things; certainly in this.' - -'I will not go.' - -Zita pouted and turned her back on Mark. The young man did not press -her to change her intention. The decision in her face, the look in her -eyes, convinced him that his labour would be in vain were he to attempt -it. He started in the direction of Red Wings without her, and whistled -as he walked. Zita's brow was moody. She was a girl of impulse and of -no self-restraint, changeful in temper and vehement in passion. - -There was no reason why she should resent Mark's going to Red Wings, -and yet she did resent it. If he had to go, and she refused to -accompany him, he must go without her. That was obvious, and yet she -was very wroth. In her mind she contrasted Drownlands with Mark. She -had but to express a wish to the former, and it was complied with. -Had she said to him that she desired him to row her on the canal, he -would have placed himself at her service with eager delight. But this -scatterbrained Mark had no notion of submission to her wishes. He had -desired her society on the bank; when she refused it, he did without -it, and did without it with a light heart—he went away whistling. - -Zita stepped into the barge and seated herself on the side. She put her -chin in her hand and looked sullenly into the water full of broken, -half-dissolved pieces of ice. - -She was hot, her angry blood was racing through her veins. She was, -in her way, as impetuous as Drownlands. She had been suffered in her -girlhood by her father to follow her own bent, to do just what she -liked. But, indeed, there had been no occasion for him to cross her, -their interests were identical. Good-natured though Zita was, she was -masterful. She had sense, but sense is sometimes obscured by passion. - -She sat biting her nails. A fire was in her cheeks, and now and then -the tears forced themselves into her burning eyes. - -What could Mark have to call him to Red Wings? - -What possible business could he have with Kainie? - -Red Wings was not on his land; the mill did not drain his dykes. - -Zita marvelled how long Mark would remain with Kerenhappuch. Would -he sit down with her in her cabin? Would their conversation turn -on herself—Zita? Would Mark say that she was sulky? What would -Kerenhappuch reply? Would she not say, 'What else can you expect from -a girl who is a vagabond? We who lead settled lives in mills and -farmhouses know how to behave ourselves. What can you get out of a -chimney but soot? What does a marsh breed but gadflies?' - -It is really wonderful what a cloud of torments an ingenious mind can -rouse if it resolves to give run to fancy. Perhaps a woman is more -prone to this than a man. She conceives conversations relative to -herself; she puts into the mouths of the speakers the most offensive -expressions relative to herself. She wreathes their faces with -contemptuous smiles, gives to their voices insulting intonations, and -finally assumes that all the brood of her festering brain is real fact, -and not mirage. - -It was so now with Zita. - -She was startled from her reverie of self-torment by a shock in the -boat. She looked up, startled, and saw before her a man with long arms -and large hands, dark-haired and dark-eyed. He was handsome, but -his face bore an expression of sour discontent. The thin lips were -indicative of a sharp and querulous temper, and the checks seemed as -though they could not dimple into laughter. - -'What are you doing in the lighter?' asked the man, whom Zita -recognised as Ephraim Beamish, the orator. - -'I suppose I have as much right to be in the boat as you,' answered the -girl peevishly. - -'No doubt. We neither have any right anywhere. We are both poor. I -know who you are—the Cheap Jack girl. I hear you have been taken into -Prickwillow. Wish you happiness. It is not the place I should care -to be in. Drownlands is not the man to clothe the poor, house the -wanderer, feed the hungry, without expecting his reward—and that here. -He does nothing of good to any one but to serve his own ends. He has -just had me turned out.' - -'Turned out of what?' - -'Turned out of my mill, out of my employ, out of my livelihood. I have -now to run about the fens, in ice and snow. I have no home. I am a -gentleman, however, for I have no work. The rats may shelter in the -barn, the mice may nest in the stack, but I must be without a roof to -cover my head, without work to engage my hands, and without bread to -put into my mouth. And all for why? Because I have been bold to speak -the truth. Truth is like light. Men hate it and turn their eyes from -it. Them as speaks the truth gets persecuted, and I am one of these.' - -'You can obtain work elsewhere,' said Zita, displeased at having her -imaginary troubles broken in on by some one with a real grievance. - -'No, I cannot,' answered Beamish; 'the owners of property hang together -like bees when they swarm. If you disturb one, the whole hive sets on -you and stings you to death.' - -'Well,' said Zita irritably, 'you need not tell me all this. I cannot -assist you.' - -'I do not suppose you can. But—has Property got into your blood, that -you speak so sharp to me? Maybe, like a bat, you're hanging on to it -by a claw. Like a gnat, you have your lips to it, and are sucking your -fill. I do not ask your help. I fend for myself. But I like to talk. -Nothing will be done to correct evils if the evils be not talked about. -You must go round Jericho and blow the trumpets seven times, and seven -times again, before the walls will fall, and we can march up and take -the city. Let Property look out. The working people will not stand to -be robbed and maltreated any longer.' - -Beamish unloosed the rope that attached the boat to the shore, and, -taking a pole, thrust out and began slowly to force the vessel up -stream, talking as he punted. - -'You may tell Drownlands my curse rests on him; and that will rot his -timber and rust his corn.' - -'I will bear him no such message,' said Zita. 'But where are you taking -me?' - -'Up the river. I shall leave you presently; but I will return and punt -you back again.' - -'Where are you going?' - -'To Red Wings.' - -'What do you want there?' - -'I have an errand,' answered Beamish. - -'There is one gone there before you, with an errand from himself—and -that is Mark Runham.' - -'He there!' exclaimed Pip Beamish, leaning on the punting-pole and -looking down into the water. 'Property meets one everywhere. Property -blights everything. I am a poor chap. I am cast out of employ; but I -did think I had my ewe lamb. And now Property comes between me and -her. Property says to me, "Go—what I cannot consume I will destroy, -lest you have it." Do you think, you Cheap Jack girl, that Mark Runham -will marry Kainie? He is a man of property, and property hungers for -property. She is like me. She has nothing. She is a miller grinding -nought save water.' - -He thrust the boat towards the shore. - -'I'll not go to see her,' said Beamish. 'I could not bear it. I'm off -to the Duck at Isleham. I shall meet there some fellows who love the -working people, and who will combine to teach these men who hold the -Fens in their fists to deal with their labourers justly and mercifully.' - -He leaped ashore, mounted the bank, and, standing there, extended his -long arms and expanded his great hands, and cried, 'I see the day -coming! I see the light about to break! The trumpet will sound, and -the dead and crushed working men will rise and stand on their feet. -That will be a day of vengeance!—a day of fire and consuming heat! -Then will the fen-farmers call to the earth to swallow them, and to -the isles to cover them, against the anger of the dead men risen up in -judgment against them.' - -'There comes Mark,' said Zita. 'I suppose I must get him to punt me -home. But I shall not speak to him all the way.' - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -BURNT HATS - - -At the time of our tale, the Duck at Isleham—a solitary inn on -slightly rising ground—was notorious as a place of resort for -poachers, a centre to which smuggled goods were brought from the Wash, -and whence they were distributed, and a general rendezvous for the -dissatisfied. Not a bad trade was done at the Duck. Thither came the -poachers as to a mart for the disposal of their game, and the dealers -to take the spoil of the poachers; thither came not only those who -brought, up the dark path from the sea, spirits which had not paid -duty, but also the farmers who desired to lay in supplies. As the -fen-water was not potable unmixed, it was a matter of necessity for -the fen-dwellers to temper it with something that would neutralise its -unpleasant savour as well as kill its unwholesome elements. Moreover, -such being the case, those who desired to lay in a stock of this -counteracting agent went for it, by a law of nature, to the cheapest -shop, and the cheapest shop was that where the traffic was in spirits -that were contraband. Lastly, at the Duck assembled the great company -of grumblers, large everywhere, but especially large in the Fens. - -As the Duck afforded space for a good many grumblers in bar and -kitchen and parlour, and as grumblers like to grumble into the ears -of men of their own kidney, the Duck drew to it the discontented of -all classes—farmers dissatisfied with their rent, yeomen dissatisfied -at their rates, artisans out of humour because trade was slack, -gangers, clayers, bankers, gaulters, slodgers, millers, molers, -gozzards—everyone whom the depressing atmosphere of the Fens made -dispirited, and who thought the cause of his depression was due to the -oppression of some one else. - -The kitchen of the Duck was full. A great fire of turf was heaped -up, and glowed red, diffusing heat, but giving out no flame, and, -notwithstanding the tobacco smoke, filling the place with its -penetrating, peculiar odour. The men present—on this occasion they -were all men—were drinking; they were mostly men of the class of -agricultural labourer. Among them were two or three with dazed eyes, -men silent, pallid, who looked at the speakers and acquiesced in every -sentiment or opinion expressed, however contradictory they might be. -These were opium-eaters. - -In the Fens, almost every cottage grows its crop of white poppy in the -small garden. Of the poppy heads a tea is brewed. The mothers are -accustomed to work in the fields, hoeing between the ranks of wheat. -The rich soil that produces the corn produces also weeds that have to -be kept under. That the babe may not interfere with the mother earning -a small wage, it is given poppy tea, and that sends it to sleep for -the day. But the drops of opium thus administered in infancy affect -the tender brains, bewilder them, and subject the child to nervous -pains. As it grows up to man or womanhood, it has recourse to the drug -to which it was brought up in infancy. A large business in laudanum is -done in the Fens, and much of the distraught mind and tortured nerve is -due to this cause. The poppy tea dispels trouble as surely as whisky, -and opium dulls pain at a cheaper and surer rate than the surgeon who -boggles over its removal. - -'I tell you,' said Pip Beamish, 'it is due to the farmers and yeomen. -Look at them, up to the eyes in gold, and gold that is squeezed out of -the fen by your hands. Till they have been taught a lesson, and that -a sharp and stinging one, they will go on in the same way. No Acts of -Parliament will help us. You may send up whom you will, Whig or Tory, -to Westminster, it is the same. No party will do aught for you. No -judges and no jury are of any avail, for law can't come in and right -us. We must do that with our own hands. When a boy won't do the right -thing, you put a stick across his back and make him; you don't ask for -an Act of Parliament, you don't elect a member to teach him his duty. -We must teach our farmers as you teach idle and thievish boys. Teach -them in such a way as they won't forget. Teach them to fear the rod. -Set the stackyards blazing throughout the Fens, and by the light of -those fires they'll begin to see what is the way of justice and equity.' - -'I don't see how that's going to lower the price of wheat,' said a -ganger, named Silas Gotobed. 'You sez that the cost of bread is too -high. If you burn the wheatstacks, there will be less corn, and up the -price will go.' - -'You're right there. That's reason, Silas,' said a third, Thomas Goat, -a gaulter. 'The mischief don't lie with the farmers. They grow the -corn—some one must do that. The wickedness is in the eaters.' - -'Why, we're all eaters.' - -'Ay!' said Goat sententiously. 'But we've a right to eat; there be a -lot eats as hasn't a right to do so.' - -'You mean rats and mice.' - -'No, I don't—leastways not four-legged ones.' - -'What do you mean, then?' - -'It is them collegers,' said Goat. 'I've been to Cambridge. I've seen -them there, a thousand of them. They come up in swarms from every -part of England, and there they do nought but eat and drink and row -on the river, and play cricket on Parker's Piece. Rowin' and playin' -cricket ain't qualifications for eatin'. What would you say if a -thousand rats, big as bullocks, was to come on to the Fens and attack -our stacks? There'd be a pretty outcry. Every man would take down his -gun. The terriers would be called for. Traps, poison would be laid, and -none quiet till every rat was exterminated. Very well, up from every -part of England come these darned collegers to the Univarsity, and -spend their time there, eatin'—eatin'—eatin'. Mates, I axes, what -are they eatin'? It is the wheat we grow on our fens. I calculate that -one-half of what we grow goes down into their stomicks. If there were -no collegers, then there'd be twice as much corn, and corn would be -at forty-eight instead of ninety-six. It is that Univarsity and them -collegers does it. I have shown you that as clear as these five fingers -of mine. If that ain't reason, show me where it is to be found.' - -'I don't hold with you,' said Gotobed, impatient at having his say -snapped out of his mouth. 'I suppose collegers must eat somewhere.' - -'Let them stay and eat at home.' - -'Well, but what about the price of wheat at their homes? Won't they -diminish the supply there?' - -'That don't concern us,' shouted a clayer named Gathercole. 'It is -no odds to us what the supply and what the price is elsewhere. All -that concerns us is the supply and the price here in the Fens. Goat, -you've hit the wrong nail on the head! I know better than you; it's the -bankers does it.' - -'What have you to say against the bankers?' asked Goat. 'I'd like to -know where the corn would be if the bankers did not keep the rivers -from overflow.' - -'I mean those who have banks in towns,' explained Gathercole. 'I've -been to Mortlock's in Ely. I've seen what the clerks do there. They -have drawers full of gold. They don't trouble to put their fingers to -it, they shovel it in and shovel it out like muck. Whence does Mortlock -get all that gold, I ask. It comes out of the Fens. The farmers are -such dizzy-fools that they put their money there for Mortlock to take -care of, and Mortlock sends the money out of the country to America. -What's the advantage of the farmers growing corn, and of the labourers -helping to grow it, what's the pleasure to reap and sow and plough and -mow and be a farmer's boy, if all the money earned and addled goes into -Mortlock's bank, and Mortlock sends it to America? I wish I was in -Parliament one week, and I'd hang every banker in the country, and burn -every ship as takes the money out of England and carries it to America.' - -'I say it is the millers,' said Isaac Harley, a clayer. 'You send a -sack of corn to the soak-mill, and you get back half a sack of flour. -How is that? There should be as much flour come back as corn went, but -there does not. I have proved it scores of times. I've sent a sack -so full of wheat that I could scarce bind the mouth, and when it -came back as flour it was but half full. That is what makes corn so -dear—the millers steal it. If I were king for half a day, I'd drown -every miller in England in his own dam.' - -'You are all of you out,' said a small landowner, named Abraham Cutman. -'But it is like your ignorance. You feel that the shoe pinches, but -you don't know where it pinches, and why it pinches. I will tell you. -I have education, and you have not. It is the rates. We are paying -from six to seven shillings an acre for the drainage of the Fens. The -rate has been up to ten shillings and sixpence. Why should we pay -that? We can't afford to pay seven shillings an acre in rates, and -pay our workmen well also. All the profits are consumed in rates. The -Commissioners stick it on, and they can't help it; they must have the -banks kept up and the mills in working order.' - -'Of course they must,' threw in the gaulter. - -'They must have their mills,' said Beamish. 'But why am I thrown out of -employ, that did no wrong, and never neglected my duty?' - -'Silence all round. Listen to me,' said Cutman. 'The wrong lies here. -Take off the rate, and the price of corn will go down, and the price of -labour will go up.' - -'That's it. Cutman has it!' exclaimed several. - -But Goat dissented. 'There must be a rate,' said he, 'or how should I -be paid for my gaulting? and without gaulting there can be no banking.' - -'Of course there must be a rate. I'd have it permanently fixed by Act -of Parliament at fifteen shillings an acre.' - -'You would?' - -'Yes, I would; so that gaulters and bankers should have double wages. -They work hard and deserve it.' - -'Right you are, master,' said Goat; but others murmured. - -'Why should gaulters and bankers only have double pay? Why not molers -and gozzards also?' others again asked. 'How about the price of wheat -then?' - -'I said I'd have the rate fixed at fifteen shillings an acre,' pursued -Cutman, looking about him with an air of superiority. 'Fifteen -shillings an acre—not a penny less. But I'd have the rate shifted -from fen-land as wants draining to all other land in Great Britain as -doesn't want draining. The rate should be laid on all other shoulders -except ours. Stick a rate on to Mortlock's and all bankers. Stick it -on to the colleges and the universities. Stick it on to all high and -dry lands, where there is no call for banking and draining. Stick it on -where you like, only take it off from the Fens. Why should we pay rates -for draining our land when the farmers on high ground pay nothing? -They have their land six or seven shillings an acre cheaper than do -we. If I were in the Ministry, the first thing I would do would be to -impose a compulsory rate of fifteen shillings an acre on all land that -didn't want draining, to pay for the draining of land that did want it. -Then we'd have high times of it here in the Fens—farmers, bankers, -slodgers, all round. If that is not reason, and you don't see it, so -much the worse for your intelligences.' - -'I don't call that reason at all,' said Goat. 'Don't tell me the -Commissioners would pay us double wages when the rate was at fifteen. -It is six now, and I get eleven shillings a week. Twelve years ago it -was half a guinea rate, and then my wage was ten shillings. If the rate -were up to fifteen I should be wuss off. Every four shillings the rate -goes up my wage goes down a shilling. With the rate at fifteen, I'd -be worse off—with a wage of five and sixpence, or six shillings at -most. I hold to it that the mischief lies in the Univarsity, with them -collegers a-eatin'—eatin'—eatin'. I'll fight at flap-chap any man as -disputes my argiment.' - -'I dispute it,' said Silas Gotobed, starting up. - -'Very well. We'll find out which has the best of the argiment and -reason on his side with flap-chaps.' - -'My argiment is this,' said Gotobed. 'Rivers ought to run uphill. If -they don't choose to, they should be made to, by Act of Parliament. -Then we'd be dry, and them on high grounds would be wet. Then -they'd have the rates and the bother, and we'd be free. That is my -contention, and it's all gammon about them collegers.' - -He placed himself opposite Goat. - -'I don't care what you may call yourself,' said he to his opponent, -'Goat or sheep; but you're an ass, and every one knows it.' - -Then Ephraim Beamish ran between the men, who stood facing each other -with threatening looks. - -'Be reasonable,' he said, thrusting them apart with his long arms. 'Why -do you fly at each other, instead of at the common foe?' - -'I don't know what be the common foe,' retorted Goat, 'if it bain't the -collegers. If I was in Parliament'— - -'It's the bankers,' said Jonas Gathercole. 'If I was in Parliament'— - -'It's the millers!' shouted Harley. 'If I was in Parliament'— - -'It's the rates!' exclaimed Cutman; 'and a law should be made, and -shall be when I'm in Parliament'— - -'You're every one out!' roared Silas Gotobed; 'it's Providence, as -don't do what it should be made to do, and force the rivers to run -uphill.' - -'Sit down! you're drunk,' cried Cutman. - -'I'm not going to be ordered about by you,' retorted the ganger; 'we're -all equal here. I haven't been bankrupt and sold my stacks twice over.' - -Cutman fell into the rear. He had been guilty of fraudulent conduct at -his bankruptcy. - -'I say it is the Univarsity, and I maintains my argiment,' said Goat. -'I'll prove it on your chaps.' - -'I sez it is the rivers ought to run uphill. I'll box your donkey ears -if you denies it. That's my argiment.' - -Gotobed made a lunge at this opponent and missed him. Flap-chaps is a -pastime affected in the Fens, more so in former times than at present, -but not out of favour now. It consists in this. Two men face each other -and endeavour to slap each other's cheeks, right or left, as best they -can, and as best they can to ward off with the same open palm the -blows aimed at their own chaps. Those who play this game acquire great -dexterity at it, but when much ale or spirits has been drunk, then the -eye has lost its quickness of perception, the hand its steadiness, the -brain its coolness, and the contest rapidly degenerates into a drunken -brawl and a roll on the floor, with fisticuffs and head-bumping. - -It promised to so degenerate on the present occasion. Gotobed was the -most intoxicated and least able to parry the blows levelled at him, and -every time Goat's hand made his cheek sting, it roused him to a further -access of fury that blinded him to what he was about; he withdrew -his left hand from behind his back. This provoked an outcry from the -lookers-on of, 'Not fair play! Hand back! hand back!' - -Beamish again endeavoured to interpose, but came off with both his ears -tingling; he had received a blow on one cheek from Goat, and on the -other from Gotobed. The strife recommenced after this futile attempt to -separate the men. Slap, slap, on the chaps of Gotobed, followed by a -blow from his fist in the face of his adversary. This occasioned a yell -from all in the room of 'Cheat—not fair! a fine! a fine, Silas! Fair -game or none at all.' - -'I'll pay a fine indeed!' roared Gotobed. Then, springing at his -opponent, who staggered stupefied under the blow he had received, -he snatched his hat from his head, and, thrusting it into the fire, -shouted, 'Caps! Caps!' Then he dashed at Cutman, who wore a white -beaver. - -'Your hat!' he demanded. - -'You shall not have it. It is as good as new.' - -'I will have it,' answered Gotobed. 'Ain't we all equal? Isn't it the -rule? What are you better than me? One cap—all caps. That's the rule.' - -He tore the white beaver out of the yeoman's hands, and rammed it with -his ironshod boot into the glowing turf fire. - -'Mates! Mates! Show up your caps!' - -Then ensued wild confusion. Some snatched the caps and hats from those -who were near them, some endeavoured to protect their own headgear from -confiscation, and fought for them. Some thrust their own caps into the -flames, and in ten minutes there was not one in the company but was -without a cover for his crown.[1] - -Beamish had made angry resistance. Three men assailed him, tripped him -up, and sent him sprawling on the alehouse floor. A fourth wrenched his -hat away and thrust it into the flames, shouting, 'You're a fine chap -to say all men are equal, and want to keep your own hat when the rest -are bareheaded.' - -The landlord stepped outside, to see that the fiery tinder did not fall -on and ignite the thatch. He returned and said, 'It is snowing.' - -'Snowing, is it?' said Gotobed, staggering to the door. 'Then we -shall all wear white night-caps to cool our heads.' Standing in the -doorway, sustaining himself by a hand on each of the jambs, looking in, -he shouted to his comrades, 'I am right. You are all wrong. At next -election I ain't going to vote for no candidate as won't promise to -make the rivers run uphill. Nothing will be as it ought to be—price -of corn won't be low, and wages won't be high, and farmers cease to -oppress, and bankers to send the money out of this country, and millers -to fill their fists with flour, and Commissioners to pocket money that -ought to have gone to the gangers, and collegians to cease to eat—till -Providence has been forced to do what it ort—and make the rivers run -uphill.' - - [Footnote 1: Burnt caps is a curious and inexplicable custom in the - Fens. It is one that terminates many a brawl. If one man burns the hat - of another, it is _de rigueur_ that all the rest of the company should - surrender their headgear to complete the holocaust.] - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -A CRAWL ABROAD - - -No country in the world is so subject to variations in the climate as -England, and in no part of England are the variations so felt as in the -Fens. No hills, no belts of trees there break the force of the wind. -The gales rush over the plains unresisted from every quarter. Elsewhere -there are hedgerows, on the sunny side of which appear the celandine -and primrose in early spring, then the red-robin, the bluebell, our -lady's smock, and the gorgeous spires of foxglove later still. There -are no hedgeflowers in the Fens, for there are no hedges. Elsewhere the -landscape is variegated with coppice that is brown in autumn and pine -woods that are dark green all the year. It is not so in the Fens. There -are no trees. When the snow falls, it envelops the entire surface in -white. - -The frost had passed away, and the waters had been released. With the -thaw the mills had been set again in motion, and the sails flew fast -to make up for lost time. Now again a single night had altered the -complexion of the fen-land. All was white that had been black. The snow -had filled the ruts, and, consolidating, had formed a comparatively -smooth surface. Rivers and dykes were not frozen, only a little cat ice -had formed among the reeds. - -Zita was in the farmyard. She had gone there to put her van to rights. -The van demanded her attention. The fowls had taken to roosting on the -top, and had made it untidy. There was no keeping them away. They could -be, and they were, excluded from the interior of the van, but not from -the shed in which the van stood. Formerly, they had been satisfied with -rafters and manger; now, whether out of perversity or love of variety, -or because the van satisfied their ideal, they deserted their ancient -roosting-places and crowded the van roof. - -This was a source of incessant annoyance to Zita, who could not endure -the degradation to which the van was subjected. Every few days she -visited the shed, pail and scrubbing-brush in hand, and thoroughly -cleansed the conveyance. - -She had been thus engaged, and had flung the dirty water at a clucking -hen that sauntered up with purpose to resume its perch on the van top, -when a pair of hands was laid on her shoulders, and, looking round, she -saw Mark. - -'What has brought you here?' she asked in surprise. - -'What but your own sweet self. I have not seen you for some days. As -you were not outside the farmyard, I have come into it to seek you.' - -'You ought not to have done so. The master will be angry.' - -'He is from home. I saw him ride to Ely.' - -'But if he hears that you have been here?' - -'You need not tell him.' - -'I will not tell him, but others may—mischief-makers. Then I shall -suffer.' - -'You can take care of yourself, I warrant.' - -'You are right, I can protect myself. I am not a servant, but a lodger. -I pay for everything I receive and consume here—even for this soap and -the use of this pail.' - -'And this is the van?' - -'Yes, that is my old home. I was born in it. I have lived in it all my -life. Whatever I know I have learned in it. It is a fine thing to crawl -over the world like a snail, with one's house on one's back.' - -'The snail-crawling is over with you now. You refused to let me go with -you.' - -'Yes; it is over for the winter. What I may do when the spring comes, I -cannot say. My blood runs, my feet tingle. When the white butterflies -are about, I daresay I shall spread my wings also. I mean my red and -gold curtains.' - -'And I may go with you?' mischievously. - -'No; if I go, I go alone.' - -'Let me walk round and admire your house on wheels.' - -'You do not see it to advantage,' said Zita regretfully. 'It is not -dressed out. The pans and brushes and mats are stowed away, that make -it glitter just like a lifeguardsman. The inside is taken out. The -curtains are unhung. And then those dratted fowls are a nuisance. They -have taken a fancy to the van. If Master Drownlands and I were on -better terms, I'd ax him to have the fowls killed, or the shed boarded -up, that they might not come in.' - -'What? you are not on good terms with old Ki?' - -'Only middling. I have had to teach him to keep his distance.' - -'Oh! he wanted to come to too close quarters—small blame to him,' said -Mark, laughing. - -'He and I could not agree about terms—that was it,' said Zita, with an -impatient and annoyed toss of her head. - -'Let the van come to my place,' said Runham. 'Then I will stow it away -out of reach of all fowls.' - -Zita shook her head. 'I like to look at my van every day.' - -'Well, that is no reason against sending it to Crumbland. If you come -to look at it twice a day, so much the better pleased I shall be.' - -'I cannot send the van anywhere where I am not living, and this is my -lodging for the winter,' said Zita. - -'And how goes the horse?' asked Mark. - -'He don't go at all,' replied the girl. 'He eats and thinks and gets -bloated. He hasn't enough to do. I'm afraid he'll be out of health.' - -'Let us have him into the shafts and trot him out a bit.' - -'What? in the van?' - -'Of course, in the van.' - -Zita flushed with pleasure. 'I shall love it above all things—but -trot he won't. He never trotted in his life but once, and that was on -the fifth of November. A gipsy had tied a Roman candle to his tail. -He trotted then. After every flare and pop he went on at a run, then -he stopped and looked behind him for an explanation. Then away went -the Roman candle again, and a great globe of fire shot away high over -the roof of the van. At that Jewel trembled and trotted on once more. -Father was away. I was younger then by some years, and it frightened -me. I did not dare to touch the Roman candle. Jewel ran about two -miles, and when the firework was exhausted, he stood still, and, with -thinking about it, and trying to understand and unable, fell asleep in -the middle of the road. Father found us there, and he tried to persuade -Jewel to return the two miles, but he was obstinate—tremenjous—and -wouldn't move. At last father was forced to tie a Roman candle to his -nose, and that drove him backwards the two miles. But I don't think -Jewel ever quite got over the surprise of that fifth of November.' - -When Mark had done laughing at Zita's story,—and Zita laughed as -she told it, and laughed when it was over, because Mark's laugh was -irresistible,—then the young fellow said, 'It will be fun for me, -pleasure to you, it will exercise the horse, and freshen and sweeten -the van. We will go a drive, in preparation for the grand tour in the -spring. Where is the harness? I'll rig the grey up.' - -'You do not know how to set about it,' said Zita. - -'What? not know how to harness a horse?' - -'You do not know Jewel. He has to be talked to, and his reason -convinced. He has his fancies, and they must be humoured. He knows my -voice and the touch of my hand, whereas you are a stranger.' - -Zita went to find Jewel and put the horse in the shafts. Whilst thus -engaged, she talked to Mark. - -'The master had him out one day, and put him in the plough. It offended -Jewel, who was not accustomed to that sort of thing. He set his feet -straight down, stiffened his legs, back went his ears, he curled his -under lip, and looked out at the corners of his eyes. Not a step would -he take; it hurt his self-respect. Now, wait here by Jewel's head -whilst I go indoors after the crimson curtains and gold tassels. I -could not drive without them; it would not be showing proper regard for -the van, and it might hurt Jewel's feelings. It won't take five minutes -to rig up the curtains, and whilst I am after them, you can make -friends with the horse. Go in front of him and speak flattering words; -say how shapely are his legs, and how silken is his hair; but, whatever -you do, not a word about the Roman candles, or he'll never take kindly -to you.' - -'All right, Zita. Where is the whip?' - -'Whip? bless you! he don't want a whip. Why, the crack of a whip would -so frighten him that he would sit down. He'd suppose it was fifth of -November again. He'd curl his tail under him, and lay his nose between -his legs, and set back his ears, but keep an eye open, watching you and -winking.' - -Eventually, the van was considered by Zita to be sufficiently decorated -to be got under way, and Jewel was induced, by flattery and caresses, -to start along the drove. - -The van was lighter than Jewel had ever known it to be, and he might -have been expected to take this into consideration, and accelerate -his pace; but, under the supposition that by so doing he would be -establishing a precedent that might be quoted on a future occasion, he -adopted his wonted pace, as when drawing the van laden with its many -and multifarious contents. - -'The thing jolts—rather,' said Mark, laughing. 'What would become of -the goods, were they here?' - -'They would be thrown all over the shop,' answered Zita. 'That is -why I am at Prickwillow. I cannot get away. Jewel could not pull the -laden van along the drove; and if other horses were attached to it, -everything would be shaken to pieces.' - -Presently Jewel came to a halt. - -'Shall I jump out and urge him on?' asked Mark. - -'No; he is breathing. He will go on again presently.' - -'And whilst he is breathing, we will talk. Conversation is impossible -when we are bumping into ruts and bouncing over clods. If this be -travelling when there is snow half-choking the wheelruts and levelling -the clods, what must it be at other times?' - -'You see I am a prisoner at Prickwillow. I cannot get away without the -loss of all my possessions.' - -'I see that now.' - -Presently Mark said, 'Zita, why were you on the river with Pip Beamish -the other day?' - -'I hired him with half a pound of bird's eye to punt me up stream. He -behaved unfair; he went off and left me.' - -'And I had to bring you back—and mighty cross you were. Was that -because Beamish had left you?' - -'I had cause to be cross when Beamish took the bird's eye and did not -half do the job. Now cling hard; Jewel is moving forward, and we must -hold to our seats to save being tumbled about and broken to bits.' - -Mark was on one side of the van, Zita on the other. He put out his hand -to the curtains at one lurch, and roused Zita to remonstrance. - -'The curtains are for ornament, and are not to be touched. They are of -velvet plush. I don't want to have your great hand marking them. Lay -hold of a rail. No! not a gold tassel; you would pull that down, and -maybe bring away the whole concern. Oh!' - -This exclamation was provoked by the off wheel sinking into a rut, the -depth of which seemed unfathomable. The movement of the van was like -that of the mail steamer that runs from Dover to Calais, in a chopping -sea. At one bound Zita was propelled forward, and, had she not clung to -the ribs of the vehicle, would have been shot head foremost against the -opposite side of the van, with the result of either perforating that -side or of flattening her skull against it. - -Then, at the recoil lurch, Mark was projected in the opposite -direction, and was nearly cast into Zita's lap. - -'I say, Zita, the exertion is prodigious!' exclaimed the lad. 'I think -I should prefer to walk.' - -'But the honour is so great,' gasped Zita. 'It is not every day you can -ride in such a conveyance as this, and have velvet curtains flapping, -and gold tassels bobbing about your head.' - -'I'll try to think of it in that light.' - -'Besides,' pursued Zita, 'a shake up is as good as medicine to the -insides. It puts them on their good behaviour. They are so tremenjous -afraid of having it again.' - -'But surely progress in this affair is not always like this.' - -'Of course not. It is only in the Fens there are droves. It was bad at -times where a highway had been new stoned. Then father and I clung to -the perishables.' - -'How do you mean?' - -'We took them in our arms, or held them. If we were bruised, it did not -matter; we mend up according to nature; but pots and pans don't. We -always lost something, though. There was that tea-kettle that troubled -father's last hours—it got a hole in it going over a bit of new road.' - -This conversation took place in fits and starts, between the joltings -of the van. Presently Jewel thought he had sufficiently exerted -himself; he heaved a long sigh, looked back over his shoulder, and -stood still. - -'There, now,' said Runham, pulling a large red, white-spotted kerchief -from his pocket and mopping his brow, 'Jewel is breathing, and so may -we. This is agonies.' - -'I call it pleasure,' said Zita. 'It must be, because it isn't -business.' - -'What did the horse mean by looking back at us, as he did just now when -he sighed?' - -'Oh, he thinks it is his duty, now father's gone, to keep an eye on us.' - -'I suppose, if I were to square accounts, as the other day'— - -'He'd have an apoplexy. For goodness' sake don't.' - -'I say, why did you go with Pip Beamish when you would not go with me?' - -'I did not go with Beamish. He came with me because I hired him. Tell -me what took you to Red Wings? Had you an account to serve there?' - -Mark became grave. He fidgeted on his seat. He was an honest, -open-hearted fellow, and disliked prevarication, but there was -hesitation, there was evasion in his reply. - -'I have business of all sorts with all kinds of people.' - -'That is no answer. I want to know why you went to the mill to see -Kainie.' - -Mark rested his chin in his hand and considered. - -'I don't mind saying so much,' he answered, 'but let it be between us -alone. There is a sort of a tie between her and me—a sort of a tie, -you know.' - -'I know nothing.' - -'I can't give you particulars. It's all right,—if you knew, you would -say so too,—but I can't tell you more about it; and it's a tie can't -be got rid of.' - -Further explanation was interrupted, for a head and pair of shoulders -appeared in front between the curtains. - -'Oh! you, Runham—and that Cheap Jack girl! Which is it to be—she or -Kainie? It shall not be both.' - -Pip Beamish was there, glowering at Mark from under his bushy eyebrows. - -'Take care!' said Beamish, thrusting a long arm into the van. 'Take -care what you are about. If you hurt one hair of the head of Kainie, -I'll shoot you through the heart. I've time on my hands now. I'm turned -out of my mill by the Commissioners, and can choose my occasion. I -shall watch you. One or other—leave my Kainie alone and stick to -_her_.' He indicated Zita with one hand. - -'Pip,' said Mark, flushing very red, 'do not talk nonsense!' - -'Nonsense?' repeated Beamish; 'that is how you rich men treat these -matters—sport and nonsense; but to us it is heartbreak and despair. -What have I but my one ewe lamb? I have been expelled my mill because -you Commissioners think I'm a dangerous chap. You ain't far wrong -there. I'm dangerous to such as you who are evil-doers. Take care, you -Cheap Jack girl, and make not yourself cheap to such as Runham. He -is free in his wealth to do as he pleases. If he be the ruin of you, -trusting in him, will he lose his Commissioner's place? If he destroy -my happiness by bringing harm on my Kainie, will the laws touch him? I -may not take a straw from his stables, but he may rob me of my Kainie. -He is rich—I am poor.' - -'Pip! you are the man I desire to see. I will speak to you of this -matter. Judge nothing before you hear me; and you, Zita, do not you -place any weight on his words—they are bitter and false.' - -'Bitter,' repeated Pip, 'but not false. Nothing that you can say will -change my mind. Nothing will alter my purpose. I warn you against an -injury to Kainie. You rich men of the Fens do not seek a poor girl to -raise her head and set her up on high among yourselves, but to humble -her in the dust.' - -He laughed a fierce, scornful laugh. - -'I cannot say—you Cheap Jack Zita. They report that you have money and -goods. Have you told him how much? If it be worth his while, he will be -honourable towards you. It is all a matter of calculation. If you ain't -worth much, he'll throw you over, as he would throw over Kainie when -tired of her. Best take care! If you dare!' - -The man's eyes glared with white heat, and he thrust his long arm -towards Mark with clenched fist. - -'Pip,' exclaimed Mark, 'you are the man I have been wanting to see. I -will come out to you.' - -He jumped out of the van. 'Your words are folly.' Then, 'You drive home -without me, Zita. I told you I had business with all sorts of persons; -now I have business with Ephraim—business of much consequence. May you -get safe back in that rattletrap, and not be shaken to bits!' - -'Rattletrap? Oh, if Jewel heard you!' She spoke as laughing, to -disguise her inward trouble. - -No sooner, however, was Mark gone than she broke down and cried. - -But her tears did not last long. - -'He's venomous. He don't know all. I do trust Mark. Besides—I've the -van and money.' - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -A DROP OF GALL - - -What did Mark Runham mean by his conduct? - -He had left Zita to go after that fellow, Pip Beamish, and they were -together on the embankment in close confabulation. The girl looked -after them from between the red curtains, and could see Beamish -gesticulating with his long arms. He was excited, he was speaking with -vehemence, and at intervals Mark interrupted him. - -Something that Mark had said seemed to have struck the orator with -surprise. He dropped his arms and stood like a figure of wood. He let -Mark lay his hand on his shoulder and draw him along, speaking rapidly -into his ear. - -What this meant was plain to Zita. The two men were rivals for Kainie -of Red Wings. They had been disputing; Beamish hot and impatient, -and unwilling to listen to the other. What was Kainie? A she-miller, -as Zita put it, and ineligible as a wife to such as Runham. Among -fen-farmers no one marries for mere love; money or land is the -substance for which they crave. If a little love be sprinkled on the -morsel, so much the better, but it is no essential—it is a condiment. -Zita tossed her head. She was not a beggarly miller! She had the van -and its contents, red curtains and gold tassels. She had money as -well—the profits of fair-days at Swaffham, Huntingdon, Wisbeach, -Cambridge, and Ely. She had a good deal of money in her box—none -suspected how much. Of course her wealth would not compare with that of -a fen-farmer, but it was enough to place her immeasurably above Kainie, -and within reach of Mark if he chose to stoop a little—just a little. - -Zita turned the head of Jewel homewards. Mark did not follow her to say -farewell. He had given her no thanks for the jolting and jumbling in -the conveyance to which she had treated him, though 'good as medicine -to his insides.' - -Zita was angry with the young man. She did not relish the thought that -he came to see her one day and went to Kainie the next—nay, that he -visited both in the same afternoon. - -It was true that he had made no overtures to Zita—said nothing -definite relative to his condition of heart; but he had kissed her, and -would have done so again had she not warned him that it would give the -horse an apoplectic fit. He had shown her plainly that he liked her -company, and that he was unhappy if he did not see her daily. - -His attentions had been noticed. Mrs. Tunkiss had commented on them, -and the girl with St. Vitus' dance had made a joke about them. - -His visit that day to Prickwillow would inevitably have been seen. -The unusual sight of the van out on an airing must have attracted -attention. And if the van had been seen, those who saw it were certain -to speak of it to those who did not. That expedition would come to the -ears of Drownlands. - -Knowing what she did, Zita was able to account for the dislike -Drownlands showed to the presence of Mark Runham. The sight of the -young man was a sting to his conscience. He would be afraid lest Zita, -in conversation with him, might let drop something about the events of -the night on which Jake Runham died. - -But Zita was woman enough to see that there was another reason why -the master of Prickwillow eyed the young fellow with dislike. He was -jealous of him. Zita perceived that Drownlands liked her, at the same -time that he feared her. She could discern in the expression of his -eye, read in his consideration for her comfort, decipher in the quiver -of his lips when Mark's name was mentioned, that his regard for her was -deep, and that his dislike of Mark was due to jealousy. - -Zita was accustomed to admiration; she had received a good deal of it -in her public life, and regarded it with contemptuous indifference; but -the admiration she had met with in market and fair had been outspoken; -this of Drownlands was covert. Hitherto she had accepted it from her -vantage-ground—the platform of her own habitation; now she was at a -disadvantage—the inmate of the house of the man who looked on her with -admiration. - -She turned her thoughts again in the direction of Mark. What were the -ties binding him to Kainie, of which he spoke? - -On consideration, she thought she could understand. Mark had fallen in -love with the girl at the mill when in hobbledehoydom, and had stupidly -plunged into an engagement. Boys are fools; and he was but just emerged -from boyhood. His father's death had knocked the nonsense out of his -head, and brought him to the consciousness that he had made a blunder. -He was now a rich farmer; Kainie had nothing of her own but the clothes -she stood up in. Moreover, he had since seen Zita, and had become -sincerely attached to her. So long as he was tied to that miller-girl, -he could not speak of his wishes and purposes to Zita. He was in a -dilemma; he was an honourable fellow, and could not break his word to -Kainie. Mark was laying the case before Pip Beamish, and was inviting -Pip to take Kainie off his hands, and set him free to speak out to -Zita. - -'Well,' thought the girl, as she put up Jewel in his stable, 'we all do -foolish things; some of us do wrong things at times in our life. I have -done both in one—I sold a box of paste-cutters at one and nine that -cost father two shillings. I've had that threepence as hot coppers on -my soul ever since. Well! I hope Pip Beamish will take Kainie. He loves -her, and he's suited to her—both are millers; one has nothing and the -other nought—so they are fitted for a match. I'll help matters on, or -try to do so. I'll see Kainie, and have a deal with her—she is but one -of the general public after all. I daresay she likes Pip quite as much -as Mark, and is doubting in her mind which to have. I know what I can -throw in to turn the scale.' - -Accordingly, when the van had been consigned to its shed and the -curtains removed to her room, Zita knitted her fingers behind her back -and surveyed her goods, moving from one group of wares to another. - -After some consideration, she descended the stairs and prepared to -leave the house. - -Mrs. Tunkiss peered out of the kitchen as she heard her step, and said— - -'Going to meet the master—be you?' - -A malevolent smile was on her face. - -'No, Mrs. Tunkiss. I do not know in which direction he has ridden.' - -'You'd like to know, would you? You'd go and meet him, and he'd jump -off his horse and walk alongside of you, and say soft things. Oh my! -The master! Ki Drownlands say soft things!' - -The woman burst into a cackling laugh. - -'What do you mean?' asked Zita, reddening with anger at the insult -implied in the woman's words. - -'Oh, miss, I mean nothing to offend. But I'd like to know what the -master will say to your carawaning about with Mark Runham—what -the master will say to your receiving visits from young men in the -poultry-house.' - -'That is no concern of yours; and for the matter of that, I care -nothing what he thinks.' - -'Oh dear no! But folks can't carry on with two at once. Two strings to -a bow may be all very well in some things. I don't mean to say that -you shouldn't sow clover with your corn, and so have both a harvest of -wheat and one of hay; but with us poor women that don't do. If it be a -saying that we should have two strings to one bow, there is another, -that there's many a slip between the cup and the lip.' - -Zita pushed past the insolent woman. - -Mrs. Tunkiss shouted after her, 'Strange goings on—so folks say. -There's Mark Runham running after two girls, sweethearting both; and -there's one girl—I names no names—running after two men, and I bet -she catches neither.' - -Then she slammed the kitchen door. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -NO DEAL - - -The insolence of the housekeeper made Zita for a while very angry. It -followed so speedily on the scene in the van with Ephraim Beamish. - -Her cheek burned as though it had been struck, and her pulses throbbed. -She would like to have beaten Mrs. Tunkiss with one of the flails; but -with creatures of that sort it is best not to bandy words, certainly -not to give them the advantage by losing temper and acting with -violence. - -Zita did not long harbour her resentment. She had other matters to -occupy her mind beside Mrs. Tunkiss. - -The air was fresh and bracing to the spirits as well as to the body. -Zita walked on with elastic tread, for she had recovered her good -humour. She wore a neat white straw bonnet trimmed with black, and a -white kerchief was drawn over her shoulders and bosom. Her gown was -black. She looked remarkably handsome. She had been accustomed to wear -her gowns short, and her neat ankles were in white stockings. She was -strongly shod; the snow brushed all the gloss off her shoes, but it -was not whiter than her stockings. She walked along with a swing of -the shoulders and a toss of the head that were peculiar to her, and -characteristic of her self-confidence. The winter sun was setting, and -sent its red fire into her face; it made her hair blaze, and brought -out the apricot richness of her complexion. - -When she reached the brick platform of Red Wings, Wolf did not bark, -but ran to her, wagging his tail. She had not forgotten him. From her -pocket she produced some bread. Then, in acknowledgment, he uttered -a couple of sharp barks, and thrust his head against her hand for a -caress. - -Kerenhappuch, hearing the barks, came out and saluted Zita cordially. - -'That's fine,' said she. 'Step inside. I was just going to brew some -tea.' - -'I'm here on business,' answered Zita. 'Let me sit down on one side of -the fire and we'll talk about it. Let's deal.' - -'Deal? What do you mean?' - -Zita drew a stool to the fireside. The turf glowed red. The stool was -low; when she seated herself, her knees were as high as her bosom. She -folded her arms round them and closed her hands, lacing her fingers -together and looking smilingly over her knees at Kainie, with a gleam -in her face of expectant triumph. Kainie knelt at the hearth and put on -the kettle. She turned her head and watched Zita, whose features were -illumined by the fire glow, as they had been shortly before by that of -the setting sun. Kerenhappuch could not refrain from saying, 'What an -uncommon good-looking girl you are!' - -'Yes, so most folks say,' responded Zita, with indifference; 'and I -suppose I am that.' - -Kainie was somewhat startled at this frank acceptance of homage. She -pursed up her lips and offered no further compliments. - -'I suppose Pip Beamish is sweet on you,' said Zita,—'tremenjous?' - -'Poor fellow!' sighed the girl of the mill. 'Perhaps he is, but it -is no good. He has not got even a mill to look after now, and I have -barely enough wage to keep me alive. What is more, the Commissioners -are against him, and won't let him get any work in the fen any more.' - -'Then let him go out of the fen?' - -'Out of the fen?' exclaimed Kainie. 'How you talk! As if a fen-man -could do that! You don't find frogs on top of mountains, nor grow -bulrushes in London streets. That ain't possible.' - -'But there are fens elsewhere.' - -'Where?' - -'I do not know. In America, I suppose. There is all sorts of country -there, to suit all sorts of people. I'd go there if I were he.' - -'If there are fens in America, that's another matter. But what is it -you want with me, now, partick'ler?' - -Zita settled herself in her seat. - -'I've come to have a deal with you,' she said chirpily. 'That is what I -have come about.' - -'But—what do you want of me?' - -'We will come to that presently,' said the Cheap Jack girl, and with -her usual craft or experience she added, 'I will let you know what my -goods are before I name the price.' - -'Price—money? I have no money.' - -'It is not money I want.' - -'I do not fancy there's anything I require,' said Kerenhappuch. 'And -that is fortunate, for I have not only no money to buy with, but no -place where I could stow away a purchase.' - -'Nobody knows what they wants till they see things or hear about -them,' said Zita. 'Bless you! if you were as well acquainted with the -British public as father and me, you'd say that. Take it as a rule, -folks always set their heads on having what they never saw before, -didn't know the use of, and don't know where to put 'em when they have -'em. I'm telling you this, though it is not to my advantage. Now, what -do you say to a ream of black-edged paper and mourning envelopes to -match?—that's twenty quires, you know.' - -'I write to nobody. I have no relations but my Uncle Drownlands, and he -never speaks to me—won't notice me. I am not likely to write letters -to him.' - -'Then what do you say to a garden syringe? If you have a pail of -soapsuds, it is first-rate for green-fly. Father sold several to -gentlefolks with conservatories.' - -'But I don't belong to the gentlefolks, nor have I got a conservatory.' - -'No,' said Zita, rearranging herself on her seat. 'But if you wanted to -keep folks off your platform, you could squirt dirty water over them.' - -'I have Wolf. He is sufficient.' - -'Well,' said Zita, with a slight diminution of buoyancy in her spirits -and of confidence in her tone, 'then I'll offer you what I would not -give every one the chance of having. I offer it to you as a particular -friend. It's an epergne.' - -'An epergne? What's that?' - -'It is a sort of an ornament for a dinner-table. I will not tell you -any lies about it. Father got it in a job lot, and cheap considering -how splendid it is. It is not the sort of goods we go in for. It lies -rather outside our line of business; and yet there's no saying whether -it might not hit the fancy of General Jackass—I mean the public—that -was father's way of talking of it. You really can't tell what won't go -down with him. Will you have the epergne?' - -'I'm not General Jackass, and I won't have it.' - -'But consider—if you was to give a dinner-party, and'— - -'What? in the mill?' - -'No; When you marry a rich man.' - -'If I have any man, it will be a poor one.' - -'Then,' said Zita in a caressing tone, 'I know what you really must -have, and what there is no resisting. It is the beautifullest little -lot of perfumes. They're all in a glass box, with cotton wool, -and blue ribbons round their necks. There's Jockey Club—there's -Bergamot—there's Frangipani—there's New-mown Hay—there's White -Heliotrope, and there's Lavender too. I am sure there is yet another; -yes, Mignonette. One for every day of the week. Think of that! You can -scent yourself up tremenjous, and a different scent every day of the -week. You cannot refuse that.' - -'But,' said Kainie, with a wavering in her tone, a token of relaxation -in resistance to the allurements presented to her imagination, 'what do -you want for this?' - -'One thing only.' - -'What is that?' - -'Give up Mark.' - -'Mark Runham?' - -'Yes. Mark Runham. Is it a deal between us? Now listen.' Zita held up -one hand, and began again with the catalogue of perfumes. 'There is -Jockey Club for Sunday;' she touched her thumb. 'There is Bergamot -for Monday;' she touched the first finger. 'There is Frangipani for -Tuesday, and New-mown Hay for Wednesday'— - -'Give up Mark?' Kainie interrupted the list. 'What do you mean?' - -'What I mean is this,' said Zita: 'Mark told me that he was tied to you -somehow.' - -'He did? It is true.' - -'But I want you to throw him up. Let him go free. Say that there is no -bond between you. Think how you will smell, if you do! White Heliotrope -on Thursday, then Lavender on Friday, and Mignonette on Saturday.' - -'Did Mark say how we were tied—bound?' - -'No; he only told me there was such a tie.' - -'And Mark—did he set you to ask this?' - -'No, not exactly. It is my idea. Now do. You shall have all the -perfumes. Consider how on Sunday you will make the Baptist Chapel smell -of Jockey Club!' - -'Give up Mark? Break the bond? I can't. I could not, even if I would.' - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -DAGGING - - -When Zita returned to Prickwillow, Leehanna Tunkiss, with a malicious -leer, said, 'The master is upstairs, and would like to speak with you;' -then, with a sidelong look at the maid-of-all-work and a giggle, she -curtseyed and added 'Miss.' - -Zita ascended leisurely to her room, removed her bonnet and changed her -shoes, put on an apron, and then proceeded to Drownlands' office. She -did not hurry herself. She sauntered along the passage and hummed a -folk-melody—'High Germany.' She stayed to shut a bedroom door that was -ajar and swinging in the draught. She trifled with a canary that hung -in a window. - -The office door was open. She knew that Drownlands had heard her come -in, had heard Mrs. Tunkiss inform her that she was wanted, heard her -ascend the stairs. She knew that he was waiting with impatience whilst -she removed bonnet and shoes, that he was chafing at the leisurely -manner in which she approached his den. - -After a while she tapped at the half-open door in careless fashion, -threw it open and stood in the doorway, and shrugged her shoulders, -then rubbed her hands as though they were cold. - -'Mrs. Tunkiss said you required my presence.' - -'You have taken your time in coming.' Drownlands was at his table; he -had been biting his fingers. There was a sheet of blotting paper on the -board; he had scratched it, torn four strips out of it with his nails. -His face was troubled and was working. 'Why did you not come at once?' - -'I had to remove my shoes; they were wet. I did not suppose you were in -much of a hurry.' - -'Come inside. Why do you stand in the doorway?' - -She obeyed. - -'Well, is it necessary to leave the door wide open behind you?' - -She closed the door. - -'Shut it, I say.' - -She obeyed, and leaned her back against the valve, crossed her feet, -and put her hands behind her on the handle. - -'Where have you been?' asked Drownlands imperiously. - -'To Red Wings, to see your niece. You don't know her. It is a pity. -You should look after her; she is your own relation. She is not bad -in her way, but awfully poor—and pig-headed too, which poor people -oughtn't to be, because they can't afford it. I went to have a deal -with her, but it was of no use. She would do no business with me.' - -'Oh, you have gone back to your old profession of Cheap Jack, have you?' - -'I never left it off. I Cheap Jack in my sleep and make thundering -profits. It is disappointing to wake in the morning and see all the -goods—and damaged ones too—on the shelves where they were the night -before, after I had sold them off in my dreams at twenty-five and -thirty per cent. profits. There's an epergne has been the nightmare to -father and me. I wanted Kainie to take it, but she wouldn't. Suppose -you buy it and present it to her, and so make peace and love between -you?' - -'Have done. I told you I did not wish you to know her.' - -'But I went on business, and my time was wasted.' - -'You have also been with that—that fellow.' - -'Yes, with Mark. I took him out for a drive.' - -'In the road, in the van?' - -'Yes; the van wanted sweetening. The fowls have been roosting on it, -and have treated it shamefully.' - -'Be silent. What are you playing with behind your back?' - -'I am playing with nothing. I am always at work or doing business. I -never play.' - -'And what work or business are you engaged on now?' - -'I am polishing the handle of the door.' - -'You not play? You never play?' exclaimed Drownlands, starting to his -feet. 'You are always at play, and I am your sport. You play me as a -fish, you dagg me like a pike. Look at this.' - -He went to the corner of his room, and from the collection there thrown -together produced a singular weapon or tool, locally termed a gleve. - -'Do you know the use of this?' - -'No.' - -'It is for playing,' said Drownlands bitterly. 'See, there are six -knives tied together by the handles at the head, and all the blades -have been jagged like saws, the teeth set backwards. Can you guess its -purpose?' - -'No; it's not a woman's tool.' - -'It is for playing—playing with pike. You take this and dagg into the -water; you dagg and dagg, and bring up a pike or an eel wedged between -these blades, cut into by these fangs. He cannot free himself; the more -he twists and turns, the deeper into his flesh bite these teeth, and -the greater is his anguish of heart. That is play—play for him who -does the dagging, not for the poor fish that is speared. And, Zita, -such is your play. With your fingers, with your tongue, with your brown -eyes, you dagg for me, and I am the miserable wretch whom you torture. -It may be fun to you.' - -'I do not make sport with you, master,' said Zita, with placidity of -feature and evenness of tone in strong contrast with his working face -and quivering voice. - -'You are at that handle again. Polishing it! Leave off, or you will -drive me mad. Can you not for one moment desist from tormenting me? You -seek out occasion, means, to twang my every nerve, and give me pain.' - -'Master Drownlands, listen to me,' said Zita. 'You are quite in the -wrong when you say that I dagg for you. Lawk-a-biddy! I dagg for you? -On the contrary, it is you who are dagging for me, and I have to dodge -to this side, then to that, from your gleve, and as I happen to be -sharp of eye and nimble in movement, you do not catch me. That is how -the matter stands, and not at all as you represent it.' - -'Who suffers?' asked Drownlands fiercely. 'Is it you, or is it I? You -stand there, composed and complacent, rubbing up my door-handle behind -your back, and all the while I am in torture. You cannot speak to -me but you stick a dart; you cannot look at me but I feel the knife -cutting; your very laugh causes a wound, and your weapons are all -poisoned, and the gashes fester. Here am I' (he flung the gleve back -into the corner with an oath), 'your victim, your sport—in suffering.' - -He returned to the table. - -'Sit down,' said the girl. 'Do not work yourself into a passion. -There's no occasion for that. Let us come to business.' - -'Yes,' said Drownlands; 'that is the only way to deal with you. You -have a sorry, commercial mind. Everything to you must be a matter of -pounds, shillings, and pence.' - -'That is the only way with me,' said Zita. 'I was brought up to trade, -and I love to drive a bargain. That, if you like it, is sport; it is -sport and business squeezed into one.' - -'I will stand here,' said the man. 'You stand there by the door, if -you will; only, I beseech you, leave off polishing that cursed handle, -and reckoning, as I suppose you are, how many farthings to charge me -for it. As you say that you love business, to business we will go. As -nothing affects you but what is presented to your mind in a monetary -light, to moneys we will proceed. We also will have a deal.' - -'By all means,' said Zita, with a sigh of relief. 'Now I am on my own -ground. Do you want to buy, sell, or barter?' - -He did not answer immediately. He folded his arms and stood by the -window jamb, looking over his shoulder at her. - -The dusk had set in after the set of sun, but a silvery grey light -suffused the room, the reflection of the snow on the ground. In this -light he could see Zita. She had withdrawn her hands from the knob, -and had them raised to her bosom, and was rubbing one palm against the -other leisurely. A fine, clean-built girl. He also was a fine man, -with strongly-cut features, picturesque, with his long black hair, his -swarthy complexion, his sturdy frame, and the tiger-skin slung across -his shoulders. - -'Now I am ready,' said Zita. - -He did not speak. He felt that much, everything, depended on what he -said, and how he said it. His breath came quick, and his brow was -beaded with perspiration. - -'You are slow about it,' said Zita. 'Father took an agency once for -an _Illustrated History of the War_. It was to be in twenty parts, at -half a crown a part, and four beautiful steel engravings in each, of -battles, and generals, and towns. That _Illustrated War_ was such a -long time in progress that some of the subscribers died, and others -moved away, and some went bankrupt, and there was no getting their -money out of some of the others. Father never would have anything -more to do with concerns that did not go off smart like the snap of a -percussion cap. It seems to me that this business of yours is going to -be as long and tiresome as that of the _Illustrated War_.' - -'You are dagging at me again,' said Drownlands sullenly. - -'I cannot speak a word but it takes you contrariways,' observed the -girl. - -He left the window and came to the table, leaned his hand on it, and -stood with his back to the light. Still unable to make up his mind to -speak, or how to speak, he began to tear up the blotting-paper into -little pieces and to throw them about, some on the floor, some on the -board. When the last fragment had left his fingers— - -'Zita,' he said in loud and vehement tones, 'I suppose I am twice your -age.' - -'I should fancy more than that—a good deal.' - -'Be silent and listen to me.' He raised his voice. 'I am rich. I -have a large tract of land—fen-land. I have turned over every turf, -and under each found gold. But it has not made me happy. I have had -many contradictions, many sorrows, and some shame. My life has been -blistered and full of running sores. I have ever been seeking and never -finding, till I saw you. When you came into my house, then I knew at -once that it was you I had craved for and longed after, and that you, -and you alone, could give me what I can find nowhere else—happiness.' - -'Give?' said Zita. 'I thought this was a business matter.' - -'Let me buy my happiness, then, at what price you desire. I have told -you what I am worth. When I see you, I feel the fire kindles in my -heart; when I do not see you, it smoulders; and now—now I speak, it -breaks out into raging flames.' - -'I must leave this place, or you will go clean crazy.' - -'No, you must not—you shall not leave it! I could not live without -you, having once seen you. Zita, I must have you!' - -'Me?' said Zita. 'With me go the van and the goods.' - -'Curse the van!' - -'You must not say that. The van is very fine, if the poultry would but -leave it alone; and with the curtains and tassels is fit for a king.' - -'Zita, it is you only that I want.' - -'There are a lot of goods goes with me—scrubbing-brushes, mops, -brooms, door-mats, pots and pans. Then there's Jewel—who is not bad -when he does go.' - -'You are trifling with me again. Listen to me. Hear me to the end.' - -'I want to hear the end and have done with it,' said the girl. 'I was -reckoning up the articles. Here's Cheap Jack Zita for one; there are -all these promiscuous goods, that's two; here's the van, that's three; -and there's Jewel, that's four—a job lot.' - -'You are mocking me.' - -'No indeed, I am not. We are after business, are we not?' - -But Zita was purposely protracting the scene. She was in difficulties, -and was searching to find a way out of them. - -'Yes, business. You are mercantile. Listen to what I offer. I am rich, -a man of consequence, and a Commissioner. Here is the house, here is -the land. I have money in the bank—thousands of pounds; all—all I -have is yours; give me but your own self in return.' - -Zita was far from being unfeeling. She was stirred by the earnestness, -the devotion of the man, but she was not for a moment doubtful as to -what her answer must be. Commercial though her mind was, she could not -accept him at his price. Her scruple was how to word her refusal so as -least to wound him. In her peculiar fashion—one inveterate to her—she -twisted the matter about so as to give it a comical aspect. She saw no -other loophole for escape from a difficult and painful situation. - -'I am sorry,' she said, 'that number one in the job lot is not to be -parted with. That is withdrawn from the sale, or bought in. But if it -is any consolation to you to have the van and a share of the goods'— - -'That is no consolation to me.' - -'A queer state of mind to be in—an unwholesome one, and looks like -derangement of intellects. The van ought to comfort any man with his -faculties about him.' - -'Zita!' exclaimed Drownlands, striking the table with his fist, 'you -persist in fooling with me! I will not endure this. I am in deadly -earnest. I know the reason of this trifling. Mark Runham'—he choked -with passion—'Mark has stepped in, and you have given him that heart -which you deny me—a heart I would give worlds—worlds'—. He turned to -the window. It was starlight now, starlight over snowfields. 'Look out, -Zita, at the stars. It is said that they are worlds. If all these were -mine, and filled with unimaginable masses of treasure, the homes of -unexampled happiness, I would give all for you—all for you—listen to -me—merely that I might call you mine, and then die.' - -'I cannot be yours,' said Zita in a firm voice. 'And now that you have -said this, I shall leave the house.' - -'You shall not leave this house!' he cried fiercely. 'If you attempt -it,—if I see that you are about to attempt it—and I know whither you -would go,—then I will shoot you first, and myself afterwards.' - -'I have to do, then, with a madman?' - -'Be it so—with a madman; mad on one matter only, mad for one thing -only—you. I make no empty threat. I swear by these stars I will do -what I threaten. I cannot and I will not live without you. I will kill -you rather than that you should belong to another.' - -Zita came forward from the door, came to the table. - -'I can never be yours,' she said in a tone as earnest, as grave as his. -'There is that between us which makes it for ever impossible.' - -'What is the _that_—Mark Runham?' - -'No—not Mark Runham.' - -'Who is it, then?' - -'There is no _who_. There is a _something_. Must I tell you what it is? -I would gladly spare you.' - -'Tell me, and torment me no more.' - -She stepped to the corner of the room, took the flail up, and cast it -on the table between them. - -'The _something_ is that flail.' - -Suddenly through the window smote a red flare; it kindled the room, it -turned Zita's hair into a ruddy aureole, it streamed over the table, -and dyed the flail blood-red. - -And Drownlands cast himself on his knees, with a cry of anguish and -remorse, and buried his face in his hands. - -Then through the house sounded a hubbub of voices, and cries for the -master. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -THE FEN RIOTS - - -Several and various causes had combined to produce discontent in the -Fens. - -Those who lived by fishing and fowling were angry because the improved -drainage had destroyed their sporting grounds. Those who had been left -behind in the scramble for land were discontented because others had -seized the advantageous moment for purchasing which they had let slip. - -The labourers were discontented because of the lowness of the wage and -the high price of corn. How was it possible for a man on ten or eleven -shillings a week to maintain a family, when wheat was at four to five -shillings a stone? - -It is proverbial that such as have risen from poverty prove the -harshest masters. Such was the case in the Fens. The landowners were -related by blood and marriage to the labourers they employed, but, -nevertheless, they ground them under their own heels. A specimen of -their brutality may be instanced. Twice or thrice the wheat had to be -hoed, and the hoers were women. Over them the farmers set a ganger -armed with an ox goad, who thrust on the lagging women with a prod -between the shoulder-blades. - -The men were paid partly in money, partly in corn, and were given the -refuse wheat that would not sell, wheat that had been badly harvested, -and had sprouted in the ear, wheat that made heavy and unwholesome -bread. - -Labour in the Fens was of a specially trying nature. The clayer was -underground all day in pits throwing up the marl that was to serve -as manure to the surface earth, and was half stifled by the noxious -exhalations from the decomposing vegetable matter, and was immersed -half-way up his calves in fetid, phosphorescent ooze. - -The cleaning out and deepening of the dykes was trying work, for the -workman was plunged to his waist in stagnant water and slime, tormented -by mosquitos, and poisoned by the stings of the terrible gadfly that -threw him into fever for a fortnight. Everything was poisonous. The -fen-water entering a cut produced gangrene. If the hand or foot were -wounded by a reed, a sore was the result that resisted healing. - -The expenses of the fen-labourer were heavy. He could not do the tasks -set him without a pair of well-tanned leather boots reaching to the -hips, that cost him from thirty-six shillings to two pounds the pair. - -His comforts were small, and were disregarded by the landowners. His -cottage, though quite modern, was supremely wretched. It had been run -up at the least possible expense, one brick thick, and one room deep, -on piles. But 'the moor' beneath the surface had shrunk through the -drainage, and the walls gaped, letting wind and rain drive through the -rents, and frost enter, impossible to expel by the largest fire. - -There was then, as there is now, and always will be, a body of social -failures—fraudulent dealers detected and exposed, but not shamed, men -who, through their sourness of temper, or indolence, or dishonesty, -had failed in whatever they took in hand. These were ready-made -demagogues, all talkers, all dissatisfied with every person and thing -save themselves, accusing every institution of corruption, and every -person of injustice, because of their own incompetence. They were in -their element when real discontent prevailed on account of real wrongs. -They rose into influence as agitators; they worked on the minds of the -ignorant peasantry, dazzling them with expectations impossible to be -realised, and exciting them to a frenzy of anger against all who were -in any way their superiors. These men were rarely sincere in their -convictions. They were for the most part unscrupulous fishers in -troubled waters. Of the few that were sincere, Ephraim Beamish was one. - -All the elements of dissatisfaction were combined at the period of our -tale, and the high price of wheat produced an explosion; but it was -Ephraim Beamish who applied the match. - -He had been expelled his office as keeper of a mill by the -Commissioners, and his enforced idleness gave him leisure to pass from -one centre of discontent to another, to stir up the embers, fan them -to a white heat, and organise a general outbreak. On a preconcerted -day, the labourers rose, and with them was combined a large body of -men of no particular calling, who had no particular grievance, and no -particular end in view. - -No suspicion of danger was entertained by the employers, and when the -dissatisfied broke out in open riot, they were taken by surprise and -were unprepared to offer resistance. - -Bodies of men assembled at Mildenhall, Soham, Isleham, Downham, and -Littleport, and the order was given that they were to march upon Ely, -and on their way were to extort from the farmers promise of higher wage -and cheaper corn. In Ely contributions were to be exacted from the -Bishop, the canons, and all the wealthy and well-to-do citizens. The -mills were to be wrecked and the banks plundered. - -At the head of the whole movement was Beamish, but he was more -especially to act as commander over the Littleport detachment. - -Having got the men together,—the poachers and wild-duck fowlers armed -with their guns, the labourers with cudgels,—he endeavoured to marshal -them into some sort of discipline and subjection to orders. But this he -found more difficult than to bring the men together. He found the men -were not amenable to command, and were indisposed to confine themselves -to exacting contributions. Fortified by their numbers, they attacked -the grocer's shop, the vicarage, and the home of a retired farmer in -Littleport, broke in the doors and pillaged them. - -Having tasted the pleasures of plunder, they were prepared to sack and -wreck any house whence they thought liquor or money was to be got. - -It was in vain that Ephraim Beamish endeavoured to control the unwieldy -body of men. _Quot homines, tot sententiæ._ And as each man in the -disorderly love-feasts at Corinth had his prophecy, his psalm, and his -interpretation, so in this assemblage of peasants, each had his opinion -as to where lay the blame for the distress or discomfort under which he -laboured, each had his private grudge to avenge, each his special need -which he sought to satisfy, and all were united in equal determination -not to submit to dictation from Beamish or any other man. - -The tavern at Littleport could hardly escape, although it had been a -rendezvous of the dissatisfied. The mob rushed towards it to break in -and seize on the contents of the cellar. In vain did Beamish protest -that they were injuring a good cause by their disorderly conduct; all -desired drink, and none paid heed to his remonstrance. - -The taverner barely averted having his house looted by rolling a -hogshead of ale out of his doors, and bidding the rioters help -themselves. - -Then Beamish sprang on a bench and entreated the men to attend to what -he had to say. - -'We want no words,' said one of the rioters. 'We are dry, we want -drink. We've empty pockets, and want to fill them. Our ears have been -stuffed with words. Keep them for chapel on Sundays.' - -'I will speak,' cried Beamish. 'I am your leader. You have sworn to -follow and obey me. You elected me yourselves.' - -'Lead us to liquor and sovereigns, and we'll follow sharp enough.' - -'You are wasting time. You are damaging a righteous cause. Have we -not to march to Ely? Have we not to visit the farmers on the way, and -impose our terms there?' - -'There's plenty of time for that, Pip.' - -'There is not plenty of time. The Mildenhall men are on their way under -Cutman, five hundred strong.' - -'How do you know that?' - -'It was so planned. The Isleham men are marching under Goat, the Soham -men under Gotobed. Who will be first in Ely? Is Littleport, that should -lead the way, to come in at the tail?' - -'There is something in that, mates,' shouted one of the rioters. 'Stand -in order, you chaps. To Ely! Bring along the waggon.' - -The idea that, if looting were to be done, they of Littleport might -come in merely to glean where others had reaped, and the consciousness -that a far richer harvest was awaiting them in Ely than could be -garnered in Littleport, acted as a stimulus, and the mob desisted -from further violence, and roughly organised itself into marching -order. All were armed after a fashion, with guns, pitchforks, cudgels, -leaping-poles, and cleavers; and as the day was declining, there was a -cry for torches. - -'We shan't want them,' called one of the men. 'We'll light bonfires on -our way.' - -Then a waggon was drawn out. In it were stationed some fowlers with -duck-guns. The object of the waggon was to serve as a sort of fortress. -Those in it were above the heads of the rest, and, in the event of -resistance or an attack, could fire over their heads. Moreover, the -waggon would be serviceable to carry the spoil taken on the way, or -gathered in Ely. - -Then the mob rolled along the great drove or highway to the city, with -shouts, and oaths, and laughter, and trampled the snow as it advanced, -leaving a black slush behind it. - -Many of the men were half intoxicated with the ale and spirits they had -already imbibed, and all were wholly drunk with lust of gain and love -of destruction. - -Then one in the waggon shouted, 'To Crumbland!' Another shouted, 'No, -no! Young Runham is not bad. He has sold his wheat cheap and thrashed -out all his stacks. And the old woman is a widow.' - -'That's nought,' exclaimed a third, 'if there's any liquor to be had -there!' - -'To Gaultrip's!' was the cry. - -'Gaultrip is my cousin!' shouted another. - -'That's nought,' called one of the mob. 'I suppose he has money.' - -'Ely way!' roared Beamish, scrambling into the waggon. 'Drive ahead. -What's the use of being the commander, if nobody listens to the word of -command, and nobody thinks of obeying it, if he does hear it?' - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -TWENTY POUNDS - - -The shrill voice of Mrs. Tunkiss was heard, as she ran screaming up -the stairs, calling for 'the master.' Then she burst into his room, -followed by the maid-of-all-work, who was in convulsive jerks. - -'Oh, master! there is a riot. Some of our men have joined, and there is -a stack on fire at Gaultrip's. The mob is coming here, and threatens to -burn us.' - -'Who are coming?' asked Drownlands, looking up. He staggered to his -feet, but was as one dazed. He did not observe the glare in the room. -He did not hear distinctly the words spoken. - -'Look, master! look at the blaze. It is at Gaultrip's. You can hear -them coming on. They are swearing horrible, and say they will have our -lives.' - -'What is this all about?' - -'I don't know for certain. Tom Easy has run here afore to tell us what -he has gathered. But lawk! poor lad, he's frightened; and me—my poor -head won't hold it. He says the mob be armed with bombs and cannons, -and all sorts of engines of war, and they'll blow us up into the skies.' - -Drownlands passed his hand over his eyes, then went to the window and -looked out. - -He saw in the distance the red blaze of a burning rick, the flames -dancing and leaping in the air, and carrying with them wisps of ignited -straw, which were borne on the wind as firebrands, to carry destruction -elsewhere. He could see the mob advancing as a ripple of fire running -along the drove before a dark wave. The rioters had, in fact, twisted -up bands of straw, had lighted them, and were waving them as torches as -they advanced, and the flames were reflected in the dykes on each side -of the road. Drownlands was surprised. He threw up the sash, and the -roar of voices was carried into the room. - -'What is the meaning of this?' asked he. 'Who are these that are coming -this way?' - -'It is the rioters,' answered Mrs. Tunkiss. - -'Rioters? What rioters?' - -'Lawk! how can I tell? Tom Easy said they want advance of wages, and -cheap flour. And he said, they ask for money to help on the cause.' - -'Cause? What cause?' - -'Lawk, sir! how can I say? Tom Easy said it was the Union of Fen -Labourers, and they will have blood or money. They will make you swear -to pay them two shillings a-day more wage, and pull the price of flour -down to half a crown.' - -'They demand money of me, do they? Let them venture to require it of -me.' - -'Here they are!' screamed Mrs. Tunkiss, as a blow was levelled at the -door, and the strokes resounded through the house. - -'Who was that?' shouted Drownlands from the window, with a curse. He -was not a man to spare oaths when he was angry. 'Who struck my door? I -will have the law of him.' - -The mob was pouring into the yard. - -'Make a blaze, and let us see the old tiger!' shouted one of the -rioters, and bunches of straw and corn were snatched from a rick, a -blaze was made, and fire tossed about, illumining the face of the house -and the figures of the men in the waggon. - -'By heaven, I know you!' shouted Drownlands from the window. 'That is -Aaron Chevell in the waggon, and by him Isaac Harley and Harry Tansley -with guns. I'll not forget you. I have a memory. I have five ash trees -on the drove side, and I shall have a rioter slung to every branch of -every tree, and shall begin with my own workmen.' - -'Hold a civil tongue in your head!' shouted Chevell from the waggon. -'Don't threaten what you can't perform. We have guns here, as you see, -and can silence you; and we shan't think twice about doing so, if you -do not come to our terms.' - -'Master Drownlands!' called Ephraim Beamish, working his way forward -in the waggon with his long arms, and leaning his elbows on the front -board when he had thrust himself into the middle position, 'you will -gain nothing by abuse and threats. We have a good cause, and are a -thousand strong to support it. You have had everything in the Fens your -own way too long, and have trampled the working men under foot. You -have coined their sweat into silver'— - -Some one shouted as a correction, 'Into gold.' - -'Yes,' said Beamish; 'you have coined the sweat of your men into heavy -gold, and have left the men to hunger, and toil, and nakedness; to -cramp, and ague, and fever. They have their rights as well as you. They -have borne their wrongs long enough. Now they have risen to demand what -in equity is theirs—some share of the profits, some just proportion -out of your gains, so that they may live in comfort, and not barely -live.' - -'Shut your mouth!' roared one of the crowd; 'we want no preaching now. -We knows our rights, and we'll maintain them with our fists, and not -with your tongue. Pip thinks he'll convert Tiger Ki, he does! Words -won't do that. Send a shot at him, Tansley. That's the only argument -for him.' - -Tansley, the man addressed, thrust Beamish back with the butt-end of -his fowling-piece, and laid his barrel on the front board. - -'Listen, Master Drownlands,' shouted Beamish, again making an effort -to shoulder his way to the front of the waggon. 'What we ask of you is -twenty pounds for the cause of the United Fen Labourers. Give us twenty -pounds, and swear to the conditions—a fair wage and cheap corn. Then -we will do you no harm whatever. We will take your money, and move -along our way. We are bound for Ely.' - -'I pay you twenty pounds?' yelled Drownlands. 'I have a gun as well as -you have, and will contribute lead to the cause—lead only.' - -He ran to the corner of the room and took down his gun from the rack. - -'I'll shoot,' threatened Tansley. - -'Ay—and so will I,' said Drownlands, 'and let us see who can take the -best aim. I think my eye is pretty well known to be sharp and my hand -steady. By the Lord, I'll not spare you!' He paused and put on a hat. -'I can see finely with all those wisps of fire. Hold up your torches, -boys, higher, that I may send my bullet into Tansley's heart. He will -leap, and then down he goes.' - -Fallen pieces of ignited straw had kindled the half-kneaded straw on -the ground, and there ran flames and half-flames to and fro on the -soil. The cart-horses in the waggon started and shifted position to -escape these flashes and flickers. - -'Drownlands!' shouted a young voice, and Mark Runham thrust his -way through the crowd. 'I pray you be reasonable. You will provoke -bloodshed.' - -'What, you there? You a ringleader in riots?' exclaimed Drownlands, -lowering his fowling-piece. - -'I am not that. Let me come within.' - -Then Mark stood on the waggon-shafts and called to the crowd— - -'Refrain from violence! Leave me to manage Master Drownlands. I will -engage him to let you have the money you require.' - -Then he jumped down from the shafts and ran up the steps. - -The door had been bolted and chained by the housekeeper, but Zita, -hearing what Mark said, without waiting for orders, descended to the -ground floor, and unbarred the door, and admitted him. He ran upstairs, -for no time was to be lost. The mob was restless and irritated. It -was impatient to be on its way to Ely, and yet was reluctant to leave -Prickwillow without having drawn money from it, or done some mischief. - -Drownlands was too angry to listen to advice. He would not hear of -coming to terms with the rabble. He had been too long accustomed to -domineer over the labourers to fear them now. He in no way realised how -much courage is given by association in numbers. - -'What are you here for? How dare you enter uninvited?' he exclaimed, as -Mark came into the office, followed by Zita. - -'I admitted him,' said the girl. 'He has come in your interest.' - -'He is one of the rioters! He is a leader! A Runham of Crumbland, with -a tail of dirty scoundrels after him, burning, pillaging, and getting -drunk.' - -'I beseech you,' said Mark—'I entreat you to listen to reason. The men -are, as you say, drunk—drunk with folly. I am no leader.' - -'You are acting for them.' - -'I am an intermediary. They have spared me. They came to Crumbland, but -we humoured them, brought out cake and ale, and they went their way -without molestation. Gaultrip resisted, and they set fire to a stack, -and so frightened him that he yielded, and paid fifteen pounds. Now he -is engaged in saving his other stacks. Do not provoke these fellows -further.' - -'I will not listen to you. You ought to be ashamed to take the part of -these scurvy ragamuffins.' - -'I am not taking their part, but yours. Hark!' - -There was a cry from the yard of, 'Drownlands! Tiger Ki! We will -break in the house door unless you give us money.' - -Then a brick was thrown. It crashed through the double panes of the -window with raised sash, and fell in the room, accompanied by a shower -of glass splinters. - -'I will shoot one of them!' exclaimed the yeoman, and he ran with his -gun to the window. - -Mark had just time to strike up the barrel, and the contents were -discharged in the air, hurting nobody. - -Drownlands turned on him with an oath. - -'I will punish you,' he said, stamping with fury, and he rushed upon -Mark with his gun raised over his head, grasping it by the barrel. - -Then Zita sprang between them, holding the flail in both her hands, as -a ward against the stock. - -'Stand back, Mark!' she cried. 'He dare not touch you across this -flail.' - -It was as she said. - -The man stood as one paralysed, the uplifted gun in his hands, his eyes -glaring at young Runham, and the red reflections of the fire flashing -on his face and turning it to blood. But the blow did not fall. His -muscles remained immovable, the gun suspended in the air, till Zita -lowered the flail, and put it behind her back. Then the spell was off -him. He let the gun fall on the ground, and his head sank on his bosom. - -The discharge of the fowling-piece had produced a hush in the voices -outside. - -None knew whether, in the darkness, some one had been hit. But when, -after a pause, it was found that no harm had been done, then there -broke forth loud cries and execrations; the courage of the rabble rose -with a sense of its immunity, and a rain of brickbats beat against -the windows of the house, shivering the panes. The kitchen-maid fell -on the floor in a fit. Mrs. Tunkiss went into a series of shrieks. -Renewed blows were raised against the house door, and they were -accompanied with cries of, 'Smash it in! Tear the tiger's house down! -He has hundreds of pounds put away somewhere. If he will not pay twenty -sovereigns when we ask civil, we will take two hundred.' - -Then one shrill voice cried, 'Make a bonfire of the wheat ricks.' - -'Ki Drownlands! will you do nothing?' asked Mark; 'will you not give up -a few pounds to save those long ranges of stacks?' - -'Let them do their worst,' answered the master of Prickwillow doggedly. -'By the light of the fire I will note every face, and mark them all -down, man by man, and then woe betide them.' - -Then a burst of cheers, and cries of, 'That will do famously. We will -have that out. Get horses, harness, and we will drive to Ely.' - -Zita ran to the window, and returned hastily with a blank face. - -'They have found my van! They have got inside. They are clambering on -the roof. They are treating it worse than poultry! Oh, Mark! Mark!' - -Then through the window she pleaded, 'Spare my van. Here are ten gold -sovereigns.' Then to Mark, 'Take my money, go to the men, and get them -to leave my darling, precious van alone.' - -'Stay,' said Drownlands. 'I have changed my mind.' He went to the door -and summoned the domestics who had fled when the brickbat crashed into -the room. 'Come here, Leehanna. Sarah, get out of your fits and come at -once. Come here, Tom Easy.' - -The frightened servants obeyed. - -'Bring a candle,' he said. - -The scared housekeeper did as required. - -When Drownlands had received the light, he went into the passage, and, -holding it before the face of Mark, said to the domestics, 'Do you know -who this is? Is not this Mark Runham? Can you swear to it?' He paused -for an answer to each question. - -'He has come here, pushed his way into my house, against my wishes, to -force me to contribute twenty pounds towards the cause of the rioters. -He threatens me with the burning of my ricks if I do not comply. Is it -not so?' - -'I have come,' said Mark, 'because I am desirous to save you, as well -as others in your house, from injury; and also to intervene and protect -these misguided men against committing a crime.' - -'They touched nothing at Crumbland.' - -'No; we gave them food and drink.' - -'Yes, you are hand and glove with them. And now you are acting as their -spokesman and their leader. Take my money—twenty pounds, and take -Zita's ten pounds—thirty pounds in all, the plunder of this house. -Mind you, I give it on compulsion. I do not find meat and liquor for -the rioters; I do this to save my ricks of corn. And I give it to you, -Mark Runham, acting for the rioters.' - -Drownlands turned to those present. - -'I call upon you all to witness, you, Leehanna Tunkiss, you, Sarah, -you, Tom Easy, and you, Zita, that I pay over my twenty pounds against -my will. Open your hand, Mark Runham. Let them see that you have there -my twenty pounds and Zita's ten pounds. There are the sovereigns all in -gold. They are well spent—well spent—they rid me of you.' - -A few moments later a shout rang from the crowd without—'Tiger Ki -has shelled out. For the Union, for the Cause! for the fen-labourers! -Twenty pounds! Twenty pounds for liberty and right! The cheap loaf and -the big wage! Hurrah! hurrah, boys! Forward to Ely! On to the banks. On -to the mills!' - -Drownlands looked after the retreating mob from his window, and said, -with a sneer, 'Go on—to the gallows, Mark Runham; I am clear of you -now. Cheap at twenty pounds.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -TEN POUNDS - - -Notwithstanding the call of 'On to Ely!' the mob was not at once in -motion. Something delayed it. - -Zita went to the window and looked out. She saw that which excited and -angered her, and, turning her head to Drownlands, said— - -'It is a shame! It is disgraceful! They have taken my ten pounds, and -yet they are carrying off my van. They have put Jewel into the shafts. -They might as well have harnessed the Archbishop! He's stiffening his -legs and setting back his ears. Look how he's cocking his tail. They -will have to drag on van and Jewel together. What a thing the general -public is! I never knew it in this mood before, and yet I thought I -knew it pretty well. I'll clear the public out of my van. There are a -dozen inside, and a score on the roof. They have no right to do this -after accepting my money.' - -She left the window. - -'Zita, where are you going?' asked Drownlands. - -'Going to send the general public skipping,' she answered. - -'You cannot do it. It is not safe to leave the house.' - -'Trust me. I've swept the poultry off, and I'm not afraid of the -public. I know how to deal with them as I do with fowls.' - -Before Drownlands had time to offer further remonstrance, she had -darted out of the office, run to her own room, taken a pair of fencing -foils from the stores, had descended the stairs two steps at a time, -had unbarred the door and was out in the yard, making for the van. - -'Stand still—don't move,' she said to Jewel, as she passed his head; -and he turned one of his eyes at her and winked. - -'Clear away at once,' she shouted to those around the van. 'You have -taken my money, and must let the conveyance alone.' - -'Who are you? We've no money of yours.' - -'Yes, you have. I sent out ten pounds to you. Go, ask your commander, -secretary, treasurer, or whatever you call him. He has pocketed my ten -pounds, and you are bound to leave my van alone. I am the Cheap Jack -girl.' - -'Are you the daughter of the Cheap Jack who died here?' - -'Yes, I am; and this is my van. Hands off. You have no quarrel against -me. What have I done to make bread dear and keep wages low? I do not -belong to these parts. Stand aside.' - -She thrust her way to the back of the van where was the glass door. -This had been opened, and several men had ensconced themselves inside -on the benches. - -Zita entered, a foil in each hand. Within it was dark, but she -nevertheless knew that the interior was packed full of men. - -'This is my conveyance,' she said imperiously; 'you have no more right -to enter it than you have to occupy the house of the Lord Mayor. I have -got a sword in each hand. I cannot see any one in the dark, but I will -dagg with each hand, as you dagg for eels, and I will go on dagging -till I have got a man wriggling at the end of each.' - -Down went the front of the van, and out tumbled a dozen lusty men, one -over another, stumbling, falling, sprawling, in the trampled snow and -straw. - -Zita went through the van from aft to fore, and satisfied herself that -it was cleared of its human occupants. Then, standing on the platform, -which had been thrown forward by those who burst away from her foils, -she looked up at the roof. A score of men and youths was on it, their -legs pendent. - -'Down with you at once,' she said. 'Do you see these rapiers? Do -you think I can't run a man through as easy as stick a needle in a -pin-cushion? It's not the running in—it's the pulling out is the -trouble. There's a button at the end of each blade. I have got only -two—so I can pin but two of you, and that shall be the last two that -leave the roof.' - -She made as though about to scramble on to the top of the van, and away -went the men seated there, dropping like ripe pears from a tree. - -Zita leisurely reclosed the front of the van, and went out at the back -and shut that door also. - -'That's a good job done, Jewel,' said she. 'Now run the van backwards -into the shed, and you shall return to the stable. Roman candles, -Jewel—pop-bang! Roman candles at your nose.' - -'Hold there, you Cheap Jack girl!' shouted a broad-shouldered man, -coming up and laying his hand on the bit. 'We have taken this -conveyance for the Union. It is confiscated.' - -'Whether taken and confiscated I cannot say,' said Zita. 'But I know I -have paid ten pounds to have it untaken and set at liberty. Return my -ten sovereigns if you take from me my van.' - -'We have no ten sovereigns of yours.' - -'Yes, you have. And a shame it is that you should rob a poor Cheap Jack -girl. Not that she belongs to the general public, save and deliver -us!—but she is a working girl, and poor.' - -'We have had no money of yours, and we requisition the van. We want to -load it in Ely. It will serve our purpose better than a waggon.' - -'You shall not have it,' replied Zita. 'Fair trade is fair trade, and -he that will not deal honourably I will run through, and leave the -button sticking between his shoulders, and that will spoil a good -weskit.' - -The man sprang back as she threatened him with one of the foils. - -'I will tell you what it is,' said Zita; 'you will not believe me till -I have made an example of one of you.' - -'Where is your ten pounds?' asked Pip Beamish, who had descended from -the waggon. - -'Ay,' said several of those who stood round; 'that is what we should -uncommon like to know.' - -'Where are my ten pounds?' repeated Zita. 'That is a fine question for -you to put to me, when I'll be bound you have them in your pocket.' - -'Bring them out, Pip!' called one of the men. - -'I have not got her money. I have not touched it,' protested the -commander. - -'I gave it to Mark Runham along with the master's twenty pounds.' - -'The twenty pounds has been put into the Union box—I never touched -your ten.' - -'Come, come, Pip,' said a cluster of men, 'no shuffling. Mark wouldn't -have held back the money. You have had it, sure enough.' - -'I have not had one farthing of it.' - -'I paid ten pounds to have my van set at liberty. I did not wish to -have it sat upon, and the sides kicked, and the varnish scratched. I -gave ten pounds to save it from that.' - -'What did you get, Beamish?' asked Aaron Chevell. - -'I got just twenty pounds and no more—the twenty pounds that -Drownlands contributed, and that I put into the box with the rest.' - -'And not my ten?' exclaimed Zita. 'That is a falsehood. My ten was with -his twenty. Thirty pounds in all, in gold.' - -'There has been cheating,' shouted two or three. - -'That is what comes of jaw and preaching.' - -'Mates,' said Aaron Chevell, 'we must not let this pass. Let us have -judge and jury There has been robbery of the common fund. Mates, I vote -that we arrest Pip Beamish, and try him at once.' - -'Have him up in the cart,' said Tansley. 'Comrades all! light some -more straw wisps. There has been a case of roguery. There has been our -chief officer taking the money that was contributed to the Union, and -pocketing it for his private use. I charge Ephraim Beamish, and vote -that he be deposed from his command, and be tried for felony.' - -'I second it,' shouted Isaac Harley. 'And what I say is—like enough. -He who wants most has taken it. A chap as hasn't a house to call his -home, nor an honest employ in which to earn his living.' - -'It is not what I calls respectable,' said one man, 'that we should -march under such a rascal.' - -Then ensued a chorus of voices. - -'Up into the waggon with him, and try him there.' - -In vain did Beamish protest that he had not defrauded the Union, that -he had received no more than twenty pounds. The rest suspected him, and -were jealous of his assumption of authority. - -'You Cheap Jack girl,' called Chevell, 'we want your evidence. Ay, -bring the swords along with you, if you're afraid of us, but we do not -hurt women.' - -Zita allowed herself to be conducted to the waggon, and assisted into -it with rough courtesy. - -A fen-farm waggon is a very massive structure, more massive, perhaps, -than one in other parts of England. It has its peculiarity, which -consists in the front board being unusually high and arched at top. -Often may women be seen going to market in the waggons, crouching -against this high board, which screens them from the wind. - -There is much vermilion paint employed on the waggons, and the front -board usually blazes with colour. It was so on this occasion. The -waggon carried off by the rioters had recently been painted, and the -vermilion was of the brightest. - -Isaac Harley cried from his place in the waggon, 'Mates, who is to be -judge?' - -'We will have no judge but ourselves,' was the ready response. - -'Then,' cried Tansley, 'choose your jury.' - -'We will all be jury!' shouted the mob. - -Then Aaron Chevell, standing forward, said, 'Comrades, the case is -this. This young gal—she is the Cheap Jack's lass, staying here—says -she gave ten sovereigns in gold to the labourers' cause, to have her -van let alone. And she gave it along with the twenty pounds of Tiger -Ki. Now we want to know what has become of this contribution of hers. -Ephraim Beamish swears he never received it.' - -'I had the twenty pounds of Mark Runham,' said Beamish, 'but not ten -besides.' - -'You stand by the front board,' said Chevell to Zita, 'and tell your -story. We will hold Beamish, and every one shall judge.' - -'What? the general public?' asked Zita, looking round at the crowd of -upturned faces. - -'Yes; it shall give judgment.' - -'Then you'll have rare judgment,' said Zita. She went forward to the -place pointed out to her, and stood there, with her back to the scarlet -board, and leaned on her foils. Blazing straw wisps were held up, -brilliantly illumining the whole scene. - -'I call to silence,' said Chevell, 'and let us hear what the Cheap Jack -gal has to say.' - -'What I have to say is this,' said Zita. 'I saw that you had drawn out -my van, the house in which I was born and reared, the shop whence all -our profits came, and were treating it worse than did the poultry. -So I gave my savings to Mark Runham, ten pounds, all I had on me in -gold, at the same time that the master gave twenty pounds to save his -corn-stacks. Mark Runham took it to the man, Pip Beamish, who is your -captain.' - -'No, he ain't! we have deposed him!' was shouted on all sides. - -Then voices were raised for Runham, but Mark was not to be found. - -'We want another witness,' said Chevell. - -'There is one,' said Zita, pointing with a foil to Drownlands at the -window of his office. 'There are more if you desire them—Leehanna -Tunkiss, the girl Sarah, and Tom Easy. They all saw me give Mark the -money.' - -Aaron called to Drownlands if it was so. Drownlands answered in assent. - -'Summon the other witnesses,' commanded the self-constituted judge. - -Whilst the men knocked at the house door and demanded the presence of -Mrs. Tunkiss and the girl Sarah, Beamish raised his voice in protest. - -'I say, mates and comrades all, this is strange and unwarranted -proceedings. Am not I your leader?' - -A shout of, 'You was—but you're a thief—we'll have none of you. I -vote for Aaron Chevell. Duck him; he's a turncoat. He's a cheat and -robs the poor men.' - -'It is false!' shouted Beamish, between rage and disappointment. 'How -can I have acted as you say, when I am the man who urged you on,—I, -who have the cause at heart more than any of you?' - -'Oh yes! that's how Judas talked!' shouted some one in the crowd. Then -there came yells of, 'Judas! Judas! Let him hang like Judas!' - -The door of the house was not opened to allow the witnesses to issue at -the dictate of the mob. - -'We must have more witnesses,' said Chevell. 'We don't lay much store -on Drownlands. He ain't taken the oath.' - -Then Zita appealed to the master of Prickwillow to suffer the maids to -come forth. After some hesitation he agreed. - -'I'll let 'em out if you'll hang Beamish,' shouted he from the window. - -Presently the door of the house was cautiously opened, and Drownlands, -who stood at it, thrust forth the two women. Mrs. Tunkiss was white and -quaking; Sarah nigh upon a fit. - -'Now, then,' demanded the judge, 'up into the waggon wi' you. And, -lads, hold up the torches that I may see if they looks honest and -truthful. You—Leehanna Tunkiss—did this Cheap Jack girl give ten -pounds for us into the hands of Beamish?' - -'Oh yes! forty!' exclaimed the woman, who did not understand what was -being done, and thought she might be incriminating Zita, or doing her -some harm by the admission. - -'She don't quite agree about the figure,—she says forty,—but she -establishes the fact,' said Chevell, addressing the crowd. 'You swear -to it?' - -'Oh, I swear!' exclaimed Mrs. Tunkiss. 'Oh, gentlemen, let me down! I -shall faint.' - -'Pass her down,' ordered Aaron. 'Now you other—Sarah Gathercole—did -she give him money? She shakes her head—I mean she nods.' - -'She has the Vitus' dance,' protested the accused. - -'She understands what's she's axed—eh?' - -The poor girl nodded in her nervous fit. - -'And you swear to it—the Cheap Jack girl gave ten pounds?' - -Again she went into fits of jerking and nodding. - -'She's mighty sure of it, that she be,' said Aaron. 'What say you, -mates and chums? Is it proved?' - -A roar in response, in the affirmative. - -'Now then,' said Chevell, 'it is for Pip Beamish to answer in his -defence.' - -'I never had more than twenty pounds. Search me if you will.' - -'You may have been too sharp for that,' said Isaac Harley. 'Mates, he -ain't got a defence. I vote for condemnation. This Pip Beamish has been -terribly stuck up, and has given himself the airs of a dook, and has -been ordering us about. I vote that he is a thieving rascal. What say -you?' - -'Hear! hear! We say the same!' Then ensued shouts of, 'Kick him down! -Duck him! Chuck him into the Lark!' - -In a moment Beamish was plucked out of the waggon, flapping his long -arms in protest and entreaty, was jostled, beaten, kicked, and finally -thrown into the dyke—the one honest and sincere man among the leaders -of the rabble. - -'Now then, mates,' called Chevell, 'it is right and proper that we -should elect another commander.' - -'We want no commanders!' shouted the mob. 'We know what we want! We -will all be commanders! Are we not the general public?' - -'Then I vote,' cried Harley, 'that we lose no more time, but move on to -Ely.' - -Zita was helped out of the cart. The improvised torches were set in -motion, forming a line of fire as the whole mob of rioters left the -farm, and marched along the dark embankment, whilst the waggon bounced -below on the drove. - -As Zita stood by the van, which she had thrust back with the aid of -Jewel into the shed, a hand was laid on hers. - -'Zita!' - -The voice was that of Mark. - -'Oh, Mark!' - -'Zita, here are your ten pounds. I did not give them to Beamish.' - -'Mark! and he has been deposed, and cuffed and beaten, for having -stolen it.' - -'He has been thrown into the dyke, and I have helped him out of the -water. Do not be disconcerted. I could not have done him a better turn -than this, to get him out of association with men who are running their -heads into hangmen's nooses.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -A NEW DANGER - - -'Mark, how was it that you did not give them my ten pounds?' - -'Why, my dear Zita, I thought I could get them off without it. I gave -them Drownlands' twenty. He escaped cheap at that price, and twenty -pounds is nothing to him. I made sure I could induce them to leave your -van alone without payment to do so, and when I saw them harness Jewel -to it, then I was quite certain they would have to leave it; you do not -suppose I would have suffered those rascals to take your money except -in an extremity? To rob you was to rob me, Zit—for I never would -have suffered you to lose those ten pounds. If I had been constrained -to give them up, I would have refunded this sum to you out of my own -pocket.' - -'You are very good.' - -'Not at all. I have more money than I know how to spend.' - -'You are good all round. You pulled Pip Beamish out of the water, and I -know you do not love him.' - -'You see I help one I love, and one I do not love.' - -Zita coloured. 'I did not mean that.' - -'Then I do,'said Mark roguishly. 'You are in the right in this, that I -do not love Beamish,—for one thing, because I think him a perverse, -meddlesome, mischievous, discontented donkey, and for another, because -of Kainie.' - -'Kainie again?' exclaimed Zita, drawing back. - -'Yes, because I do not choose to have him running after her.' - -'Why should he not run after her as well as you?' - -'Because he can never make her happy.' - -'And you can?' - -'I can try,' said Mark. - -'Well, that is frank!' said Zita, huffed. 'You called me "Dear Zita," -just now—I suppose it is "Dear Kainie" as well.' - -'My dear Zita'— - -'Perhaps you will keep your "dears" for her, or any one else who cares -to have them and share them with others. I do not wish to be so termed. -I refuse to be so called.' - -She turned to leave. He caught her by the arm. - -'Do not be cross. I cannot explain matters now. It is all right. I did -not mean to offend you.' - -But Zita would not speak. She hastened to the house with pouting lips, -burning cheeks, and sunken eyes. As she entered, she encountered -Drownlands, in his slouched hat, and wearing a long great-coat in place -of his usual tiger-skin. He held a whip in his hand, and had a pistol -sticking out of his breast pocket. - -'Are you going out?' asked the girl. - -'Yes. You are in no further danger. The rabble will not return. I shall -follow them.' - -'Why so?' - -'To bring all I can to the gallows. I shall watch every man I know, -and see what his proceedings are. I shall take account of every act of -lawlessness. They have not had my twenty pounds for nothing. I shall -get some satisfaction in return. In Ely folks will be too much alarmed, -the faces will be too strange for there to be recognition of offenders. -That is my work. I shall witness against them, man by man, beginning -with my own labourers who have revolted against me. I have purchased -the right with my twenty pounds—a life for every pound—ha! ha!' - -Then, looking steadily into Zita's eyes, he said in a low, bitter tone, -'I shall begin with Mark Runham.' - -'Mark?' echoed the girl. 'He has done no harm.' - -'Has he not? He entered my house uninvited. He acted for the rioters. -He was their mouthpiece. He extorted money from me for them.' - -He struck his boot with his whip, strode faster, then turned on the -doorstep and said, 'If not the gallows for Mark, then transportation. I -am well rid of him. See what it is for a man to venture himself in my -way.' - -Zita was startled. What had Mark done to incur the penalties of the -law? Was it conceivable that Drownlands was in earnest? He made idle -menaces. He had threatened to string the rioters to every bough of his -five ash trees. He had not done it, and he could not do it. His present -menace was as empty. - -She watched the master ride forth from the stable when he had saddled -his horse himself. No man was left on the premises to attend on him. -The boy, Tom Easy, was too frightened to be of service, and Drownlands -was impatient to be off. - -As the farmer rode past the door, he turned his face towards Zita, but -in the darkness she could not see its expression. - -He pointed in the direction of Ely with his whip, and at that moment -Zita heard a roar of voices, followed by an explosion of firearms borne -upon the wind. In fact, the rioters had reached the metropolis of the -Fens. They had let the waggon precede the marching body. The front -board had been notched to receive the fowling-pieces, and the insurgent -labourers, on reaching the main street, had announced their entry by a -discharge of firearms and a ringing shout, calculated to strike terror -into the hearts of the citizens. - -Zita did not remain long inactive, listening to the sounds of uproar in -the distance. - -'Sharp! a pail!' she called to the quaking kitchen-maid. 'There is no -reason why you should be idle, or I either, because a parcel of men are -making fools of themselves.' - -'A pail? What can you want a pail for at such a time as this?' asked -Mrs. Tunkiss. 'You ought to be down on your knees praying.' - -'You would want a pail, and soap, and water, and a scrubbing-brush, -Leehanna, if you had been drawn out into the yard, and had had a score -of bumpkins sitting on your back and kicking your sides with their -dirty boots. I am not going to let my van remain all night in its -present condition, to have the clay caked over it in the morning, just -because wheat is up and wages down, and folks don't like to have it so. -I will clean the van before I go to bed.' - -Mrs. Tunkiss and Sarah were too much overcome to render assistance. -Sarah was shaking and jerking in every limb, and Leehanna had got down -her Bible to read about the fire and brimstone rained on the cities -of the plain, and the escape of Lot, and to conceive herself to be -a female Lot. Zita furnished herself with what she required, and set -vigorously to work, commenting as she went on upon the bruises and -scratches in the varnish and paint, which the sides of the van had -received from the boots of those who invaded it that evening. - -She was engaged on the roof of the van, when, all at once, her thoughts -took a different direction, and, kneeling upright, scrubbing-brush in -one hand and a piece of soap in the other, she exclaimed— - -'That was impudence, if you please! to tell me he did not approve of -Pip going after Kainie, and that he will do his utmost to make her -happy! Does he think he can have us both? That may be fen ways, it -isn't caravan morals. Hark!—what is that?' - -She could hear the alarm bell of Ely Minster pealing. - -'There was a song of father's that I mind,' said Zita, still kneeling -upright, 'and if Mark had only been brought up in a van instead of -desultory-like on the Fens, he'd have learned the things he ought to -do, and the things he ought to leave alone, taught him by songs and -other ways.' She sang— - - 'Young men, be advised, if love gets in your sconce, - Don't ever go courting two maidens at once; - With one you may work along safely and sound, - 'Twixt two stools you're certain to come to the ground.' - -A lurid glare was in the sky over Ely, and the bell continued to peal -its note of distress. - -The thoughts of Zita reverted to the threat of Drownlands. He had said -he would bring Mark to the gallows, or, at all events, send him into -transportation. - -This had seemed to her at the time an idle threat, as the empty -explosion of anger, that could do no harm, whilst it relieved the -master's chafed feelings. But as she turned the matter over in her -head, it appeared to her no longer as trifling a concern as she had at -first supposed it to be. - -Mark had entered the house, and had induced the master to part with -his money to save his ricks from being burnt down, and his house from -being broken into. This fact was capable of two interpretations. Mark's -purpose had been obvious enough to her; but it was quite possible for -his action to be misrepresented as one of sympathy with the rioters, -and his interposition as being due to his having been appointed by them -to act in their behalf. - -Zita was now able to comprehend the purport of Drownlands calling up -the servants to look at Mark, and to witness the payment of the money. -And at the same time she realised the force of his words when he said -that he had paid the money to be rid of Mark. She could penetrate to -the inner chambers of Drownlands' heart, and read there his thoughts -and intentions. - -If Mark were removed, it was likely that Zita would prove more pliable. -She would feel her loneliness, her isolation, and be driven to accept -him as her protector. Zita was very angry when these ideas rose in her -mind. She thought it incumbent on her to seek Runham and warn him to -be on his guard, especially to avoid having any more connection with -the rioters. Drownlands had gone in the wake of the mob; so, possibly, -had Mark, out of curiosity—out of a wish to intervene, as he had -intervened at Prickwillow. - -Zita put down the pail, and, instead of returning to the house, walked -down the road that led from the farm into the main drove by the side of -the Lark embankment. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -'I DON'T CARE THAT!' - - -Zita was now seriously alarmed. She knew that Drownlands was one who -was without scruple in carrying out the ends at which he aimed. - -He had not let drop these ominous words at random. He hated Mark with -deadly animosity, and Zita knew very well the reason. He loved her, and -considered that Mark stood in his way. He hoped, she did not question, -that by removing Mark there would remain no other serious obstacle in -the way of his suit. Drownlands would not have recourse to violence. -The remembrance of what he had done to the young man's father precluded -that; but he would not hesitate to adopt any other means that promised -to relieve him of his rival. - -Zita had formed no plan as to what she would do. She walked in the -direction of Ely, on the chance of catching Mark up, or of finding some -one who could inform her whether he had returned home to Crumbland, or -had gone on after the army of the discontented. She had not walked a -quarter of a mile before she saw two figures standing on the embankment -against the illumined sky. - -Zita was below, in the drove, and in shadow. The roadway that had been -snowy was now trampled black, and a person walking or standing on it -would be invisible to those on the bank, whereas the latter were in -full view to such as were on the drove, and their every movement was -made distinct by the reflection in the sky of the fires kindled by the -rioters in Ely. - -Zita hardly, if at all, considered this. She did not at first know who -these persons were who were pencilled against the red light behind -them. She had no reason for remaining concealed, but she walked on a -dark surface, and was therefore invisible, and trod in springy peat, so -that her step was inaudible. - -Before she could distinguish by their faces who the two were upon the -embankment, she had discovered their personalities by their voices. One -was Mark Runham and the other was Kainie. - -Stung by jealousy, and instinctively, Zita stood still. She heard -Kainie say, 'I wish you would go after him, Mark.' - -Then she heard Runham answer, 'I cannot, and I will not. I picked him -out of the dyke, streaming with fen-water—out of the dyke into which -his own comrades had flung him—and in spite of all this he follows -them. Such a fellow as that is past helping. No one but Pip, after -being head, would consent to draggle at the end of the body as its -tail. What is more, Kainie, I do not like your interesting yourself in -him. He is not for you. He has too many maggots in his brain. There -is no place will suit him. Wherever he goes he will be in opposition. -Kainie, do you know the old country-dance tune of "The Clean Contrary -Way"? Well, that is the only strain to which Pip will caper.' - -'Poor Pip! He is not a bad fellow at heart.' - -'Maybe; but he is terribly perverse. Possibly he would be satisfied -if he were translated to what they call the Antipodes, for there his -head would be pointing where our feet run, and his toes would be aiming -in the direction of our heads. Once for all, I am not going into Ely -after Pip. It is of no use, and my mother is in alarm. I must return to -appease her fears. Now, Kainie, a word to you about yourself.' - -'What about me?' - -'Why, this: How long do you intend to remain at Red Wings?' - -'As long as I must. I suppose my uncle Drownlands will do nothing for -me.' - -'But I will. You can have any money you want from me.' - -'I do not require it. I am happy at the mill. I shall not leave it yet -a while. I certainly expect nothing from Uncle Ki. He never casts me -even a good-day. It is hard for me to suffer because he quarrelled -with my mother. I do not suppose I shall ever be the better for my -relationship to him. Folks say he is going to marry the Cheap Jack -girl.' - -Zita heard Mark's laugh, and then his answer. 'She will never take him.' - -'Why not?' - -'He is too old for her.' - -'That will not trouble her much,' answered Kainie; 'she calculates the -value of everything, and holds a thing to be worth just what money it -will bring in. I believe she has no thoughts, no care for anything but -money. She knows that Uncle Ki has got land and stock, has a good house -and a balance at the bank; she will say "There's profits," and take -him—snap at him eagerly.' - -'I do not believe you,' said Mark, and laughed. 'But about yourself, -not Zita. My mother still objects to my bringing you home to Crumbland -and acknowledging you. I do not feel comfortable and happy to be in a -good house, and to have you in that hovel at that mill.' - -'I cannot go to you so long as your mother is opposed.' - -'Perhaps not; but, after all, Kainie, she cannot hold out against you -for ever. She loves me too sincerely. She has too right a mind. She -will see how it frets me; and then—when all is said and done—I am -master of Crumbland, and not she. If I be driven to assert my will, she -will submit. She is certain to like, to love you, when she comes to -know you. It is but for a little while waiting. I do not wish to have -recourse to strong measures if delay will make all go smooth of itself. -You understand that, Kainie?' - -'I will wait. I am content at the mill. But—oh, Mark! I must tell you -a joke. That Cheap Jack girl was at Red Wings the other day, and she -wanted to buy you of me—actually purchase you.' - -'At what price was I estimated?' - -'At a ream of black-edged notepaper and envelopes to match.' - -Mark burst into laughter. - -'That is not all,' continued Kainie. 'When I did not prove eager for -the paper, she made another bid.' - -'And that—?' - -'Was a garden syringe to kill green-fly with soapy water.' - -Zita heard both laugh merrily. - -'I have not done yet,' continued Kainie. 'She finally produced her most -splendid offer.' - -'And that was—?' - -'It was one that almost made me surrender you, Mark. A box of all kinds -of scents. And she said'—Kainie could hardly speak for laughing—'I -should smell of Jockey Club in chapel—tremenjous—that's her -word—tremenjous!' - -Zita's anger was flaming hot, waves of boiling blood swept through her -veins, swept before her eyes and blinded her. - -Gasping for breath, she rushed up the bank, and, reaching them, struck -Kainie on the cheek with her open palm before she or Mark knew she was -there. - -'It is a shame!' exclaimed Zita, sobbing with emotion. 'It is mean to -tell of me—to make sport of me!' - -Then, turning on Mark, she said, 'And I will tell you what is preparing -for you—you who laugh and jeer at the ignorant, silly Cheap Jack girl. -It is the gallows or Botany Bay. And'—she snapped her fingers in his -face—'if you hang or are transported, I don't care that!' - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -A NIGHT IN ELY - - -The Isle of Ely, with the city in its midst, and the cathedral in the -midst of the city, is more ecclesiastical than Rome itself. Until -comparatively recent times the Bishop was a petty prince therein, -exercising powers of life and death. He did not indeed sit in the -courts himself, and himself sentence to the block and the gallows, -any more than did the Pope himself consign offenders to the flames. -The secular power was committed to a 'Temporal Steward,' who held his -office for life, and discharged the functions of High Sheriff, and the -Bishop washed his hands of all blood-guiltiness. - -The courts of justice were, however, held in the Bishop's name, and the -gaols were institutions under his jurisdiction. The Bishop appointed -the municipal authorities and the justices of peace. From the High -Sheriff to the town-crier, all derived their authority by commission -from the Bishop. - -As every acre of land in the isle and far away into the fen belonged to -either Bishop or Dean and Chapter, there were no county magnates near, -and no country gentry at all. Nay, even in the city itself there was -no gentry of independent position. In Rome there are princes who have -their territories. In Ely there were not even squires. - -Accordingly, the ecclesiastical dignitaries lived very high up in -roseate clouds and in an ethereal atmosphere, far above the clay land -where grubbed and wriggled the professional men and the shopkeepers. - -Perhaps the fact of being so completely under ecclesiastical government -paralysed all initiative in Ely, and rendered the inhabitants helpless -in cases of emergency. The citizens were but overgrown babies. The -lawyer, the surgeon, the M.D., the surveyor, the architect, were -accustomed to be swaddled and given suck by the Right Reverend -Father the Bishop, or the Very Reverend the Dean, or the Venerable -the Archdeacon; and all the officials, the temporal steward, and the -justices, and the chief constable, were wont to go in leading-strings. - -And they were such good babies. They always thought as the reverend -fathers thought; they never cried and kicked; and the air of the Fens -must have been salubrious, for they had all ravenous appetites for -the fat of the land, which fell from the ecclesiastical tables. At -the time of our tale, co-operative stores had not been so much as -thought of. The Bishop, the Dean, and the canons got their groceries, -their drugs, their wines, and their stationery from the Ely tradesmen. -In return for their custom, these tradesmen professed the strictest -churchmanship and the staunchest Toryism. - -The system of appointment to offices in Ely was distinctively -ecclesiastical. The magistrates were bespectacled and bewigged -officials connected by marriage with some of the members of the -Chapter. The constables were nominated for their general piety, or -because they were burdened with large families. The watchmen were -pensioned cripples or asthmatic incapables, whose utmost achievement -was to crawl about at night and proclaim the hour. Everything in the -city was managed for the residents by a benevolent and beneficent -ecclesiastical authority, which exhibited its benevolence and -beneficence by conferring offices, not on such as showed efficiency, -but on such men as were incompetent to earn a livelihood in any -profession or business that demanded the exercise of brain or of muscle. - -When the turbulent crew from Littleport arrived in Ely, and the rumour -circulated that other Fen centres were sending their contingents of -the disaffected to the capital of the Fens, neither magistrates nor -constables were prepared to take prompt action to protect the town and -stop the spread of disturbance. Orders were indeed issued to have the -minster bell rung, to summon all sober, law-abiding citizens to unite -for the common defence, but, although the bell pealed its summons, no -one obeyed it, for no one knew where the rallying-point was, or what -was to be done by those summoned. - -The temporal steward was in bed with a mustard poultice on his chest -and a dose of sweet nitre in his stomach. Consequently, when a -messenger from the Deanery came to request that he would do something, -the wife of the temporal steward was able to point out that he was -perspiring freely and the poultice drawing vigorously. To leave his bed -and the house was, therefore, out of the question. - -There was no deputy sheriff to fill the place which the sheriff was -incapacitated from filling. The vacancy had not been filled up, -because the Bishop was hesitating, balancing the claims of one who was -stone-blind against one who was stone-deaf. The prelate himself was -absent on a confirmation tour, and he had taken his chaplains with -him, and, what was more to the point, his butler—a man who did most -of the thinking in sublunary matters for his master. The constables -then in Ely were few. The chief constable, Mr. Edwards, was the manager -of Mortlock's bank, and in the interests of the bank he had come to -the resolution to keep in the background so as in no way to excite -the angry passions of the mob. Another constable had swallowed a -fish-bone, and this was being extracted by a fellow constable. A fourth -was at the moment incapacitated for work by one of his constitutional -and chronic fits of the hiccups. It was precisely because he suffered -from this affliction that the benevolent and beneficent ecclesiastical -authority had nominated him to, and invested him with, the office of -constable. - -As the combined municipal and collegiate forces of watchmen were -unprepared or unable to cope with the approaching masses of men, the -Dean sent off his coachman on a carriage horse to Bury St. Edmund's, to -invoke the aid of the military stationed there. The mob from Littleport -entered the town, as already said, preceded by the waggon, in which -were placed heavy wash guns loaded with slugs. To announce its arrival -a volley was fired, and the slugs rattled on the tiles and broke a few -windows. - -No sooner had the Littleport body entered Ely, than it learned to its -disappointment that nothing had been heard of the Isleham and Swaffham -contingents. - -In fact, discouragement had dissolved these at the onset. The small -landowner, Cutman, who had undertaken to lead the detachment from -Isleham, had reconsidered the matter, and resolved that heading a riot -could do him no possible good, and might do him very considerable -harm. The men assembled at the Duck at the appointed hour, waited, -and, as he did not appear, became uneasy, supposing that he had been -alarmed; they also reconsidered the matter, and, coming to much the -same conclusion as Cutman, dispersed quietly to their several homes. - -The Swaffham men were also defaulters. The tidings of what was -meditated had been communicated to a large farmer there, and when the -rabble approached, he met them dauntlessly, along with his stalwart -sons and some trusty serving-men, all armed with blunderbusses. He -addressed the mob, and, by his bold front and resolute bearing, not -only prevented them from attacking his house, but persuaded them to -break up and abandon their undertaking. - -The Littleport body, swelled by stragglers, and also by men who had -lived in the suburbs of Ely, formed a considerable host, and had they -been under efficient discipline, and had they known exactly what -demands to make, and how to enforce their demands, might have produced -serious results. - -As it was, they did a certain amount of mischief, and took a certain -amount of loot, but all in an aimless manner; and in looting or -wrecking forgot the ostensible reasons for their assembly and purpose -of marching upon Ely. - -No sooner were they in the town than the mob resolved itself, -without order given, into two detachments, whereof one attacked the -flour-mills, and the other broke into the victuallers' shops to seize -on their stores of ham, bacon, and sausages. - -There was a large soak-mill in the lower part of the town, managed by a -man named Rickwood. This was the first assailed. - -By this time the magistrates, at the advice and exhortation of their -wives, had plucked up sufficient courage to venture to parley with -the rioters. There were but three or four of these in the place; one -was a retired steward who was almost stone-deaf, the other two were -clergymen. These magistrates inquired of the fen-men what were their -demands, and were answered with confused cries for higher wages, -cheaper bread, and for money to be scattered among them. - -Terrified by the shouts and the menacing attitude of the mob, they -entered into negotiations with them, and offered to raise a certain sum -of money from the inhabitants to satisfy their illegal demands. But the -rioters could not agree as to the price at which they would desist from -violence, nor could they wait with patience till the magistrates had -collected the sum offered. - -Accordingly, the conference was broken up, and the mob proceeded to -smash Rickwood's windows and to beat open his doors. - -The miller was not, as it chanced, at home himself, and his wife -entered into parley with the rabble from a window. They demanded fifty -pounds, and threatened, unless it were paid, to proceed to set fire to -the mill, and the miller's habitation adjoining. - -Mrs. Rickwood, in terror, promised the sum, but said that she had not -so much coin in the house. She would send her son for the money to the -bank. - -'No! no! Come yourself!' shouted the men, and proceeded to demolish the -windows. - -Accordingly, Mrs. Rickwood descended, and in deadly fear issued forth -into the street, after having committed the mill to the care of her son. - -The banker was also, as already said, chief constable, and in the -interest of Messrs. Mortlock was remaining at home, and sitting in his -back parlour. - -When the mob reached his house, which was one with the bank, loud cries -were raised for him, and Mrs. Rickwood knocked at the front door. After -long waiting, he appeared in the doorway, as white as chalk. Mrs. -Rickwood then entreated him to furnish her with fifty sovereigns in -gold, in order that she might purchase immunity for her mill from the -insurgent peasantry. - -'Nothing in the world will induce me to do this!' exclaimed the chief -constable heroically. Whereupon a stone was thrown at him, and struck -his head, so that a little blood flowed. - -'That is to say,' said Edwards, 'nothing save compulsion;' and he -hastened within to find the money. - -The second body of rioters in the meantime was engaged in sacking the -grocery-shops and provision-stores. One of the magistrates, the Rev. -Mr. Metcalf, endeavoured to calm the mob by an assurance that he would -induce the owners of the shops to purchase their immunity. But he was -successful in two instances only. In some the rabble took the money, -and, notwithstanding, plundered the shops. Then a second mill was -attacked, but, on ten pounds being produced, no further violence was -done to it. - -The night was dark. The rioters went round requisitioning faggots and -coals, and soon an immense bonfire was kindled before the cathedral -west front, and a second in face of St. Mary's church. The first -lighted up the splendid pile, bringing out every detail of sculpture, -and twinkling in the glass that filled the Norman windows. - -Round this fire the young men and girls danced. Some of the men had -carried provisions to the Galilee, and prepared for a carouse. The -taverns had been attacked very early, and the publicans had been -constrained to allow the rioters free use of their liquor. - -As Mark had assured Kerenhappuch, Ephraim Beamish had pushed his way -after the rabble, undeterred by the treatment he had received at its -hands, his enthusiasm unquenched by his plunge in the icy water. As -there was no organisation in the mob, he was suffered to rejoin it with -an occasional protest only, but Chevell, Harley, and Tansley would not -allow him to remount the waggon. - -No sooner did Beamish find that a great body of the insurgents were -setting themselves to eat, drink, and revel about the great fire -in front of the cathedral, than he got a chair, and endeavoured to -harangue them, to point out to them that they were throwing away their -occasion, neglecting to enforce their grievances on the employers of -labour, and that they were making enemies among all the well-disposed -by their capricious and lawless proceedings. But directly his face was -discerned by the flicker of the fire, and his voice recognised, beaten -back by the cathedral walls, than shouts were raised of, 'That's the -fellow who stole the Cheap Jack girl's money. We want no preaching -here.' - -His chair was tripped up, and he was sent sprawling in the dirt. - -He rose angry and disconcerted. The movement of which he was the -instigator, and of which he had been appointed director by vote of the -men, had rejected his direction, and was taking its own suicidal course. - -The fens immediately surrounding the isle on which Ely stood were -farmed by men whose homesteads were on the gault excrescence that -formed the isle. According to the preconcerted scheme, the Union of Fen -Labourers was to proceed to these farmsteads one by one, to exact of -the farmers a contribution to the cause, and an oath to raise the wage. - -It was true enough that two or three farms had been visited which -lay to right and left of the road from Littleport to Ely, but no -sooner had the men reached the Fen capital, than they forgot their -purpose, directed their attention to the provision-shops, waylaid and -blackmailed passengers, broke into the taverns, and thought only of -eating, drinking, and making money. They entirely neglected the scheme -that had been agreed to. Not a single farm in the isle was molested, -not a single farmer coerced. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -SIR BATES DUDLEY'S RIDE - - -After a night of revelry, the winter morning broke on men lying tipsy -or asleep about the smouldering embers of their fire, against the walls -of houses, or crowded on the benches and on the stone floor of the -Galilee. Every tavern was packed, and many private houses as well. The -rioters had demanded admission, and had threatened violence if opposed. -Doors had accordingly been opened to them, and they had received -reluctant admission. - -On the whole, little serious mischief had been done. A few shops had -been invaded, a few well-to-do persons blackmailed, some windows -broken, all the ale and spirits in the public-houses drunk out, and -all the hams in the licensed victuallers' consumed; but with the sole -exception of the cutting open of the head of the chief constable, no -personal violence had been done to any one. - -The demonstration had been absolutely resultless, so far as concerned -the purpose for which it had been organised. The only fruit that would -come of it would be that the bakers, millers, and provision-dealers -would raise their prices, so as to recoup themselves for what they had -lost, and that certain of the rioters would suffer penalties out of all -proportion to the injury done. - -Some consciousness that a mistake had been made stole over the dull -brains of the men as they awoke, chilled and headachy, on the morning -after the entry into Ely. Those men who had promoted the movement, but -had not been suffered to direct it, were certainly alive to the fact -that a great blunder had been made, and that their safety was at stake. -And when the rumour spread that the dragoons from Bury were about to -arrive, the pot-valiant fen-men rapidly dispersed. - -Droves and roads radiating from Ely were thronged with fugitives, -flying at their utmost speed towards their homes, and none speeding -more rapidly than those men who were guardians of the money collected -from the farmers and shopmen and millers for the cause, and who sought -not only to secure their persons, but also the money they carried with -them, for their own advantage. The sum collected might enable them to -escape from the neighbourhood, and it would form a comfortable little -capital on which to start business where they were unknown. - -When, about noon, the military arrived, the streets of Ely were almost -as silent and unoccupied as on any day in the week save market day. - -They were met by the magistrates, preceded by Sir Bates Dudley, Bart., -an old canon of Ely; the chief constable showed with his head bandaged, -and the high sheriff looked approval from his bedroom window, in -nightcap and dressing-gown. - -Orders were issued for the pursuit of the rioters to Littleport, their -headquarters. As it was necessary that a magistrate should accompany -them, Sir Bates Dudley was lifted into a saddle. He was a small, very -globular man, with a red face and a wig of sandy hair. - -'You won't go very fast with me?' inquired the baronet of the officer -in charge. 'Be—be—cause, though I was a horseman oo—oo—once, I -haven't ridden these forty years.' - -Then, turning to his footman, he said, 'Tut—Tut—Thomas, you'll please -to run at my s—s—ide, and hold my leg, lest I tut—tut—tumble off. -If you see me getting at all out of the per—per—per—pendicular, just -run round and give a pull to the other leg.' - -Presently Sir Bates Dudley addressed Drownlands, who was standing near -him, holding his own horse. - -'You will cuc—come too—so important a witness; and you will indicate -who are the persons to be arrested, and who are na—na—named in the -warrants I signed. You will oblige me if you will ri—ride at my side, -and as Tut—Tut—Thomas is negligent, and his at—at—tention may be -distracted, and he may forget his doo—doo—dooty to me, if you see me -at all out of the per—per—perpendicular, just give a thrust, will -you, with your riding-whip, and set me up—pup—right again. I haven't -ridden for forty years. I hope the saddle won't ga—ga—gall the horse.' - -'I'll keep at your side, sir,' said Drownlands. - -'That wo—wo—won't be quite enough,' said the baronet. 'If you wouldn't -mind keeping an eye on my left leg, and if you see it go—go—going up -the side of the saddle, just tut—trot round the ba—ba—back and give me -a thrust with the end of your whip, and set me per—per—perpendicular -again. I can't trust Tut—Tut—Thomas entirely.' - -'I'll do what I can for you, sir,' said Drownlands. - -Then Sir Bates turned to his man Thomas and said— - -'Ki—ki—keep an even habit of mind, Tut—Thomas, and don't let your -thoughts ramble to Mary. Don't pup—pup—pull my right leg too hard, -nor let it go too lax.' - -Then, addressing Drownlands— - -'I am shush—shush—sure the Government and all law-abiding citizens -owe a debt of gratitude to you, Mr. Dud—Dud—Drownlands.' The baronet -gasped at the name, opening his mouth and jerking his face forward, -as though endeavouring to catch a bluebottle and swallow it. 'I -con—con—congratulate you on your activity, observation, and spirit. -You will be the primary means of convicting the ri—ri—rioters.' - -The canon rode along, balancing himself uncertainly in his saddle. The -dragoons trotted after. - -When, however, the clay land of the Isle of Ely was left, trotting was -out of the question. The horses made their way painfully through the -slough, and military order was not to be maintained. - -Sir Bates's horse tossed his head, and endeavoured to keep up a trot. -There is pride in brutes as well as in men, and the baronet's steed -was elate at the idea of preceding the splendid dragoon chargers, -so well groomed, so gorgeously accoutred, and bearing such radiant -beings on their backs. Let the fen cart-horses see that he, Sir Bates -Dudley's cob, took precedence of, was on gracious terms with, these war -chargers. Every now and then, when a horse was visible in a stubble -field, he neighed to him a challenge to observe who went by and in what -company. - -'I don't quite like this mo—mo—motion,' gasped the canon, who was -bouncing like a pea on a drum. 'I am afraid the saddle will terribly -ga—ga—gall my horse's back.' - -At that moment Drownlands uttered an exclamation, and, turning to the -colonel of the dragoons, cried, as he pointed with his whip at a figure -in a field separated from the drove by a lane of water— - -'There is Ephraim Beamish, a ringleader. A warrant against him is -signed. He has the audacity to look on as though this did not concern -him.' - -The colonel gave orders to two of his soldiers to ride in pursuit. -The men detailed for the purpose at once leaped their horses across -the dyke. The road bank was sufficiently firm to enable the beasts to -spring. - -Then they started in pursuit. - -'Shoot! Shoot!' cried Drownlands. 'You will never take a prisoner like -that.' - -The dragoons were careering over the field, one of fifteen to twenty -acres, but it was hard work for the horses, so spongy was the soil; and -Pip Beamish ran before them without greatly exerting himself. - -The dragoons on the drove, at the command of the colonel, drew up in -line, and watched the chase. - -'They will never catch him,' repeated Drownlands; 'they never can. Give -orders that he be shot.' - -'I cannot do that,' said the officer in command. 'They will outstrip -and head him shortly.' - -'They never will. You do not know the Fens.' - -In another moment Beamish was seen to plant a long pole he was -carrying, swing himself aloft easily and gracefully, and fall lightly -on his feet on the farther side of the dyke limiting the field. - -One of the dragoon's horses floundered and rolled over in the soft -soil, but the other was close behind Beamish. It rose, and in a moment -vanished along with its rider in the dyke. The hind feet had found -nothing substantial on which to obtain the necessary purchase for a -leap across the water, and the beast and rider had fallen into the -stagnant, slimy liquid that filled the ditch. - -In spite of discipline, oaths and curses broke from the dragoons who -were looking on. - -'I knew it,' said Drownlands. 'Why did you not shoot? If that horse -hasn't broke his back it is a lucky job. Now Pip Beamish is beyond -reach, beyond gunshot, and it will take a day to get the horse dug out.' - -'What do you mean?' asked the colonel angrily. - -'Mean? Why, that no horse that falls into a dyke can get himself out, -or be got out save by spade-work. There he must remain; every struggle -makes him sink deeper. There is no bottom to the dykes till you reach -the clay, and for that you must go down twenty feet. He will never do -it again, if that is any consolation to you. But ten to one his back is -broke, and you may as well send a bullet through his head.' - -'Here,' shouted the colonel, 'dismount and go help Standish out.' He -beckoned to three men. - -'Help him out?' mocked Drownlands. 'They can't do it. They must have -workmen that understand the business. They must have the proper tools. -You don't happen to have brought any "beckets" with you, I suppose?' - -The man who had been precipitated into the water, was now seen on the -bank. He had scrambled out by means of the reeds that grew rankly in -the ooze. He was stamping, his splendid accoutrements were tarnished, -and the foul fen-water was streaming from him. Holding the reins, by -coaxing words he endeavoured to encourage his horse to struggle out -of the water. The poor brute made efforts to escape, churning up the -sludgy mud and peat in the dyke, but was incapable of doing anything to -extricate himself. The more he struggled the deeper he sank. - -When the situation was thoroughly realised—and the colonel would -not for some time believe the assertion of Drownlands that the horse -could be extricated by no other means than the formation of an incline -by spade labour—then he consented grudgingly to negotiate with some -loafers who had followed the troop, and by promises of liberal payment -to engage them to undertake the rescue of the charger. - -When this was settled,—and it took some time to settle,—the body of -soldiers advanced towards Littleport. Tidings had come that the rioters -were making a rally there, and intended to contest the way with the -military. That they were armed was known, as also that the fowlers of -the Fens were crack shots. If they held to their resolution, Littleport -would not be occupied without effusion of blood. - -It was indeed true that a rally had been made at Littleport. The men -living there, fearing that they would be arrested for the part they had -taken in the disturbance, spoke of defending themselves—better die -with guns in their hands, they said, than swing on the scaffold. But -now, as before, there was neither discipline nor cohesion among the -men. The colonel knew that they had no leaders, and did not greatly -concern himself at the menace. He was impatient to reach Littleport, -not lest the rioters should gather force, but to get finished with -an unpleasant and inglorious affair. Moreover, at Littleport most of -the arrests would have to be made, and it was as well to reach it as -speedily as possible, before every rioter had hidden under a bed, or in -a rabbit-hole. - -In the meantime, a considerable number of persons assembled on the -drove, partly to stare at the unprecedented sight of the glittering -military parade, but partly also as a means of exhibiting their own -peaceful demeanour, and showing that they had no sympathy with the -disturbers of tranquillity. As it happened, some of the men who had -been instigators to violence thought this a happy way of throwing a -veil over their past proceedings. By putting on a look of sheep-like -innocence, and thrusting themselves forward, they hoped to escape. But -they had miscalculated. They might have escaped, but for the presence -of Drownlands, who had followed the mob, watched its proceedings, had -taken note of everything done, and of the doers, and had denounced some -forty men to the magistrates, and was now accompanying the military and -Sir Bates Dudley, to point out those of whom it was advisable to make -an example, and who were already down on his 'information,' and against -whom warrants had been issued. - -'I think,' said Sir Bates, 'that if I am not absolutely -nec—cess—cessary, I would rather return to Ely. The saddle somehow -does not fit the horse.' - -'We must have a magistrate with us,' said the officer in command of the -dragoons. - -The canon looked piteously about him, drew out a silk -pocket-handkerchief, and wiped his brow. - -'It is of the horse I am thinking. A gall is so painful, so very -pup—pup—painful to the horse. I will do my dud—dud—duty, however -painful it may be to the horse.' - -The soldiery trotted on to Littleport. There the rioters had overthrown -a waggon across the road, and by means of bundles of straw had composed -a rude barricade. The resistance offered by them was feeble and -half-hearted. The sight of the dragoons overawed the men, and several, -after firing from behind the bundles, slunk away. - -The soldiers speedily passed the barricade and dashed among the men who -remained. A shot from behind a garden paling broke a dragoon's arm, -another brought down one of the chargers. This encouraged the men for -a moment, and they sprang at the heads of the horses, whilst others -assailed the riders with pitchforks. There ensued a brief hand-to-hand -scuffle. But when one of the rioters was shot through the head, and -the men saw that the soldiers were determined no longer to trifle with -them, they fled in all directions. - -Numerous arrests were made, and then the dragoons returned towards Ely, -Sir Bates jogging before them, and their captives well guarded in their -midst. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -TWO PLEADERS - - -The tidings that the dragoons were on their way to Littleport had -hardly spread sufficiently in the forenoon to draw together great -quantities of spectators, but after they had gone by it was otherwise. -The news flew like wildfire over the Fens, and the inhabitants of the -district came in troops and lined the road, so that they might have the -satisfaction of seeing the military, and taking account of the number -of prisoners they had taken. - -The fen-folk are all more or less closely connected by marriage, -forming a people to themselves, separate in interests, customs, and -character from those who live on the high grounds. They have been wont -for generations to seek their mates among themselves, with the result -that a close family connection binds the whole population together. The -number of cases in the Fens in which a woman, on marriage, retains her -maiden name is quite unequalled elsewhere. Whoever might be taken up -by the military was certain to be akin to some of the lookers-on, and -therefore the spectacle anticipated on the return of the dragoons was -calculated to engage their interest and excite their sympathies. - -Among the yeomen there is intermarriage with cousins for the sake -of adding acre to acre and barn to barn, but among the labouring -population no such inducement prevails. They choose their wives from -among their blood relatives, because the idea never crosses their -minds to go elsewhere to find mates. They must marry cousins or not -marry at all, and the question resolves itself in one of degrees of -consanguinity. - -As nearly, if not all, the wealthy landowners are grandsons or -great-grandsons of half-wild fen-slodgers, it follows that they are -knitted by blood ties to the labourers they employ. This does not -necessarily increase good fellowship, nor promote forbearance. The -purse-proud yeoman is the harshest master. He draws the line of -sympathy at the mark of the class to which he belongs, a class of -recent creation. He holds fast to his brother yeoman, and both together -grind down their brother labourer. - -This condition of affairs was of course more noticeable formerly than -at present. Each generation separates the well-to-do a step farther -from their poor relations. Our story refers to events and conditions -some decades ago. - -On account of the tyranny exercised by the masters, little -consideration was felt for them by the men when they broke out in -revolt, although allied to them by blood; and the stacks that had been -fired were in several instances set in flames by the blood relatives of -the owners of the stacks. - -As the dragoons trotted along the road towards Ely, exclamations and -lamentations broke out as the men they had taken were recognised by -those who lined the highway. - -'There is Robert Cheesewright! Oh dear! what will the old Robert do -without him?' - -'Be still. They have not taken Robert. He is going as a witness against -Pip Beamish. That's why he is there.' - -'Well, they have handcuffed James Cammel, anyhow, and he was going -to marry my Beulah. If they hang him, Beulah will have to take Aaron -Layton instead, that's all.' - -'There is Joseph Lavender. He is my wife's son by her first husband. -She will take on dreadful, and I shan't have my shirt properly washed, -nor my pasty full baked—that's what it means to me.' - -'They have taken Flanders Hopkins and Richard Rutter.' - -'Yes; and look you there. That's Isaac Harley, as was in the waggon. I -wish I had Isaac's gun, I'd shoot the chap that has charge of him. How -ever came Isaac to be taken?' - -'Ay; and he is cuffed to Joseph Stibbard.' - -'Stibbard broke into the parson's house at Littleport, and took his -silver spoons and money.' - -'He needed them more than did the parson.' - -'Of course he did, and had a right to take them. Joseph Stibbard's -sister married my nephew, Philip Easy. I hope he handed on the spoons -to her before the soldiers took him.' - -Such were the comments passed. Some of those looking on endeavoured to -push between the soldiers, and get at their relatives who were being -conveyed to prison, but were repelled by their guards. Comments of -another sort were expressed less loudly, though not less frankly. - -'There rides Drownlands. He has been along with the dragoons all the -day. He has been pointing out whom they are to take; and if there is -hanging to be done, i' fecks! it is he who has twisted the rope for -their necks, poor fellows.' - -'I knew he was out and about all last night.' - -'Yes, and has been all this morning with the magistrates. But they -haven't taken Pip Beamish yet.' - -'I am sure they would be put to it for witnesses, if it were not for -Tiger Ki. Which of us would peach? Wouldn't we do the other thing, and -swear 'em off?' - -'You are right there. I suppose Ki Drownlands knows what he is doing. -But I reckon that this will be remembered against him, and he will be -paid out for it some day or other.' - -'Trust our chaps for that, and the day will not be distant.' - -Drownlands observed the sullen looks, the scowls with which he was -greeted, and noticed the whispers that passed as he rode by, but -treated all with indifference or contempt. - -'They do not love me. I scoff at them,' said he to Sir Bates Dudley. -'They have done their worst. We are clearing the Fens of the only lads -with any spirit in them to do mischief. Those that remain are arrant -cowards.' - -Then he turned his horse's head down the drove to Prickwillow. 'I am -not needed till to-morrow. Here is my home.' - -His eye lighted on Zita, who had come forth to see the soldiers pass -with their prisoners. Near her were Mrs. Tunkiss, Sarah, and the farm -serving-men. - -Zita uttered an exclamation and ran forward, caught Drownlands' horse -by the bridle, and exclaimed— - -'What is the meaning of this? Why is Mark Runham taken? This is your -doing.' - -'Why not? He headed the rioters.' - -'He did not head them. It is false. You know it is so. Set him at -liberty at once.' - -'I cannot do that. He has been arrested. He will appear before the -magistrates to-morrow.' - -'Very well, so will I. I can bear witness as well as you.' - -Then Zita darted nimbly between the soldiers, in spite of their -protests, which were not roughly enforced, for the quick eyes of the -dragoons saw that she was pretty. She made her way to Mark, who was -handcuffed. - -'Mark,' said she, 'I will help you.' - -'You?' he answered. 'You said it was all one to you whether I were -hanged or transported. I am innocent, and will be discharged without -your help.' - -'Back!' ordered the dragoon on the right, and Zita was forced to -retreat. - -As she did so, she saw Kainie by Drownlands. The girl had seized his -bridle, and was gesticulating with vehemence. - -'It is your doing,' said Kerenhappuch. 'You hate him. You try to -destroy him. You are heaping to yourself wrath against the day of -wrath.' - -'Let go my bridle,' ordered Drownlands. - -'You are my uncle,' insisted the girl, her fair hair blown over her -face. With one hand she brushed it back, but did not release her hold -on the bridle. 'Although you have not treated me as of like flesh and -blood with yourself, yet you cannot undo it; I am your niece, and speak -to you I will, now.' - -'Let go, I say. I will hold no communication with you.' He struck his -spurs into the sides of his horse, which reared. But Kainie would not -let go. The plunging of the horse made the curb nip and cut Kainie's -hand, and some blood came over it. She changed hands on the bridle. - -'Look!' said she. 'You cannot help it. This is Drownlands blood. It is -Drownlands blood appeals to you now.' - -Then Zita laid her hand on the bridle, on the farther side of the beast. - -'We are two girls,' she said, 'and we will stay you, man though you be. -Kainie and I are enemies, we do not love each other, but we unite in -beseeching you to do justice to one man.' - -'Ay,' said the mill-girl. 'Uncle Ki, you are bent on evil, and we will -hold you back against plunging farther into the slough.' - -'Mark never intended to injure you,' said the Cheap Jack girl. 'He -sought to save your property for you. Why should you work for his -destruction?' - -'You shall withdraw your charge against him before all the world,' said -Kainie. - -'You shall break the shackles off his hands yourself,' said Zita. - -Drownlands dug his spurs wrathfully into the flanks of the horse, and -clenched his teeth and hands. But though the beast was wounded and -bounded, his head was held too firmly for him to break away. - -'Shall I grip your foot till you scream,' exclaimed Zita, 'as I did on -the night when I stayed you before?' - -'Will you kill Mark, as you killed his father?' asked Kainie. - -Her words were random words. She spoke in the vehemence of her wrath -against Drownlands, and anxiety for Runham. She knew nothing definite -against her uncle, but she had heard the whispered gossip of the Fens. - -'I will have justice on all who have wronged me,' muttered Drownlands. - -'Take care!' exclaimed Kainie, raising the disengaged hand, down which -ran a trickle of blood. 'Do not think that because some of the poor -lads have been taken, because ten out of one hundred are handcuffed, -that every heart that is full of bitterness is beating behind prison -walls, and every hand that can be raised against you is fettered. There -are ninety pairs for every ten you put in iron cuffs, and they will be -clenched in rage and resolve of revenge the day that you send the poor -fellows to the gallows.' - -'I fear them not,' said Drownlands scornfully. - -'You may not fear, but that is because, like Pharaoh, your heart is -hardened and your eyes are blinded, and the Lord is driving you -to your destruction. I am here to stand between you—I, as your -niece—between you and what threatens.' - -'What threatens?' - -'You are threatened.' - -'Who threatens me?' - -'Pip Beamish for one.' - -'Ha! he will be arrested speedily.' - -'No, not speedily. He is not taken yet, and till he is taken you are -not safe.' - -'I will see that he be not at large for long. Before this week is out -he will be in prison.' - -'That may be a few days too many for you.' - -'I fear not your Pip Beamish; your braggarts do nothing.' - -'No, braggarts do nothing; but Pip is no braggart.' - -'It is my turn now,' said Zita. 'You, Kainie, have tried and have -failed. Leave him to me. I can employ reasons that are stronger than -yours. Let go your hold of the horse's head. You have said your say. -Now I will say mine. But none must hear us.' - -Kainie reluctantly released the bit. Then Zita, still with her hand on -the bridle, strode in the direction of Prickwillow, leading the horse, -and some of the people congregated on the drove looked after her and -the master, and laughed. - -'He has found his mistress,' said one man, nudging his fellow. - -'Ay, and is following her lead like a lamb,' replied the man who had -been nudged. - -'Who leads today will drive to-morrow,' said a third. - -'Is he going to marry her?' asked the first. - -The man addressed shrugged his shoulders and said, 'No money. -Drownlands is not such a fool as that.' - -None of this was heard by Zita, who did not relax her hold, nor turn -to look at those who were left in the road. The master suffered her to -conduct him towards the house without making remonstrance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -A DEAL - - -When Zita was beyond earshot, she looked over her shoulder, and said to -Drownlands, 'I call that mean.' - -She walked on, then halted, changed her hand on the bridle, and, gazing -about, said, 'You could free yourself of him in no other fashion, so -you swear his life away. But you have to reckon with me before it comes -to that. I will go into court and swear against you. What I shall swear -to will be the truth; your oath will bind you to lies.' - -'I refuse to strive with you in words,' retorted Drownlands. 'A woman -is always victor with such weapons.' - -'What? you prefer flails?—those are your weapons,' exclaimed Zita, -clenching her fist and holding her arm extended before her. 'I know -well why you are set against Mark Runham. You think that he is -something in some way to me, and that I am much to him. It is because -of this that you pursue him. It is because of me that you twist the -rope round his throat. But you are wrong altogether. I will not say -that Mark is nothing to me. He was kind to me once; kind when my heart -was tender, because my father was just buried. But I am nothing to -Mark. He mocks at me. He sneers and laughs at the Cheap Jack girl. He -does not love me; and, moreover, he is bound to another.' - -'Mark bound to another? Who is that?' - -'Nay, it is his affair, and he has not given me leave to tell his -secrets. But you may guess.' - -Drownlands' face testified his surprise. - -'I cannot guess,' he said, after a long pause. - -'Well,' said Zita, 'father's word was true, that in such matters men -are blind. We girls see—and I ought to see, for Mark has not played me -fair. He did let me think he fancied me; but I think so no more. He has -made me angry with him, and I am angry with him still. But there is a -step beyond which I will not go. If I could punish him I would—but not -with the rope or Botany Bay. You know that he came into your house in a -friendly mind, and with kind intent. You know that he was not in league -with that topsy-turvy general public. I shall hate and despise you, as -I thought I could hate and despise no man, if you swear falsely against -him.' - -'He has stood between us,' said Drownlands. - -'He has not done so,' retorted Zita. 'Your own deeds lie between us, -not Mark Runham. The events of that night lie between us as a wall of -ice reaching up to heaven, that can neither be climbed nor undermined. -Listen to me, master. I hate to be mean; but if you drive me to -desperation, if I see no other way to save Mark's life, I will do even -that which is mean.' - -'What is that? I do not understand.' - -'I have no wish to do it. I shall hate myself if I do it. You were good -to my poor father, and to me. When all was dark and cold about me, you -opened to me your house and fireside. You have harboured me, my horse, -and the van. I would not speak a word to mortal man of what I know. -They might tear the flesh off my bones with fiery pincers, and my mouth -would remain shut. I owe you an infinite debt of gratitude, and I would -repay it. But there is one thing I cannot do—I cannot suffer you to -send Mark to the gallows. Rather than do that, I will speak, and tell -the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, about the two flails.' - -Drownlands was silent. His face had changed to a clay colour, and his -lips were tightly drawn on his teeth. - -'And if it be any comfort to you to know this,' pursued Zita, as she -opened the hand extended before her: 'if you will drop this charge -against Mark, retract every word you have said in his disfavour, I -will swear to you to have nothing more to do with Mark all your days -upon earth. He shall be to me no other than a stranger. I will stop my -ears against him if he should try to speak to me flattering words. I -will turn my head away if the fancy takes him to look at me with kindly -eyes. There, Ki Drownlands, I have made you an offer now. I threw a -menace at you just now.' - -She had stayed the horse. She stood in the midst of the drove, upright, -her foot planted before her, her head raised, one arm lifted to the -horse's head, the other extended before her with hand outspread. She -had nothing on her head save her chestnut hair flying in the cold north -wind. Her side-turned face was colourless and sallow. - -'Come, Ki Drownlands. When I make an offer, I mean it. When I make a -threat, I mean that too. Will you take my offer? It is not Cheap Jack -Zita who will go back from her word.' - -'Be it so, then.' - -'It is a deal?' - -'Yes—a bargain.' - -'Here is my hand,' said Zita, dropping the bridle. 'A deal is a deal.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -IN COURT - - -A few days were allowed to pass to obtain fresh captures. On a keen, -frosty morning, those taken by the constable and the military, to the -number of nearly forty persons, were brought before the magistrates -for the preliminary examination. It had been resolved that a Special -Commission should be appointed to try the prisoners on the capital -charges of burglary, arson, robbery, and tumultuous assembling to the -disturbance of the peace, and the commission of acts of violence. The -object of the magistrates on the present occasion was to sift the -cases, and deal at once with those of a light nature, and remand such -as were serious. - -The magistrates were in force at the courthouse, and proceedings had -begun before Ki Drownlands arrived in a light gig, with Zita at his -side. - -On reaching the court, the girl was surprised to see a constable issue -from the door, and in loud tones call the name of Ephraim Beamish. - -'Well,' said she, 'those magistrates must be a set of innocents if they -order Pip to be summoned in the streets of Ely. Do they suppose he -would come here to be caught? Pip will put his distance between himself -and the magistrates, as he did t'other day when the dragoons were on -the drove. He did not stay for them then, and he won't come for the -calling now.' - -On entering the court Zita looked about her. She was affected with a -qualm of nervousness, and her colour was heightened. She had never been -in a court of justice before; but when she discovered that the hall -was crowded, she held up her head, breathed freely, and her spirits -recovered their elasticity. - -'It's my own general public again,' said she; 'I am not afraid any -more.' - -'Ephraim Beamish makes no answer to his name,' said the clerk of the -court. - -'We will proceed with the case against Ephraim Beamish,' said the -chairman; 'and the Bench hopes that the constables will not be remiss -in their duty, nor relax their efforts to obtain possession of his -body, and lodge him in prison—that is, should his case be proved.' - -The evidence produced did satisfy the Bench that Beamish should be -remitted to the hands of the Special Commission. - -Then Mark Runham was called, and at once placed in the dock. - -Zita looked at him. She could see that he was not altogether confident -that his innocence would be acknowledged. He strove to disguise his -anxiety, but ineffectually. He was bewildered at the charge laid -against him, and troubled at finding himself in a novel and unpleasant -situation. - -The depositions having been read over, Hezekiah Drownlands, of -Prickwillow, was ordered to stand in the witness-box, for it was he who -had lodged information against Mark. - -Zita immediately elbowed her way to the front, and, resting her -elbow on the rail that limited the portion of the court accessible -to the public, looked steadily into the face of the master. She was -resolved to check and correct his statements, so that they should not -tell unfavourably against the prisoner. Drownlands noticed her, but -refrained from meeting her eye. He gave his evidence with hesitation -and confusedly, for he had laid information against Mark Runham, and -was now seeking to minimise the charge and weaken the force of his own -accusations. - -'I was in my office,' said Drownlands, 'on that same evening, and was -talking with—with Zita there,'—he pointed with his thumb towards the -girl, but without looking at her,—'when I heard the voices of the -rioters.' - -'Stay a moment,' said the chairman, interposing. 'Who may this Zita be?' - -The chairman was a merry, red-faced man, a gentleman who had been -brother to a former Dean, and had obtained from that Dean a lease of -a large tract of ecclesiastical property for ninety-nine years at a -nominal rent, and who resided and had become wealthy in Ely. - -'I refer,' said Drownlands, 'to that young woman. She lives in my -house.' - -The eyes of the Bench and of the audience were directed towards the -girl. - -'Oh!' said the chairman. 'Rather young for a housekeeper, eh?' - -'She is not my housekeeper.' - -'In what capacity, then, may we regard her as residing with you?' - -Drownlands hesitated. - -'Come, come! Don't be reticent, Mr. Drownlands.' - -'I really cannot say.' - -'Shall we say she is a sort of—ahem—companion?' - -A titter ran through the court. - -'I am a lodger,' said Zita. 'I pay my way.' - -'Silence!' ordered the chief constable. - -'You shall speak in your turn,' said the chairman, 'and no doubt you -will be able to give us valuable evidence, but you must not interrupt, -you understand.' Then, turning to the witness, and chuckling and -becoming purple with his suppressed laughter, the chairman said, 'Very -well, Mr. Drownlands, go on. We commend your taste. You were talking -with your pretty companion, or lodger.' - -A laugh ran through the court, in which all joined save the clerical -members of the bench, who looked grave and shook their heads. - -Zita coloured, and looked about her angrily. Mark's face was pale, and -his eyes were lowered. - -'I was talking with her in my office,' continued Drownlands, 'when the -mob entered my stackyard with torches, and threatened to burn my ricks -and break into my house. Mark Runham was with them.' - -'Did he threaten you?' - -'A great many voices were raised. I could not distinguish one from -another. There was a waggon, and Aaron Chevell, Harry Tansley, and -Isaac Harley were in it, and Tansley held a gun.' - -'Never mind about Tansley now. I see in your deposition that Mark -Runham entered your house. Was it so?' - -'Yes. He came to my door and knocked. Then Zita let him in.' - -'But,' interrupted the chairman, 'what you say now, witness, is not in -agreement with your information. You deposed that he had feloniously -entered your house.' - -'He came to ask for money.' - -'Yes, that may be; but if he knocked and was admitted, he cannot be -said to have feloniously entered your premises.' - -'I don't know about that. I gave no orders that he should be let in. -She took it on herself, and went down and unbarred the door, and -brought him up to the office. When there he asked for money—for twenty -pounds.' - -'No, gentlemen,' exclaimed Zita, 'it was not so. He told the master that -he advised him to pay the money lest the men should do mischief. He -asked for nothing.' - -'Silence, if you please,' said the chairman; 'your turn will come -presently, and then we will listen to your story. Proceed, Mr. -Drownlands. You say now that Mark Runham, the accused, was let into -your house by the pretty companion—or lodger. He did not break in. The -information is incorrect.' - -'I don't understand lawyers' jargon,' said Drownlands sullenly. 'All -I know is that Mark Runham came in and asked for twenty pounds, and -said that if I did not pay it, the men would burn my ricks as they had -those of Gaultrip. I know that blows were struck at my door, and I -heard threats that the men would break in, and a brick was thrown at me -through the window.' - -'That took place whilst Mark was in the room,' said Zita. - -'Silence there!' shouted the constable. - -'If that girl will intervene, and will not be quiet, let her be put -out of the court,' said Sir Bates Dudley, who was on the bench. - -'I'll be quiet,' said Zita; 'but when one hears lies, it is hard not to -contradict—it is hard—tremenjous.' - -'Go on, Mr. Drownlands,' said the chairman. - -'They threatened, if I would not pay the twenty pounds, that they would -burst in at the door, or by the windows, and take two hundred.' - -'Who? The accused?' - -'No, not the accused; the others. He was in my office, speaking with -me.' - -'But we do not want to hear what the others said—at least not now. We -are considering the case of Mark Runham. He is a farmer—a landowner, I -believe?' - -'Yes, he is.' - -'And you think it likely that such an one would put himself at the -head of a lawless rabble, to wreck farms and extort money from his -fellow-landowners?' - -'He demanded twenty pounds of me.' - -'Well, go on with your story. You refused the money?' - -'I did so at first, but in the end I was forced to pay it.' - -'Forced? Did the prisoner employ violence?' - -'No; the rabble outside threatened to burn all down unless I paid. I -put the money into the prisoner's hand.' - -'After that he left your house?' - -'He took ten pounds also from Zita.' - -'No; I offered them to him to save my van!' exclaimed the girl. - -'Another word of interruption, and you are turned out of court,' said -the chairman. 'Constable, stand by her, and if she opens her mouth -again, clap your hand over it, or stuff your pocket-handkerchief down -her throat.' - -'I will do so, your worship.' - -'That is all you have to say, witness?' - -'Yes. I have nothing more, except that Runham gave cake and ale to the -rioters.' - -'You saw him do so?' - -'No. I heard he had regaled them.' - -'That is no evidence.' Then the chairman turned to Mark Runham and -said, 'Has the accused any questions he would like to put to witness?' - -'Yes,' said Mark. 'I inquire of him whether I did not protest that I -came merely as a neighbour and a friend.' - -'A friend?' exclaimed Drownlands. 'No Runham can be a friend to me, nor -I a friend to him.' - -'That is no answer to his question,' said the chairman. - -'He said something of the sort,' Drownlands admitted. - -'Did I not say,' pursued Mark, 'that Gaultrip had refused at the outset -to pay blackmail, and that in the end, when his rick was blazing, he -gave way, and that I had run on ahead to advise you as a neighbour not -to provoke to outrage an irritated and unreasonable rabble?' - -'Yes, you said that; but how was I to know you were not acting for the -rioters? You gave them cake.' - -'Come,' said the magistrate occupying the chair, 'we will hear now what -that lively young woman has to say. She clearly is bursting with desire -to tell us all she knows. Put her in the witness-box.' - -As Drownlands left the place he had occupied, Zita stepped into his -room at the instigation of the constable. She looked up at the Bench -with a cheery countenance, and then round at the public that crammed -every available space. - -'Your name?' - -'Zita.' - -'Yes, that is well enough as far as it goes, but we want your surname -also.' - -'Father said we were Greenways. But nobody never called him nothing but -"Cheap Jack."' - -'And your profession or calling? A companion?' - -The court tittered. A clown in the public portion of the hall guffawed. - -Zita raised herself erect and said, 'A Cheap Jack.' - -'A Cheap Jill, I should say,' observed the red-faced chairman, laughing -at his own feeble joke, whereupon the Bench smiled, the clerk of the -court and the constables laughed, and the public roared. - -The magistrate went on, 'If you are a Cheap Jack or Jill, how come you -to be at Mr. Drownlands' house? Is your father with you?' - -'My father is dead,' replied Zita. 'That is just why I am at -Prickwillow.' - -'Then I presume you are a roving Jill in quest of a Jack?' - -'It is the place of the Jacks to run after the Jills,' said Zita; 'not -that I want one, thank you.' - -'Hush! Hush! No impertinence to the Bench.' - -'Beg pardon, I thought the impertinence came from the Bench to me.' - -The sally produced some merriment. When it was subdued, the magistrate -in the chair assumed a grave manner, and inquired in a different tone— - -'So you are staying at Mr. Drownlands' house? In what capacity?' - -'I am a Cheap Jack,' said Zita. 'I have my van there, and horse, and -all my goods. We got stuck in the mud of the droves, when on our way -to Littleport, the night of Tawdry Fair. Father was took ill and -died. So I am lodging at Prickwillow, and I pay for my lodging in -blacking-brushes and slop-pails.' - -'You are not, then, in any menial capacity—not receiving wages?' - -'I am a Cheap Jack, laid by the heels through mud and frost,' answered -Zita. 'It is true I have sewn on some buttons for Master Drownlands, -and have hemmed the linen, and he gives me house-room for my van and me -and the horse, till the dry weather comes and we can move away.' - -'Well, enough of that. Tell us what you know about the events of the -sixteenth.' - -'First of aw—aw—all,' interposed Sir Bates Dudley, who sat on the -right of the chairman. 'She has been put on her oath. Had we not -bet—tet—tet—er ascertain if she is aware of the nature of an oath?' - -'Ah, to be sure! I suppose you were brought up as a Cheap Jack?' - -'Always—since I was a baby.' - -'And not in the most virtuous and godly manner, I fear?' - -'I beg pardon, sir?' - -Here the constable interposed. He stooped and said in Zita's ear, -'Address the Bench as "your worships."' - -'I beg pardon, your worships. My father brought me up. There was not a -better man anywhere.' - -'Then—do you understand the nature of an oath?' - -'Father didn't swear but very little—off an' on like—and mostly at -Jewel, who was sometimes very provoking. But nothing like the man with -the merry-go-round—he swore awful.' - -'I do not mean that. Do you comprehend that you have solemnly promised -to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and -that you have called Heaven to witness that it is so?' - -'Yes,' said Zita, with a sigh; 'but it is hard—tremenjous.' - -'What?—hard to speak the truth?' - -'Yes, your worship—because of the general public. You never was a -Cheap Jack, was you, your worship?' - -'No. Oh dear no, never—never!' - -'I thought so. I never saw you at any of the fairs, but there was a man -who swallowed knives like that gentleman at your side.' - -'Never mind about that.' - -'I was going to say, sir, that as you never was a Cheap Jack, you can't -understand what the feelings of one is, when she sees the general -public afore her eyes. There comes a sort of swelling of the heart, -and a desire of the mind to launch out into wonderful tales, and a -longing to make the General Jackass believe that black is white, and -chalk is cheese, that what is broken is sound, and what is old is new. -But I will do my best. I'll shut my eyes and try to forget the general -public, and fancy I'm with father in the van, for then I always said -straight out what was true.' - -The winter sun streamed in at the south window over against Zita and -flooded her as she stood in the witness-box. She had a scarlet and -yellow flowered kerchief round her neck and over her shoulders, the -white chip bonnet with black ribbons hardly contained her luxuriant, -shining hair. The sun blazed in her face, flushing her ripe cheeks, -making very June cherries of her lips, and adding a solar twinkle -to the sparkle of intelligence and wit indwelling in her honest but -roguish eyes. She stood as upright as a wand, her hands resting on the -rail before her, and her head thrown back. - -The chairman bent to Sir Bates Dudley and whispered— - -'What a good-looking wench it is!' - -'Is she, indeed?' said the canon. 'You don't mean to say so.' - -It did not comport with ecclesiastical, certainly not with canonical, -decorum and dignity to know whether a girl were good-looking or not. - -The chairman turned to the magistrate on his left and made the same -remark. This magistrate was a layman, a retired admiral, who had come -to live in Ely because his daughter was married to an official there. -His name was Abbott. There was no etiquette in Her Majesty's Navy -against observing good looks. He replied, 'Thunderingly so, Christian.' - -Christian was the chairman's name. - -'I'll speak the truth,' said Zita; 'though it is against nature—just -as it was against nature for that little fat gentleman to ride -yesterday; but he did it, because he ought.' - -A roar of laughter at the expense of Sir Bates Dudley. - -'Go on,' said the chairman, hardly controlling himself—the lay members -of the Bench loved to have a joke at the expense of the clerical -members. 'Tell your story, and tell it truthfully, or you'll get -yourself into difficulties.' - -'I mean to,' said Zita. - -Then she gave the narrative of the events of the evening of the riot in -their order, with such lucidity and simplicity, and so frankly, that -the truth of her story was stamped on every sentence. Now and then -some odd remark, some allusion to her van or goods, or to the horse, -provoked a laugh, and she kept Bench and public in good humour. - -'I really think,' said Mr. Christian, 'that we may dismiss the case -against young Runham. If my brother magistrates agree with me'—He -looked round and met with nods of approval. 'The charge against Mark -Runham seems to be a mistake. There is actually nothing in it, and the -Bench sincerely regrets that, through a misunderstanding, and possibly -through an excess of zeal on the part of Mr. Drownlands, you, Mark -Runham, should have been placed in the position you have. Constable, -discharge him.' - -'Thank you, gents,' said Zita. 'You've done right, and I'm glad of it. -As I came here, I heard that you had given orders for Pip to be called. -I did think you then a set of ninnies—but now'— - -'That will do. You can leave the witness-box.' - -'No, sir—your worship, not yet. I have not quite said all I want -to say. I am very much obliged that you have listened to reason and -have let Mark go. And, your worships, there are six of you on the -bench. I have got just six toasting-forks in stock—the beautifullest -toasting-forks that ever you saw. They have red japanned handles and -brass mounts, and fold up small, like telescopes, into the handle. And -if your worships will do me the favour of coming to Prickwillow, I'll -furnish every one of you with a toasting-fork.' - -'That will do; leave the witness-box.' - -'And, your worships, if you will pass over poor Pip Beamish,—he's not -right in his head,—I'll let you have a real epergne to raffle for -between you.' - -'Constable, remove that girl. Turn her out of the court,' ordered the -chairman, red with laughter. - -'I pity the man she chooses as her husband,' said Christian behind his -hand to Abbott, when his order was being carried out. - -'Or Drownlands, whose companion she is,' whispered the admiral. -'No—hang it!' said Mr. Christian. 'No more of that. I am sure that -girl is as straight as a whistle. You cannot look in her honest face -and hear her cheery voice and not swear she is as good and clean as -gold. 'Pon my life, Abbott, I have a mind to go for my toasting-fork. -What say you? You are an old acquaintance, as you heard,—swallowed -knives at the fair,—will you go?' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -PISGAH - - -Zita was standing in the room Drownlands called his office, in -conversation with the master. - -'What did you mean by that which you said to the magistrates—that you -were tied here by frost, held by mud, and that when frost went and mud -dried you would be free to go?' - -'It is so.' - -'You will leave me?' - -'I would go as soon as the van could roll along the drove,' replied -Zita, 'but that there are other difficulties than frost and mud, and -how to get out of these I do not as yet see. I work at them in my head, -but cannot find a way of escape.' She considered a while, with her -hands folded and her eyes on the floor. 'You see, there is the stock. -It seems sinful to let it lie idle—if it don't breed money, it will -breed moths and rust. Father always said money was made to jump—just -the same as frogs were so created. Here is all this store of goods -doing nothing. Here is myself—born a Cheap Jack, and a Cheap Jack to -my fingers' ends. I am not in my right place if not going about in my -van to fairs and markets, selling my goods, and making the money jump, -as it was ordained to.' Zita pursed her lips. 'That is on one side. -On the other there are considerations also. In the first place, it is -awkward for a young girl to be cheap-jacking over the country—it's -awkward, and it's not respectable. She cannot manage by herself. As -the gentleman said, a Jill must have a Jack. That was true, though I -did not like to hear him say it. I could not manage the van and Jewel -and the selling alone. I must have some man with me. And if I were to -take a servant, he might set his head to make himself Jack and make me -Jill. And to take a proper Jack,' pursued Zita,—'I mean, to have a -husband,—why, I don't fancy it. I don't like the notion of it at all. -There is my great difficulty.' - -'Then stay at Prickwillow.' - -'I don't know. If I were here, you would not leave me in peace and -quietness. I do not desire to remain here, but I do not know where else -to go. Now, you see, I am in a cleft stick.' - -'Take me, and remain.' - -'That, I have told you, can never be. If you ask that again, I will go. -If you say nought about it, I will make shift to stay till something -turns up.' - -'Till you find a Jack?' - -'I do not want a Jack. I said so. I want to remain free—Jack and Jill -all in one.' Her expression suddenly changed as she asked, 'Have they -taken Pip Beamish yet?' - -'No; he has been seen, but he eluded capture. He is in the Fens. He -has some hiding-place, but where it is we have not yet discovered. The -constables are out and watching. He cannot leave the Fens.' - -'Cannot? He escaped the dragoons. He has escaped the constables, as you -tell me now.' - -'Ah! the dragoons were not accustomed to fen ways. The constables will -take him. They will form a ring and close in. There is a reward for -whoever takes him, and I have added five guineas.' - -'And I will give ten to any constable who lets him slip through his -fingers. Publish that.' - -'We have had enough of Ephraim Beamish,' said the master. 'We were -speaking about ourselves. You have your difficulties and troubles, but -I also have mine.' - -Drownlands seated himself at the table, placed his arms on the board, -and for a moment rested his head on his folded arms. Then he looked up -and said— - -'I have my distresses, but they are of other nature to yours, and -different in degree. Do you know Scripture? Did your father ever read -the Bible to you?' - -'My father was a God-fearing man,' answered Zita, with warmth and -pride. 'He made me learn passages by heart, and there was one tale -he read over every Sunday, and never tired of it. It was how the -Israelites borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver and gold, and -spoiled the Egyptians, then went off and got the Egyptians drowned, and -so were able to keep their borrowings. Father said there was the making -of Cheap Jacks in them Israelites.' - -'Did you ever read of Moses, how he went up the mountain to view the -Promised Land,—the land flowing with milk and honey,—and he looked on -it from afar, but was never allowed to set foot thereon? And he died -there, in the mount. The wind came to him sweet with thyme, and he saw -the green cattle pastures by the waters of comfort, but he might not -drink of its milk or eat its honey. And he died there, looking at the -land that was so near and yet so far, a land he might see, but never -set foot on. He died there, for it broke his heart.' - -Drownlands laid his head again on his folded arms. Zita remained in the -same position. She had an inkling of his drift, and was uneasy, and -cast about for some means of relief from a painful scene. - -'I suppose,' she said, 'there were fine bargains to be driven in the -Promised Land, and that the Canaanites were as soft-headed as the -Egyptians. To a man of proper feeling it was vexing.' - -Drownlands paid no attention to the remark. He continued— - -'Do you remember why Moses was not suffered to go in and possess the -Good Land? There was something betwixt him and it. He had done that -which was against the law, therefore the Lord showed him the fields of -Canaan, but said he must never lay his head in the dewy grass, never -smell its upturned earth, never touch its fair flowers.' - -'Yes, I remember something about it,' said Zita. - -'What killed Moses was the seeing the land, and being told it never -might be his,' continued Drownlands. 'But he could not go back from -Pisgah into the wilderness. He could not turn his back on Canaan. He -must sit among the rocks, and look on the pleasant land, till his heart -broke, and he died.' - -The girl fixed her eyes on the quivering face of Drownlands. She saw -that he was in terrible earnest, and she did not see her way out of an -embarrassing situation. He spoke again. - -'Zita, do you think it would have been wise for Joshua to have come up -into Pisgah when Moses was there? Would not Moses have sprung up and -cried out, "This man will enter on what is denied me!" and have held -him by the throat?' Drownlands was now on his feet, his hands extended -before him, suiting his action to his words. 'He would have held him by -the throat, have thrown him on a rock, put his knee to his chest, and -bent his back so—and have broken his back.' - -As he spoke, he hit and split and crushed down half the table. Then he -drew a long inhalation, reseated himself, wiped his brow, and said— - -'There is no Joshua. You swore to me there was none.' - -'I think I can comprehend this roundabout talk,' said Zita. 'But if -you mean that I am your Promised Land, you are mistaken. I never was -promised to you.' - -'No, that is true; you are the Loved Land, the Desired Land. No, you -never were promised.' - -'And it is quite certain that I am not for you.' - -'I know it.' - -'And I will trouble you to keep your Pisgah at a distance, and stick to -it,' said Zita. - -'You have told me that you never can be mine, and you have told me also -why. My sin stands between us, as a sin stood between Moses and Canaan. -And yet—I would do it again if I met him. You do not know how Runham -wronged me; you have never learned what was my provocation. I pay the -penalty of my sin, as did Moses. That very night I killed him—that -very same night, not two minutes after the last bubbles came from his -lips—I first saw you. The punishment followed on the crime faster than -the thunder-clap after the lightning-flash. Well, then, so long as you -remain before my eyes, that I can see your golden hair, and hear your -lark-like voice, I am content. I have all I can expect. I will try to -be content. But I could not endure to have a Joshua near me.' - -'There is none—if you mean a Jack.' - -'I trust your word. Mark Runham is nothing to you?' - -'I am nothing to Mark,' said Zita, with slight evasion. 'He would not -even look at me in court.' - -'So long as you remain here, I will bear my burden, though it break -my heart, bit by bit. But that is better than to lose you altogether. -No'—he stood up again, went to the window, leaned his arm and head -against the shattered casement, and let the wind blow in on him through -the broken glass—'no, that I can bear—to have you here. But to lose -you—to see you no more—I cannot even endure to think of that.' - -Zita made a movement to escape. He heard her, and, without turning his -head, made a sign to her with his hand to stay. - -'Do not leave me. I have still something I must say. I want to strike -a bargain with you.' - -'A deal? I am ready.' - -Zita resumed her place. Drownlands came slowly back to the table. - -'Listen to me,' he said, with a thrill in his deep tones. 'I have made -up my mind to this—that _his_ blood lies between me and you, as a -Dead Sea I may never cross. I must sit on my Pisgah and look at you as -unapproachable. That is all I can hope for; that is all I demand; and -in order to secure this, I am ready to make you an offer. I shall never -marry—never. All the land round Prickwillow is mine, and I have money -in the bank—many thousands of pounds. You know what money is worth. -You can judge what this land brings in every year to heap the pile. -It shall all be yours if you will stay with me till I die. I ask for -nothing else but to have you here in this house, that I may hear you -laugh, that I may see your smiling face. That is all. I will not open -my mouth to ask for anything but that—just to see you and hear you -every day; now and then to touch your hand; happy, if as you pass me -your skirts brush me; glad for a day if you condescend to cast a word -at me. That is all—the full, the sum of all. And for that I will pay -away everything I have. Command me. Do with me what you please, only do -not banish me. My money is at your disposal, and when I die everything -that I have becomes yours. See here.' He went to his desk, unlocked it, -and drew forth a paper. 'I have made my will, but it is not yet signed -and attested. It could not be so till we had come to an arrangement -together. If you will undertake to remain with me on the terms I -propose, then you will be a wealthy woman some day when I am gone. And -whilst I am here cumbering the place,'—his tone was bitter,—'you have -but to ask and I will give you what you require. Agree with me, and -this document shall be signed and attested forthwith. For a very slight -concession on your part you will receive a rich repayment. As you said, -you could not go about the country in your van, and you have no settled -home to which you can go. Surely you will concede this to me.' - -He placed the paper on the table before Zita. - -She took up the will and read it through. - -In few words, and to the point, Drownlands had constituted her sole -heir and legatee to everything he possessed, on the one condition that -she remained in his house through the rest of his life. - -She put the paper down on the table again, without, however, releasing -it from her hand, and stood considering. - -'There is one thing,' she said, after a long pause, 'one thing I must -stick out for whether I stay here for a short time or for long.' - -'What is that?' - -'That you board up the shed where my van is kept, so that the fowls may -not roost on it.' - -Then in at the door came Mrs. Tunkiss. - -'There's Mark Runham come,' she said to the master, after looking -suspiciously first at Zita, then at him. 'And he says he must speak -with you on business.' - -'Mark?—Mark again? Bring him here. I am not afraid of him now. Come, -Zita, what say you to my offer?' - -For a few moments she remained with her hand to her head, breathing -hard, her eyes dim. - -'Come, Zita—what answer?' - -She looked at him with glazed eyes. She was in pain and sorrow. She -would in one moment see Mark,—Mark, whom she loved,—and see him with -the knowledge that she never could be his. But the demand made of her -to surrender was not so great as it might have been had Mark loved and -respected her. He liked, or had once liked her. Now he loved another. -He despised her for some reason she could not understand. He held by -Kainie, to whom he was bound by promise, and to whom, after a short -wavering of his affections, he had returned. - -'Come, Zita, what say you to my offer?' - -In a whisper, with sunk head, her chin in her bosom, and with folded -hands— - -'I accept.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -A PARTHIAN SHOT - - -'Shall I go?' asked Zita. - -'No, stay. There can nothing pass betwixt us but what you may hear. And -now that he is come, he shall witness the signature to the will.' - -'I would rather leave.' - -Further discussion of this point was prevented by the entrance of Mark. - -The young man noticed that Zita was in the room, but he did not look at -her or address her. He directed his eyes steadily at Drownlands, who -remained seated at the table. - -'I have come on business,' said Mark. - -'Say what it is.' - -Mark demurred. 'Let us speak together in private.' - -'No; what has to be said may be said before her.' - -'If you wish it. I have come concerning Kainie.' - -'What about Kainie?' - -'She is your niece.' - -'To my sorrow.' - -'You should not say that. She is a good girl. Not to your sorrow, but -to your shame.' - -Drownlands stamped. - -'Spare me words. My patience will not stretch far.' - -'Kainie is your sister's only child. She is your nearest relative. I -have come to you in her interest. It is no longer possible for her to -remain at Red Wings.' - -'Why not?' - -'It is not seemly. It is not just. The Fens are in commotion; wild men -are about, lawless deeds are being done. She is but a girl, and is -unprotected, and away from help, if she needed it.' - -'She has her dog.' - -'That is not sufficient. Dogs have been silenced before now. Consider -to what dangers a girl is exposed in such a solitary spot.' - -'Pshaw! the men are cowed.' - -'Several are about in hiding, and are not yet captured. You do a great -wrong to Kainie.' - -'I do her no wrong. I leave her alone.' - -'That in itself is a grievous wrong. Whose duty is it to guard her, but -yours? She bears your name.' - -'To my disgrace!' exclaimed Drownlands, glaring up with wrath. 'No more -of that.' - -'Well, it is no pleasant topic.' - -'Did Kainie send you to me?' - -'No; I came because I felt concerned for her, and convinced that she -must not be allowed—no, not for another night—to remain under the -sails of Red Wings. Will you receive her at Prickwillow?' - -'Not I.' - -'She must be removed from the mill. If you will not take charge of her, -then I must.' - -'You are welcome. I will have nothing to do with her.' - -'Well, then, so be it. It is your duty to see to her security. You -refuse to do your duty, so I shall take her. That is settled. Now, one -thing further. Will you make Kainie an allowance,—something to support -her,—even if you refuse her shelter?' - -'Not a penny. I washed my hands of her mother, and I wash my hands of -her.' - -'I feared this would be your answer,' said Mark, and drew a long -breath. 'I feared my application to you would be in vain. Nevertheless, -I considered myself bound to make it; I could not act till you had -refused to act; much as did Boaz when troubled concerning Ruth. You -finally refuse to give protection to Kainie in her loneliness, and at -this season of danger?' - -'Ay, I do.' - -'And refuse to furnish her with even a pittance out of your abundance?' - -'Ay, I do.' - -'You should blush to deny her what she needs.' - -'I blush for her being in the world at all.' - -Mark turned to go. Then Drownlands spoke out in strong tones— - -'Stay! Now that you are here, I ask you to do me a favour. It is not -much—merely to witness a document, to attest my signature to my will. -I desire you to see me sign that, and it will be the best answer I can -make to your application on behalf of Kainie. Zita, call up Leehanna -Tunkiss.' - -Mrs. Tunkiss was behind the door. She had been listening in the -passage, and now appeared in the doorway, after a short scuffle of -feet, to give a semblance of her having come from a distance. - -'Do you want me, master?' she asked. 'I was in the midst of baking.' - -'Stand there,' ordered Drownlands. Then, rising to his feet, he held up -the will and said, 'I have been making my last testament, and I desire -that you, Mark Runham, and you, Leehanna Tunkiss, should see me sign -it. But that will not suffice. I wish you to know its contents, and -then there can be no question relative to its genuineness; and, above -all, no delusions, no hopes, no schemes can be based on relationship, -fancied or real, that are doomed to disappointment.' - -Drownlands looked round him. He saw a flicker in Leehanna's eye. She -was akin to him distantly, yet really. - -'Zita and I have come to an understanding together,' said the yeoman, -in articulate words spoken slowly. 'Zita has promised that she will -remain with me, and will look after my house, rule over my servants, -attend to my comforts as long as I live. If you, Leehanna, choose to -remain with this understanding'— - -'I shall do no such thing,' said the housekeeper, tossing her head. 'I -thought matters would come to this very quickly. I knew what the minx -was aiming at.' - -'That is your affair,' said the master. 'Zita stays here, and her -word is to be law in my house. I have made my will, and leave to -her everything I possess—every brick of my house, every clod of my -soil, every guinea of my hoard.' He paused, and looked from one to -another. Mark and Leehanna remained mute with astonishment. 'Now go, -Mark Runham, as soon as you have attested my signature, and tell -Kainie she has nothing to expect from me at present, nor in times to -come—nothing from Drownlands living, or Drownlands dead. Let this be -known throughout the Fens. Mark Runham, stand here and witness me sign -my name. This is my true act and deed.' - -'I will not do this,' said the young man, turning white. 'Get some one -else to see this done—this that stamps her infamy and your baseness.' -He turned sharply about and went through the door. Then he halted for -a moment, hesitated, holding the jamb with one hand, and, looking back -with a face devoid of colour, said, 'To-night I shall fetch Kainie -away, and she shall find her home with me.' - -'Mark!' exclaimed Zita, running to him. - -'Stand back!' said he roughly. 'Do not come near me; you, who sell -yourself body and soul for what you call profits.' - -Then he turned and staggered down the stairs. - -'And I give notice that I leave this house at once,' said Mrs. Tunkiss. -'Fine goings on these be. I have ever kept myself respectable. I've -been the only respectable woman here besides Sarah. I'm not going to -stay in this house, which will be avoided by every decent woman, with -a man that will be pointed at by every decent man, with her in it as -missus—as missus'— - -The woman laughed bitterly, tauntingly, and threw a foul name in the -face of Zita, and then backed, with a sneer on her lips and hate in her -eyes. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -PURGATORY - - -Suddenly, and for the first time, did the thought flare through Zita's -brain and scorch it—that she had compromised her character. - -Now only did she see why Mark had refused to look at her; now only -understand what he meant when he said that she had sold herself body -and soul; now only comprehended what the laughter signified when -the chairman in court had suggested that she was the 'companion' of -Drownlands, a suggestion which had been received with titters. She -remembered how then her brow had become hot, her heart had beat fast; -she was sensible that something had been said that hurt her maiden -pride, something that lowered her in the esteem of those assembled in -the court. But she had not sounded the meaning of the insinuation, and -had not thought what was really the sting in the words which wounded -her. - -Zita possessed a considerable amount of pride—a different sort of -pride, maybe, from any that we can conceive in our stations in life. -It was not vanity. She concerned herself little about her personal -appearance, and made no effort by dress to display her beauty. She -knew she was a good-looking girl, and was indifferent to the fact. -She had no education of the sort which we prize; but she had stood on -platforms, her feet level with the shoulders of the general public, and -she had come, instinctively, without being able to account to herself -for it, to regard herself as possessing a character, a dignity of her -own above that which belonged to the members of the general public. She -who stood above it actually must live up to her level, and stand above -it in moral strength and integrity. - -Zita had a simple and innocent mind. She had been reared in a van, had -led a rambling life, her sole associate had been a father—a kindly -man, gentle, good after his lights, and very careful of her welfare. -The fact of her having been shifted perpetually from place to place -had prevented her forming associates, making fast friendships, so that -she had really had none to affect her mind save her father, and had -grown to womanhood a singular combination of shrewdness and simplicity. -Thus her heart was fresh and childlike, whilst her brain was keen in -all that concerned commerce. She had been carefully screened by the -Cheap Jack father from everything that could taint the sweetness of her -innocence and sully the crystalline purity of her mind. - -There was one thing she had never learned from her father, one thing -of which till this moment she had no conception—the power of public -opinion. She had acquired in her vagrant life an idea that the general -public was a something to be laughed at and laughed with, that was to -be humoured, cajoled, befooled; but it had never been suspected by her -that the public could utter its voice and make the heart quake, breathe -on and blast a reputation, could bite and poison the blood. - -Now, suddenly, a veil was lifted, and she saw the general public in a -new light, and felt the terrible power over her life and happiness that -it exercised. - -No man is so free as the man without a home. If he has committed an -indiscretion, he pulls up his tent-pegs, moves away, and is forgotten. -But a man who remains on the scene of his indiscretion is haunted by -it ever after. The remembrance clings to him as the shirt of Nessus. -It is never forgotten, never forgiven. As long as the van crawled over -the face of the country, changing the atmosphere that surrounded it, it -eluded the force of public opinion. Its inmates paid no tax to it; were -not registered on its books. But hardly had Zita become settled before -its burden fell upon her. - -'Unsay what you have said!' cried Zita, grasping Mrs. Tunkiss by the -arm. - -'It is true. It is what every one has been saying; and, as you see, -Mark Runham won't have anything to do with you. You thought to catch -him, did you? You've been angling for him and the master, and taken the -one as bids highest. 'Tis like a Cheap Jack that. You're young, but -bold as brass and cankered as iron.' - -'Silence, you false-mouthed woman!' - -'Can you silence all the tongues in the Fen? There's not a man over his -pipe and ale in the tavern ain't jeering at you. There's not a woman -over her soapsuds and scrubbing-brush ain't crying shame on you. But -what can you expect of a vagabond but vice? I spit at you.' - -Zita cast the woman from her, and turned and threw herself on her knees -at the broken table, buried her face in her hands, and burst into tears. - -Drownlands waved imperiously to the housekeeper to leave, and the -woman withdrew, muttering and casting malignant glances at the broken, -prostrate girl. - -The table was between the master of Prickwillow and Zita. His knuckles -rested on the will. He leaned on them, and looked down on the shining -head that was laid low before him. Zita's hair was cut short, and her -neck showed as well as her rounded cheek. - -He did not speak. He breathed heavily through his distended nostrils. -He waited, not knowing what direction her thoughts might take, what -resolve her mind would form. - -There were but few alternatives among which she might choose. She could -not resume her life as Cheap Jack without taking an assistant, and from -that course she shrank with maidenly repugnance, rightly estimating -its dangers. If she were to throw herself among the wanderers who -frequented fairs, it would be to court ruin. Was it not probable that -she would maintain her resolution to remain at Prickwillow, with this -difference, that she would accept his first offer, and become his wife, -to save her fair name from reproach? So far as Drownlands could see, -this was the only means whereby she could extricate herself from her -difficulties, and his heart swelled within him at the hope that opened -before him. But he saw clearly that he must allow her to work to this -solution by herself unassisted. A word from him would mar everything. - -He accordingly stood with bent brows and pale face, the furrows deeply -graven on his forehead and seaming his cheek, his lips set, looking -steadily at the chestnut-gold head and the delicate bowed neck. - -There is no agony more terrible than the agony of the soul, and among -the many anguishes with which that can be affected none equals in -intensity and poignancy that which is caused by the sense of the loss -of the respect of men. - -There was an ineffable humiliation in the thought of the light in which -she—Zita—had come to be regarded, if what Mrs. Tunkiss said was true. -The girl who errs through over-trust in a lover, who has believed his -word, his oath, is looked down on, but deserves some pity. But Zita -did not occupy such a position, had not the same claim to be dealt -by lightly. She had—so men thought, so men said—deliberately and -calculatingly sold herself to Drownlands. Her degradation had been a -piece of sordid merchandise, with haggling over terms. - -That was true which Leehanna said. She was the subject-matter of -talk in the taverns, of coarse and ribald jokes, of calculation of -the chances she had of retaining the affections of Drownlands, of -remark on her craft, her dexterity in laying hold of and managing this -intractable tyrant of the Fens. - -But perhaps the intensest anguish-point lay in the thought that Mark, -who had loved her, or liked her—Mark, whom she had loved, whom she -loved still, regarded her with disgust, held himself aloof from her, as -one unworthy even of his pity, as a cold, calculating wanton. - -As all these thoughts passed through the mind of Zita, the pain was so -excessive that she could have shrieked, and felt relief in shrieking; -that she worked with her feet on the planks of the floor, as though to -bore with them a hole down which she might disappear and hide her shame. - -The drops ran off her brow like the drops on a window after -rain—long-gathering trickles of moisture, then a great drop, -immediately succeeded by another accumulation, and again another drop. -Save for the working of her feet on the floor and the movement of her -fingers, she was motionless. Drownlands contemplated her steadily. He -saw her, in her anguish of mind, twine and untwine her long fingers, -then pluck at and strip off chips of the table where he had broken it, -put them between her teeth and bite them, but still with lowered brow -and eyes that she could not raise for shame. He could see flushes pass -over her, succeeded by deadly pallor. It was as though flames were -flickering about her head, shooting up and enveloping throat and cheek -and brow, then dying down and leaving a deathly cold behind. A soul in -this present life was prematurely suffering its purgatory. - -Then she laid her hands flat on the table before her, then folded -them, as children fold their hands in prayer, and she was still, as -though her pulses had ceased to beat and her lungs to play. Then again -ensued a paroxysm of distress, in which the fingers writhed and became -knotted, and tears broke from her eyes and sobs from her heart. - -How long would this last? - -What resolutions were forming and unforming under that crown of shining -locks, in that heavily-charged heart? - -The door was thrust open, and in came Sarah, the maid with St. Vitus' -dance. - -'Please,' she said, 'there be three gem'men from Ely downstairs. They -say they be come after their toastin'-forks.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -WITH TOASTING-FORKS - - -Zita rose from her knees. - -'Tell them to wait, and I will be down directly,' she said. 'I made -them a promise, and I must keep it. I am glad they are here; they can -witness the will, now that Mark Runham and Leehanna Tunkiss are gone.' - -Drownlands was surprised. The girl had regained her composure; and from -the look of her face he was assured that she had formed her resolution. - -'That is right,' said he; 'things remain as arranged.' - -'I cannot go away,' said Zita in a low voice. 'Here I am, and here I -must remain. If I have done wrong to stay here, the wrong is done. -If I have been foolish to accept your hospitality, the folly is past -recall.' She looked over her shoulder to see that Sarah had withdrawn. - -'Yes; I promised you I would remain here, and here I will remain, on a -condition.' - -He held up the will. - -'Yes, on condition that you leave everything you have as I shall -direct.' - -'I leave it all to you.' - -'The will must be written afresh,' said Zita; 'a change must be made -in it. You have bequeathed everything to me, and because of that, evil -thoughts will rise up in folks' minds, and evil words will pass over -their lips. Even Mark thinks ill of me. I did not think Mark could have -done that.' She heaved a sigh, and drew her hand across her eyes. - -'Master,' said she, after a pause, 'you had no right to make that will -and leave me all. I am not your niece. I shall never stand nearer to -you than I do now. I have no claim on your house or lands. But Kainie -has. She is your own sister's child. You must alter your will and leave -everything to her.' - -'I said I would give her nought.' - -'And that made Mark believe me to be bad. I will not have anything -of yours. I will have you make the writing out anew, and bequeath -everything to Kainie—on the same condition, if you will, that I remain -here all your days. I do not say, Give Kainie everything now. I have no -right to say that. I do not say, Give me nothing at any time. I shall -have a right to some payment, or some acknowledgment of my services. -But what I do say is that I will not be your heir hereafter. Kainie -has a claim on you that I have not. If I were to be enriched with -house and lands by you, then the evil that is thought of me would be -confirmed. But folks may say what they will, when, some day, after you -are gone, the property changes hands and falls to Kainie; they cannot -think I have been so wicked as was supposed. And I shall have repaid -you for your kindness to me, in that I have saved you from committing a -great injustice. Mark said I would do anything—sell body and soul—for -profit. He will come to see that he was wrong there.' - -Drownlands gazed on the girl with incredulity. She had hit on an -arrangement that had not suggested itself to his mind. He could not -believe that she was serious in her purpose. - -'I will remain with you,' continued Zita, 'on the clear understanding -that Kainie is to be your heir, and I would wish this understanding to -be generally made known. Some day, when I am old and ugly, and you are -dead and gone, then, when the new folks come into Prickwillow, I'll -harness the horse and start as a Cheap Jack once more. Then I can take -a man to mind the horse, when I do the business of a Cheap Jack. No one -can say wrong of me then. When Mark Runham comes into this place'— - -'Mark Runham will never be here.' - -'He must be here, if this falls some day to Kainie.' - -'That does not follow.' - -'Of course it follows, if he marries Kainie.' - -'Mark—marry Kainie? What do you mean?' - -'I told you that Mark would have nothing more to say to me, because he -was bound to another. I would not say to whom, for that was his secret. -But now he has let it out himself. He is going to take Kainie home to -Crumbland this evening.' - -Drownlands started and threw over a chair. - -'You are mistaken. You do not know.' He paced the room in agitation. - -'I do know,' answered Zita. 'It is because he was bound to Kainie that -he gave me up. Now he is going to take her to him for better for worse. -Lawk! how dull men are in these matters—where girls see clear.' - -'You are greatly mistaken.' - -'No, I am not mistaken. How can you fail to understand when he speaks -so plain?' - -Drownlands folded his arms and walked hurriedly up and down the room. -Presently he turned to Zita and said, 'You are serious when you say you -will not have me make you my heir?' - -'I am truly resolved,' answered the girl. 'Then he can no more say that -I have sold myself body and soul for profits.' - -'Let no will be made.' - -'That will not do. You must rewrite it, and it must make Kainie your -heir. Only on that condition will I remain in this house with you.' - -'And you believe her to be your rival, who has snatched Mark from your -arms?' - -'I know it is so. He could not help himself. He was tied to her.' - -'Mark is a Runham. A Runham may betray a woman, but never marry one who -has no fortune.' - -'More is the reason why you should give one to Kainie.' - -'Were I to make you my heir,—there is no saying,—he might take you -for the sake of this place and my savings; and, by Heaven, I will have -no Runham own acres of mine, if I can prevent it!' - -'He would not do that—he could not take me. He is too just and true to -throw over Kainie. He may think ill of me, but I do not think so badly -of him. I tried to buy of her the rights she had in him, but she would -not sell them. Then I saw it was all up between Mark and me.' - -'This is strange—this is very strange!' said Drownlands, turning a -perplexed face on the girl as he paced the room. 'I know what is in -a Runham better than you. The Runhams marry for money, not for love. -Come here, Zita. What would you say were you to discover that you were -mistaken about Mark and Kainie?' - -'I am not mistaken.' - -'Suppose, some day, that you found that he was free?' - -She was silent. - -'And yet he would never marry you without money. He would not be a -Runham to do that. If, however, he thought you were to be my heir, he -might do so, or wait till I am gone and then take you; but he will -never think of you if you are poor. Be it as you propose. I will -rewrite my will. I will leave to you nothing, bequeath to Kainie all.' - -'Then I will remain with you.' - -'As long as I live?' - -She nodded her head. - -'You will swear to this?' - -Her eyes were full, her bosom heaving; she held out both hands, and he -clasped them. - -'I must go downstairs,' she said, after a struggle to gain composure. -'The justices will want their toasting-forks.' - -'Keep them amused for a while. They shall witness my new will.' - -Zita proceeded to her room, found the articles that she had promised, -and descended to the sitting-room, where she found three of the -magistrates, all laymen; the clerical members of the Bench thinking -it unecclesiastical to come after toasting-forks. The red-faced -chairman, Mr. Christian, was there; Admiral Abbott; and another, named -Wilkins. They were all merry; they had been drinking, and they felt -sensible relief that they were not cumbered by the presence of the -ecclesiastical magistrates. They were also conscious of great buoyancy -of spirits, due to the fact that they were beyond the shadow of the -towers of Ely, and no longer within the numbing circle of cathedral -decorum. Zita's arrival was hailed uproariously, with laughter and -loud words. The gentlemen jumped from their chairs, and with effusion -insisted on shaking hands. - -'We've rode over,' said Mr. Christian, 'but couldn't persuade Sir -Bates to mount a horse again. The very looks of one makes his colour -fade. Nothing would induce him—not the prospect of a toasting-fork. I -say, Abbott, if we could have promised the canon a kiss of those ruby -lips, eh? Would that have drawn him? How now, you comical Jill?—you -who upset the dignity of the Court! And to venture on bribery and -corruption—you pretty little rogue! We might have had you up. What say -you, Abbott? Shall we indict her for the attempt to poison the springs -of justice? It is a case under common law. Fine or imprisonment? Which -shall it be, Wilkins?' - -'Now, come,' said the magistrate addressed, 'no law here; we have -had enough of that today. Here are weapons. Arm thee, arm thee, Sir -Christian, knight of the blazing countenance and the purple nose. Queen -of Cheap Jacks, let your gay red-flowered kerchief be the prize. -I defy thee to the death, Christian. Up with you on to the table, -Queen of Cheap Jacks, or upon the mantelshelf—anywhere away from the -clash of blades and the soil of battle. Come on, Christian! And after -thee, Old Salt the Admiral; but, Lord! he will swash about with his -toasting-fork as if 'twere a cutlass. Come on, Christian, and he who -wins rides home wearing her favour.' - -Justice Wilkins brandished one of the toasting-forks, and, putting -himself in a posture of attack, shouted again for his opponent. - -Mr. Christian at once snatched and flourished his weapon, and the two -half-tipsy men began to make passes at each other. - -'Bright eyes looking on! A fair maid's favour as the prize! Ah, -Christian, you're off your guard; you are using your foil wildly. -The man is drunk! Heigh! To the heart! I have run you through! Down -with your blade, sir!' Wilkins shouted as he charged home, and drove -the toasting-fork up into the handle against the breast of his -adversary. 'Abbott! gallop off for Sir Bates! Make him come to shrive -Christian. Rest his soul! he was a jolly dog, but too fond of lasses -and the bottle. Admiral, help me; we will compose his epitaph. No, -no, Christian, that is a breach of rules. You're dead, man; dead -as a stone, with a stroke through your heart. Didn't you feel the -toasting-fork tickle your ribs? Stand aside, or lie dead on the -hearthrug. You are out of the game now. Come on, Admiral Abbott. It -lies between you and me; Christian, you dog, you are dead, and must -not interfere. That stroke will let some of the port wine out of your -gizzard. Keep in the rear—you are a dead man. If you walk, it is your -ghost. It is Abbott's turn with me now.' - -'Wilkins, your tongue runs away with you. I'll cut it off and wear it -in my hat. I'm your man.' - -Thereupon Admiral Abbott, armed with his toasting-fork, strutted into -the place lately occupied by Christian. - -'No,' said he; 'Wilkins, you cheat; you took a scurvy advantage over my -dear deceased brother Christian. You shall not play me the same trick. -You have the window behind you.' - -'I did not consider it. Change sides.' - -'No, I will not have the advantage over you either. We will fight with -the daylight athwart our blades.' - -'Then the Queen of Cheap Jacks must shift quarters, to see that all is -fair.' - -'Let her shift,' said Abbott. 'I am not going to be killed or to kill -you at a disadvantage. Ready!' - -The passage of arms between Wilkins and Abbott was as brief as that -between him and Christian. A stroke from the admiral, who used his -tool as a cutlass, bent the soft metal of the toasting-fork of his -opponent. - -'Weapon broken. Surrender!' shouted Abbott. 'Now, Wilkins, stand aside. -I am conqueror, and claim the red rag.' - -'That's a way to ask! Like the bear you are, Abbott. Down on one -knee—I won't say gracefully, for you can't do that—and ask in -courteous tone. Red rag indeed!—a crimson favour.' - -'He can't kneel,' said Christian. 'He'd never get up if he were once -down.' - -'Admiral! I could swear the Cheap Jack Queen has been crying. There are -tears on her cheek and a drench of rain in her brown eyes. It is for -you, Christian, you lucky dog; you caused them to fall, because I ran -you through, and Her Royal Highness weeps for her knight bleeding his -life-tide away.' - -At this moment Drownlands entered the room, and was saluted by the -three magistrates. - -'We have been fighting,' said the admiral, 'and I am the conqueror. If -you are disposed to part with the pretty housekeeper, I will carry her -off _en croupe_ on my horse.' - -Drownlands disdained an answer. - -'Gentlemen,' said he, 'now that you are here, let me ask a favour of -you. Pray put your hands to this paper and witness my signature to -this my last will and testament.' - -'I hope you have put the Queen of Cheap Jacks down for something -handsome. If you have done that, we will sign cheerfully.' - -'Not for a penny,' answered Drownlands. 'Everything I have goes to my -niece. Here is ink and here a pen. Gentlemen, this is my true act and -deed.' - -'My hand shakes,' said Christian; 'I have been laughing, and cannot -hold a pen.' - -'And mine is jarred,' said Wilkins, 'with the thundering blows of that -swashbuckler, Abbott.' - -Jesting, laughing, the three men complied with the request of -Drownlands, hardly regarding what they were about. - -'I say, Abbott,' said Wilkins, 'what was that promise that fell from -ruby lips relative to an epergne?' - -'We were to raffle for one,' said the admiral. - -'Can't do it,' said Christian. 'We have not got the others here. We'll -hoist Bates on to a horse and make him come another day, when this -confounded business of the riots is over.' - -'You have got the favour, Abbott,' said Wilkins, 'but not by fair -swordsmanship. Whether you carry it to Ely is another matter. -Christian, shall he hoist it at the end of his toasting-fork and ride? -We'll give him a hundred yards, and then pursue, and he who overtakes, -captures the favour and carries it into the city.' - -'Done—we'll race the admiral for it.' Then, turning to Zita, 'We'll -come another day and raffle for the epergne at a guinea a-piece. The -pool goes to you. Now then, brother justices, away we go!' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -THE JACK O' LANTERNS - - -'Take it, and keep it,' said Drownlands, handing the will to Zita. 'You -can read. It is as you desired, and on the same condition as before. -That is as you promised.' - -'Yes,' said the girl; 'with that I am content.' She put the will in her -bosom. - -'Then,' said Drownlands in a tone of sad bitterness, 'for life and till -death we are united.' - -'After a fashion, to keep apart.' - -'Yes, united to be separate.' - -'Like a pair of wheels,' said Zita. 'They keep the concern going, but -have it always between them.' - -The day had closed in, and Zita retired to her room to sit at the -window and look out at the dead uniformity of the fen, and the white -line of horizon between it and the darkness above, like a white fringe -to a pall. She desired solitude, that she might review what was past. - -The weather was cold. There had been frost, hard and biting, and the -ice clad the water. The snow that had been spread over the land had in -part disappeared, licked up by the dry wind that scaled the waters, and -the land from whiteness had turned to blackness. - -The lakes of frozen water would have attracted many skaters during the -day, had not the engrossing excitement relative to the trial of the -rioters engaged the public attention. - -The frost had set in with redoubled hardness on the morrow of the -riot, and in four days even the Lark was turned to stone within its -embankments. - -As Zita looked out into the night, she could see the heavy sky, -burdened with black clouds, that were ragged as a torn fringe, or a -moth-eaten pall, about the black hard bank of the river, that stood up -sharply against the sky. - -The cold was so biting in the fireless room that Zita drew the velvet -curtains about her, which were suspended over her window, covered her -shoulders, and wrapped them about her bosom. There was no light in the -room save the wan reflection from the horizon. Had there been, she -would have formed a pretty picture, folded in crimson velvet, with her -oval face and dark amber hair peeping out of the folds. - -She looked dreamily through the window. - -A wave of regret had come over her after the exaltation caused by the -sense of self-sacrifice. - -She considered how that she had loved Mark, had valued his regard for -herself, had delighted in his society. He had never said to her that -he loved her, yet there had been a look in his blue eyes, a pressure -of his fingers when he took her hand, a softness of intonation in his -voice when he spoke to her, that had said more than words, that had -assured her heart that she was dear to him. And how happy she had -been when she believed that! A solitary child, with no belongings and -belonging to none, a waif thrown upon the desolate fens, she had found -herself lifted into a new region of brightness. Then Mark had become -cool, and had held aloof from her. She had discovered that he was -engaged to Kainie, and could not become disentangled from this tie. -He had been constrained to resign himself to it. Now his interest, -his sympathies, were enlisted on behalf of that girl, because she was -treated with injustice and was exposed to danger. Now he was about to -take Kainie to his house—now, this very evening. - -A feeling of resentment against the girl who stood between herself and -happiness swelled in Zita's heart; Kainie threw down the palace of -delight she had built up in the cloudland of hope and fancy. Kainie -snatched Mark from her; and it was for Kainie that she—Zita—had given -up the inheritance offered her by Drownlands. - -In the darkness Zita's brow darkened. Angry feelings surged in her -bosom and sent waves of fire through her pulses. She would defy the -world. What need she care for the chatter of slanderous tongues? -Conscious of her own integrity, she would brave public opinion. - -She snatched the will from her bosom, that she might tear it in pieces, -and then she would run to the master and bid him make another in her -own favour, as first proposed. Why should she not be his heir? - -If Kainie robbed her of Mark, might not she retaliate and take from her -the inheritance of Drownlands? - -If she were struck, might she not strike back? Did Kainie need lands -and houses? As Mark's wife, she would be rich without her uncle's -estate added to Crumbland, whereas she—Zita—had not a particle of -soil on which to set her foot and say it was her own. Had not the -master of Prickwillow a right to do what he would with his own? Kainie -had done nothing for him, and she—Zita—was devoting her life to his -service. - -As she looked out of the window, musing on these things, she saw that -the light on the horizon had faded, or that the great curtain of cloud -had set over it and had obscured it. Something, where she believed -that the embankment ran, now attracted, without greatly engaging, her -attention. - -A minute flash of light travelled a little distance, and was then -extinguished. Presently another wavering speck appeared, and then -again all was dark. - -'The Jack o' Lanterns are about,' said Zita. - -Her thoughts recurred to her troubles. - -A recoil of better feeling set in and washed over her heart. - -'No,' said she, 'I could not have borne it. It would have killed me to -have Mark believe that I was sold body and soul. Let him take Kainie, -and with Kainie let him have Prickwillow when it falls;—but let him -not think ill of me.' - -She started up. She replaced the will in her bosom. - -'I will go to Red Wings,' she said. 'He is there with Kainie. He said -he would take her away this night. I will go and tell him all. I will -show him what I have here;' she touched her bosom where lay the will. -'When he has heard my story and has seen that, he will think better of -me.' - -She descended the staircase. At the foot she found the master. - -'There are Jack o' Lanterns in the fens,' she said. - -'Folks say that they have seen them,' he replied. 'I never have. They -were plentiful before so much marsh was reclaimed.' - -'I have seen them,' said Zita. - -'Pshaw!' laughed he. 'There are no Jack of Lanterns in winter. Whither -are you going?' - -'On the embankment; perhaps on the ice. I wish to be alone.' - -She drew a shawl over her head and opened the door. Drownlands followed -her to the doorstep. - -At that moment he also for a moment saw a twinkle on the embankment. - -'That is what you call Jack o' Lanterns,' said he. 'It is some ganger -going home. Shall I attend you?' - -'I desire to be alone.' - -Then Drownlands went within, and Zita walked on till she reached the -highway that ran below the embankment. It was so dark there that she -mounted the steep slope, so as to have the advantage of what little -light still hung in the sky and was reflected by the frozen surface of -the river. - -As she ascended, an uneasy sensation came over her—a feeling that she -was in the presence of human beings whom she neither saw nor heard. She -stood still, listening. Then, stepping forward, she was again conscious -that she was close upon some invisible person. Feeling alarmed, Zita -was about to retrace her steps, when a light was flashed in her eyes -and a hand grasped her shoulder. Thereupon a voice said in a low tone, -'It is that wench of Drownlands'.' Then she was aware that several men -surrounded her. They had been crouching on the ground for concealment, -at the sound of her approaching foot. Now they rose and pressed about -her. She could distinguish that these were all men, and that they had -black kerchiefs over their faces with holes cut in them, through which -their eyes peered. One alone was not so disguised, and he it was who -spoke to her. - -'Unhappy girl! You do not return. Go your ways along the bank, and no -harm will be done to you. We have no quarrel with you, but we have with -your master. This night we strike off a score, pay a debt.' - -The voice was that of Ephraim Beamish. - -'Throw her in. Send her under the ice. She's a bad lot,' said one of -the men. - -'Make an end of all that belongs to Tiger Ki,' said another. - -'We do not fight with women,' said Beamish. 'She shall go, but not -return to Prickwillow.' - -'What are you about? What harm are you doing?' asked Zita. - -'We are serving out chastisement to your master for what he has done to -our lads,' answered Pip. - -'You will not hurt him?' - -'Not in person.' - -'What, then, will you do?' - -'Go your way. We are letting the water out over his land.' - -Ephraim conducted Zita a little way along the tow-path on the bank. - -'Attend to me,' said he. 'Go anywhere you will except back to -Prickwillow. We have our men drawn across the way. You cannot pass, -it is in vain for you to attempt it. Keep to the bank, and keep at a -distance from us.' - -'Where is Mark Runham?' - -'I have not seen him.' - -'He is not in this affair with you?' - -'Mark? of course he is not. He knows nothing of our purpose.' - -Zita advanced along the path. She was uneasy; desirous, if possible, to -warn Drownlands. - -Presently she heard a rush of water. - -She turned, and was caught almost immediately by one of the men. - -'It is of no use your attempting to go home,' he said. 'It is of no use -your thinking of telling Tiger Ki to be on his guard. It is now too -late.' The man took her wrist and said, 'Go your way, but take care not -to step on the ice—not as you value your life.' - -'The ice?—why so?' - -'Listen.' - -A shrill whine—then a crash. The icy surface of the Lark had split, -then gone down in fragments under its own weight, as the water that had -sustained it was withdrawn. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI - -A RETURN BLOW - - -Zita hurried along the tow-path. Her mind was in a tumult. The full -force of the words of Ephraim she could not understand. He and his -comrades were letting the waters of the river Lark over Drownlands' -farm, that she knew; but to what an extent they would overflow, and -what amount of injury they might do, that was what she was incapable -of judging. It was a relief to her mind that no personal violence was -contemplated. The water that was let out could be pumped back again. -The Fens were wont to be flooded at times, and the mills could always -throw the flood from off them. - -It was natural that her thoughts should revert to certain words that -had been dropped by the men—words that had fallen on her ears like -drops of fire. Why had Pip Beamish spoken to her as an 'unhappy girl'? -Why had she been referred to as 'belonging to Drownlands,' as 'Tiger -Ki's wench'? The tone in which these words had been used had conveyed -more insult than the words themselves. They implied that she was sold, -as Mark had said, body and soul, to the master of Prickwillow. Mark was -not alone in his ill opinion of her. - -How had this opinion come to be formed? Surely not from the fact that -she was staying on in the house where she had been sheltered when her -father died? Every one must know that it was impossible for her to -leave it, unless she deserted her van and her wares. - -There had been nothing in Drownlands' conduct towards her in public -to breed this opinion. The spring of the scandal must have been in -Leehanna Tunkiss. That woman had viewed the presence of Zita at -Prickwillow with jealousy, and had come to hate her. - -In the first gush of womanly sympathy with a forlorn child, left -solitary, bereaved of her only parent, the housekeeper had urged Zita -to accept the hospitality offered her, and had welcomed her when she -transferred herself from the van in the outhouse into a room in the -farm dwelling. But no sooner did the keen eye of Leehanna observe that -Drownlands watched Zita with interest, and that the girl was acquiring -an extraordinary influence over him, than her envy was roused, and she -was filled with alarm lest her own position should be undermined, and -she should have to make way for the girl whom she had so readily taken -under the shelter of Prickwillow roof. - -Zita had not failed to notice the growing malevolence exhibited towards -her by this woman. She had endeavoured to keep out of her way, but had -not laid much store on her ill-humour. Now she saw, or suspected, that -Leehanna had been poisoning the minds of the neighbourhood against -her, and she had little doubt that the alienation of Mark was due in a -measure to the slanders of Mrs. Tunkiss. - -Presently Zita saw the light that shone from Kainie's window. The girl -had not as yet deserted her habitation. A little muslin blind was drawn -across the casement, and the candlelight shone hazily through that. -During the frost, when the waters were chained down, the windmills were -not worked, so that there was no immediate necessity for a successor to -take the place of the girl-miller. No doubt that Mark would inform the -Commissioners that Kainie's charge of the mill was at an end, and that -it was incumbent on them to immediately look out for a successor. But -Kainie had not as yet departed, though it might be she was preparing -for her 'flitting.' - -Had Mark come for her? Was he with her now? Or was she sitting in her -cottage with throbbing heart, waiting for him to arrive? - -Was it a fact that Mark Runham grasped at money? It was not true. -Drownlands had charged him falsely in that. He was taking Kainie, -who had nothing. With a twinge, Zita thought how that she herself was -enriching her rival with what might, had she willed it, become her own. -With a sickness at heart, Zita looked forward to the day when Kainie -would join the acres of Prickwillow to those of Crumbland, and bid Zita -go forth a wanderer and destitute—and it was her own doing. - -Was she one who sold body and soul for profits? She might have been -Drownlands' wife; she had refused this. She might have been his heir; -she had refused that: and Kainie reaped all the advantages that sprang -out of her refusals. - -No! There was something that was dearer to Zita even than profits. - -As Zita approached Red Wings, the dog, standing on the brick platform, -began to bark. Zita called to him, and he came to her bounding. On her -former visits she had brought Wolf something in her pocket. Now that he -reached her, he thrust his nose into her hand beseechingly. - -She halted at the tuft of thorn-bushes and flags below the platform, -and seated herself there, throwing her arm round the dog. She would not -present herself at the door of the hut, and receive a rough greeting -from Kainie. She would wait and see whether Mark were there before she -made her presence known. The explanation she had to make, the story -to tell, she would in preference make and tell to Mark. She did not -forget that she had struck Kainie, and she knew that her chances of -placing her conduct in a favourable light were greater with a man than -with a woman. - -A dark figure of a man issued from the cottage door and stood on the -platform, looking round. After a moment he went back to the door, -saying— - -'There is no one that I can see, but the night is dark, Kainie.' - -The voice was that of Mark. - -He did not re-enter the cottage, but, standing where he was, he said— - -'Come, Kainie, it is time for us to be off. My mother is expecting you.' - -The girl issued from the hovel. - -'Mark,' said she, 'has she really consented to receive me?' - -'Yes, she has.' - -'Yet I know that she has refused to see me, and even to hear about me.' - -'That is true, but now she has given way. I could not allow you to -remain here. I took a firm stand with my mother, and she admitted that -I was right, and yielded. Now, have you got all ready for the sledge?' - -'I have packed everything.' - -'Then jump on to the sleigh, and I will run you along upon the ice, -which is in prime condition.' - -Zita's arm convulsively nipped the dog. - -How happy she had been on that day when Mark had run her along on the -ice on the same bones that were now to bear her successful rival! - -Wolf protested against the pressure of her arm by a growl. - -'Where are you, Wolf?' called Mark. - -Zita released the dog, and he sprang upon the platform. - -'I wonder what the old fellow means,' said the young man. 'He does not -usually give false alarms. I daresay he's puzzled at our proceedings. -Something affecting his interests is in view, Kainie, and he can't -understand it. It is so dark one can't see far; but had any one been -coming, he would have given tongue lustily.' - -'Perhaps it may be Pip.' - -'Pip will have to be careful for the next day or two. If he be caught, -'twill go hard with him for certain.' - -'But you will get him away from the Fens?' - -'Yes. I am making arrangements. If he can keep hidden for a few more -days and nights, I shall have managed matters, and be able to clear -him off; to clear him not only from the Fens, but out of England. Now, -however, we must think of you. Take with you only such traps as you -need immediately, and which you can carry in your arms or on your lap. -I'll return for the rest to-morrow.' - -'I shall leave the fire burning and the light on the table.' - -'Yes, for Pip when he comes. Folk will think nothing of seeing the -light, making sure it is yours. He can hide here till I am ready to -send him away; and Wolf shall remain to give him notice if any one -approaches. I'll tie him up.' - -Kainie re-entered the cottage, and Mark proceeded to tie Wolf by a -piece of twine that he had in his pocket. - -Whilst he was thus engaged, Kainie came out with her little package, -and stood watching the proceedings of the young man. - -The dog was restless, and objected to being fastened. - -'Don't be angry with me, Mark,' said Kainie, 'if I ask you a question.' - -'No; what may it be?' - -'It concerns that wretched creature—that Cheap Jack girl. You were -rather taken with her at first, Mark, till you found out what she was. -You are quite sure you don't fancy her no longer?' - -The young fellow had been stooping over the dog. He stood up and said -gravely— - -'Kainie! I regard her now no more than I do the dirt under my soles.' - -'Hark! what is that?' - -The sound was that of a gasp or sob. - -'There is certainly some one here,' said Mark. 'Bring a light.' - -'You need not,' said Zita, rising from behind the thorns. 'It is I.' - -'You here, Zita?' - -'Yes. I heard what you said of me.' - -'I am sorry for that.' - -'It is cruelly false.' - -'I cannot go into that matter. What has brought you here at this time -o' night?' - -'What has brought her here?' repeated Kainie. 'There is no need to ask -that, Mark; the wretched creature is running after you.' - -'You must go back,' said the young man. - -'Yes, go back—to your dear master,' sneered Kainie. - -'I must speak. I must justify myself,' said Zita, with vehemence. -'You wrong me in your thoughts; you wrong me in your words. I am not -what you suppose. I am not a bold, bad girl. I do not sell myself for -profits. I am in Drownlands' house because I cannot help myself. I have -nowhere else whither to go. Why should you and Kainie believe evil of -me? Why should'— - -'I cannot argue with you,' said Mark. 'This is not the place; this is -not the time. I am sorry for you. I can say no more. I thought better -of you once.' - -'Go, you Cheap Jackess,' said Kainie. 'Unless you had a heart lost to -shame, you'd not have come here after Mark at night.' - -'You misjudge me in this as in other things,' said Zita, bursting into -tears. 'I came here for your good.' - -'That's a fine tale,' sneered Kainie. 'We want no good from you, nor do -we expect figs of thistles or grapes of thorns.' - -Mark said nothing, but stepped from the platform. - -'I entreat you to listen to me,' said Zita, catching his arm. 'It is -not true that Drownlands has left me everything.' - -'I cannot attend to this now,' said he, disengaging himself from her -grasp. But she again seized him. - -'Unsay what you said!' she exclaimed. Her anger was rising and -overmastering her grief. 'Unsay those ugly words—that I am the dirt -under your feet.' - -'I said—but never mind. I regret that you overheard me use such an -expression.' - -'That is not unsaying it.' - -Kainie came up and struck Zita with the full force of her heavy hand -across the face. - -'Take that,' she said; 'I have owed it you. Now the debt is repaid.' - -Then she stepped on the ice with a 'Mark, I am ready.' - -'Go!' cried Zita in towering wrath, stung with pain, maddened with -humiliation. 'Go—go under the ice, both of you! I care not! I care -not!' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII - -A CATHERINE WHEEL - - -The words were hardly out of Zita's mouth before they were repented. -The anger, the desire for revenge, which had spurted up in her heart, -was abated as rapidly as it had risen. - -Once before she had spoken in violence of anger, and had speedily -contradicted her words by her acts. She had bidden Mark go and be -hanged or transported for aught she cared; yet no sooner did she learn -that he was in actual danger, than she had interfered to deliver him. -She had fought for him with Drownlands, and had thrust herself into the -witness-box to exculpate him. - -Stinging now under the moral pain of the sense of wrong done to her, -that wounded her in her honour, stinging also under the physical pain -caused by the blow of Kainie, a girl for whom she had made the greatest -sacrifices, in a blind and inconsiderate explosion of resentment, she -had allowed Mark and Kainie, unwarned of their danger, to commit -themselves to the treacherous ice. - -Repentance came too late. The words had been spoken which hinted -danger, but the hint was too vague to be regarded, even to be -understood. Mark had started, running Kainie on his sledge over the -polished surface of the channel, before Zita had recovered herself and -realised what would be the consequences of her neglect. - -Then, with a cry, the girl ran along the bank. She called to Mark, -imploring him to return. She called, telling him that the ice was -broken. Then she stayed, out of breath, her pulses bounding, the sweat -streaming off her brow, and the tears racing down her cheeks. - -She found that it was not possible for her to catch up the sledge, that -flew like a swallow over the glassy ice, and which was invisible in the -darkness. She found that the wind was blowing in her face, and carrying -her voice behind her, away from those whose attention she desired to -arrest. - -In her despair, she threw herself on her knees and beat her head and -breast. - -'I am worse than what they thought of me! I am worse than that murderer -Drownlands. He killed one, and I kill two. Oh that I had died in their -place!' - -Again she sprang to her feet, and again she cried to those who were -speeding far away, and bade them return. She was sensible, as she -called, that she could do nothing to arrest them in their course. The -horror of the situation was insupportable, and in a wave of despair -that swept over her, Zita was ready to fling herself into the canal. - -There are moments of life when instantaneously a whole prospect opens -before the inner eye—call that eye what you will. In a second of time -Zita saw the consequences of her neglect mirrored before her with -intense and terrible vividness. It was as though the whole sequence -of events that must follow was unrolled before her eye, and, clear as -in broadest day, she saw the sledge, propelled by Mark, approach the -dangerous spot where the arch of ice stood unsupported, and when the -additional weight was thrown on it, must come crashing down. She heard -the whine of the cracking surface, as the sleigh reached it. She saw -the whole mass of ice, together with sleigh, Mark, and Kainie, go down -with a crash, impelled by the velocity of the pace at which they had -been going—saw them shoot under the water, and the sheets of fractured -ice that encumbered the surface of the shrunken river. She heard the -cry of Mark, the scream of Kainie. She saw them battling with their -hands beneath the surface. It was to her as though she were looking -from above on the glassy sheet that lay broken, but yet encasing the -water. She could see through it, and watch the expiring efforts of -Mark and Kainie, behold them struggling with their hands to break -through or push aside the ice-plate that lay between their mouths and -air. She could see their straining eyes fixed reproachfully on her -through the transparent screen. In her fancy she was now running and -beckoning to the only patch of open water through which escape was -possible. And yet they would not attend; either they misunderstood her -signals, or they mistrusted her motives. - -She beheld how their efforts relaxed, their palms patted listlessly -against the ice, their fingers picked with feeble effort at the cracks, -how the light of intelligence died out of their eyes, how their lips -gasped and drew in water. - -Then to her fancy they went down, Kainie first, Mark next. - -After that there rose about her, as a cloud, a mass of black figures, -pointing at her with their fingers, and from every finger-point flashed -an electric spark. - -'Murderess—double murderess! Thou who didst judge Drownlands, judge -thine own self. Thou who didst condemn, condemn thyself.' - -Then Wolf came to her. He had gnawed through the cord that had bound -him. - -Zita clasped him round the neck. - -'Oh, Wolf! Wolf!' she cried. 'Go after them—fly—stay them. Snap at -Mark's clothes. Bite Kainie. Hold them back!' - -She indicated the direction that the sledge had taken, and the dog ran -out on the ice. - -Zita looked after him. Would he be able to track them on the frozen -sheet? Would the scent lie on the congealed water? - -If Wolf did come up with his mistress and Mark, would he be able to -arrest their course? Did he understand the message, the order given -him? Would he, bounding forward in advance of the sledge, discover for -himself the danger that lay ahead, and come back and warn them? - -Should this attempt to stay the sleigh fail, were there no other means -available? - -Then an idea flashed through the brain of Zita. There remained one -chance of staying their career. - -Instantly Zita ran to the hut, burst open the door, and, seizing the -mattress of Kainie's bed, dragged it forth across the platform, and -threw it under the stationary sails of the mill. - -Then she went back to the cottage, and, gathering up the red embers of -the fire in a shovel, ran with them forth again, and threw them upon -the straw mattress. - -Next she stood, shovel in hand, waiting the result, watching as the -fire burnt its way through the ticking and buried itself in the straw. - -For a moment there ensued a red glare—an eating outward of the ticking -by fiery teeth—then a ghost-like flame leaped up, and wavered above -the incandescent mass. It threw itself high into the air, as though -it were independent of the fire below, then returned and dipped its -feet in the red ashes. With the shovel Zita stirred the ignited mass. -Then the mattress broke into flame, and the flame reared itself in many -tongues, swayed with the wind, curled over, broke into a multitude of -orange fire-flashes that capered and pirouetted about the glowing heart -of fire, as though the fabled Salamanders had manifested themselves, -and rejoiced in being able to dance in their proper element. In another -moment the flames had ignited the sail that hung above them, and were -racing each other up the canvas. - -Zita sped to the clog. She had learned from Kainie how a windmill was -to be set in motion, and how the revolution of the sails was to be -arrested, on the first visit she had paid to Red Wings. She now raised -the clog, and with a sigh and creak the arms began to turn. As they did -so, the sail which was on fire swept from the bed of flames that had -kindled it, and was replaced by another. Instantly Zita stopped the -revolution, to allow it also to be kindled. In like manner she treated -the remaining sails, and when all blazed, she allowed them to spin -unhampered in the breeze. - -A wondrous sight in the black night! The mill sails whirling in the -freezing blast sent forth streamers of flame and a rain of sparks. -Every now and then there dropped from them incandescent tears. They -roared as they went round, forming, as they rotated on the axle, a -mighty wheel of dazzling light. Zita stood looking up at her work, -and for a moment forgot the occasion of the setting fire to the -wheel in the overwhelming effect produced by the brilliancy of the -spectacle. The wind not only made the canvas glare, but kindled as well -the stretchers of lath to which it was fastened, and the mainbeams -likewise. The ties by which the sail-cloth was fastened were of tarred -cord. As the fire consumed a portion, the rest slipped forth, and flew -away in lurid lines of light. - -The platform was illumined, as though a blaze of July sun had fallen -on it. The window-panes of the cottage were transmuted into flakes of -gold-leaf. The dykes reflected the flashing sails, and shot the light -along in streaks through the dark fen into the outer darkness beyond. - -A number of bats that had been harboured by the old mill, and were -sleeping through the winter, were roused by the light, quickened by the -heat, and came forth in flights, dazed, to flit on leather wings about -the platform, to dart into the wheel of fire, and to fly back scorched, -and to fall crippled at Zita's feet. - -Wolf came up cowering. He had been unable to trace the course of his -mistress on the ice, and he crouched moaning at Zita's feet, his eyes -watching the fiery revolutions, but ever and anon starting back with a -snap and a whine as some disabled bat clawed at him, and endeavoured -to scramble up his side. - -Would the whole mill fall a prey to the flames? - -Ignited, molten tar was flung off as fire dross by the whirling sails, -masses of burning canvas were carried off on the wind. The sails for a -while moved more slowly. The canvas was in part consumed, but the flame -itself seemed to form a sheet over the ribs, and incite the wind to act -with redoubled force; for again, with renewed activity, the great arms -continued their rotation. - -Every rush in the dyke was made visible, standing out as a rod of -burnished gold, and the withered tassels of seed glowed scarlet, -against a background of night made doubly sombre by the dazzling -splendour of the burning mill sails. - -The boarded and tarred body of the mill was changed in the lurid glare -into a structure of red copper. In the heat given off by the wings, the -tar dissolved and ran down from the movable cap, as though the great -bulk of the mill were sweating in an agony of fear lest the fire should -reach and consume it also. - -A barn-owl hovered aloft, and the glare smote on its white breast and -under-wings. It to-whooed in its terror, and its cry could be heard -above the rush of the sails and the roar of the flames. - -There were other sounds that combined with the hooting of the owl, the -rush of the sails and of the fire. The mechanism of the mill was in -motion; the huge axle revolved and throbbed like a great pulse running -through the body of the structure, the wheels creaked and groaned, the -paddles laboured to drive the water up the incline, and the water when -it came produced strange sounds beneath the ice, gasps and gulps. It -was as though the dykes were sobbing at the combustion and destruction -of the engine which had so long and so steadily laboured to drain them. - -When the fire reached iron and copper nails and bands, and heated the -metals to white heat, they became incandescent, and gave forth streams -of green and blue flame, that glowed with the marigold yellow and -tiger-lily red of the blazing wood and tar, forming of the fiery circle -a rainbow complete in its prismatic tints. The clouds that passed -overhead were flushed and palpitated, reflecting the fire below. - -Notwithstanding the anguish of mind that possessed Zita, her anxiety -for the fate of Mark and Kainie, and her self-reproach, she was carried -away, out of all such thoughts, by the transcendent splendour of the -spectacle. She stood looking up at the wheel of light, with hands -clasped to her bosom, hardly breathing, her face illumined as though -she had been looking into the sun. - -Then, suddenly, a hand was laid roughly on her shoulder, and -an agitated voice said in her ear, 'Good heavens! what have you -done?—wicked, malignant girl!' - -Zita dropped on her knees, with a cry of mingled joy and pain. - -'Thank God! they are saved!' - -She stooped and hid her face in her skirt about her knees. The -revulsion of feeling was more than she could bear. She gasped for -breath. She came to a full stop in sensation and thought. She could not -rise, speak, nor look up. Then relief from acute tension of the mind -found itself a way in a flood of tears, and broken words of no meaning -and without connection were sobbed forth, and muffled in her gown. - -When, finally, she did raise her head, and gather her dazed faculties, -and wipe the water from her eyes, she saw that Mark and Kainie were -forcing the head of the mill round, so as no longer to present the -sails to the wind, but make them face away from it, so as to lessen the -danger to the body of the mill, which might at any moment ignite when -flame and sparks were swept over it. - -They then put on the clog and stopped the movement of the charred arms. - -This was almost all that could be done. They trusted that the arms -would burn themselves out without the axle catching fire. - -'Kainie,' said Mark, 'I'll run a rope up and throw it over the axle, -and you can pass me up buckets of water.' - -Then he came to where Zita knelt. Kainie was at his side. - -'You infamous creature!' said Kainie. 'Why did you do it?' - -'To save you and Mark.' - -'To save us? That is a fine story.' - -'They had let out the water, and the ice is broken up.' - -'Let out what water?' asked Mark. - -'The water of the river.' - -'Who have done this?' - -'Why, Pip and some other men.' - -'Zita,' said Mark, 'what do you mean? Is there any truth in this?' - -'It is true, indeed,' she answered. 'They have done it to revenge -themselves on Mr. Drownlands, because he gave evidence against some of -their comrades.' - -'This is very serious,' said Mark. - -'It is quite true. They would not allow me to go back to Prickwillow. I -tried, but they stopped me, and forced me to come on this way. I could -not warn the master. And they told me to keep off the ice. As I came -along, I heard it scream and crack, and go down in a mass together.' - -'Why did you not tell me this before?' - -'You would not listen to me. You said cruel things of me, and Kainie -struck me in the face.' - -'And why did you set the mill on fire?' - -'To force you to come back. I did not care about your danger till too -late. I ran after you, you could not hear me. I knew that if you saw -fire at the mill you would return. Nothing but that could bring you -back.' - -Mark was silent for a moment. Then, with emotion in his voice, he said— - -'Zita, I believe we have wronged you grievously.' - -'No,' answered the girl, 'it was I who wronged you. I let you go, and -said, Go under the ice and be drowned, I did not care.' - -'I did not hear you.' - -'I said it—instead of telling you of your danger. I was angry—very -angry, and I was hurt by Kainie—but'—she hesitated, her voice -faltered—'at the bottom of all was this—I was jealous.' - -'Jealous? Jealous of whom?' - -'Mark, you had been so kind to me. I had been so happy with you. I even -thought you liked me. Then you turned away from me for Kainie.' - -'For Kainie?' - -There was surprise in his face. - -'Yes, you like her best. You are right—she is good, and I am bad—but -it made me jealous.' - -'Good heavens! You do not understand. There is now no need for further -concealment. Kainie is my sister!' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII - -THE BRENT-GEESE - - -It was even as Mark said, but the particulars relative to Kerenhappuch -did not come to the knowledge of Zita till some time later. - -Jake Runham, the father of Mark, had made the acquaintance of -Drownlands' sister, and had betrayed her. Instead of marrying her, he -suddenly took a woman who was an heiress, married her for her money, -and left Leah Drownlands to her shame. - -The secret of Leah's disgrace was well kept. She was sent away to a -distance, and when she returned after five years with a child, she -would say nothing relative to the parentage of Kainie, nor did her -brother proclaim it. Ki never forgave his sister, and would never hold -communication with her or receive her child. Jake Runham naturally -enough was reserved on the matter, and no one suspected who the father -of Kainie was. The public believed that, to use their own terms, Leah -had 'met with a misfortune' whilst away from the Fens. - -On her return to the neighbourhood of Prickwillow, the unfortunate -woman obtained from the Commissioners the use of the cottage and -a small allowance, on consideration of her attending to the mill. -This pittance she eked out with needlework. Mark had entertained no -suspicion of the relationship so long as his father lived, but on -his death there was that provision made in the will which revealed -the long-hidden secret. Jake acknowledged his paternity to Kainie, -and solemnly required his son to provide for and watch over his -half-sister. It seemed probable that he had in the past secretly -contributed something towards the maintenance of Leah Drownlands and -her daughter. - -These facts were not as yet generally known, but now that Kainie was -to be removed to Crumbland, it was inevitable that they should be made -public. - -The reason why Mark was so resolved to take Kainie away from Red Wings -was that she was harbouring and screening Ephraim Beamish, to whom she -was attached and engaged. Mark saw that this could not be suffered -to continue. He urged the case with his mother, who had strenuously -opposed the reception of the girl into the farm, but who now, as a good -woman, yielded when she considered the gravity of the circumstances. - -Ever since the death of Jake Runham, Kerenhappuch had known the truth. -It had been necessary for Mark to tell her of their relationship, and -of the obligation that had been laid upon him. At the same time, to -save his father's memory, he urged her to keep the matter secret. This -it was which made her reticent with Zita. - - * * * * * - -'Come,' said Mark. 'Now is not the time for an explanation—nor can I -speak of such matters to you without pain, for my father did a great -wrong. The question at this moment is—What is to be done? Here is the -mill running a risk of being burnt down; on the other hand, there is -the water which has been let out, pouring over the Fens. The latter is -the most serious concern. If the mill be consumed, it can be rebuilt -speedily; but if the fen be flooded, it will take years before it -recovers.' - -He took Zita's hand in his. - -'I do believe I have been unjust. So has Kainie. We owe our lives to -you. Kainie, ask her to forgive you the blow you dealt her.' - -'No,' said Zita. 'I struck Kainie first, and she gave me the blow back -again—harder than I struck her, but that was her profits.' - -It seemed probable that the fire smouldering in the ribs of the sails -would become extinct. There were matters more urgent, calling Mark -elsewhere. - -'Pip knew better than advise me of his intent,' said Mark. 'We must -have a light.' - -He tore one of the stakes from the sails of the mill. - -'It will serve as a torch,' said he. 'Run, Kainie, to the bridge, -give the alarm to the bankers there. Tell them to bring tools and all -needful down the embankment.' - -'But they must not take Pip.' - -'Pip will have sheered off long before they reach the place. Run, -Kainie. Come on, Zita, and show me where the bank has been cut through.' - -They walked on together, and their shadows were cast before them by the -still glowing mill, which now and then shot up into flame, and then -became a smouldering mass. - -They walked fast, but not very fast; that was hardly possible on the -bank. - -For a while Mark said nothing, but he put out his hand, and took that -of Zita. - -'There has been great misunderstanding,' he said meditatively. - -'Yes,'she replied, 'indeed there has. I was jealous because I thought -you liked Kainie best.' - -'And I—I do not know what I thought; evil things were said, and I was -a fool, a cursed fool, to believe them. So—you were jealous?' - -'Yes, Mark.' - -'You could not have been jealous if you had not cared for me.' - -She did not answer. - -'And I believe the Reason why I gave ear to evil words was because I -loved you—loved you so dearly that I was jealous through every thread -of my being. I was jealous of that fellow Drownlands. I was an ass to -think those things could be possible that were said of you. I ought to -have known you better.' - -'Yes, Mark, you ought to have known me better.' - -'But it is not now too late. Zita, we will be to each other as we were -before—that is, if you can forgive me.' - -'Indeed I can forgive you.' - -'And I will let all know that we understand each other. And, Zita,' he -laughed, 'we'll have the old van and Dobbin'— - -'He is Jewel, not Dobbin.' - -'And Jewel, brought over to Crumbland.' - -'That cannot be, Mark, now.' - -'Why not?' - -'It is too late.' - -'How too late?' - -'I have promised Drownlands to remain with him at Prickwillow, and take -care of his house as long as he lives.' - -'That won't hold. If I make you my wife'— - -'That cannot be.' - -'Cannot be?—it shall be.' - -'No, Mark, I gave you up. I gave up my thoughts of you as a husband -in order to get Ki Drownlands to desist from appearing against you in -court.' - -'He could have done nothing.' - -'Whether he could or could not, matters nought now. I made a promise.' - -'You must break it.' - -She shook her head. - -'A deal is a deal.' - -Then, as both remained silent, suddenly strange sounds were heard high -up in the dark sky, a sound as of barking dogs in full career. - -Zita shivered and caught hold of Mark. - -'Oh!' she said in a whisper, full of fear. 'They scent a soul—they -hunt a soul! Oh, poor soul! God help it! Poor soul—run—run—swift—in -at heaven's door!' - -'Nonsense, little frightened creature! It is the brent-geese!' - -'Mark, last time I heard them it betokened death. Then it was two -souls—two flying—flying—and the dogs in full career after them.' - -'You, Zita,' laughed Mark, 'do you remember when we spoke of this on -the ice, I said when next you heard the brent-geese I hoped I might -stand by you. Zita, please God, when the hell-hounds, if such they -be,—and I don't believe a word of it,—be let loose, scenting my soul -or yours, that I may be by you, or you by me, to cheer each other in -the final and dreadful race.' - -Zita shuddered. - -'Mark, it may not be. I shall stand by Drownlands. I have promised—a -deal is a deal.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX - -THE CUT EMBANKMENT - - -Drownlands had been for some time in the upstairs room that served as -his office. He had brought out his account-books, lighted his lamp, and -was endeavouring to engage his thoughts on his expenditure in wages, -and to go over the names of his workmen, and strike out such as had -taken part in the recent riot. But it was in vain. After a few futile -attempts, he leaned his head on his palm, and gave himself over to -thoughts of Zita. - -It was poor comfort to him to know that she would remain in his house, -but it was a comfort. He felt confidence in her—that, having passed -her word to remain, remain she would, whatever might happen. Whatever -animadversions might be made on her presence in his house, however -deeply her reputation might suffer, she would stay with him. She had -passed her word. It was not unlikely, he thought, that some swain might -become enamoured of her, and ask her to join her lot with his, but she -would refuse him. She would remain an old maid at Prickwillow, because -she had passed her word. Not for a moment did Drownlands' faith in Zita -give way. She had impressed the man indelibly with a conviction of her -sincerity. Zita as a Cheap Jack was one thing, Zita in private life -was another. She had one conscience for her dealings with the general -public, another conscience for her dealings with individuals face to -face. The sun might rise in the west and go down in the Orient sky, but -Zita could not fail to keep her word. - -Drownlands was startled from his reverie by the maid Sarah, who rushed -in at the door, exclaiming— - -'Master, the water be out!' - -'What water?' - -'The boy says the fen is flooded.' - -'Flooded?' - -'He says the bank be broke.' - -'The Lark embankment?' - -Drownlands realised instantly the significance of the announcement. - -'Quick!' said he; 'light me the lantern. Sharp! No time is to be lost.' - -He ran to the corner to snatch up a stick, and, without observing what -he did, laid hold of the flail. He did not perceive his mistake till -he had reached the foot of the staircase. Then he could not delay to -return and exchange it for a staff. He caught the lantern from the -hand of Sarah and went out into the yard. His feet at once splashed -into water. - -'What has happened?' he exclaimed, with an oath. 'It cannot be that -they have cut the embankment.' - -He splashed on. Over the frozen surface of the soil a ripple of water -was running, followed by another ripple, and with each the film of -water covering the yard was sensibly deepened. - -'The bank must have broken. The frost has done it. They would never -have dared to cut it.' - -Swaying his lantern, Drownlands strode through the water, out of the -stackyard and into the drove that led from his farm to the highway. -This had been much cut up that day by his waggons carting roots. The -heavy vehicles with broad wheels had crushed through the icy crust, and -the hoofs of the horses had assisted in breaking up the frost case. -Thus in places the water was able to act on the unfrozen peat, and -undermine the surface that was hard frozen. The peat was dry, and when -the water reached it, it swelled as a sponge. - -A tide was flowing down the drove. On both sides were the frozen dykes; -the water covered the ice, running along it, and but for the sedge and -rushes that rose out of the ditches, their presence would have been -undefined. - -The brow of Drownlands darkened, and his cheeks glowed. Was this the -meaning of the threats launched against him? He had never conceived it -possible that the men would have recourse to such means as this to pay -off their grudge against him, for to inundate the farm was to destroy -their field of labour. - -'I wish I had brought my gun,' said he. 'And then, should I see one -of the scoundrels, I'd shoot him with no more scruple than I would a -dotterel. As it is, let me come upon one,'—he raised and flourished -his flail,—'and I will beat out his brains.' - -Drownlands walked with difficulty. Where the surface under the water -was frozen, there it was slippery. Where it was broken through and -broken up by the wain wheels and horse hoofs, there it was slough. - -Ruts, still frozen, were in places two or three feet in depth, and they -were filled. Invisible under the water, he was liable to sink into -them. He stumbled along, angry, swearing, advancing with labour, forced -to hold his lantern, first to one side, then to the other, to make sure -that he was not turning from his road, his sole guide being the sedge -lines, one on each side. - -The roads in the Fens are not made of stone, for stone is not to be -found in the Fens. The soil hardens with drought and frost. In rainy -weather it is a slough. The draining-machines, being almost constantly -at work, suck all the moisture out of the soil, and as it dries it -shrinks. Now that the water from the canal was overflowing the fen, -it rippled on innocuously over the icy case, but wherever it could -penetrate through that case, at every crack, at every dint, it was -drunk in in heavy draughts by the thirsty soil, that immediately heaved -and swelled as it imbibed the moisture, and in so doing dissolved into -slough. - -The tide continued to flow. In the yard the water had been hardly as -high as the instep. It now flowed over the boot tops. - -The water was intensely cold. - -Drownlands had on his boots, such as he wore ordinarily, but not -his wading boots that reached to the thighs. He had not thought it -necessary to wear such protectors in frosty weather. Those he wore did -not extend higher than his calves. Already, in one of his plunges into -a rut filled with water, he had soaked his feet, his boots, so far from -serving as a protection, being an encumbrance. The flail, moreover, was -of small service; the handfast was not of length sufficient for him to -probe the water before him and sound his way. Would that he had drawn -on his wading-boots—would that he had brought a leaping-pole! - -Drownlands turned his head over his shoulder and looked back at the -house. He could see the light from the kitchen and that from his -office—the latter partially, as, owing to the broken glass in the -window, he had closed the shutters. He had left his lamp burning, and -he could distinguish its light in a line where the shutters closed -imperfectly. - -It seemed to the man that the distance he had come was greater than it -really was. - -The difficulty of advancing must increase with every few minutes. In a -quarter of an hour it would not be possible to traverse the distance -between Prickwillow and the embankment save by boat. - -He must reach the tow-path, and hasten along it to the nearest station, -where a gang of workmen was quartered, with implements and material -ready on an emergency. - -There was no time to be lost. Every minute was of importance. -Drownlands knew but too well that if his farm were inundated, it would -be rendered valueless for several years. It would not be utter ruin, as -he had the savings of the past to eat into, but it would prevent his -reaping advantage from his land till it had been completely recovered -of the effects of the flood. - -Struggling with the rising tide, he succeeded in getting upon the -highway. But now his difficulties were the greater, for he had entered -into the current that poured from the Lark. The water rushed over his -knees. The cold was almost insupportable. With body bent, step by step, -helping himself onwards with the flail, but unable always to trust it, -owing to the pits in the submerged surface, he advanced slowly. - -He held up the lantern and looked round. The tallow candle through the -horn sides but feebly illumined the night. It showed the gurgling water -in which he was wading, but it showed nothing beside. He did not any -longer know his direction. He must stem the current, but was unable -to judge where the edge and where the centre of the current were that -poured against him. - -When he lowered his lantern, he was aware of a lurid light in the sky -above the embankment, and saw now and then a brilliant spark thrown up. -That there was a fire somewhere he could not doubt, and concluded that -the rioters who had cut the embankment were continuing their incendiary -work as before. He could not see the wheel of fire; he was too low down -for that, but he saw the illumination caused by it. Suddenly his feet -gave way, and he fell in the water. He had gone into one of the deepest -cart-ruts. As he fell, his lantern was extinguished. - -It was now impossible for him to return. He could not, if he wished -it, have retraced his steps. His only possible course was to scramble -up the bank, and to do this he now devoted all his energies. But -unhappily he had reached precisely that point where the bank had been -cut through, and was therefore exposed to the full force of the outrush -of the river. As, by a desperate effort, he recovered his feet, he -could see the lip of water curling over, reddened by the reflection -of the fire beyond. He was drenched in the ice-cold water, but that -was nothing to the anguish in his feet; they were turning dead, numbed -by the water in which they had been immersed so long without proper -protection. - -But this was not all. No sooner had Drownlands reached the slope of the -embankment than he became aware that the little assistance rendered him -by the frost was at an end. The rush of water had broken up the gault -of which the bank was formed, was eating at every moment farther into -it, and widening the mouth by which it poured from the bed of the river -upon the low reclaimed land. The moistened marl was greasy under his -feet. When he slipped and endeavoured to catch at the bank, his hands -sank into the sodden clay, and the tenacious matter held his fingers -like glue. His feet, moreover, went deep into the clay, and to extract -them was difficult. - -It became apparent to Drownlands that he must battle for his life -against the current. - -He endeavoured to assist himself in his ascent by the staff of the -flail, but this proved of no help to him, as it sank with the pressure -applied to it in the glutinous mass. He strove to heave himself up, -and could not; his feet, dead with cold, and, through their loss of -sensation, no longer able to feel the bottom, slipped from under him. -He could not extract his staff from the marl. All he was able to do -was to cling to it, and pant and recover breath, and then make another -desperate effort forward. - -The water, tearing through the fissure in the bank, broke off masses -of the clay, half frozen, and whirled them down, and along with them -blocks of river ice that had broken up. It was sometimes difficult to -ascend the embankment, the slope of which was steep, in the face of a -strong wind; it was a hundred times more difficult now, when it had to -be done against a rushing torrent, and that of water which curdled the -blood in the veins, knotted the muscles with cramp, and paralysed the -sinews. - -No thought of revenge on those who had cut the bank now occupied the -mind of Drownlands—no thought of having the leak stopped. The one -absorbing consideration was how to escape from the deadly-cold raging -current. - -Then a sharp cant of ice whirled down, cut his knuckles and jarred -his fingers, so that he let go the flail with one hand, but seized it -in time with the other to save himself from being swept away. He was -carried off his feet, and in trying to right himself drove one foot so -deeply into the marl, that, when he endeavoured to pluck it forth, the -tenacious matter held his boot and tore it off his foot. The intensity -of the cold was, however, so great, that he was not sensible of the -loss. He looked up. The red auroral light was still illumining the sky -behind the bank. He held to the flail that was planted in the clay. If -that gave way, his hold on life would be gone. - -Now he saw above him a dark figure on the bank, and he cried, 'Help! -help!' - -'Who calls there?' - -'It is I—Ki Drownlands.' - -The man made no effort to descend. He folded his arms, and said slowly -in harsh tones— - -'I cannot help you. I am Ephraim Beamish. You are prepared to testify -against some twenty of my comrades, and to send them to the gallows. -Which is of most worth, your life, you Judas, or theirs?' - -'Help! I will say nothing.' - -'I cannot trust you,' said Beamish. 'Wretched man, water was created -of God to cleanse away transgression. Go, wash thee and be clean—wash -thee and be free from thy sins.' - -Then a torch flared above the bank. Mark was there with Zita. - -'Who is there? What is this?' Mark asked, with an agitated voice. The -blazing tarred wood, sending up a golden burst of flame, illumined the -upturned countenance of Drownlands. The struggling man raised his arm -to wipe the water and sweat from his eyes and screen them from the -brilliant light. - -'It is the master,' said Zita. 'Save him, Mark! Oh, do save him!' - -Instantly, but with caution, Mark descended, digging his heels deep -into the marl at each step, and held the torch aloft, wavering, -guttering, throwing out sparks in the wind. 'Give me your hand,' said -the young man. - -The exhausted, desperate Drownlands withdrew his arm from before his -eyes. - -In the burning wood was a copper nail, and this now sent forth a -lambent, grass-green flame, in the light of which Drownlands' face was -like that of a corpse. The man, in his extreme peril and desire for -help, stretched forth his hand. - -Then the wind blew the flame so that the face of Mark was illumined. -Suddenly Tiger Ki snatched his hand back again. - -'A Runham—no!' - -He endeavoured by a frantic effort to ascend the bank by his own -efforts. There ensued a terrible scene—the struggle of a well-nigh -spent man with the adverse elements to deliver himself from his -position. He fought with the water and the clay, tossing a spray about -him, pounding with his feet, one shod, the other bare, churning clay -and water around him. - -Failing to mount one step above where the flail was rooted, he -discontinued his profitless effort, and, clinging with both hands to -the stay, cried— - -'Zita, I will owe life to you, or to none!' - -Without a thought for herself, the girl leaped to his aid. - -In a moment his disengaged arm was round her. - -'We may die—if we cannot live—together.' - -'Let go!' shouted Mark, and laid hold of Zita by the arm. 'Let go!' - -'To you—never!' - -Without consideration Mark drove the burning torch against his hand -that clasped the girl. - -With a shriek Drownlands relaxed his hold. - -At that moment, Ephraim, who had descended carefully, had laid hold of -the flail above where Drownlands' hand had clutched it. He stooped, -and, exerting his full force from above, drew it forth from the clay in -which it was fast. - -At once Drownlands slid away in the stream. Still clinging to the -flail, he was carried off his feet, out of the range of light cast by -the torch, and under water. - -'Go!' said Beamish, waving his hand over the torrent. 'Go! thou accuser -of thy brethren! Go, wash away thy sins in the water that drowns thee!' - -He saw the flood before him glittering like gold. He looked round. The -gangers had come—summoned by Kainie. - -'Save him! save him!' cried Zita. - -'Where is he?—who can say? Carried forth into the outer darkness; -rolled away in the baptismal flood—who can say whither?' answered -Ephraim. - -'No,' said one of the gangers. 'No help is possible.' - -'God have mercy on a sinful soul!' said Ephraim. - - - - -CHAPTER XL - -THISTLES - - -The trial of the rioters came on before a Special Commission, that sat -a few weeks after the arrest of the men. The cutting of the embankment -after the arrest had greatly exasperated minds against the unfortunate -men who were to take their trial, although they themselves were -guiltless in this matter. It probably served to sharpen the sentences -pronounced upon them, as their judges shared the general feeling that -an example should be made that would overawe the fen-men, and deter -them from future acts of lawlessness. - -Judgment of death was passed on thirty-four men, but only five -were actually executed. The sentence on nine was mitigated into -transportation for life, and that on the rest was commuted to -imprisonment for a term of years. - -Ephraim Beamish was not taken. Mark succeeded in effecting his escape -from the Fens. He supplied him with money, and Beamish took ship at -Liverpool for the United States, where he bought a farm, then turned -backwoods Baptist preacher, tired of that, returned to farm life, -and married Kainie, who went out to him. She was a rich woman, and -might have had her pick of the young fen-farmers. She had inherited -everything that had belonged to her uncle. But Kainie would have no one -save Pip, and as Pip could not come to her, she sold Prickwillow to -Mark, and went out to the man of her choice in the New World. - -Mark gave his half-sister a fair price for the farm. The land had been -seriously injured by the inundation, and would have been more seriously -affected had not the bankers, summoned by Kainie, been able rapidly and -effectually to stop the breach. - -Mark was now a man of substance. When he purchased Prickwillow, he -united that estate to Crumbland, and became one of the largest landed -proprietors in that portion of the Fens; nevertheless, like his -fellow-yeomen, he did not affect to be a squire, but lived in sober -fashion, worked with his men, and worked harder than any one of them. -A popular man he was with the labourer as with the farmer, for he was -just and kindly, and possessed unflagging good spirits. He amassed -money. Let his sons or grandsons style themselves gentlemen, said he; -for his part, he was content to be plain Mark Runham, farmer. - -What is to be told concerning Zita? - -The ill opinion formed of her had been due mainly to the malicious and -slanderous tongue of Leehanna Tunkiss. Whatever had been said against -Zita was traceable to this source. - -When it was discovered that Ki Drownlands had made and executed -his will on the very day on which he died, and that in it he had -constituted his niece sole heiress of all he possessed, and had not -even mentioned the Cheap Jack girl, the trust of the fen-folk in the -word of Mrs. Tunkiss failed. The housekeeper was discredited and her -stories disbelieved. - -It was not long before Mark Runham made Zita his wife, and the van, -with all its goods, was moved by a team of his horses to Crumbland. - -There was one secret Zita retained locked in her heart, and which she -never revealed to Mark—the events of the night when Ki Drownlands -and Jake Runham met on the embankment and fought with the flails till -Mark's father was cast into the canal—there to perish. There was -no necessity for her to tell it. The guilty man had died as had his -foe—in the same water. - -For many years recourse was had to the stores of the van whenever the -household was in need of some article there in stock. - -In the Fens, when a man requires to traverse a considerable distance, -he provides himself with a leaping-pole, and makes for his destination -in a bee-line, clearing every watery obstruction in his way. - -The author now uses this privilege—takes pole in hand, and, seeing the -end before him, makes for it. What does he first see after having put -down the pole and leaped? - -A van. Surely the familiar Cheap Jack conveyance, crawling along the -drove on a summer's day, drawn by an old horse that takes a few steps, -then pauses, breathes hard, looks behind him with a peculiarly resolute -expression in his eye, and ignores absolutely every appeal, entreaty, -objurgation addressed to him, till he has recovered his wind, when he -goes on once more. - -From within the van issue cheery children's voices. Then some little -heads appear, some with auburn hair and brown eyes, others very fair, -and with eyes the colour of the sky. - -'What the dickens is that there concern?' asks a stranger, standing on -the tow-path by the Lark, who from his vantage-ground watches the slow -and intermittent progress of the van on the drove. - -'Lor' bless you!' answers a ganger going by. 'It's only them little -Cheap Jackies taking a drive.' - -Again. What is the meaning of the noise that issues from the -coach-house? A shrill voice is haranguing, then is broken in on by a -clamour of other voices. - -Let us look within. - -The van is there, in a house so boxed in as to be inaccessible to -poultry. - -The front of the van is down. The red velvet curtains, much faded, and -the gold fringe, much tarnished, are suspended in their proper places, -decorating the front. One boy is on the platform, and is exhibiting -his toys to his brothers and sisters, and offering them for sale at -extravagant prices; then, abating his demands, he assures them that he -offers these articles for absolutely the last time, and at the lowest -price which he will consent to receive. - -Mark Runham returns from the farm. - -'Zita,' says he, 'I want to see my little ones. Where are they?' - -'At their favourite amusement on a rainy day.' - -'What is that?' - -'Playing at being Cheap Jacks. Mark, it is in their blood.' - -'Who is doing the selling today?' - -'Our eldest—James,' answers Zita; 'and, Mark, when James marries, -we'll have out that there epergne for the wedding breakfast.' - -'That's a long way ahead,' answers Mark. - -So it seemed to him. But again the novelist uses his privilege, puts -down the pole, and away he goes with one great bound over a period of -several years, and finds himself suddenly alight in the parlour of -Crumbland. He sees before him Mark, now a middle-aged man, broad in -shoulders and in beam, with ruddy cheeks that are pretty full; and -Zita, now a comely matron. - -Facing his father and mother, with some shyness in his face, stands -Jim, the hope of the family, twirling his hat, and looking furtively in -his father's face, as he says— - -'Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me, and let me -go.' - -'Go? Go, Jim? Good gracious! what do you mean? Whither do you want to -go?' - -'That is just it; nowhere in particular, and yet somewhere.' - -'But—leave home?' - -'Yes, father, I want to be off and about.' - -'Why, Jim, this is sheer delirium—tremenjous, as your mother would -say. There is Prickwillow empty, waiting for you, whenever you marry.' - -'And the epergne for the breakfast-table,' added Zita. - -'I do not want to marry, father! The epergne must wait, mother dear! I -haven't found the right one yet,' answered James, hanging his head. - -'But, good gracious! why should you go? Have not I been kind to you? -Have not you been allowed your own way in all that is right?' - -'Never was there a better father,' answered the young man, with -emotion, 'and never, never a dearer, better mother! It is not that. I -love home. I love my parents and my brothers and sisters. I dote on the -baby. I love the Fens. I cannot believe that any other portion of God's -world can be worth living in. I am sure none will be more beautiful -in my eyes than the fens of Ely. Nevertheless, give me the portion of -goods that falleth to me, and let me go.' - -'But for what do you want to be off?' - -'Why, father, mother,' says the young man, 'I want to be a Cheap Jack. -Ever since I was a child I have loved to drive bargains.' - -'Let him go,' says Zita. 'There are some things we have never found a -use for here. There's that box of scents; there's the garden syringe. -It is a sad pity so much capital should lie idle.' - -'Father,' says the young man, 'I feel as though I must go. I do not say -I shall be a Cheap Jack all my days.' - -'Why, I had such grand views for you, Jim; I thought I would send -you to college, and I hoped some day you might even try and get into -Parliament.' - -'Mark,'—it is Zita who speaks,—'I was a rambling girl once, a sort of -a vagabond, going over the country selling my goods; but I have become -stationary, like the van, stuck in the fen peat. I have not stirred for -many a year, and have never desired to rove out of the Fens any more. -It will be the same with Jim. He has it in his bones. It will do him -an amazing lot of good. He'll get to know the General Public.' - -'That is it, father,' says James. 'I seems as if I never could be happy -and easy in my mind till I've done a stroke of business with that there -Public. And I sees my way to it. There's abundance of thistles growing -about the edges of the drains. I wants to cut 'em down.' - -'Well, cut 'em. That need not take you away.' - -'Father, I wants to make the General Public eat 'em, and pay for -the privilege. I've heard in my sleep a voice in my ear that I do -believe comes from the General Public, saying, "Jim! Jim! give us -thistles!" And the wind always whistles to the same tune. And the -thunder rolling seems to be the voice of the General Public, braying, -"Give us thistles!" And, father, even the very bees when they hum -about the flowers seem to convey to me in a whisper the message, -as from a lover, but it comes from the General Public, "Give us -thistles. We are sick for thistledown. 'Tisn't bread we wants—'tisn't -meat—'tis thistledown." I can't say exactly how I'll dispose of it to -them,—whether rolled up in pills, or stuffed in feather beds,—but I -know the Public will buy thistles in any disguise. And then, father, -think of the profits.' - -'Mark,' said Zita, 'let him go. Cheap-jacking is an edication. It -teaches a chap to know the General Public, what to lay on his back, -how to tickle his ears, what you can make him swallow. If you think -of making Jim a mimber of Parliament, there is no school, no college -more suitable than the Cheap Jack's van. Let him go, Mark. He's a good -boy—he'll come to no harm. He'll settle down the better after it, and -he'll enjoy himself—"tremenjous."' - - -THE END. - - -PRINTED BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH - - - - -A CATALOGUE OF BOOKS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF METHUEN AND COMPANY -PUBLISHERS : LONDON 36 ESSEX STREET W.C. - - -CONTENTS - - PAGE - - FORTHCOMING BOOKS, 2 - - BELLES LETTRES, ANTHOLOGIES, ETC., 5 - - POETRY, 7 - - ILLUSTRATED AND GIFT BOOKS, 14 - - HISTORY, 15 - - BIOGRAPHY, 17 - - TRAVEL, ADVENTURE AND TOPOGRAPHY, 18 - - NAVAL AND MILITARY, 20 - - GENERAL LITERATURE, 22 - - PHILOSOPHY, 24 - - THEOLOGY, 24 - - FICTION, 29 - - BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, 39 - - THE PEACOCK LIBRARY, 39 - - UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERIES, 39 - - SOCIAL QUESTIONS OF TODAY, 40 - - CLASSICAL TRANSLATIONS, 41 - - EDUCATIONAL BOOKS, 42 - - -OCTOBER 1900 - - - - - OCTOBER 1900 - -MESSRS. METHUEN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS - - -Travel, Adventure and Topography - - THE INDIAN BORDERLAND: Being a Personal Record of Twenty Years. By - Sir T. H. HOLDICH, K.C.I.E. Illustrated. _Demy 8vo. 15s. net._ - - This book is a personal record of the author's connection with - those military and political expeditions which, during the last - twenty years, have led to the consolidation of our present position - in the North-West frontier of India. It is a personal history of - trans-frontier surveys and boundary demarcations, commencing with - Penjdeh and ending with the Pamirs, Chitral, and Tirah. - - - MODERN ABYSSYNIA. By A. B. WYLDE. With a Map and a Portrait. _Demy - 8vo. 15s. net._ - - An important and comprehensive account of Abyssinia by a traveller - who knows the country intimately, and has had the privilege of the - friendship of King Menelik. - - -_Revised by Commanding Officers._ - - THE HISTORY OF THE BOER WAR. By F. H. E. CUNLIFFE, Fellow of - All Souls' College, Oxford. With many Illustrations, Plans, and - Portraits. Vol. I. _Quarto. 15s._ Also in Fortnightly Parts, _1s. - each._ - - The first volume of this important work is nearly ready. When - complete, this book will give an elaborate and connected account of - the military operations in South Africa from the declaration to the - end of the present war. It must remain for some years the standard - History of the War. Messrs. Methuen have been fortunate enough to - secure the co-operation of many commanding officers in the revision - of the various chapters. - - The History is finely illustrated. - - - A PRISONER OF WAR. By COLONEL A. SCHIEL. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This remarkable book contains the experiences of a well-known foreign - officer of the Boer Army—from 1896 to 1900—both as a Boer officer - and as a prisoner in British hands. Colonel Schiel, who was captured - at Elandslaagte, was a confidential military adviser of the Transvaal - Government, and his story will cause a sensation. - - - DARTMOOR: A Descriptive and Historical Sketch. By S. BARING GOULD. - With Plans and Numerous Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This book attempts to give to the visitor a descriptive history - of the antiquities and natural features of this district. It is - profusely illustrated from paintings and from photographs. Plans are - also given of the chief antiquities. The book is uniform with the - author's well-known _Book of the West_. - - - THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING. By ANGUS HAMILTON. With many Illustrations. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This is a vivid, accurate, and humorous narrative of the great siege - by the well-known Correspondent of the _Times_. Mr. Hamilton is not - only an admirable writer, but an excellent fighter, and he took an - active part in the defence of the town. His narrative of the siege is - acknowledged to be far superior to any other account. - - THE PEOPLE OF CHINA. By J. W. ROBERTSON-SCOTT. With a Map. _Crown - 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - This book of 200 pages contains a complete account of the history, - races, government, religion, social life, army, commerce, and - attitude to foreigners of the Chinese. - - - THE RELIEF OF MAFEKING. By FILSON YOUNG. With Maps and Illustrations. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This book gives a spirited and vigorous account of the work - accomplished by Mahon's flying column and its relief of Mafeking. It - also relates the defeat of Colonel Villebois and his death. The book - deals in the main with episodes in the war which have not yet been - described in any work. - - - WITH THE BOER FORCES. By HOWARD C. HILLEGAS. With 16 Illustrations. - _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This highly interesting book is a narrative of the episodes of the - Boer war by a correspondent with the Boer army. Mr. Hillegas was - present at many of the most exciting and most dramatic episodes of - the war. He was with the force which attempted to relieve Cronje at - Paardeberg, was present during a considerable part of the siege of - Ladysmith, at the battle of Colenso, at the surprise of Sanna's Post. - His book, written with dramatic vigour, is a spirited description - of the Boer methods, of their military strength, and contains vivid - character sketches of most of the Boer leaders with whom Mr. Hillegas - was on terms of fairly intimate friendship. This book, though written - by one who sympathises with the Boers, is permeated by a spirit of - chivalry, and it contains little that can offend the most sensitive - of Englishmen. It throws a flood of light on many of the episodes - which have been mysterious, and explains the secrets of the many - successes which the Boers have won. - - -History and Biography - - THE LETTERS OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. - Edited with an Introduction and Notes by SIDNEY COLVIN. Fourth - Edition. _Two volumes. Crown 8vo. 12s._ - - This is a completely new edition of the famous Letters of Robert - Louis Stevenson, published in 1899. - - - THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF SIR JOHN EVERETT MILLAIS, President of the - Royal Academy. By his son J. G. MILLAIS. With over 300 Illustrations, - of which 9 are in Photogravure. Cheaper Edition, Revised. _Two - volumes. Royal 8vo. 20s. net._ - - - THE WALKERS OF SOUTHGATE: Being the Chronicles of a Cricketing - Family. By W. A. BETTESWORTH. Illustrated. _Demy 8vo. 15s._ - - - A HISTORY OF EGYPT, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE PRESENT DAY. - Edited by W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE, D.C.L., LL.D., Professor of - Egyptology at University College. Fully Illustrated. In Six Volumes. - _Crown 8vo. 6s. each._ - - Vol. VI. EGYPT UNDER THE SARACENS. By STANLEY LANE-POOLE. - - -Illustrated and Gift Books - - THE LIVELY CITY OF LIGG. By GELETT BURGESS. With 53 Illustrations, 8 - of which are coloured. _Small 4to. 6s._ - - GOOP BABIES. By GELETT BURGESS. With numerous Illustrations. _Small - 4to. 6s._ - - - THE EARLY POEMS OF ALFRED LORD TENNYSON. Edited, with Notes and an - Introduction by J. CHURTON COLLINS, M. A. With 10 Illustrations in - Photogravure by W. E. F. BRITTEN. _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - - This beautiful edition contains ten charming sketches by Mr. Britten, - reproduced in the highest style of Photogravure. - - - NURSERY RHYMES. With many Coloured Pictures by F. D. BEDFORD. _Super - Royal 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - 'An excellent selection of the best known rhymes, with beautifully - coloured pictures exquisitely printed.'—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - - -Theology - - THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION IN ENGLAND. By ALFRED CALDECOTT, D.D. - _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - - [_Handbooks of Theology._ - - A complete history and description of the various philosophies of - religion which have been formulated during the last few centuries in - England and America. - - - ST. PAUL'S SECOND AND THIRD EPISTLES TO THE CORINTHIANS. 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They are spirited, - pathetic, and true, and at the present time they should enjoy a - considerable popularity. - - - THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM. Translated by EDWARD FITZGERALD, with - a Commentary by H. M. BATSON, and a Biography of Omar by E. D. ROSS. - 6_s._ - - This edition of the famous book, the text of which is printed by - permission of Messrs. Macmillan, is the most complete in existence. - It contains FitzGerald's last text, and a very full commentary on - each stanza. Professor Ross, who is an admirable Persian scholar, - contributes a biography, containing many new, valuable, and - interesting facts. - - -Scientific and Educational - - THE CAPTIVI OF PLAUTUS. Edited, with an Introduction, Textual Notes, - and a Commentary, by W. M. LINDSAY, Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford. - _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net._ - - For this edition all the important MSS. have been re-collated. An - appendix deals with the accentual element in early Latin verse. The - Commentary is very full. - - - THE CONSTRUCTION OF LARGE INDUCTION COILS. By A. T. HARE, M.A. With - numerous Diagrams. _Demy 8vo. 6s._ - - - THE SCIENCE OF HYGIENE. By W. C. C. PAKES, Guy's Hospital. With many - illustrations. _Demy 8vo. 15s._ - - - THE PRINCIPLES OF MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY: AN ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK. - By P. L. GRAY, B.Sc., formerly Lecturer on Physics in Mason - University College, Birmingham. With numerous diagrams. _Crown 8vo. - 3s. 6d._ - - - LACE-MAKING IN THE MIDLANDS, PAST AND PRESENT. By C. C. CHANNER and - M. E. ROBERTS. With 16 full-page Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - - AGRICULTURAL ZOOLOGY. By Dr. J. RITZEMA BOS. Translated by J. R. - AINSWORTH DAVIS, M.A. With an Introduction by ELEANOR A. ORMEROD, - F.E.S. With 155 Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - - A SOUTH AFRICAN ARITHMETIC. 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With an Introduction by VERNON BLACKBURN, and a Portrait. -_3s. 6d._ - - -=Johnson.= THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS. By SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. -With an Introduction by J. H. MILLAR, and a Portrait. _3 vols. 10s. 6d._ - - -=Burns.= THE POEMS OF ROBERT BURNS. Edited by ANDREW LANG and W. A. -CRAIGIE. With Portrait. _Second Edition. Demy 8vo, gilt top. 6s._ - - 'Among editions in one volume, this will take the place of - authority.'—_Times._ - - =F. Langbridge.= BALLADS OF THE BRAVE; Poems of Chivalry, Enterprise, - Courage, and Constancy. Edited by Rev. F. LANGBRIDGE. - - _Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ _School Edition. 2s. 6d._ - - 'The book is full of splendid things.'—_World._ - - -Methuen's Standard Library - - =Dante.= LA COMMEDIA DI DANTE ALIGHIERI. The Italian Text edited by - PAGET TOYNBEE, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A carefully-revised text, printed with beautiful - clearness.'—_Glasgow Herald._ - - -=Gibbon.= THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. By EDWARD GIBBON. -A New Edition, Edited with Notes, Appendices, and Maps, by J. B. BURY, -LL.D., Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. _In Seven Volumes. Demy 8vo. -Gilt top. 8s. 6d. each. Also Cr. 8vo. 6s. each._ - - 'The time has certainly arrived for a new edition of Gibbon's great - work.... Professor Bury is the right man to undertake this task. - His learning is amazing, both in extent and accuracy. The book is - issued in a handy form, and at a moderate price, and it is admirably - printed.'—_Times._ - - 'At last there is an adequate modern edition of Gibbon.... The best - edition the nineteenth century could produce.'—_Manchester Guardian._ - - 'A great piece of editing.'—_Academy._ - - 'The greatest of English, perhaps of all, historians has never been - presented to the public in a more convenient and attractive form. No - higher praise can be bestowed upon Professor Bury than to say, as may - be said with truth, that he is worthy of being ranked with Guizot and - Milman.'—_Daily News._ - - -=C. G. Crump.= THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF THOMAS ELLWOOD. Edited by C. -G. CRUMP, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This edition is the only one which contains the complete book as - originally published. It contains a long Introduction and many - Footnotes. - - '"The History of Thomas Ellwood" holds a high place among the - masterpieces of autobiography, and we know few books that better - deserve reprinting. Moreover, Mr. C. G. Crump's new edition is - accurate and convenient, and we commend it ungrudgingly to all those - who love sound and vigorous English.' - - —_Daily Mail._ - - -=Tennyson.= THE EARLY POEMS OF ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON, Edited, with -Notes and an Introduction by J. CHURTON COLLINS, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - An elaborate edition of the celebrated volume which was published - in its final and definitive form in 1853. This edition contains a - long Introduction and copious Notes, textual and explanatory. It - also contains in an Appendix all the Poems which Tennyson afterwards - omitted. - - 'Mr. Collins is almost an ideal editor of Tennyson. His qualities - as a critic are an exact and accurate scholarship, and a literary - judgment, which has been trained and polished by the closest study - of classics both ancient and modern. Mr. Collins' introduction is a - thoroughly sound and sane appreciation of the merits and demerits of - Tennyson.'—_Literature._ - -The Works of Shakespeare - -General Editor, EDWARD DOWDEN, Litt.D. - -MESSRS. METHUEN have in preparation an Edition of Shakespeare in single -Plays. Each play will be edited with a full Introduction, Textual -Notes, and a Commentary at the foot of the page. - -The first volume is: - - HAMLET. 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Milne. - - 'A history written in the spirit of scientific precision so worthily - represented by Dr. Petrie and his school cannot but promote sound and - accurate study, and supply a vacant place in the English literature - of Egyptology.'—_Times._ - -=Flinders Petrie.= RELIGION AND CONSCIENCE IN ANCIENT EGYPT. By W. M. -FLINDERS PETRIE, D.C.L., LL.D. Fully Illustrated. _Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - 'The lectures will afford a fund of valuable information for students - of ancient ethics.'—_Manchester Guardian._ - -=Flinders Petrie.= SYRIA AND EGYPT, FROM THE TELL EL AMARNA TABLETS. By -W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE, D.C.L., LL.D. _Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - 'A marvellous record. The addition made to our knowledge is nothing - short of amazing.'—_Times._ - -=Flinders Petrie.= EGYPTIAN TALES. Edited by W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE. -Illustrated by TRISTRAM ELLIS. _In Two Volumes. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d. each._ - - 'Invaluable as a picture of life in Palestine and Egypt.'—_Daily - News._ - -=Flinders Petrie.= EGYPTIAN DECORATIVE ART. By W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE. -With 120 Illustrations. _Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - 'In these lectures he displays rare skill in elucidating the - development of decorative art in Egypt.'—_Times._ - -=C. W. Oman.= A HISTORY OF THE ART OF WAR. Vol. II.: The Middle Ages, -from the Fourth to the Fourteenth Century. By C. W. OMAN, M.A., Fellow -of All Souls', Oxford. Illustrated. _Demy 8vo. 21s._ - - 'The whole art of war in its historic evolution has never been - treated on such an ample and comprehensive scale, and we question - if any recent contribution to the exact history of the world has - possessed more enduring value.'—_Daily Chronicle._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= THE TRAGEDY OF THE CÆSARS. With numerous -Illustrations from Busts, Gems, Cameos, etc. By S. BARING GOULD. -_Fourth Edition. 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It is a work that - will be stimulating to the student of Roman history.'—_Athenæum._ - -=J. Wells.= A SHORT HISTORY OF ROME. By J. WELLS, M.A., Fellow and -Tutor of Wadham Coll., Oxford. _Third Edition._ With 3 Maps. _Crown -8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - This book is intended for the Middle and Upper Forms of Public - Schools and for Pass Students at the Universities. It contains - copious Tables, etc. - - 'An original work written on an original plan, and with uncommon - freshness and vigour.'—_Speaker._ - -=O. Browning.= A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDIÆVAL ITALY, A.D. 1250-1530. By -OSCAR BROWNING, Fellow and Tutor of King's College, Cambridge. _In Two -Volumes. Cr. 8vo. 5s. each._ - - VOL. I. 1250-1409.—Guelphs and Ghibellines. - - VOL. II. 1409-1530.—The Age of the Condottieri. - -=O'Grady.= THE STORY OF IRELAND. By STANDISH O'GRADY, Author of 'Finn -and his Companions.' _Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - -Byzantine Texts - -Edited by J. B. BURY, M.A. - - ZACHARIAH OF MITYLENE. Translated into English by F. J. HAMILTON, - D.D., and E. W. BROOKS. _Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d. net._ - - EVAGRIUS. Edited by Professor LÉON PARMENTIER and M. BIDEZ. _Demy - 8vo. 10s. 6d. net._ - - THE HISTORY OF PSELLUS. By C. SATHAS. _Demy 8vo. 15s. net._ - - -Biography - - =R. L. Stevenson.= THE LETTERS OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON TO - HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Selected and Edited, with Notes and - Introductions, by SIDNEY COLVIN. _Third Edition. Demy 8vo, 2 vols., - 25s. net._ - - 'Irresistible in their raciness, their variety, their animation ... - of extraordinary fascination. A delightful inheritance, the truest - record of a "richly compounded spirit" that the literature of our - time has preserved.'—_Times._ - - 'There are few books so interesting, so moving, and so valuable as - this collection of letters. One can only commend people to read and - re-read the book. The volumes are beautiful, and Mr. Colvin's part - of the work could not have been better done, his introduction is a - masterpiece.'—_Spectator._ - -=J. G. Millais.= THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF SIR JOHN EVERETT MILLAIS, -President of the Royal Academy. By his Son, J. G. MILLAIS. With 319 -Illustrations, of which 9 are in Photogravure. _Second Edition. 2 vols, -Royal 8vo, 32s. net._ - - 'The illustrations make the book delightful to handle or to read. The - eye lingers lovingly upon the beautiful pictures.'—_Standard._ - - 'This charming book is a gold mine of good things.'—_Daily News._ - - 'This splendid work.'—_World._ - - 'Of such absorbing interest is it, of such completeness in scope - and beauty. Special tribute must be paid to the extraordinary - completeness of the illustrations.'—_Graphic._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. By S. BARING GOULD. -With over 450 Illustrations in the Text and 12 Photogravure Plates. -_Large quarto. 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Royal 8vo. 20s. net._ - - 'One of the greatest books of the kind issued during the century. - It is impossible to give an adequate idea of the richness of the - contents of this book, nor of its abounding attractions as a story - of travel unsurpassed in geographical and human interest. Much of - it is a revelation. Altogether the work is one which in solidity, - novelty, and interest must take a first rank among publications of - its class.'—_Times._ - -=F. H. Skrine and E. D. Ross.= THE HEART OF ASIA. By F. H. SKRINE and -E. D. ROSS. With Maps and many Illustrations by VERESTCHAGIN. _Large -Crown 8vo. 10s. 6d. net._ - - 'This volume will form a landmark in our knowledge of Central - Asia.... Illuminating and convincing.'—_Times._ - -=R. E. Peary.= NORTHWARD OVER THE GREAT ICE. By R. E. PEARY, -Gold Medallist of the Royal Geographical Society. With over 800 -Illustrations. _2 vols. Royal 8vo. 32s. net._ - - 'His book will take its place among the permanent literature of - Arctic exploration.'—_Times._ - -=E. A. FitzGerald.= THE HIGHEST ANDES. By E. A. FITZGERALD. With -2 Maps, 51 Illustrations, 13 of which are in Photogravure, and a -Panorama. _Royal 8vo, 30s. net._ Also a Small Edition on Hand-made -Paper, limited to 50 Copies, _4to, £5. 5s._ - - 'The record of the first ascent of the highest mountain yet conquered - by mortal man. A volume which will continue to be the classic book of - travel on this region of the Andes.'—_Daily Chronicle._ - - =F. W. Christian.= THE CAROLINE ISLANDS. By F. W. CHRISTIAN. With - many Illustrations and Maps. _Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d. net._ - - 'A real contribution to our knowledge of the peoples and islands of - Micronesia, as well as fascinating as a narrative of travels and - adventure.'—_Scotsman._ - -=H. H. Johnston.= BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA. By Sir H. H. JOHNSTON, K.C.B. -With nearly Two Hundred Illustrations, and Six Maps. _Second Edition. -Crown 4to. 18s. net._ - - 'A fascinating book, written with equal skill and charm—the - work at once of a literary artist and of a man of action who is - singularly wise, brave, and experienced. It abounds in admirable - sketches.'—_Westminster Gazette._ - -=L. Decle.= THREE YEARS IN SAVAGE AFRICA. By LIONEL DECLE. With 100 -Illustrations and 5 Maps. _Second Edition. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net._ - - 'Its bright pages give a better general survey of Africa from - the Cape to the Equator than any single volume that has yet been - published.'—_Times._ - -=A. Hulme Beaman.= TWENTY YEARS IN THE NEAR EAST. By A. HULME BEAMAN. -_Demy 8vo._ With Portrait. _10s. 6d._ - -=Henri of Orleans.= FROM TONKIN TO INDIA. By PRINCE HENRI OF ORLEANS. -Translated by HAMLEY BENT, M.A. With 100 Illustrations and a Map. _Cr. -4to, gilt top. 25s._ - -=S. L. Hinde.= THE FALL OF THE CONGO ARABS. By S. L. HINDE. With Plans, -etc. _Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d._ - -=A. St. H. Gibbons.= EXPLORATION AND HUNTING IN CENTRAL AFRICA. By -Major A. ST. H. GIBBONS. With full-page Illustrations by C. WHYMPER, -and Maps. _Demy 8vo. 15s._ - -=Fraser.= ROUND THE WORLD ON A WHEEL. By JOHN FOSTER FRASER. With 100 -Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A classic of cycling, graphic and witty.'—_Yorkshire Post._ - -=R. L. Jefferson.= A NEW RIDE TO KHIVA. By R. L. JEFFERSON. -Illustrated. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - The account of an adventurous ride on a bicycle through Russia and - the deserts of Asia to Khiva. - - 'An exceptionally fascinating book of travel.'—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - -=J. K. Trotter.= THE NIGER SOURCES. By Colonel J. K. TROTTER, R.A. With -a Map and Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 5s._ - -=Michael Davitt.= LIFE AND PROGRESS IN AUSTRALASIA. By MICHAEL DAVITT, -M.P. 500 pp. With 2 Maps. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=W. J. Galloway.= ADVANCED AUSTRALIA. By WILLIAM J. GALLOWAY, M.P. -_Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - 'This is an unusually thorough and informative little work.'—_Morning - Post._ - -=W. Crooke.= THE NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES OF INDIA: THEIR ETHNOLOGY AND -ADMINISTRATION. By W. CROOKE. With Maps and Illustrations. _Demy 8vo. -10s. 6d._ - -=A. Boisragon.= THE BENIN MASSACRE. By CAPTAIN BOISRAGON. _Second -Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - 'If the story had been written four hundred years ago it would be - read today as an English classic.'—_Scotsman._ - -=H. S. Cowper.= THE HILL OF THE GRACES: OR, THE GREAT STONE TEMPLES -OF TRIPOLI. By H. S. COWPER, F.S.A. With Maps, Plans, and 75 -Illustrations. _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - -=W. B. Worsfold.= SOUTH AFRICA. By W. B. WORSFOLD, M.A. _With a Map. -Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A monumental work compressed into a very moderate compass.'—_World._ - -=Katherine and Gilbert Macquoid.= IN PARIS. By KATHERINE and GILBERT -MACQUOID. Illustrated by THOMAS R. MACQUOID, R.I. With 2 maps. _Crown -8vo. 1s._ - - 'A useful little guide, judiciously supplied with - information.'—_Athenæum._ - -=A. H. Keane.= THE BOER STATES: A History and Description of the -Transvaal and the Orange Free State. By A. H. KEANE, M.A. With Map. -_Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A work of clear aims and thorough execution.'—_Academy._ - - 'A compact and very trustworthy account of the Boers and their - surroundings.'—_Morning Post._ - - - - -Naval and Military - - =G. S. Robertson.= CHITRAL: The Story of a Minor Siege. By Sir G. - S. ROBERTSON, K.C.S.I. With numerous Illustrations, Map and Plans. - _Second Edition. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - - 'It is difficult to imagine the kind of person who could read this - brilliant book without emotion. The story remains immortal—a - testimony imperishable. We are face to face with a great - book.'—_Illustrated London News._ - - 'A book which the Elizabethans would have thought wonderful. More - thrilling, more piquant, and more human than any novel.'—_Newcastle - Chronicle._ - - 'As fascinating as Sir Walter Scott's best fiction.'—_Daily - Telegraph._ - -=R. S. S. Baden-Powell.= THE DOWNFALL OF PREMPEH. A Diary of Life in -Ashanti, 1895. By Maj.-Gen. BADEN-POWELL. With 21 Illustrations and a -Map. _Cheaper Edition. Large Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=R. S. S. Baden-Powell.= THE MATABELE CAMPAIGN, 1896. By Maj.-Gen. -BADEN-POWELL. With nearly 100 Illustrations. _Cheaper Edition. Large -Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=J. B. Atkins.= THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH. By JOHN BLACK ATKINS. With 16 -Plans and Illustrations. _Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This book contains a full narrative by an eye-witness of General - Buller's attempts, and of his final success. The story is of - absorbing interest, and is the only complete account which has - appeared. - - 'The mantle of Archibald Forbes and G. W. Steevens has assuredly - fallen upon Mr. Atkins, who unites a singularly graphic style to an - equally rare faculty of vision. In his pages we realise the meaning - of a modern campaign with the greatest sense of actuality. His pages - are written with a sustained charm of diction and ease of manner that - are no less remarkable than the sincerity and vigour of the matter - which they set before us.'—_World._ - - 'Mr. Atkins has a genius for the painting of war which entitles - him already to be ranked with Forbes and Steevens, and encourages - us to hope that he may one day rise to the level of Napier and - Kinglake.'—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - - 'It is the record told with insight and sympathy of a great - conflict. It is as readable as a novel, and it bears the imprint of - truth.'—_Morning Leader._ - -=H. W. Nevinson.= LADYSMITH: The Diary of a Siege. By H. W. NEVINSON. -With 16 Illustrations and a Plan. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - This book contains a complete diary of the Siege of Ladysmith, and is - a most vivid and picturesque narrative. - - 'There is no exaggeration here, no straining after effect. But there - is the truest realism, the impression of things as they are seen, - set forth in well-chosen words and well-balanced phrases, with a - measured self-restraint that marks the true artist. Mr. Nevinson is - to be congratulated on the excellent work that he has done.'—_Daily - Chronicle._ - - 'Of the many able and fascinating chroniclers of the sad and splendid - story, Mr. Nevinson is among the ablest and most fascinating.'—_Pall - Mall Gazette._ - -=E. H. Alderson.= WITH THE MOUNTED INFANTRY AND THE MASHONALAND FIELD -FORCE, 1896. By Lieut.-Colonel ALDERSON. With numerous Illustrations -and Plans. _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - -=Seymour Vandeleur.= CAMPAIGNING ON THE UPPER NILE AND NIGER. By Lieut. -SEYMOUR VANDELEUR. With an Introduction by Sir G. GOLDIE, K.C.M.G. With -4 Maps, Illustrations, and Plans. _Large Crown 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - -=Lord Fincastle.= A FRONTIER CAMPAIGN. By Viscount FINCASTLE, V.C., and -Lieut. P. C. ELLIOTT-LOCKHART. With a Map and 16 Illustrations. _Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=E. N. Bennett.= THE DOWNFALL OF THE DERVISHES: A Sketch of the Sudan -Campaign of 1898. By E. N. BENNETT, Fellow of Hertford College. With a -Photogravure Portrait of Lord Kitchener. _Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. -6d._ - -=W. Kinnaird Rose.= WITH THE GREEKS IN THESSALY. By W. KINNAIRD ROSE. -With Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=G. W. Steevens.= NAVAL POLICY: By G. W. STEEVENS. _Demy 8vo. 6s._ - - This book is a description of the British and other more important - navies of the world, with a sketch of the lines on which our naval - policy might possibly be developed. - -=D. Hannay.= A SHORT HISTORY OF THE ROYAL NAVY, FROM EARLY TIMES TO THE -PRESENT DAY. By DAVID HANNAY. Illustrated. _2 Vols. Demy 8vo. 7s. 6d. -each._ Vol. I., 1200-1688. - - 'We read it from cover to cover at a sitting, and those who go to it - for a lively and brisk picture of the past, with all its faults and - its grandeur, will not be disappointed. The historian is endowed with - literary skill and style.'—_Standard._ - -=C. Cooper King.= THE STORY OF THE BRITISH ARMY. By Colonel COOPER -KING. Illustrated. _Demy 8vo. 7s. 6d._ - - 'An authoritative and accurate story of England's military - progress.'—_Daily Mail._ - -=R. Southey.= ENGLISH SEAMEN (Howard, Clifford, Hawkins, Drake, -Cavendish). By ROBERT SOUTHEY. Edited, with an Introduction, by DAVID -HANNAY. _Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A brave, inspiriting book.'—_Black and White._ - -=W. Clark Russell.= THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD. By W. CLARK -RUSSELL. With Illustrations by F. BRANGWYN. _Third Edition. Crown 8vo. -6s._ - - 'A book which we should like to see in the hands of every boy in the - country.'—_St. James's Gazette._ - -=E. L. S. Horsburgh.= WATERLOO: A Narrative and Criticism. By E. L. S. -HORSBURGH, B.A. With Plans. _Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s._ - - 'A brilliant essay—simple, sound, and thorough.'—_Daily Chronicle._ - -=H. B. George.= BATTLES OF ENGLISH HISTORY. By H. B. GEORGE, M.A., -Fellow of New College, Oxford. With numerous Plans. _Third Edition. Cr. -8vo. 6s._ - - 'Mr. George has undertaken a very useful task—that of making - military affairs intelligible and instructive to non-military - readers—and has executed it with a large measure of - success.'—_Times._ - - -General Literature - - =S. Baring Gould.= THE BOOK OF THE WEST. By S. BARING GOULD. With - numerous Illustrations. _Two volumes._ Vol. I. Devon. Vol. II. Cornwall. - _Crown 8vo. 6s. each._ - - 'They are very attractive little volumes, they have numerous very - pretty and interesting pictures, the story is fresh and bracing as - the air of Dartmoor, and the legend weird as twilight over Dozmare - Pool, and they give us a very good idea of this enchanting and - beautiful district.'—_Guardian._ - - 'A narrative full of picturesque incident, personal interest, and - literary charm.'—_Leeds Mercury._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= OLD COUNTRY LIFE. By S. BARING GOULD. With -Sixty-seven Illustrations. _Large Cr. 8vo. Fifth 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._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= AN OLD ENGLISH HOME. By S. BARING GOULD. With -numerous Plans and Illustrations. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'The chapters are delightfully fresh, very informing, and lightened - by many a good story. A delightful fireside companion.'—_St. James's - Gazette._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= HISTORIC ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. By S. BARING -GOULD. _Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= FREAKS OF FANATICISM. By S. BARING GOULD. _Third -Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= A GARLAND OF COUNTRY SONG: English Folk Songs with -their Traditional Melodies. Collected and arranged by S. BARING GOULD -and H. F. SHEPPARD. _Demy 4to. 6s._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= SONGS OF THE WEST: Traditional Ballads and Songs of -the West of England, with their Melodies. Collected by S. BARING GOULD, -M.A., and H. F. SHEPPARD, M.A. In 4 Parts. _Parts I., II., III., 3s. -each. Part IV., 5s. In one Vol., French morocco, 15s._ - - 'A rich collection of humour, pathos, grace, and poetic - fancy.'—_Saturday Review._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= YORKSHIRE ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. By S. BARING -GOULD. _Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= STRANGE SURVIVALS AND SUPERSTITIONS. By S. BARING -GOULD. _Cr. 8vo. Second Edition. 6s._ - -=S. Baring Gould.= THE DESERTS OF SOUTHERN FRANCE. By S. BARING GOULD. -_2 vols. Demy 8vo. 32s._ - -=Cotton Minchin.= OLD HARROW DAYS. By J. G. COTTON MINCHIN. _Cr. 8vo. -Second Edition. 5s._ - -=W. E. Gladstone.= THE SPEECHES OF THE RT. HON. W. E. GLADSTONE, M.P. -Edited by A. W. HUTTON, M.A., and H. J. COHEN, M.A. With Portraits. -_Demy 8vo. Vols. IX. and X., 12s. 6d. each._ - -=J. E. Marr.= THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF SCENERY. By J. E. MARR, F.R.S., -Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge. Illustrated. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - An elementary treatise on geomorphology—the study of the earth's - outward forms. It is for the use of students of physical geography - and geology, and will also be highly interesting to the general - reader. - - 'A fascinating book, a real fairy tale.'—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - - 'Mr. Marr is distinctly to be congratulated on the general result of - his work. He has produced a volume, moderate in size and readable in - style, which will be acceptable alike to the student of geology and - geography, and to the tourist.'—_Athenæum._ - - 'Can be read with pleasure alike by the expert and the general - reader.'—_Manchester Guardian._ - -=M. N. Oxford.= A HANDBOOK OF NURSING. By M. N. OXFORD, of Guy's -Hospital. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - This is a complete guide to the science and art of nursing, - containing copious instruction both general and particular. - - 'The most useful work of the kind that we have seen. A most valuable - and practical manual.'—_Manchester Guardian._ - -=E. V. Zenker.= ANARCHISM. By E. V. ZENKER. _Demy 8vo. 7s. 6d._ - - 'Herr Zenker has succeeded in producing a careful and critical - history of the growth of Anarchist theory.' - -=A. Silva White.= THE EXPANSION OF EGYPT: A Political and Historical -Survey. By A. SILVA WHITE. With four Special Maps. _Demy 8vo. 15s. net._ - - 'This is emphatically the best account of Egypt as it is under - English control that has been published for many years.'—_Spectator._ - -=Peter Beckford.= THOUGHTS ON HUNTING. By PETER BECKFORD. Edited by J. -OTHO PAGET, and Illustrated by G. H. JALLAND. _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - - 'Beckford's "Thoughts on Hunting" has long been a classic with - sportsmen, and the present edition will go far to make it a favourite - with lovers of literature.'—_Speaker._ - -=E. B. Michell.= THE ART AND PRACTICE OF HAWKING. By E. B. MICHELL. -With 3 Photogravures by G. E. LODGE, and other Illustrations. _Demy -8vo. 10s. 6d._ - - A complete description of the Hawks, Falcons, and Eagles used in - ancient and modern times, with directions for their training and - treatment. It is not only a historical account, but a complete - practical guide. - - 'A book that will help and delight the expert.'—_Scotsman._ - - 'Just after the hearts of all enthusiasts.'—_Daily Telegraph._ - - 'No book is more full and authorative than this handsome - treatise.'—_Morning Leader._ - -=H. G. Hutchinson.= THE GOLFING PILGRIM. By HORACE G. HUTCHINSON. -_Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'Without this book the golfer's library will be incomplete.'—_Pall - Mall Gazette._ - -=J. Wells.= OXFORD AND OXFORD LIFE. By Members of the University. -Edited by J. WELLS, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Wadham College. _Third -Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - '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 possessed of a close acquaintance with the system - and life of the University.'—_Athenæum._ - -=C. G. Robertson.= VOCES ACADEMICÆ. By C. GRANT ROBERTSON, M.A., Fellow -of All Souls', Oxford. _With a Frontispiece. Pott 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - 'Decidedly clever and amusing.'—_Athenæum._ - -=Rosemary Cotes.= DANTE'S GARDEN. By ROSEMARY COTES. With a -Frontispiece. _Second Edition. Fcp. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Leather, 3s. 6d. net._ - - 'A charming collection of legends of the flowers mentioned by - Dante.'—_Academy._ - -=Clifford Harrison.= READING AND READERS. By CLIFFORD HARRISON. _Fcp. -8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - 'An extremely sensible little book.'—_Manchester Guardian._ - -=L. Whibley.= GREEK OLIGARCHIES: THEIR ORGANISATION AND CHARACTER. By -L. WHIBLEY, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge. _Crown 8vo. -6s._ - -=L. L. Price.= ECONOMIC SCIENCE AND PRACTICE. By L. L. PRICE, M.A., -Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -=J. S. Shedlock.= THE PIANOFORTE SONATA: Its Origin and Development. By -J. S. SHEDLOCK. _Crown 8vo. 5s._ - - 'This work should be in the possession of every musician and - amateur. A concise and lucid history and a very valuable work for - reference.'—_Athenæum._ - -=A. Hulme Beaman.= PONS ASINORUM; OR, A GUIDE TO BRIDGE. By A. HULME -BEAMAN. _Fcap 8vo. 2s._ - - A practical guide, with many specimen games, to the new game of - Bridge. - -=E. M. Bowden.= THE EXAMPLE OF BUDDHA: Being Quotations from Buddhist -Literature for each Day in the Year. Compiled by E. M. BOWDEN. _Third -Edition. 16mo. 2s. 6d._ - -=F. Ware.= EDUCATIONAL REFORM. By FABIAN WARE, M.A. _Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d._ - - An attempt by an expert to forecast the action and influence of the - New Secondary Education Act, with suggestions for useful developments. - - 'Mr. Ware's book may be warmly commended to all who have at - heart the desire for the intellectual prosperity of the British - race.'—_Morning Post._ - - 'Any one who really wants to know how education stands today should - read it.'—_Literature._ - - -Philosophy - - =L. T. Hobhouse.= THE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE. By L. T. HOBHOUSE, Fellow - of C.C.C., Oxford. _Demy 8vo. 21s._ - - 'The most important contribution to English philosophy since the - publication of Mr. Bradley's "Appearance and Reality."'—_Glasgow - Herald._ - -=W. H. Fairbrother.= THE PHILOSOPHY OF T. H. GREEN. By W. H. -FAIRBROTHER, M.A. _Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - 'In every way an admirable book.'—_Glasgow Herald._ - -=F. W. Bussell.= THE SCHOOL OF PLATO. By F. W. BUSSELL, D.D., Fellow of -Brasenose College, Oxford. _Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d._ - -=F. S. Granger.= THE WORSHIP OF THE ROMANS. By F. S. GRANGER, M.A., -Litt.D. _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - -Theology - - =W. R. Inge.= CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM. The Bampton Lectures for 1899. By - W. R. INGE, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Hertford College, Oxford. _Demy - 8vo. 12s. 6d. net._ - - A complete survey of the subject from St. John and St. Paul to modern - times, covering the Christian Platonists, Augustine, the Devotional - Mystics, the Mediæval Mystics, and the Nature Mystics and Symbolists, - including Böhme and Wordsworth. - - 'It is fully worthy of the best traditions connected with the Bampton - Lectureship.'—_Record._ - -=S. R. 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. _Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A welcome companion to the author's famous - "introduction."'—_Guardian._ - -=T. K. 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By ESMÉ STUART, _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'The story is happily conceived, and entertaining - throughout.'—_Scotsman._ - - 'An excellent story, pathetic, and full of humour.'—_Athenæum._ - - 'We wish that we came across more books like this clever and charming - story.'—_Leeds Mercury._ - -=Sara Jeannette Duncan.= A VOYAGE OF CONSOLATION. By SARA JEANNETTE -DUNCAN, Author of 'An American Girl in London.' Illustrated. _Third -Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A most delightfully bright book.'—_Daily Telegraph._ - - 'The dialogue is full of wit.'—_Globe._ - -=Sara Jeannette Duncan.= THE PATH OF A STAR. By SARA JEANNETTE DUNCAN, -Author of 'A Voyage of Consolation.' Illustrated. _Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'Richness and fullness of local colouring, brilliancy of style, - smiting phrases, and the display of very pretty humour are graces - which are here in profusion. The interest never flags.'—_Pall Mall - Gazette._ - -=C. F. Keary.= THE JOURNALIST. By C. F. KEARY. _Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'It is rare indeed to find such poetical sympathy with Nature joined - to close study of character and singularly truthful dialogue: but - then "The Journalist" is altogether a rare book.'—_Athenæum._ - -=W. E. Norris.= MATTHEW AUSTIN. By W. E. NORRIS, Author of -'Mademoiselle de Mersac,' etc. _Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'An intellectually satisfactory and morally bracing novel.'—_Daily - Telegraph._ - -=W. E. Norris.= HIS GRACE. By W. E. NORRIS. Third Edition. _Cr. 8vo. -6s._ - -=W. E. Norris.= THE DESPOTIC LADY AND OTHERS. By W. E. NORRIS. _Crown -8vo. 6s._ - -=W. E. Norris.= CLARISSA FURIOSA. By W. E. NORRIS. _Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'As a story it is admirable, as a _jeu d'esprit_ it is capital, as a - lay sermon studded with gems of wit and wisdom it is a model.'—_The - World._ - -=W. E. Norris.= GILES INGILBY. By W. E. NORRIS. _Illustrated. Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'Interesting, wholesome, and charmingly written.'—_Glasgow Herald._ - -=W. 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Crown -8vo. 6s._ - - 'Very much the best novel that Mr. Barr has yet given us. There is - much insight in it, and much excellent humour.'—_Daily Chronicle._ - -=Robert Barr.= THE COUNTESS TEKLA. By ROBERT BARR. _Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'Of these mediæval romances, which are now gaining ground, "The - Countess Tekla" is the very best we have seen. The story is written - in clear English, and a picturesque, moving style.'—_Pall Mall - Gazette._ - -=Andrew Balfour.= BY STROKE OF SWORD. By A. BALFOUR. Illustrated. -_Fourth Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A banquet of good things.'—_Academy._ - - 'A recital of thrilling interest, told with unflagging - vigour.'—_Globe._ - - 'An unusually excellent example of a semi-historic romance.'—_World._ - -=Andrew Balfour.= TO ARMS! By ANDREW BALFOUR. Illustrated. _Second -Edition. 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STEPHENS, Author of 'An -Enemy to the King.' _Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A bright and spirited romance of adventure, full of movement and - changing action.'—_Scotsman._ - -=R. Hichens.= BYEWAYS. By ROBERT HICHENS. Author of 'Flames, etc.' -_Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'The work is undeniably that of a man of striking - imagination.'—_Daily News._ - -=J. S. Fletcher.= THE PATHS OF THE PRUDENT. By J. S. FLETCHER. _Crown -8vo. 6s._ - -=J. B. Burton.= IN THE DAY OF ADVERSITY. By J. BLOUNDELLE-BURTON. -_Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'Unusually interesting and full of highly dramatic - situations.'—_Guardian._ - -=J. B. Burton.= DENOUNCED. By J. BLOUNDELLE-BURTON. _Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A fine, manly, spirited piece of work.'—_World._ - -=J. B. Burton.= THE CLASH OF ARMS. By J. BLOUNDELLE-BURTON. _Second -Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'A brave story—brave in deed, brave in word, brave in - thought.'—_St. James's Gazette._ - -=J. B. Burton.= ACROSS THE SALT SEAS. By J. BLOUNDELLE-BURTON. _Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - - 'The very essence of the true romantic spirit.'—_Truth._ - -=W. C. Scully.= THE WHITE HECATOMB. By W. C. SCULLY, Author of 'Kafir -Stories.' _Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'Reveals a marvellously intimate understanding of the Kafir - mind.'—_African Critic._ - -=W. C. Scully.= BETWEEN SUN AND SAND. By W. C. SCULLY, Author of 'The -White Hecatomb.' _Cr. 8vo. 6s._ - - 'The reader passes at once into the very atmosphere of the African - desert: the inexpressible space and stillness swallow him up, and - there is no world for him but that immeasurable waste.'—_Athenæum._ - - -OTHER SIX SHILLING NOVELS - -_Crown 8vo._ - - DANIEL WHYTE. By A. J. DAWSON. - - THE CAPSINA. By E. F. BENSON. - - DODO: A DETAIL OF THE DAY. By E. F. BENSON. - - THE VINTAGE. By E. F. BENSON. Illustrated by G. P. JACOMB-HOOD. - - ROSE À CHARLITTE. By MARSHALL SAUNDERS. - - WILLOWBRAKE. By R. MURRAY GILCHRIST. - - THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED. By DOROTHEA GERARD. - - SIR ROBERT'S FORTUNE. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. - - THE TWO MARYS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. - - THE LADY'S WALK. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. - - LONE PINE: A ROMANCE OF MEXICAN LIFE. By R. B. TOWNSHEND. - - WILT THOU HAVE THIS WOMAN? By J. MACLAREN COBBAN. - - A PASSIONATE PILGRIM. By PERCY WHITE. - - SECRETARY TO BAYNE, M.P. By W. PETT RIDGE. - - ADRIAN ROME. By E. DAWSON and A. MOORE. - - THE BUILDERS. By J. S. FLETCHER. - - GALLIA. By MÉNIE MURIEL DOWIE. - - THE CROOK OF THE BOUGH. By MÉNIE MURIEL DOWIE. - - A BUSINESS IN GREAT WATERS. By JULIAN CORBETT. - - MISS ERIN. By M. E. FRANCIS. - - ANANIAS. By the Hon. Mrs. ALAN BRODRICK. - - CORRAGEEN IN '98. By Mrs. ORPEN. - - THE PLUNDER PIT. By J. KEIGHLEY SNOWDEN. - - CROSS TRAILS. By VICTOR WAITE. - - SUCCESSORS TO THE TITLE. By Mrs. WALFORD. - - KIRKHAM'S FIND. By MARY GAUNT. - - DEADMAN'S. By MARY GAUNT. - - CAPTAIN JACOBUS: A ROMANCE OF THE ROAD. By L. COPE CORNFORD. - - SONS OF ADVERSITY. By L. 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BARRY. - - BIJLI, THE DANCER. By JAMES BLYTHE PATTON. - - JOSIAH'S WIFE. By NORMA LORIMER. - - THE PHILANTHROPIST. By LUCY MAYNARD. - - VAUSSORE. By FRANCIS BRUNE. - - -THREE-AND-SIXPENNY NOVELS - -_Crown 8vo._ - - DERRICK VAUGHAN, NOVELIST. _42nd thousand_. By EDNA LYALL. - - A SON OF THE STATE. By W. PETT RIDGE. - - CEASE FIRE! By J. MACLAREN COBBAN. _Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d._ - - A stirring Story of the Boer War of 1881, including the Siege of - Potchefstrom and the Defeat of Majuba. - - 'Brightly told and drawn with a strong and sure hand.'—_St. James's - Gazette._ - - 'A capital novel.'—_Scotsman._ - - 'Fact and fiction are so deeply woven together that the book reads - like a fascinating chapter of history.'—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - -THE KLOOF BRIDE. By ERNEST GLANVILLE. - -A VENDETTA OF THE DESERT. By W. C. SCULLY. - -SUBJECT TO VANITY. By MARGARET BENSON. - -THE SIGN OF THE SPIDER. _Fifth Edition._ By BERTRAM MITFORD. - -THE MOVING FINGER. By MARY GAUNT. - -JACO TRELOAR. By J. H. PEARCE. - -THE DANCE OF THE HOURS. By 'VERA.' - -A WOMAN OF FORTY. By ESMÉ STUART. - -A CUMBERER OF THE GROUND. By CONSTANCE SMITH. - -THE SIN OF ANGELS. By EVELYN DICKINSON. - -AUT DIABOLUS AUT NIHIL. By X. L. - -THE COMING OF CUCULAIN. By STANDISH O'GRADY. - -THE GODS GIVE MY DONKEY WINGS. By ANGUS EVAN ABBOTT. - -THE STAR GAZERS. By G. MANVILLE FENN. - -THE POISON OF ASPS. By R. ORTON PROWSE. - -THE QUIET MRS. FLEMING. By R. PRYCE. - -DISENCHANTMENT. By F. MABEL ROBINSON. - -THE SQUIRE OF WANDALES. By A. SHIELD. - -A REVEREND GENTLEMAN. By J. M. COBBAN. - -A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR. By W. E. NORRIS. - -A CAVALIER'S LADYE. By Mrs. DICKER. - -THE PRODIGALS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. - -THE SUPPLANTER. By P. NEUMANN. - -A MAN WITH BLACK EYE-LASHES. By H. A. KENNEDY. - -A HANDFUL OF EXOTICS. By S. GORDON. - -AN ODD EXPERIMENT. By HANNAH LYNCH. - -TALES OF NORTHUMBRIA. By HOWARD PEASE. - - -HALF-CROWN NOVELS - -_Crown 8vo._ - - HOVENDEN, V.C. By F. MABEL ROBINSON. - - THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. By F. MABEL ROBINSON. - - MR. BUTLER'S WARD. By F. MABEL ROBINSON. - - ELI'S CHILDREN. By G. MANVILLE FENN. - - A DOUBLE KNOT. By G. MANVILLE FENN. - - DISARMED. By M. BETHAM EDWARDS. - - IN TENT AND BUNGALOW. By the Author of 'Indian Idylls.' - - MY STEWARDSHIP. By E. M'QUEEN GRAY. - - JACK'S FATHER. By W. E. NORRIS. - - A LOST ILLUSION. By LESLIE KEITH. - - - THE TRUE HISTORY OF JOSHUA DAVIDSON, Christian and Communist. By E. - LYNN LYNTON. _Eleventh Edition. Post 8vo. 1s._ - - -The Novelist - -MESSRS. METHUEN are making an interesting experiment which constitutes -a fresh departure in publishing. They are issuing under the above -general title a Monthly Series of Novels by popular authors at the -price of Sixpence. Many of these Novels have never been published -before. Each Number is as long as the average Six Shilling Novel. The -first numbers of 'THE NOVELIST' are as follows:— - - I. DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. E. W. HORNUNG. - - II. JENNIE BAXTER, JOURNALIST. ROBERT BARR. - - III. 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Baring-Gould - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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/license - - -Title: Cheap Jack Zita - -Author: S. Baring-Gould - -Release Date: May 24, 2017 [EBook #54779] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHEAP JACK ZITA *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Brian Wilsden 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="figcenter"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover1" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="transnote"> -<p><span class="smcap">Transcriber's Notes.</span></p> -<p>1. Simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors have been silently corrected.</p> -<p>2. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p> - -<h1>CHEAP JACK ZITA</h1> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="xlarge center"><b>BY THE SAME AUTHOR</b></p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<div class="listcontainer"> -<ul style="list-style-type:none;"> - - <li><span class="smcap">In the Roar of the Sea</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">The Queen of Love</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Cheap Jack Zita</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Mrs. Curgenven of Curgenven</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Arminell</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Jacquetta</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Urith</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Kitty Alone</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Margery of Quether</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Noémi</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">The Broom-Squire</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Dartmoor Idylls</span></li> - <li><span class="smcap">Guavas the Tinner</span></li> -</ul> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="xlarge center"><b>CHEAP JACK ZITA<br /> - -<span class="xsmall">BY</span><br /> - -<span class="small">S. BARING-GOULD</span></b></p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<div class="center"><span class="smaller">FOURTH EDITION</span> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -METHUEN & CO.<br /> -36 ESSEX STREET, W.C.<br /> -LONDON<br /> -1896<br /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv, V]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<table summary="contents"> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">CHAP.</td> -<td class="tdl"> </td> -<td class="tdr">PAGE</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">I.</td> -<td class="tdl">BEFORE THE GALILEE</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">II.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE FLAILS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">13</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">III.</td> -<td class="tdl">TWO CROWNS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">23</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IV.</td> -<td class="tdl">ON THE DROVE</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">33</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">V.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE FLAILS AGAIN</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">44</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VI.</td> -<td class="tdl">BETWEEN TWO LIGHTS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">57</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VII.</td> -<td class="tdl">PROFITS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">63</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">MARK RUNHAM</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">76</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IX.</td> -<td class="tdl">PRICKWILLOW</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">88</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">X.</td> -<td class="tdl">RED WINGS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">100</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XI.</td> -<td class="tdl">TIGER-HAIR</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">112</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XII.</td> -<td class="tdl">ON BONE RUNNERS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">122</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">PIP BEAMISH</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">131</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIV.</td> -<td class="tdl">ON ONE FOOTING</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">140</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XV.</td> -<td class="tdl">ON ANOTHER FOOTING</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">150</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVI.</td> -<td class="tdl">BURNT HATS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">161</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVII.</td> -<td class="tdl">A CRAWL ABROAD</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">174</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">A DROP OF GALL</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">188</a> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIX.</td> -<td class="tdl">NO DEAL</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">194</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XX.</td> -<td class="tdl">DAGGING</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">201</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXI.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE FEN RIOTS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">213</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXII.</td> -<td class="tdl">TWENTY POUNDS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">221</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">TEN POUNDS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">232</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIV.</td> -<td class="tdl">A NEW DANGER</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">245</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXV.</td> -<td class="tdl">'I DON'T CARE THAT'</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">253</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVI.</td> -<td class="tdl">A NIGHT IN ELY</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">259</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVII.</td> -<td class="tdl">SIR BATES DUDLEY'S RIDE</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">270</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">TWO PLEADERS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">281</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIX.</td> -<td class="tdl">A DEAL</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">291</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXX.</td> -<td class="tdl">IN COURT</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">295</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXI.</td> -<td class="tdl">PISGAH</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">311</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXII.</td> -<td class="tdl">A PARTHIAN SHOT</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">321</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">PURGATORY</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">327</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXIV.</td> -<td class="tdl">WITH TOASTING-FORKS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">335</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXV.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE JACK O' LANTERNS</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">347</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXVI.</td> -<td class="tdl">A RETURN BLOW</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">355</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXVII.</td> -<td class="tdl">A CATHERINE WHEEL</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">364</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE BRENT-GEESE</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">376</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXIX.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE CUT EMBANKMENT</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">382</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XL.</td> -<td class="tdl">THISTLES</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">394</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - -<div class="break"> -<p class="xxxlarge center"><b>CHEAP JACK ZITA.</b></p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_deco.png" alt="Decorated Bar" /> -</div> - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</h2> - -<p class="center">BEFORE THE GALILEE</p> - -<p class="p1">WHAT was the world coming to? The world—the centre of it—the Isle of -Ely?</p> - -<p>What aged man in his experience through -threescore years and ten had heard of such -conduct before?</p> - -<p>What local poet, whose effusions appeared -in the 'Cambridge and Ely Post,' in his wildest -flights of imagination, conceived of such a -thing?</p> - -<p>Decency must have gone to decay and been -buried. Modesty must have unfurled her wings -and sped to heaven before such an event could -become possible.</p> - -<p>Where were the constables? Were bye-laws -to become dead letters? Were order, propriety, -the eternal fitness of things, to be trampled under -foot by vagabonds?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> - -<p>In front of the cathedral, before the Galilee,—the -magnificent west porch of the minster of -St. Etheldreda,—a Cheap Jack's van was drawn -up.</p> - -<p>Within twenty yards of the Bishop's palace, -where every word uttered was audible in every -room, a Cheap Jack was offering his wares.</p> - -<p>Effrontery was, in heraldic language, rampant -and regardant.</p> - -<p>A crowd was collected about the van; a -crowd composed of all sorts and conditions -of men, jostling each other, trampling on the -grass of the lawn, climbing up the carved -work of the cathedral, to hear, to see, to bid, -to buy.</p> - -<p>Divine service was hardly over. The organ -was still mumbling and tooting, when through -the west door came a drift of choristers, who -had flung off their surplices and had raced down -the nave, that they might bid against and outbid -each other for the pocket-knives offered by -Cheap Jack.</p> - -<p>Mr. Faggs, the beadle, was striding in the -same direction, relaxing the muscles of his face -from the look of severe ecclesiastical solemnity -into which they were drawn during divine -worship. It had occurred to him during the -singing of the anthem that there were sundry -articles of domestic utility Cheap Jack was -selling that it might be well for him to secure at -a low figure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - -<p>Mr. Bowles, the chief bailiff, had come forth -from evensong with his soul lifted up with -thankfulness that he was not as other men were: -he attended the cathedral daily, he subscribed -to all the charities; and now he stood looking on, -his breath taken away, his feet riveted to the -soil by surprise at the audacity of the Cheap -Jack, in daring to draw up before the minster, -and vend his wares during the hour of afternoon -prayer.</p> - -<p>The servant maids in the canons' houses in -the Close had their heads craned out from such -narrow Gothic windows as would allow their -brachycephalic skulls to pass, and were listening -and lawk-a-mussying and oh-mying over the -bargains.</p> - -<p>Nay, the Bishop himself was in an upper room, -the window-sash of which was raised, ensconced -behind the curtain, with his ear open and cocked, -and he was laughing at what he heard till his -apron rippled, his bald head waxed pink, and -his calves quivered.</p> - -<p>Very little of the sides of the van was visible, -so encrusted were they with brooms, brushes, -door-mats, tin goods, and coalscuttles. Between -these articles might be detected the glimmer of -the brimstone yellow of the carcase of the shop -on wheels. The front of the conveyance was -open; it was festooned with crimson plush -curtains, drawn back; and, deep in its depths -could be discerned racks and ranges of shelves, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> - -stored with goods of the most various and -inviting description.</p> - -<p>The front of the van was so contrived as to -fall forward, and in so falling to disengage a pair -of supports that sustained it, and temporarily -converted it into a platform. On this platform -stood the Cheap Jack, a gaunt man with bushy -dark hair and sunken cheeks; he was speaking -with a voice rendered hoarse by bellowing. He -was closely shaven. He wore drab breeches and -white stockings, a waistcoat figured with flowers, -and was in his shirt sleeves. On his head was -a plush cap, with flaps that could be turned up -or down as occasion served. When turned down, -that in front was converted into a peak that -sheltered his eyes, those at the sides protected -his ears, and that behind prevented rain from -coursing down the nape of his neck. When, -however, these four lappets were turned up, they -transformed the cap into a crown—a crown such -as it behoved the King of Cheap Jacks to wear. -The man was pale and sallow, sweat-drops stood -on his brow, and it was with an effort that he -maintained the humour with which he engaged -the attention of his hearers, and that he made -his voice audible to those in the outermost ring -of the curious and interested clustered about the -van. Within, in the shadowed depths of the -conveyance, glimpses were obtained of a girl, -who moved about rapidly and came forward -occasionally to hand the Cheap Jack such articles - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> - -as he demanded, or to receive from him such as -had failed to command a purchaser.</p> - -<p>When she appeared, it was seen that she was -a slender, well-built girl of about seventeen -summers, with ripe olive skin, a thick head of -short-cut chestnut hair, and a pair of hazel -eyes.</p> - -<p>Apparently she was unmoved by her father's -jokes; they provoked no smile on her lips, for -they were familiar to her; and she was equally -unmoved by the admiration she aroused among -the youths, with which also she was apparently -familiar.</p> - -<p>'Here now!' shouted the Cheap Jack. 'What -the dickens have I got?—a spy-glass to be sure, -and such a spy-glass as never was and never will -be offered again. When I was a-comin' along -the road from Cambridge, and was five miles -off, "Tear and ages!" sez I, seein' your famous -cathedral standin' up in the sunshine, "Tear -and ages!" sez I; "that's a wonder of the world." -And I up wi' my spy-glass. Now look here. -You observe as 'ow one of the western wings be -fallen down. 'Tis told that when the old men -built up that there top storey to the tower, that -it throwed the left wing down. Now I looked -through this perspective glass, and I seed both -wings standing just as they used to be, and just -as they ought to be, but ain't. I couldn't take -less than seventeen and six for this here wonderful -spy-glass—seventeen and six. What! not buy - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> - -a glass as will show you how things ought to be, -but ain't?' He turned to the circle round him -from side to side. 'Come now,—say ten -shillings. 'Tis a shame to take the perspective -glass out of Ely.' A pause. 'No one inclined -to bid ten shillings? Take it back, Zita. These -here Ely folk be that poor they can't go above -tenpence. Ten shillings soars above their -purses. But stay. Zita, give me that there -glass again. There is something more that is -wonderful about it. You look through and you'll -see what's to your advantage, and that's what -every one don't see wi' the naked eye. Come—say -seven shillings!'</p> - -<p>No bid.</p> - -<p>'And let me tell the ladies—they've but to -look through, and they'll see the <em>him</em> they've set -their 'arts on, comin', comin',—bloomin' as a rose, -and 'olding the wedding ring in 'is 'and.'</p> - -<p>In went the heads of the servant maids of the -canons' residences.</p> - -<p>'I say!' shouted one of the choristers, 'will it -show us a coming spanking?'</p> - -<p>'Of course it will,' answered the Cheap Jack, -'because it's to your advantage.'</p> - -<p>'Let us look then.'</p> - -<p>Cheap Jack handed the telescope to the lad. -He put his eye to it, drew the glass out, lowered -it, and shouted, 'I see nothing.'</p> - -<p>'Of course not. You're such a darlin' good -boy; you ain't going to have no spanking.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Let me look,' said a shop-girl standing by.</p> - -<p>Cheap Jack waited. Every one watched.</p> - -<p>'I don't see nothing,' said the girl.</p> - -<p>'Of course not. You ain't got a sweetheart, -and never will have one.'</p> - -<p>A roar of laughter, and the young woman -retired in confusion.</p> - -<p>'And, I say,' observed the boy, as he returned -the glass, 'it's all a cram about the fallen transept. -I looked, and saw it was down.'</p> - -<p>'Of course you did,' retorted the Cheap Jack. -'Didn't I say five miles off? Go five miles -along the Wisbeach Road, and you'll see it -sure enough, as I said. There—five shillings -for it.'</p> - -<p>'I'll give you half a crown.'</p> - -<p>'Half a crown!' jeered the vendor. 'There, -though, you're a quirister, and for the sake o' -your beautiful voice, and because you're such -a good boy, as don't deserve nor expect a -whacking, you shall have it for half a crown.'</p> - -<p>The Bishop's nose and one eye were thrust -from behind the curtain.</p> - -<p>'Why,' said the Right Reverend to himself, -'that's Tom Bulk, as mischievous a young -rogue as there is in the choir and grammar -school. He is as sure of a caning this week as—as'—</p> - -<p>'Thanky, sir,' said Cheap Jack, pocketing the -half-crown. 'Zita, what next? Hand me that -blazin' crimson plush weskit.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> - -<p>From out the dark interior stepped the girl, -and the sunshine flashed over her, lighting her -auburn hair, rich as burnished copper. She -wore a green, scarlet, and yellow flowered kerchief, -tied across her bosom, and knotted behind -her back. Bound round her waist was a white -apron.</p> - -<p>She deigned no glance at the throng, but -kept her eyes fixed on her father's face.</p> - -<p>'Are you better, dad?' she asked in a low -tone.</p> - -<p>'Not much, Zit. But I'll go through with it.'</p> - -<p>'Here we are now!' shouted the Jack, after -he had drawn the sleeve of his left arm across -his brow and lips, that were bathed in perspiration. -And yet the weather was cold; the -season was the end of October, and the occasion -of the visit of the van to Ely was Tawdry (St. -Etheldreda's) Fair.</p> - -<p>A whisper and nudges passed among the -young men crowded about the van.</p> - -<p>'Ain't she just a stunner?'</p> - -<p>'I say, I wish the Cheap Jack would put up -the girl to sale. Wouldn't there be bidding?'</p> - -<p>'She's the finest thing about the caravan.'</p> - -<p>Such were comments that flew from one to -another.</p> - -<p>'Now, then!' bellowed the vendor of cheap -wares; 'here you are again! A red velvet -weskit, with splendid gold—real gold—buttons. -You shall judge; I'll put it on.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - -<p>The man suited the action to the word. Then -he straightened his legs and arms, and turned -himself about from side to side to exhibit the -full beauty of the vestment from every quarter.</p> - -<p>'Did you ever see the like of this?' he shouted. -'But them breeches o' mine have a sort o' -deadening effect on the beauty of the weskit. -Thirty shillings is the price. You should see it -along with a black frock-coat and black trousers. -Then it's glorious! It's something you can -wear with just what you likes. No one looks -at rags when you've this on, so took up is they -with the weskit. What is that you said, sir? -Twenty-five shillings was your offer? It is -yours—and all because I sees it'll go with them -great black whiskers of yours like duck and -green peas. It'll have a sort of a mellering effect -on their bushiness, and 'armonise with them as -well as the orging goes wi' the chanting of the -quiristers.'</p> - -<p>Jack handed the waistcoat, which he had -hastily plucked off his back, to one of the layclerks -of the cathedral. The man turned as -red as the waistcoat, and thrust his hands -behind his back.</p> - -<p>'I never bid for it,' he protested.</p> - -<p>'Beg pardon, sir; I thought you nodded your -'ead to me, but it was the wind a-blowin' of it -about. That gentleman with the black flowin' -whiskers don't take the weskit; it is still for -sale. I'll let you have it for fifteen shillings, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> - -and it'll make you a conquering hero among -the females. You, sir? Here you are.'</p> - -<p>He addressed the chief bailiff, Mr. Bowles, an -elderly, white-whiskered, semi-clerical official, -the pink and paragon of propriety.</p> - -<p>'No!' exclaimed Cheap Jack, as Mr. Bowles, -with uplifted palms and averted head, staggered -back. 'No—his day is past. But I can see by -the twinkle of his eye he was the devil among -the gals twenty years ago. It's the young chaps -who must compete for the weskit. I'll tell you -something rare,' continued the man, after clearing -his throat and mopping his brow and lips. -'No one will think but what you're a lord or a -harchbishop when you 'ave this 'ere weskit on. -As I was a-coming into Ely in this here concern, -sez I to myself, "I'll put on an appearance out -o' respect to this ancient and venerable city." -So I drawed on this weskit; and what should -'appen but we meets his most solemn and sacred -lordship, the Bishop of the diocese.'</p> - -<p>'This is coming it rather strong,' said the -person alluded to behind the curtain, and his -face and head became hot and damp.</p> - -<p>'Well, and when his lordship, the Right -Reverend, saw me, he lifted up his holy eyes -and looked at my weskit. And then sez he to -himself, "Lawk-a-biddy, it's the Prince!" and -down he went in the dirt afore me, grovellin' -with his nose in the mire. He did, upon my -word.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Upon my word, this is monstrous! this is -insufferable! A joke is a joke!' gasped the -Bishop, very much agitated. 'There's moderation -in all things—a limitation to be observed -even in exaggeration. I haven't been on the -Wisbeach Road this fortnight. I never saw the -man. I never went down in the dirt. This is -positively appalling!'</p> - -<p>He took a turn round the room, went to the -bell, then considered that it would be inadvisable -to summon the footman and show that he -had been listening to the nonsense of a Cheap -Jack. Accordingly he went back to the window, -hid himself once more behind the curtain, but -so trembled with excitement and distress, that -the whole curtain trembled with him.</p> - -<p>'Nine and six. Here you are. Nine and six -for this splendid garment, and cheap it is—dirt -cheap. You're a lucky man, sir; and won't you -only cut out your rivals with the darling?'</p> - -<p>Cheap Jack handed the plush waistcoat to a -young farmer from the Fens; then suddenly he -turned himself about, looked into his van, and -said in a husky voice—</p> - -<p>'Zit, I can't go yarning no longer. I've got -to the end of my powers; you carry on.'</p> - -<p>'Right, father; I'm the boy for you with the -general public.'</p> - -<p>The man stepped within. As he did so, the -girl lowered one of the curtains so as to conceal -him. He sank wearily on a bench at the side. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> - -She stooped with a quivering lip and filling eye -and kissed him, then sprang forward and stood -outside on the platform, contemplating the -crowd with a look of assurance, mingled with -contempt.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE FLAILS</p> - -<p class="p1">'NOW, here's a chance you may never have -again—a chance, let me tell you, you -never <em>will</em> have again.' She extended in both -hands packages of tea done up in silvered paper. -'The general public gets cheated in tea—it does—tremenjous! -It is given sloe leaves, all kinds -of rubbish, and pays for it a fancy price. Father, -he has gone and bought a plantation out in -China, and has set over it a real mandarin with -nine tails, and father guarantees that this tea -is the very best of our plantation teas, and he -sells it at a price which puts it within the reach -of all. Look here!' she turned a parcel about; -'here you are, with the mandarin's own seal -upon it, to let every one know it is genuine, -and that it is the only genuine tea sent over.'</p> - -<p>'Where's the plantation, eh, girl?' jeered a -boy from the grammar school.</p> - -<p>'Where is it?' answered the girl, turning -sharply on her interlocutor. 'It's at Fumchoo. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> - -Do you know where Fumchoo is? You don't? -and yet you sets up to be a scholar. It is fifteen -miles from Pekin by the high road, and seven -and a half over the fields. Go to school and -look at your map, and tell your master he ought -to be ashamed of himself not to ha' made you -know your geography better. Now, then, here's -your chance. Finest orange-flower Pekoe at -four shillings. Beat that if you can.' No offers. -'I am not coming down in my price. Don't -think that; not a farthing. Four shillings a -pound; but I'll try to meet you in another way. -I keep the tea in quarter-pound parcels as well. -Perhaps that'll meet your views—and a beautiful -pictur' of Fumchoo on the cover, with the -Chinamen a-picking of the tea leaves. What! -no bidder?'</p> - -<p>There ensued a pause. Every one expected -that the girl would lower the price. They were -mistaken. She went back into the van and -produced a roll of calico. Then ensued an -outcry of many voices: 'Tea! give us some of -your tea, please.' In ten minutes she had disposed -of all she had.</p> - -<p>'There, you see,' said Zita, 'our supply runs -short. In Wisbeach the Mayor and Corporation -bought it, and at Cambridge all the colleges -had their supplies from us. That's why we're -run out now. Stand back, gents.'</p> - -<p>This call was one of caution to the eager -purchasers and tempted lookers-on.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<p>Tawdry Fair was for horses and bullocks, -and a drove of the latter was being sent along -from the market-place towards Stuntney. For -a while the business of the sale was interrupted. -One audacious bullock even bounded into the -Galilee, another careered round the van; one -ran as if for sanctuary to the Bishop's palace. -Zita seized the occasion to slip inside the van. -Her father was on the low seat, leaning his head -wearily on his hand, and his elbow on his knee.</p> - -<p>'How are you now, dad?'</p> - -<p>'I be bad, Zit—bad—tremenjous.'</p> - -<p>'Had you not best see a doctor?'</p> - -<p>He shook his head.</p> - -<p>'It'll pass,' said he; 'I reckon doctors won't -do much for me. They're over much like us -Cheap Jacks—all talk and trash.'</p> - -<p>'This has been coming on some time,' -observed the girl gravely. 'I've seen for a -fortnight you have been poorly.'</p> - -<p>Then, looking forth between the curtains -which she had lowered, she saw that the -bullocks were gone, and that the cluster of -people interested in purchases had re-formed -round her little stage.</p> - -<p>'I say,' shouted a chorister, 'have you got -any pocket-knives?'</p> - -<p>'Pocket-knives by the score, and razors too. -You'll be wanting a pair of them in a fortnight.'</p> - -<p>Whilst Zita was engaged in furnishing the -lads with knives, the Bishop retired from the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> - -upstairs window to his library, where he seated -himself in an easy-chair, took up a pamphlet, -and went up like a balloon inflated with elastic -gas into theologic clouds, where controversy -flashed and thundered about his head, and in -this, his favourite sphere, the Right Reverend -Father forgot all about the Cheap Jack, and no -longer felt concern at his having been misrepresented -as grovelling before a prince of the -blood royal in a red waistcoat.</p> - -<p>At the same time, also, a plot concerning Zita -was being entered into by a number of young -fen-men who had come to Tawdry Fair to amuse -themselves, and had been arrested by the attractions -of the Cheap Jack's van.</p> - -<p>Whatever those attractions might have been -whilst the man was salesman, they were -enhanced tenfold when his place was occupied -by his daughter. Some whispering had gone -on for five minutes, and then with one consent -they began to elbow their way forward till they -had formed an innermost ring around the -platform. But this centripetal movement had -not been executed without difficulty and protest. -Women, boys, burly men were forced to give -way before the wedge-like thrusts inwards of -the young men's shoulders, and they remonstrated, -the women shrilly, the boys by shouts, -the men with oaths and blows. But every sort -of resistance was overcome, all remonstrances -of whatever sort were disregarded, and Zita - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> - -suddenly found herself surrounded by a circle -of sturdy, tall fellows, looking up with faces -expressive of mischief.</p> - -<p>That something more than eagerness to -purchase was at the bottom of this movement -struck Zita, and for a moment she lost confidence, -and faltered in her address on the -excellence of some moth-eaten cloth she was -endeavouring to sell.</p> - -<p>Then one round-faced, apple-complexioned -young man worked himself up by the wheel -of the van, and, planting his elbows on the -platform, shouted, 'Come, my lass, at what -price do you sell kisses?'</p> - -<p>'We ha'n't got them in the general stock,' -answered Zita; 'but I'll ask father if he'll give -you one.'</p> - -<p>A burst of laughter.</p> - -<p>'No, no,' shouted the red-faced youth, getting -one knee on the stage. 'I'll pay you sixpence -for a kiss—slick off your cherry lips.'</p> - -<p>'I don't sell.'</p> - -<p>'Then I'll have one as a gift.'</p> - -<p>'I never give away nothing.'</p> - -<p>'Then I'll steal one.'</p> - -<p>The young fellow jumped to his feet on the -platform. At the signal the rest of the youths -began to scramble up, and in a minute the place -was invaded, occupied, and the girl surrounded. -Cheers and roars of laughter rose from the -spectators.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Now, then, you Cheap Jack girl,' exclaimed -the apple-faced youth. 'Kisses all round, three -a-piece, or we'll play Old Harry with the shop, -and help ourselves to its contents.'</p> - -<p>The father of Zita, on hearing the uproar, -the threats, the tramp of boots on the stage, -staggered to his feet, and, drawing back the -curtains, stood holding them apart, and looking -forth with bewildered eyes. Zita turned and -saw him.</p> - -<p>'Sit down, father,' said she. 'It's only the -general public on a frolic.'</p> - -<p>She put her hand within and drew forth a -stout ashen flail, whirled it about her head, and -at once, like grasshoppers, the youths leaped -from the stage, each fearing lest the flapper -should fall on and cut open his own pate. -The last to spring was the apple-faced youth; -he was endeavouring to find some free space -into which to descend, when the flapper of the -flail came athwart his shoulder-blades with so -sharp a stroke, that, uttering a howl, he plunged -among the throng, and would have knocked -down two or three, had they not been wedged -together too closely to be upset.</p> - -<p>Then ensued cries from those hurt by his -weight as he floundered upon them; cries of -'Now, then, what do you mean by this? Can't -you keep to yourself? This comes of your -nonsense.'</p> - -<p>Zita stood erect, leaning on the staff of the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> - -flail, looking calmly round on the confusion, -waiting till the uproar ceased, that she might -resume business. As she thus stood, her eye -rested on a tall, well-shaped man, with a tiger's -skin cast over his broad shoulders, and with a -black felt slouched hat on his head. His nose -was like the beak of a hawk. His eyes were -dark, piercing, and singularly close together, -under brows that met in one straight band -across his forehead.</p> - -<p>The moment this man's eye caught that of -Zita, he raised his great hat, flourished it in -the air, exposing a shaggy head with long dark -locks, and he shouted, 'Well done, girl! I like -that. Give me a pair of them there ashen flails, -and here's a crown for your pluck.'</p> - -<p>'I haven't a pair,' said the girl.</p> - -<p>'Then I'll have that one, with which a little -gal of sixteen has licked our Fen louts. I like -that.'</p> - -<p>'I'll give you a crown for that flail,' called -another man, from the farther side of the crowd. -'Here you are—a crown.'</p> - -<p>This man was fair, with light whiskers—a -tall man as well as the other, and about the -same age.</p> - -<p>'I'll give you seven shillings and six—a -crown and half a crown for that flail,' roared -the dark man. 'I bid first—I want that flail.'</p> - -<p>'Two crowns—ten shillings,' called the fair -man. 'I can make a better offer than Drownlands— - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> - -not as I want the flail, but as Drownlands -wants it, he shan't have it.'</p> - -<p>'Twelve and six,' roared the dark man. -'Gold's no object with me. What I wants I -will have.'</p> - -<p>The lookers-on nudged each other. A young -farmer said to his fellow, 'Them chaps, Runham -and Drownlands, be like two tigers; when they -meet they must fight. We shall have fun.'</p> - -<p>'You are a fool!' shouted the fair man,—'a -fool—that is what I think you are, to give -twelve and six for what isn't worth two shillings. -I'll let you have it at that price, that you may -become the laughing-stock of the Fens.'</p> - -<p>The flail was handed out of the van to the -man called Drownlands, Zita received a piece -of gold and half a crown in her palm. She -retired into the waggon, and immediately reappeared -with a second flail.</p> - -<p>'Here is another, after all,' said she; 'I didn't -think I had it.'</p> - -<p>'I'll take that to make the pair,' said Drownlands; -'but as you've done me over the first, -I think you should give me this one.'</p> - -<p>'I done you!' exclaimed Zita; 'you've done -yourself.'</p> - -<p>'She's right there,' observed a man in the -crowd. 'Them tigers—Runham and Drownlands—would -fight about a straw.'</p> - -<p>'Are you going to hand me over that flail?' -asked the dark purchaser.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<p>Zita remained for a moment undecided. She -had in verity made an unprecedented price with -the first, and she was half inclined to surrender -the second gratis, but to give and receive nothing -was against the moral code of Cheap Jacks from -the beginning of Cheap Jacking. Whilst she -hesitated, holding the flail in suspense, and with -a finger on her lips, the fair man yelled out—</p> - -<p>'Don't let the blackguard have it. I'll have -it to spoil the pair for him, and for no other -reason.'</p> - -<p>'I will have it, you scoundrel!' howled the -dark man. 'I have as much gold as ever you -have. I don't care what I spend. Here, girl! -a crown to begin with.'</p> - -<p>'Seven and six,' shouted Runham.</p> - -<p>'Ten shillings,' cried Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'Fifteen shillings!' exclaimed the fair man. -Then, seeing that his rival was about to bid, he -yelled, 'A guinea!' at the same moment that -the other called, 'A pound!'</p> - -<p>'It is yours,' said the girl to the man -Runham, and she handed him the flail. She -saw that the passions of the two men were -roused, and she deemed it desirable to close -the scene, lest a fight should ensue, in which, -possibly, she might lose the money that had -been offered.</p> - -<p>Runham, flourishing his flail over his head, -and throwing out the flapper in the direction -of Drownlands, said, 'There, now! Who can - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> - -say but what I'm the best off of the two? -Mine cost me a guinea, and his beggarly flail -not above twelve and six. I am the better man -of the two by eight and six.'</p> - -<p>He felt in his pockets and drew forth a -guinea.</p> - -<p>'There, you Cheap Jack girl—here's your -money all in gold. I'm the better man of the -two by eight and six. I've beat Drownlands -like a gentleman.'</p> - -<p>Some one looking on in the crowd said, 'A -pair o' flails and a pair o' fools at the end o' -them, as don't know what is the vally o' their -money. Never since the creation of the world -was flails sold at that price, and never will be -again.'</p> - -<p>'And never would have been, or never could -have been, anywhere but among fen-tigers,' -said another.</p> - -<p>'I'll tell'y what,' observed the first; 'this ain't -the end o' the story.'</p> - -<p>'No—I guess not. It's the beginnin' rather -of a mighty queer tale.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">TWO CROWNS</p> - -<p class="p1">A STRANGELY interesting city is Ely.Unique in its way is the metropolis of -the Fens; wonderful exceeding it must have -been in the olden times when the fen-land was -one great inland sea, studded at wide intervals -with islets as satellites about the great central -isle of Ely. It was a scene that impressed the -imagination of our forefathers. Stately is the -situation of Durham, that occupies a tongue of -land between ravines. It has its own unique -and royal splendour. But hardly if at all -inferior, though very different, is the situation -of Ely. The fens extend on all sides to the -horizon, flat as the sea, and below the sea level. -If the dykes were broken through, or the steam -pumps and windmills ceased to work, all would -again, in a twelvemonth, revert to its primitive -condition of a vast inland sea, out of which -would rise the marl island of Ely, covered with -buildings amidst tufted trees, reflecting themselves - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> - -in the still water as in a glass. Above -the roofs, above the tree-tops, soars that glorious -cathedral, one of the very noblest, certainly one -of the most beautiful, in England—nay, let it -be spoken boldly—in the whole Christian world. -It stands as a beacon seen from all parts of the -Fens, and it is the pride of the Fens.</p> - -<p>Ely owes its origin to a woman—St. Etheldreda—flying -from a rude, dissolute, and drunken -court. She was the wife first of Tombert, a -Saxon prince in East Anglia, then of Egfrid of -Northumbria. Sick of the coarse revelry, the -rude manners of a Saxon court, Etheldreda fled -and hid herself in the isle of Ely, where she -would be away from men and alone with God -and wild, beautiful nature.</p> - -<p>Whatever we may think of the morality of -a wife deserting her post at the side of her -husband, of a queen abandoning her position in -a kingdom, we cannot, perhaps, be surprised at -it. A tender, gentle-spirited woman after a -while sickened of the brutality of the ways of -a Saxon court, its drunkenness and savagery, -and fled that she might find in solitude that -rest for her weary soul and overstrained nerves -she could not find in the Northumbrian palace. -This was in the year 673. Then this islet was -unoccupied. It has been supposed that it takes -its name from the eels that abounded round it; -we are, perhaps, more correct in surmising that -it was originally called the Elf-isle, the islet - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> - -inhabited by the mythic spiritual beings who -danced in the moonlight and sported over the -waters of the meres.</p> - -<p>This lovely island, covered with woods, surrounded -by a fringe of water-lilies, gold and -silver, floating far out as a lace about it, became -the seat of a great monastery. Monks succeeded -the elves.</p> - -<p>King Canute, the Dane, was seized with admiration -for Ely, loved to visit it in his barge, -or come to it over the ice. It is said that one -Candlemas Day, when, as was his wont, King -Canute came towards Ely, he found the meres -overflowed and frozen. A 'ceorl' named Brithmer -led the way for Canute's sledge over the -ice, proving the thickness of the ice by his -own weight. For this service his lands were -enfranchised.</p> - -<p>On another occasion the king passed the isle -in his barge, and over the still and glassy water -came the strains of the singing in the minster. -Whereupon the king composed a song, of which -only the first stanza has been preserved, that -may be modernised thus:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - - <div class="verse indent6">'Merry sang the monks of Ely</div> - <div class="verse indent6">As King Knut came rowing by.</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Oarsmen, row the land more near</div> - <div class="verse indent6">That I may hear their song more clear.'</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Ely, although it be a city, is yet but a village. -The houses are few, seven thousand inhabitants -is the population, it has two or three parish - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> - -churches, and the cathedral, the longest in -Christendom. The houses are of brick or of -plaster; and a curious custom exists in Ely of -encrusting the plaster with broken glass, so -that a house-front sparkles in the sun as though -frosted. All the roofs are tiled. The cathedral -is constructed of stone quarried in Northamptonshire, -and brought in barges to the isle.</p> - -<p>Ely possesses no manufactures, has almost no -neighbourhood, stands solitary and self-contained. -On some sides it rises rapidly from -the fen, on others it slopes easily down. A -singular effect is produced when the white mists -hang over the fen-land for miles and miles, and -the sun glitters on the island city. Then it is -as an enchanted isle of eternal spring, lost in a -wilderness of level snow. Or again, on a night -when the auroral lights flicker over the heavens, -here red, there silvery, and against the glowing -skies towers up this isle crowned with its mighty -cathedral, then, verily, it is as though it were a -scene in some fairy tale, some magic creation of -Eastern fantasy.</p> - -<p>A girl was sauntering through the wide, -grass-grown streets of Ely. During the fair -the streets were full of people—nay, full is not -the word—were occupied by people more or -less scattered about them. It would take a -vast throng, such as the fens of Cambridgeshire -cannot supply, to <em>fill</em> these wide spaces.</p> - -<p>The girl was tall and handsome, rather masculine, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> - -with a cheerful face. She had very fair -hair, a bright complexion, and eyes of a dazzling -blue—a blue as of the sea when rippling and -sparkling in the midsummer sun. She was -plainly dressed in serge of dark navy blue, -with white kerchief about her neck, a chip hat-bonnet -and blue ribbons in it. Her skirts were -somewhat short, they exposed neat ankles in -stockings white as snow, and strong shoes. A -fen-girl must wear strong shoes, she cannot have -gloves on her feet.</p> - -<p>'Jimminy!' said the girl, as she turned her -pocket inside out. 'Not one penny! Poor -Kainie is the only girl at the fair without a -sweetheart, the only child without a fairing. -No one to treat me! Nothing to be got for -nothing. Jimminy! I don't care.' Then she -began to sing:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">'Last night the dogs did bark,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">I went to the gate to see.</div> - <div class="verse indent6">When every lass had her spark,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">But nobody comes to me.</div> - <div class="verse indent10">And it's Oh dear! what will become of me?</div> - <div class="verse indent12">Oh dear, what shall I do?</div> - <div class="verse indent10">Nobody coming to marry me,</div> - <div class="verse indent12">Nobody coming to woo.</div> - </div> <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">My father's a hedger and ditcher,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">My mother does nothing but spin,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">And I am a pretty young girl,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">But the money comes slowly in'—</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then suddenly she confronted the fair-haired -farmer Runham, coming out of a tavern, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -the flail over his shoulder. A little disconcerted -at encountering him, she paused in her song, -but soon recovered herself, and began again at -the interrupted verse:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">'My father's a hedger and ditcher,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">My mother'—</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>'Kainie! Are you beside yourself, singing -like a ballad-monger in the open street?'</p> - -<p>The man's face was red, whether with drink, -or that the sight of the girl had brought the -colour into his face, Kainie could not say. His -breath smelt of spirits, and she turned her head -away.</p> - -<p>'It's all nonsense,' she said. 'My mother is -dead—is dead—and I am alone. I don't know, -I don't see why I should not sing; I want a -fairing, and have no money. I'll go along -singing, "My father's a hedger and ditcher," -and then some charitable folk will throw me -coppers, and I shall get a little money and buy -myself a fairing.'</p> - -<p>'For heaven's sake, do nothing of the kind. -Here—rather than that—here is a crown. -Take that. What would the Commissioners -say if they were told that you went a ballad-singing -in the streets of Ely at Tawdry Fair? -They would turn you out of your mill. I am -sure they would. Here, Kainie, conduct yourself -respectably, and take a crown.'</p> - -<p>He pressed the large silver coin into her -hand, and hurried away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<p>'That's brave!' exclaimed the girl, snapping -her fingers. 'Now I can buy my fairing. -Now, all I want is a lover.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">"Nobody coming to marry me,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">Nobody coming to woo!"</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Jimminy! I must not do that! I've taken a -crown to be mum. Now I'm a young person -of respectability—I've money in my pocket. -Now I must look about me and see what to -buy. I'll go to the Cheap Jack. How do you -do, uncle?'</p> - -<p>She addressed the dark-haired man Drownlands, -who had just turned the corner, with his -flail over his shoulder. He scowled at the girl, -and would have passed her without a word, but -to this she would not consent.</p> - -<p>'See! see!' said she, holding up the crown -she had received. 'I was just going along -sighing and weeping because I had no money, -not a farthing in my pocket, not a lover at my -side to buy me anything. Then came some -one and gave me this—look, Uncle Drownlands! -Five shillings!'</p> - -<p>'So—going in bad ways?'</p> - -<p>'What is the harm? I was ballad-singing. -Then he came and gave me a crown.'</p> - -<p>'You ballad-singing!'</p> - -<p>'Yes; how else can I get money? I'm a poor -girl, owned by nobody, for whom nobody cares.'</p> - -<p>'You will bring disgrace—deeper disgrace on -the family—on the name.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Not I; I'm honest. If I am given five -shillings, may I not receive it? Master Runham -gave me the money to make me shut my -mouth. I was singing</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">"My father's a hedger and ditcher,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">My mother"'—</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>'For heaven's sake, silence!' said Drownlands -angrily. 'If you will hold your tongue, I will -give you a couple of shillings.'</p> - -<p>'A couple of shillings! And I'm your own -niece, and have your name.'</p> - -<p>'More shame to you—to your mother!' exclaimed -the farmer bitterly.</p> - -<p>The girl suddenly dropped her head, and her -brow became crimson.</p> - -<p>'Not a word about my dear mother—not a -stone thrown at her,' she said in a low tone.</p> - -<p>'Well, no ballad-singing. Take heed to yourself. -You are wild and careless.'</p> - -<p>'Much you think of me! much you care for -me!'</p> - -<p>'Begone! You are a disgrace to me—your -existence is a disgrace. Take a crown and -spend it properly. You shall have nothing -more from me. As Runham gave you five -shillings, it shall not be said that I gave you -less.'</p> - -<p>He handed her the coin, and with a scowl -passed on.</p> - -<p>Kainie remained for a moment musing, with -lowered eyes. Then she raised her head, shook - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> - -it, as though to shake off the sadness, the -humiliation that had come on her with the -words of Drownlands, and hummed—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">'Nobody coming to marry me,</div> - <div class="verse indent8">Nobody coming to woo.'</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>'What! Kainie!'</p> - -<p>The words were those of a young man, -heavy-browed, pale, somewhat gaunt, with long -arms.</p> - -<p>'Oh, Pip!—Pip!—Pip!'</p> - -<p>'What is the matter, Kainie?'</p> - -<p>'Pip, I'm the only girl here without her -young man. It is terrible—terrible; and see, -Pip, I've got two crowns to spend, and I don't -know what to spend them on. There is too -much money here for sweetie stuff; and as for -smart ribbons and bonnets and such like, it is -only just about once in the year I can get away -from the mill and come into town and show -myself. It does seem a waste to spend a couple -of crowns on dress, when no one can see me -rigged out in it. What shall I do, Pip?—you -wise, you sensible, you dear Pip.'</p> - -<p>The young man, Ephraim Beamish, considered; -then he said—</p> - -<p>'Kainie, I don't like your being alone in Red -Wings. Times are queer. Times will be worse. -There is trouble before us in the Fens. Things -cannot go on as they are—the labouring men -ground down under the heels of the farmers, -who are thriving and waxing fat. I don't like - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> - -you to be alone in the windmill; you should -have some protector. Now, look here. I've -been to that Cheap Jack van, and there's a big -dog there the Cheap Jackies want to sell, but -there has been no bid. Take my advice, offer -the two crowns for that great dog, and take him -home with you. Then I shall be easy; and -now I am not that. You are too lonely—and a -good-looking girl like you'—</p> - -<p>'Pip, I'll have the dog.' She tossed the coins -into the air. 'Here, crownies, you go for a bow-wow.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">ON THE DROVE</p> - -<p class="p1">THERE is not in all England—there is -hardly in the world—any tract of country -more depressing to the spirits, more void of -elements of loveliness, than the Cambridgeshire -Fens as they now are.</p> - -<p>In former days, when they were under water—a -haunt of wildfowl, a wilderness of lagoons, -a paradise of wild-flowers—when they teemed -with fish and swarmed with insect life of every -kind—when the <i>eys</i> or islets, Stuntney, Shipey, -Southconey, Welney, were the sole objects that -broke the horizon, rising out of the marshes, -rich with forest-trees—then the Fens were full of -charm, because given over to Nature. But the -industry of man has changed the character and -aspect of the Fens. The meres have been -pumped dry, the bogland has been drained. -Where the fowler used to boat after wild duck, -now turnips are hoed; where the net was drawn -by the fisherman, there wave cornfields.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> - -<p>In former times, for five-and-twenty miles -north of Ely, one rippling lake extended, and -men went by boat over it to the sand-dune that -divided it from the sea at King's Lynn. To the -west a mighty mere stretched from Ely to -Peterborough. To the east lay a tangle of lake -and channel, of marsh and islet.</p> - -<p>Until about a hundred years ago, men lived in -houses erected on platforms sustained upon piles -above the level of the water. Walls and roofs -of these habitations were thatched and wattled -with reeds. From the door a ladder conducted -to a boat. In these houses there were hearths, -but no chimneys. The smoke escaped as best -it might through the thatch, or under the gables. -During the winter the fen-men picked up a -livelihood fishing and fowling. In summer they -cultivated such patches of peat soil as appeared -above the surface of the water. There were no -roads; men went from place to place by water, -in boats or on skates.</p> - -<p>In the reign of James I. Ben Jonson wrote -his play 'The Devil is an Ass.' Into this -play he introduced a speculator—a starter of -bogus companies, by name Meercraft, and one -of this man's schemes was the draining of the -Fens.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent6">The thing is for recovery of drown'd land,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Whereof the Crown's to have a moiety,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">If it be owner; else the Crown and owners</div> - <div class="verse indent6">To share that moiety, and the recoverers</div> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> - - <div class="verse indent6">To enjoy the t'other moiety for their charge,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">* * * * * * which will arise</div> - <div class="verse indent6">To eighteen millions, seven the first year.</div> - <div class="verse indent6">I have computed all, and made my survey</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Unto an acre; I'll begin at the pan,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Not at the skirts, as some have done, and lost</div> - <div class="verse indent6">All that they wrought, their timberwork, their trench,</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Their banks, all borne away, or else filled up</div> - <div class="verse indent6">By the next winter. Tut, they never went</div> - <div class="verse indent6">The (right) way. I'll have it all.</div> - <div class="verse indent14">A gallant tract of land it is;</div> - <div class="verse indent6">'Twill yield a pound an acre;</div> - <div class="verse indent6">We must let cheap ever at first.'</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Jonson introduced this Meercraft as a caution -to the people of his day against being induced -to sink money in such ventures, which he regarded -as impossible of realisation. Nevertheless, -what Jonson disbelieved in has been -accomplished. The work begun in 1630, was -interrupted by the Civil Wars, resumed afterwards, -was carried on at considerable outlay and -with great perseverance, till at the beginning of -the present century the complete recovery of -the Fens was an accomplished fact.</p> - -<p>Great was the cost of the undertaking, and -those who had invested in it wearied of the -calls on their purses; land, or rather water, -owners were discouraged, and were ready to -part with rights and possessions that hardly -fetched a shilling an acre, and which instead of -being drained itself seemed to be draining their -pockets. Long-headed fen-men saw their advantage, -and bought eagerly where the owners - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> - -sold eagerly. The new canals carried off the -water, the machines set in operation discharged -the drainage into the main conduits, and soil -that for centuries had been worthless became -auriferous. No more magnificent corn-growing -land was to be found in England. None in -Europe might compare with it, save the delta of -the Danube and the richest alluvial tracts in -South Russia. The fen-men made their fortunes -before they had learned what to do with the -fortunes they made. Money came faster than -they found means to spend it.</p> - -<p>To this day many of the wealthiest owners -are sons or grandsons of half-wild fen-slodgers. -There are no villages in the Fens apart from -such as are clustered on widely dispersed islets. -There are no old picturesque farmhouses and -cottages. Everything is new and ugly. There -are no hedges, no walls, for there is no stone in -the country. There are no trees, save a few -willows and an occasional ash, from whose roots -the soil has shrunk. The surface of the land -is sinking. As the fen is drained, the spongy -soil contracts, and sinks at the rate of two -inches in the year. Consequently houses built -on piles are left after fifty years some eight feet -above the surface, and steps have to be added -to enable the inmates to descend from their -doors.</p> - -<p>The rivers slide along on a level with the top -storeys of the houses, and the only objects to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> - -break the horizon are the windmills that drive -the water up from the dykes into the canals.</p> - -<p>There are no roads, as there is no material of -which roads can be made. In place of roads -there are 'droves.' A drove is a broad course, -straight as an arrow, by means of which communication -is had between one farm and -another, and people pass from one village to -another.</p> - -<p>These droves have ditches, one on each side, -dense in summer with bulrushes. No attempt -is made to consolidate the soil in these droves -other than by harrowing and rolling them in -summer. In winter they are bogs, in summer -they are dust—dust black, impalpable. Wheeled -conveyances can hardly get along the droves in -winter, or wet weather, as the wheels sink to the -axles.</p> - -<p>The canal banks, however, are solid, compacted -of stiff clay, and as they are broad, so as -to resist the pressure of the water they contain -between them, their tops make very tolerable -paths, and roads for those on horseback. But -no wheeled vehicle is suffered to use the bank -tops, and to prevent these banks from being -converted into carriage roads, barriers are placed -across them at intervals, which horses with -riders easily leap.</p> - -<p>At one of the Cambridge Assizes a poor man, -a witness in court, when asked his profession, -answered,—'My lord, I am a banker.' The - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> - -judge, turning very red, said, 'No joking here, -sir.' 'But I <em>am</em> a banker and nothing else,' -protested the witness. He was, in fact, one of -the gang of men maintained for the reparation -of the canal banks.</p> - -<p>The reader must be given some idea of the -manner in which this vast level region is drained. -It is cut up into large squares, and each square -is a field that is surrounded by dykes. These -dykes are in communication with one another, -and all lead to a <i>drain</i> or <i>load</i>, that is to say, to -a channel of water of a secondary size, that -lies at the level of a few feet above the dykes. -To convey the water from the ditches into -the drains, windmills are erected, that work -machinery which throws the water out of the -ditches up hill into the loads. These loads or -drains run to the canal at intervals of two miles; -and when the drain reaches the canal bank, -then a pump of great power forces the water of -the load to a still higher level, into the main -artery through which it flows to the sea. On -the canals are lighters, and these, rather than -waggons, serve for the conveyance of farm -produce to the markets. Water is the natural -highway in the fen-land.</p> - -<p>The short October day had closed in. The -fen lay black, streaked with steely bands—the -dykes that reflected the grey sky.</p> - -<p>On the right hand was a bank rising some -fourteen feet above the roadway; it was the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> - -embankment of the river or canal that goes by -the name of the Lark. Above it, some wan -stars were flickering. On the left hand the fen -stretched away into infinity, the horizon was -lost in fog.</p> - -<p>The Cheap Jack's horse was crawling, reeling -along the drove under the embankment, the van -plunging into quagmires, lurching into ruts. -The horse strained every muscle and drew it -forward a few yards, then sighed, hung his -head, and remained immovable. Once again -he nerved himself to the effort, and as the van -started, its contents tinkled and rattled. The -brute might as well have been drawing it across -a ploughed field. Again he heaved a heavy -sigh, and then finally abandoned the effort.</p> - -<p>The Cheap Jack had got out of the conveyance. -He was unwell, too unwell to walk, but he could -not think of adding his weight to that the poor -horse was compelled to drag over what was not -the apology for, but the mockery of a road.</p> - -<p>'I say, Zit,' muttered he hoarsely, 'I wish -now as we'd a' stayed overnight in Ely.'</p> - -<p>'I wish we had, father. And we could have -afforded it; we've made fine profits in Ely—tremenjous.'</p> - -<p>The man did not respond. He trudged and -stumbled on.</p> - -<p>The drove was as intolerable to walk on as -to drive along.</p> - -<p>'Well, I never came along roads like these - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> - -afore,' said the girl, 'and I hopes we may soon be -out of the Fens, and never get into them again.'</p> - -<p>'I don't know as we shall ever get out,' said -the man, reeling as one drunk. 'It seems as -if we was sinking—sinking—and the black mud -would close over us.'</p> - -<p>'Come along, Jewel!' said Zita to the old -horse. 'I'd put the lash of the whip across you, -but I haven't the heart to do it.'</p> - -<p>'This is going like snails,' groaned the man.</p> - -<p>'It's going worse than snails,' retorted his -daughter. 'Snails carry their houses safely -along with them, but I doubt if we shall convey -our van out of this here region o' stick-in-the-mud, -without all its in'ards being knocked to bits. -We'll have to yarn tremenjous, father, to cover -the dints in the tin and the cracks in the crocks.'</p> - -<p>The man halted.</p> - -<p>'I don't think I can get no forrarder,' said he; -'I'm all of a quake and a chill.'</p> - -<p>'Well, father, let us put up here. It's no -odds to us where we stay.'</p> - -<p>'But it is to the hoss. What's Jewel to eat? -There's nought but mud and rushes. If we do -take him out of the shafts, he'll tumble into one -of the ditches.'</p> - -<p>'I wonder what is the distance to Littleport?' -asked the girl. 'But, bless me! on these roads -it's no calculating distances. There was a man -rode by us on the bank above. He had lanterns -to his stirrups. I wish I'd gone up the side and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> - -just asked him how far ahead it was to Littleport. -Now he's got a long way ahead, and it's no use -to run after him.'</p> - -<p>'We must go on. I doubt but we shall sink -in the mire if we stay.'</p> - -<p>The man sighed and staggered forward. -Then the horse also sighed and endeavoured to -move the van, but failed. It was fast.</p> - -<p>'What is to be done now? There's Jewel -can't stir the caravan. Did you notice, father, -how that man's horse jumped as he rode by? -There is a sort of a rail across, or we would -have tried to get the conveyance up on the -bank. When the horse jumped, up went the -lanterns also. I suppose there is some farm -near here where they'll let us put up Jewel for -the night. We needn't trouble then, as we have -our own house on wheels. But Jewel must -have his food and a stall.'</p> - -<p>At that moment a second rider appeared on -the embankment, trotting in the same direction -as had the first. He had a single lantern -attached to one stirrup, whereas the first who -had passed, and been noticed by Zita, had two. -The girl ran up the slope of the bank, calling.</p> - -<p>The rider drew rein. 'What do you want?' -he inquired.</p> - -<p>'Oh, will you tell me where we can put our -horse for the night and have a little hay?'</p> - -<p>'Who are you?'</p> - -<p>Zita knew by the tone of the voice that the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> - -man had been drinking, and that, though not -inebriated, he had taken too much liquor—</p> - -<p>'We are the Cheap Jack and his daughter. -We cannot get along the way, it is so bad—and -the wheels are stuck in the mud. We want -to go to Littleport, and father'—</p> - -<p>'You are a set of darned rascals!' interrupted -the rider. 'I'll have nothing more to do with -you; and you, I suppose, are the gal as cheated -me—the worst of the lot you are.' He had a -flail in his hand, and he flourished it over his -head. 'You get along, you Cheap Jackies, or -I'll bring the flail down about your heads and -shoulders and loins, and make you fish out that -there guinea I paid—and more fool I.' Driving -his heels into the flanks of his horse, and slashing -its neck with the loop of his bridle, he galloped -along the top of the embankment.</p> - -<p>Zita descended.</p> - -<p>The van was stationary. The horse, Jewel, -stood with drooping head and a pout on the -nether lip, with legs stiff in the deep mire, -resolute not to budge another inch. Zita took -the van lantern and went to his head. Jewel -had thrown an expression into his face that -proclaimed his resolution not to make another -effort, whether urged on by whip, or cajoled by -caresses. The girl, still carrying the lantern, -came to her father. He was seated against the -embankment, with his hands in his pockets and -his head fallen forward.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Father, how are you?'</p> - -<p>'Bad—bad—tremenjous.'</p> - -<p>'Father, let us walk on and seek a house. -Jewel will not stir; he has turned up his nose -and set back his ears, and I know what that -means. I don't think any one will come this -way and rob the van. Let us go on together. -You lean on me, and we will find a farm.'</p> - -<p>'I can't rise, Zit.'</p> - -<p>'Let me help you up.'</p> - -<p>'I couldn't take another step, Zit.'</p> - -<p>'Make an effort, father.'</p> - -<p>'I'm past that, Zit. I'm dying. It's o' no -use urging of me. I sticks here as does Jewel. -I can't move. I'm too bad for that. O Lord! -that I should die in this here fen-land!'</p> - -<p>'Let me get you some brandy.'</p> - -<p>'It ain't of no use at all, Zit. I'm just about -done for. 'Tis so with goods at times; when -they gets battered and bulged and broken and -all to pieces, they must be chucked aside. I'm -no good no more as a Cheap Jack. I'm battered -and bulged and broken and all to pieces, so I'm -going to be chucked aside.'</p> - -<p>Zita considered for a moment. Then she set -down the lantern at her father's side, ran up -the embankment, ran along it in the direction -which had been taken by the riders, one after -the other, crying as loud as she possibly could, -'Help! help! Father is dying. Help! help! -help!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE FLAILS AGAIN</p> - -<p class="p1">HEZEKIAH, or, as he was usually called -for short, Ki, Drownlands was riding -homewards from the Ely Fair along the embankment -of the river Lark. He bore over his -shoulder the flail that had cost him twelve -shillings and sixpence, and in his heart glowed -a consuming rage that his adversary and neighbour—perhaps -adversary because neighbour—Jeremiah -or Jake Runham had paid a guinea for -the companion flail, and had outbidden him.</p> - -<p>It was not that Ki Drownlands particularly -required a flail, or a companion flail to that he -had secured, but he was intolerant of opposition, -and it was his ambition to be first in his fen; he -would show his supremacy by outbidding the -only man approaching him in wealth and in influence, -and that before a crowd made up in -part of people who knew him and his rival. It -was gall to his liver to think that he had been -surpassed in his offer, that an advantage over - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> - -him had been snatched, and that Jake Runham -had been able to carry off from under his nose -something—it mattered not what—that he, Ki -Drownlands, had coveted, and had let people -see that he had coveted.</p> - -<p>The rivalry of these two landowners was -known throughout the Ely Fens, and in every -tavern the talk was certain to turn on the bidding -for the flails, and folk would say, 'Jake is a -better man than Ki by eight shillings and -sixpence.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands had been drinking, and this fact -served to sharpen and inflame his resentment, -but he was able to ride upright and steadily, -and sit his horse upright and steadily as the -beast leaped the barriers on the bank. He -carried, as already mentioned, lanterns below -both feet attached to the stirrups. They -illumined the way, they flashed upon obstructions, -they sent a gleam over the water of the -canal. In the dark—and the night was at times -pitch-dark, when clouds cut off the light of the -stars—then it was not safe to ride on the embankment -without a light. The horse might -fail to see the barriers, and precipitate itself -against them. It might slip down the bank -and fall with its rider, on one side into the river, -on the other into the drove. On the one side -the horseman might be drowned, on the other -break his neck. But, supposing the horse had -its wits about it and its eyes open, the rider - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> - -might have neither, and be unprepared for the -leap, or the slip in the greasy marl.</p> - -<p>If, conscious of the risk when on the embankment, -the horseman took the drove; then also -he was not safe, for there it was doubly dark, -shadowed on one side by the elevation of the -embankment, whilst on the other side lay the -dyke, the water brimming, and disguised by -sedge and rushes. Into this a horse might -plunge, and, once in, could not be extricated -without infinite labour by several hands. For -the bottom of the ditches is soft bog, and the -sides are spongy peat. Not a particle of firm -substance can be found on which a horse may -plant its feet, and obtain the purchase necessary -for lifting itself out of the water and mire. -Consequently, when farmers returned late from -market and fair in the long dark winter nights, -they provided themselves with lanterns.</p> - -<p>Prickwillow was the name of the farm of -Master Ki Drownlands. The grandfather of Ki -had possessed a reed-walled cottage on piles, -and a few acres of soil that showed above the -water in March, was submerged again for a -while in July, and then reappeared as the rainy -season ceased. Here he was wont to prick in -willow twigs that rapidly grew into osier beds. -On a platform above the rippling water the -grandfather had mended his nets and cleaned -his fowling-piece, and the grandmother had -woven baskets. Now all was dry, and a house - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> - -stood where had been the lacustrine habitation, -and the plough turned up the thousand odds -and ends that successive generations had cast -out of the cottage into the water, never expecting -that they would be seen again.</p> - -<p>The flood had retreated, dry land had -appeared, and the ark had rested on what had -formerly been the least submerged portion of the -tract over which the ancestral slodger, Drownlands, -had exercised more or less questionable -rights; rights, however, which, though questionable, -had never been questioned. With a little -money collected by industry, and more borrowed -from the Ely bank, the <i>père</i> Drownlands had extended -his domain, and had rendered his claim -absolute and his rights unassailable.</p> - -<p>And now Ki Drownlands was riding home -in a fume of wounded pride, and with a brain -somewhat turned by brandy. He sharply drew -rein; he thought he heard a cry. The cry was -repeated as he halted to listen. From whence -it came he could not judge, saving only that it -proceeded from the rear. Over the fen, as -upon water, sound travels great distances; over -the fen, as over water, meeting with no obstructions, -the waves of sound pass, and it is not -easy to judge distances. Drownlands turned -his horse about and faced in the direction of -Ely, the direction whence the call came, as far -as he could judge.</p> - -<p>He saw a light approaching. Was it carried, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> - -or hung to a stirrup? He could not tell. -Was it the lantern-bearer who summoned him? -If so, for what object? The cry was repeated.</p> - -<p>Surely the voice was that of a female. If the -appeal were not to him, to whom could it be -addressed?</p> - -<p>To the best of his knowledge, there was no -one else out so late on the embankment. He -recalled passing no one.</p> - -<p>It was true that he had ridden by the van, but -he had not seen it. The van was in the drove -below, and he had been twelve or fourteen feet -above the roadway. Moreover, the lanterns at -his feet threw a halo about him, and though -they illumined every object that came within -their radius, yet they made all doubly obscure -and everything indistinguishable that was outside -that radius.</p> - -<p>Furthermore, Drownlands had been occupied -with his own thoughts, and had not been in an -observant mood.</p> - -<p>Zita had not addressed him as he rode by, -and he had passed without any notion that there -were travellers toiling along in the same direction -at a lower level. He had not expected to -see a conveyance there, and had looked for none.</p> - -<p>The light that he noticed on the bank was -approaching. It was held at no great distance -from the ground. It might equally be carried -in the hand of one on foot, or be swung from -the stirrups of a rider. It was, however, improbable - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> - -that a horseman would be contented with -a single light.</p> - -<p>Drownlands did not ride forward to meet the -advancing light. He remained stationary, with -his right hand holding the flail, so that the end -of the staff rested on his thigh, much as a field-marshal -is represented in pictures holding his -<i>bâton</i>.</p> - -<p>In the Fens the horses are unshod, and on a -way that is without stones there will be little -sound of a horse when trotting; but as the -moving light neared, Drownlands was aware -from the vibration of the embankment that a -horse was approaching.</p> - -<p>A minute later, and he saw before him Jake -Runham, mounted.</p> - -<p>The recognition was mutual.</p> - -<p>'Out of my way!' shouted Runham. 'Out of -my way, you dog, or I will ride you down!'</p> - -<p>'I will not get out of your way. Why did -you call?'</p> - -<p>'I call? I call you? That's a likely tale. -What should I want with a twopenny-ha'penny -chap such as you?'</p> - -<p>'Twopenny-ha'penny? Do you mean me?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, I do.'</p> - -<p>'You are drunk. Some one called.'</p> - -<p>'Not I. But I call now, and loud enough. -Stand out of my way; get down the side of the -bank; and go to the devil.'</p> - -<p>'I will not make way for you,' said Drownlands. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> - -Then between his teeth, 'It is well we -have met.'</p> - -<p>'Ay, it is well.'</p> - -<p>'Now we can settle old scores. Now'—he -looked up, and waved his flail towards heaven, -which was clad with clouds—'now that no eyes -look down from above, and we are quite sure -there are no eyes watching us from below'—</p> - -<p>Then Runham, with a yell, dug his spurs into -the flanks of his steed, and made him bound -forward. His intention was, with the impetus, -to drive his adversary and horse down the bank. -As it was, his horse struck that of Drownlands, -which, being a heavy beast, swerved but slightly.</p> - -<p>'Keep off, you drunken fool!' shouted Ki.</p> - -<p>'Am I to keep off you? I? Not I. I will -have the bank to myself. Let me pass, or I -will ride over you and tread your brains out.'</p> - -<p>'You will have the matter of the past fought -out between us?'</p> - -<p>'Ay! Ay!'</p> - -<p>Jake backed his horse, snorting and plunging -under the curb.</p> - -<p>Then, when he had retired some twenty yards, -he uttered a halloo, whirled his flail above his -head, drove his heels into the sides of his steed, -and came on at a gallop.</p> - -<p>Drownlands raised and brandished his flail, -and brought it down with a sweep before him. -This alarmed his own horse, which reared and -started, but more so that of his rival, which - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> - -suddenly leaped on one side, and nearly unseated -Jake Runham. However, Jake gripped -the pommel, and with an oath urged his horse -into the path again.</p> - -<p>Drownlands had forgotten about the call -that had induced him to turn his horse. His -attention was solely occupied with the man -before him.</p> - -<p>The situation was one in which two resolute -men, each determined not to yield to the other, -each inflamed with anger against the other, -must fight their controversy out to the end. -The way on the bank top would not admit of -two abreast, consequently not of one passing -the other without mutual concession. On the -one side was the drove fourteen feet below, on -the other the canal. He who had to give way -must roll down the embankment into the drove -or plunge into the water.</p> - -<p>Each man was armed, and each with a like -weapon.</p> - -<p>It would seem as though the horses understood -the feelings that actuated their riders, and shared -them. They snorted defiance, they tossed their -manes, they reared and pawed the air.</p> - -<p>Again Runham spurred his steed, and the -beasts clashed together, and as they did so, so -also did the flails.</p> - -<p>The two men were at close quarters, too -close for the flappers of the flails to take full -effect. They heaved their weapons and struck - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> - -furiously at each other, bruising flesh, but -breaking no bones. The strokes of the whistling -flappers fell on the saddle back, on the sides -of the horses, rather than on the heads and -shoulders of the men. The lanterns jerked -and danced, as the horses pawed and plunged, -and bit at each other.</p> - -<p>The men swore, and strove by main weight to -force each other from the bank,—Runham to -drive his antagonist into the river, Drownlands -by side blows of the flail to force the opposed -horse to go down the bank into the drove.</p> - -<p>The struggle lasted for some minutes. To -any one standing by it would have seemed a -confusion of dancing lights and reflections—a -confusion also of oaths, blows, and clash of -steel bits, and thud of ashen staves.</p> - -<p>Then, by mutual consent, but unexpressed, the -two men drew back equally exhausted. They -drew back with no thought of yielding, but with -intent to recover wind and strength to renew -the contest. Both antagonists remained planted -opposite each other, panting, quivering with -excitement, their beasts steaming in the cold -October night air.</p> - -<p>'You dared to call me by an ugly name before -folk!' shouted Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'Dared?—I will do it again.'</p> - -<p>'You shall not be given the chance.'</p> - -<p>'I carried away the flail over your head because -you hadn't more shillings in your pocket.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> - -<p>'The flail?' echoed Drownlands. 'This is -not a matter now of a flail. This is not a -matter now of a way along the bank. It's a -matter of nineteen years' endurance. For -nineteen years I have borne the grossest of -wrongs. I'll bear the burden no longer. The -wrong shall not go another hour unavenged.'</p> - -<p>'You've borne it so long the back is accustomed -to the burden,' taunted Jake.</p> - -<p>'For nineteen years I have endured it. But -to-night we are face to face, and alone.' Again -he waved his flail to heaven. 'No eye looks -down upon us. I and you are equally matched -as far as weapons go. All is fair between us, -but if there be justice on high, it will weight my -arm to beat you down; and here,' said he, -touching his breast with the end of the flail,—'here -is no spark of pity, just as there is now -no spark aloft. If I beat you, I beat you till -the blood runs, beat you till the bones are -pounded, beat you till the marrow oozes out, -beat you—as we beat hemp.'</p> - -<p>Then, unable longer to control his fury, the -dark man urged his horse forward with his -spurs, and as he did so, the lanterns clashed -against the flanks of the brute, and burnt them -as the spurs had stung them. With a snort of -anger and pain, the beast leaped into the air, -flung himself forward, and hurled his whole -weight against the horse of Runham. The -latter had altered his tactics, and had drawn up - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> - -to receive the charge instead of delivering it as -before. At the same moment Ki swung his -flail and brought it down. But he had overshot -his mark, and with the violence of the blow -he was carried across the neck of Runham's -horse. Jake saw his advantage at once, caught -him by the tiger-skin, and, grappling that, -endeavoured to drag his opponent out of the -saddle. But Ki reared himself up, and tried to -wrench the skin away. His bodily strength -was the greatest. The horses leaped, kicked, -reeled, and the two men on them held fast, the -tiger-skin between them. Then Runham twisted -his flail in the skin and continued to turn it. -In vain now did Ki endeavour to wrench it -away. The skin was fast about his throat, and -as it was drawn tighter and even tighter, it -threatened strangulation. Jake backed his -horse, and as he backed, he drew his opponent -after him. The blood thumped in the ears of -Drownlands. The veins in his temples swelled -to bursting.</p> - -<p>The plunging of the horses caused the pressure -to be relaxed for one moment, but it was -tightened the next, and became intolerable. -Ki's tongue and eyes started, his lips were -puffed, foam formed on them. He could not -cry, he could not speak, he snuffled and gasped. -With his heels he thrust his horse forward, to -save himself from being drawn from his saddle -to hang to the flail of Runham.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<p>In another moment Drownlands would have -been unhorsed and at his adversary's mercy. -But at this supreme instant he clutched his -own flail, and, holding it with both hands over -his bent head, drove the end of it into the ear of -Runham's horse. The more he was drawn -forward, the greater the leverage on the end of -his flail, and the more exquisite the agony of -the horse. The brute, driven mad with pain, -gathered itself up into a convulsive, spasmodic -shake and leap, and with the jerk, the tiger-skin -was plucked out of the hand of Jake Runham.</p> - -<p>Drownlands reared himself in his stirrups. -He was blinded with blood in his eyes, but he -whirled the flail round his head, and beat -savagely in all directions. It whistled as it -swung, it screamed as it descended. Then a -thud, a cry, and indistinctly, through the roar of -his pulses in his ears, he heard a crash down the -bank, and indistinctly through his suffused eyes -he saw a black mass stagger into the river.</p> - -<p>Gasping for breath, quivering in every nerve, -tingling in every vein, as the blood recovered -its wonted circulation, Drownlands held his -horse motionless, and, gathering his senses, -looked before him.</p> - -<p>There was hardly a flake of steely light in the -sky. Clouds had spread over the firmament. -What little light there was, lay as a strip on -the horizon, like the glaze of white in a dead -man's eye. The inky water reflected none of - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> - -it. For a moment, on the surface, the lantern -attached to Runham's stirrup floated and -danced, whilst the flame burnt and charred -the horn side, then it was drawn under and -extinguished.</p> - -<p>Drownlands leaned forward and stretched -his flail to the water; then drew the flapper -across the surface where his enemy had sunk, -as one who scratches out a score.</p> - -<p>Then suddenly he was grasped by the foot, -and a voice rang in his ears: 'Help! help! Oh, -prithee, help!'</p> - -<p>In his condition of nervous excitation, the -touch, the call, so unexpected, wrung from him -a scream. It was as though a rude hand had -fallen on an exposed nerve.</p> - -<p>Again a tighter clasp at his foot, again an -entreating cry of intenser entreaty: 'Help! Oh, -prithee, prithee, help!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">BETWEEN TWO LIGHTS</p> - -<p class="p1">Zita had run on. Her young heart was full -of the agony of distress for her father. -He was the one object in the world to whom her -heart clung. She had lost her mother early, -and had been accordingly brought up by her -father, who had been father and mother to her -in one. She had no brothers, no sisters. He -had been to her father, mother, brothers, and -sisters in one. The young heart is full of love. -It is of a clinging nature. It may not be -disposed to demonstrativeness, but it loves, it -clings; and it is in despair when the object to -which it has clung, the person it has loved, -fails.</p> - -<p>For some little while, for more than the -fortnight of which Zita had spoken, she had -observed that her father was ill, that his powers -were declining.</p> - -<p>She had fought against the terrible thought -that she would lose him, whenever with a flash - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> - -of horror it had shot through her brain, had -contracted her heart.</p> - -<p>Her father! The daily associate; the one person -to whom she could always speak with frankness, -with whom she had had but one interest; -the one person who had watched over her, cared -for her, loved her—that he should be suffering, -that he might be removed! The idea was more -than her young heart could bear. Cheap Jacks -are human beings, they have like feelings to us -who buy not of Cheap Jacks, but of respectable -tradesmen. Cheap Jacks' daughters, though -they have not had the privileges of the moral and -intellectual training that have ours, are nevertheless—human -beings. We admit this tacitly, but -do not think out the truth such an admission -contains—that they have in their natures the -same mixed propensities, in their hearts the same -passions as ourselves—as have our own children.</p> - -<p>Now this poor child ran, her pulses beating; -as she ran, with every rush of blood through -her pulses, a fire shot in electric flashes before -her eyes. She continuously cried, 'Help! -help! My father! my daddy!'</p> - -<p>Then her breath failed her. She tried to run, -but was forced to stay her feet and gasp for -breath. She could not maintain her pace as -well as call for assistance.</p> - -<p>There was a roaring as of the sea over a bar -when the tide is coming in. It was the roar of -her thundering blood in her ears.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<p>She had taken the van lantern and had set it -down by her father on the side of the bank. -As she was forced to halt, she looked back. -A shudder came over her. She could not see -the light. Had it expired, and with it, had the -flickering light of life expired in her father?</p> - -<p>Then she stepped partly down the bank, and -now she saw the light. From the top she had -not been able to see it owing to the slope, and -for a slight curve in the direction of the canal. -The light that burned by her father's side was -still there. And before her she could see the -sparks in the direction she was pursuing. A -strange medley of lights—were there two or -three or more? She could not count, owing to -her excitement and the tears and sweat that -streamed over her eyes.</p> - -<p>She ran on, as the furious throbbing of her -heart was allayed, as her breath returned.</p> - -<p>Suddenly—a crash, a flash as of lightning, -and Zita knew not where she was, and for -how long she had been in a state of semi-consciousness.</p> - -<p>The poor child, running with full speed, had -run against one of the barriers set up across the -top of the embankment for the prevention of its -employment by wheeled vehicles.</p> - -<p>She had struck her head and chest against -the bars, and had been thrown backwards, partly -stunned, completely dazzled by the blow. For -some minutes she lay on the bank confused and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> - -in pain. Then she picked herself up, but was -unable to understand what had happened. She -again went forward, and now felt the bars of -timber. She put her hands to them and climbed. -She was sobbing with pain and anxiety; through -her tears she could see the lights in front of -her magnified with prismatic rays shooting from -them. On reaching the top of the barrier she -looked behind her, and again saw the feeble -light from her father's lantern.</p> - -<p>Now her senses returned to her, which for a -few moments had been disturbed by the blow -and fall.</p> - -<p>She was running to obtain help, shelter for -her dear father. From the top rail she cried, -'Help! help! My daddy! My poor daddy! -Help! help!'</p> - -<p>She listened. She thought she heard voices. -Hurt, wearied, breathless, she hoped that the -assistance she had invoked was coming to her -aid.</p> - -<p>Should she remain perched where she was, -and wait till the lights in front drew nearer to -her?</p> - -<p>Then the fear came over her that she might -not have been heard. The man to whom she -had spoken—he with the one lantern to his -stirrup—had addressed her roughly, had shown -no good feeling, no desire to assist. Was it -likely that he had changed his mind, and was -now returning?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<p>She was confident that the man whom she -had arrested had carried but a single lantern to -his foot. Now as her pulses became more even -in their throb, she was positive that there were -more lights than one before her. She looked -behind her. There was one light by her father, -that was stationary. There were several before -her; and they were in the strangest movement, -flickering here and there, changing places, now -obscured, now shining out, now low, now high, -now on this side, now on that.</p> - -<p>She leaped from her place on the rail and -ran on.</p> - -<p>Then, coming on an unctuous place in the -marl, where a horse's hoofs had been, where, -perhaps, it had slipped, and, running in a bee-line, -regardless where she went, ignorant of a -slight deviation from the direct line in the -course of the bank, she went down the side, and -plunged into the ice-cold water.</p> - -<p>There was a stake, a post in the water. She -clung to that, and, holding it, struggled to get -out. In so doing, she noticed a sort of eye in -the post, a mortice-hole that pierced it, and as -at that moment some of the clouds had parted, -she saw the grey sky and a star shine through -this hole. By means of this post, Zita, whose -strength was almost spent, was able to draw -herself from out of the water. But so exhausted -was she, that, on reaching the top of the bank, -she was constrained to stop and pant for breath.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> - -<p>Still the thought of her suffering, perhaps -dying, father, urged her on. She saw the -dancing lights close before her, she heard -voices. She felt the embankment tremble -under her feet. Surely some violent commotion -was taking place before her; but what it could -be she had neither time nor power to conjecture.</p> - -<p>Then there went by overhead, invisible in the -darkness, a train of wild geese, going south for -the winter, and as they flew they uttered loud, -wild cries, like the barking of hounds in the -clouds—a horrible, startling sound fit to unnerve -any who were unaware of the cause.</p> - -<p>For a moment she stood still, listening to the -aerial ghostly sounds. She held her breath. -Then again she ran.</p> - -<p>As Zita ran, it seemed to her that assuredly -she saw but two lights. There must have been -but two, and they were stationary. She tried -to call, but her voice failed her; her throat was -parched. She could but run.</p> - -<p>Next moment the lights blazed large on her, -and then she grasped a foot. 'Help! help!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">PROFITS</p> - -<p class="p1">'WHAT do you want? Who are you?' -asked Ki Drownlands, when he had -sufficiently recovered his self-possession to see -that some one was clinging to him, and that that -person was a woman.</p> - -<p>'Help! Come back! Father is ill.'</p> - -<p>'I don't care. Let go. You hurt me.'</p> - -<p>She hurt him by her touch on his boot! His -nerves were thrilling, and the pressure of her -fingers was unendurable in the surexcitation of -every fibre of his system.</p> - -<p>'Oh, help! help!' She would not relax her -hold.</p> - -<p>'I cannot. I've my own concerns to -attend.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands remained silent for a moment. -He was shivering as one in an ague fit—shivering -as though the marrow in his bones were -touched with frost. Presently he asked in a -voice of constraint—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> - -<p>'How long have you been here? What have -you seen?'</p> - -<p>He stooped to his stirrup, unhitched one of -the lanterns and held it aloft, above the person -who appealed for his aid.</p> - -<p>The dim yellow light fell over a head of -thick amber hair and a pale, beautifully moulded -face, with large lustrous eyes, looking up entreatingly -at him.</p> - -<p>His hand that held the lantern was unsteady, -and the light quivered. To disguise his agitation, -he gave the lantern a pendulous motion, -and the reflection glinted and went out, glinted -again in those great beseeching eyes, and glowed -in that copper-gold hair, as though waves of -glory flashed up in the darkness and set again -in darkness.</p> - -<p>'What have you seen?' he repeated.</p> - -<p>'Seen?—I see you. I want help. You will -help me?'</p> - -<p>'How long have you been here?'</p> - -<p>'How long? I am but this instant come. I -have run.'</p> - -<p>Her bosom was heaving under a gay kerchief, -her breath came in little puffs of steam that -passed as golden dust in the halo of the lantern.</p> - -<p>Drownlands rested both his hands on the -pommel of the saddle, with the flail athwart -beneath them. He put the handle of the lantern -in his mouth, and the upward glare of the light -was on his sinister face. He was considering. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> - -He did not recognise the girl. His mind was -too distraught to think whether or not he had -seen her before. She persisted—</p> - -<p>'Help us! I have been running. I am out of -breath. I saw you ride by on the bank. I called -to you, and spoke to you there, and you would -do nothing. My dear father is worse. He is -dying. You must—you shall help.'</p> - -<p>He still looked at her. That beautiful face—the -sole object shining out of the darkness—fascinated -him, in spite of his alarm, his distress.</p> - -<p>'I am Cheap Jack Zita. I am the daughter -of the poor Cheap Jack. He is taken ill—he -cannot get on. He is on the bank—dying. -My father!'</p> - -<p>Then she burst into tears; and in the lantern -light Ki saw the sparkling drops race down the -smooth cheeks, saw them rise in the great eyes -and overflow. He slowly removed the lantern -handle from his teeth, and said—</p> - -<p>'I cannot be plagued with you. I have other -matters that concern me.'</p> - -<p>He had been alarmed at first, fearing lest his -encounter with Runham had been witnessed, -lest this girl should be able to testify against -him, were he taken to task for the death of his -rival and adversary.</p> - -<p>'Oh, come! Oh, do come!' sobbed Zita, as -she grasped his boot more tightly.</p> - -<p>'It was you who called?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, it was I.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p>'You called me?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. There was no one else to call.'</p> - -<p>'Oh,' said he, 'you saw no one else? No -one with me?'</p> - -<p>'No. I ran up the bank as you went by. I -spoke to you, but you swore at me.'</p> - -<p>'I—I did that?'</p> - -<p>There was some mistake. She had taken -him for the man now beneath the water.</p> - -<p>'You shall not go!' cried the girl, clinging -desperately to the stirrup. 'You cannot be so -heartless as to let my poor father die.'</p> - -<p>'What is your father to me? Let go.'</p> - -<p>'I will not let go.'</p> - -<p>He pricked his horse on; but she held to the -bridle and arrested it.</p> - -<p>'Take care!' said Drownlands. 'I will not -be stayed against my will.'</p> - -<p>She clung to the bridle.</p> - -<p>'You may ride over me, and kill me too. -I will not let go.'</p> - -<p>'What do you mean?' asked he, with a gasp. -'What do you mean by "kill me too"?'</p> - -<p>'You shall ride over me, but I shall not -let go.'</p> - -<p>'But why did you say "kill me too"?' he -asked threateningly.</p> - -<p>'I will die as well as my father. I do not -care to live if he die. How can you leave -him? how can you be so cruel?' She broke -forth into vehemence that shook her whole - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> - -frame, and shook the horse whose bridle she -grappled.</p> - -<p>'What's that?' asked Drownlands, as the -horse stumbled.</p> - -<p>He held up the lantern.</p> - -<p>On the embankment, under the horse's feet, -lay the flail that had been twisted into his tiger-skin.</p> - -<p>'I know you—I know you,' said the girl. 'It -was you who bought the flail.' Then again, -'My father is ill. He is sitting on the bank; -he cannot walk. He will die of the cold if you -do not help.'</p> - -<p>'Let go,' shouted Drownlands, 'or I'll bring -the flail down on your hands.'</p> - -<p>'You may break them. I will cling with my -teeth.'</p> - -<p>He brandished the flail angrily.</p> - -<p>Then Zita bowed herself, picked up the second -flail, and, planting herself across the way, -said—</p> - -<p>'You are bad and you are cruel. I cannot -get you to come to my father for the asking. -I will drive you to him—drive you with the -flail; I will force you to go.'</p> - -<p>He tried to pass the girl, but she would not -budge; and before the whirling flapper and her -threatening attitude, the horse recoiled and -almost threw himself and his rider down the -embankment into the drove.</p> - -<p>Drownlands uttered a curse, and again - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> - -attempted to push past, but was again driven -back by Zita.</p> - -<p>'Take care, or I will ride you down,' he -threatened; then shivered, as he recalled how -that a few minutes previously Jake Runham -had used the same threat to him.</p> - -<p>He considered a moment.</p> - -<p>He could not allow this girl to retain the flail -she had picked up. It was evidence against -him. Every one in Burnt Fen, every one in -Weldenhall and Soham Fens, would hear of the -contest at Ely before the Cheap Jack van. If -that flail were known to have been found on the -embankment, it would be known at once where -it was that Runham fell into the Lark. It might -be surmised that a struggle had there taken -place, and marks of the struggle would be -looked for.</p> - -<p>The girl who stood before Drownlands was -the sole person who could by any possibility -appear as witness against him—could prove -that he had been on the spot where Runham -had perished; and this girl was now appealing -to him for help. It was advisable that she -should be conciliated—be placed under an -obligation to himself.</p> - -<p>He made no further attempt to pass her; he -made no attempt to fulfil his threat that he -would ride her down.</p> - -<p>In a lowered tone he said, 'Where is your -father?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - -<p>'A little way back,' answered Zita. 'How far -back I cannot say. I ran—I ran.'</p> - -<p>'I will go with you. Give me up that flail.'</p> - -<p>'No,' she answered; 'I do not trust you. You -would ride away when you had it.'</p> - -<p>'I swear to you that I will not do that.'</p> - -<p>She shook her head, retained the flail, slung it -over her shoulder, and walked at his side.</p> - -<p>Had she seen the contest? Had she seen him -beat his adversary down—down into the river? -Drownlands asked himself these questions repeatedly, -and was tempted to question her, but -shrank from so doing lest he should awake -suspicions. He need not have feared that. Her -whole mind was occupied with a single thought—her -dying father.</p> - -<p>Drownlands riding, the Cheap Jack girl walking, -retraced the path in the direction of Ely. -Not for a moment would she relax her hold -on the bridle, for she could not trust the good -faith of the rider. The river was stealing by, -the current so sluggish that it seemed hardly to -move. It made no ripple on the bank, no lapping -among the reeds. It had no curl of a smile -on its face, no undulation on its bosom. It was -a river that had gone to sleep, and was on the -verge of the stagnation of death. Ki found himself -wondering how far during the night the -man and horse who had gone in would be swept -down. He wondered whether it were possible -that one or other had succeeded in making - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> - -his way out. He had heard no sound; it -was hardly possible that either could have -escaped.</p> - -<p>Presently a jerk on the reins roused Drownlands -from his meditations, and he felt his horse -descend the bank, guided by the girl. In the -darkness he could see a still darker object, -which the faint light from a lantern on the bank -partially illumined, along with a motionless -horse, which seemed of very stubbornness to -be transformed to wood. When, however, the -beast heard the steps of its mistress, it turned -its head and looked stonily towards her, with a -peculiar curl of the nose and protrusion of the -lower lip that was a declaration of determined -resistance to being made to move forward. -Zita paid no attention to the horse. She called -to her father, and received a faint response.</p> - -<p>'You will not leave me now? you will help?—you -swear?' said she, turning to the rider.</p> - -<p>'No,' answered Ki; 'now that I am here, I am -at your service to do for you what I can.'</p> - -<p>He dismounted and attached his horse by the -bridle to the back of the van, then took one of -his lanterns, and went to where he heard Zita -speaking to her father.</p> - -<p>'I be bad, Zit—bad—tremenjous. I be done -for,' said the Cheap Jack. 'It's no good saying -"Get along." I can't; there's the fact. I be -stuck—just as the van be. I seems to have no -wish but to be let alone and die slick off.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p>'You shall not do that, father. Here is one -of the gentlemen as bought the flails of us. He -will help.'</p> - -<p>Then Drownlands came to the side of the sick -man and inquired, 'What is it? What can I -do for you?'</p> - -<p>'I don't know as I want nort,' answered the -Cheap Jack; 'nort but to be let alone to die. -Don't go and worrit me, that's all.'</p> - -<p>'My farm is not a mile distant,' said Ki. -'Get into the waggon and drive along.'</p> - -<p>'I can't abear the joggle,' answered the Cheap -Jack. 'I wants to go nowhere. But whatever -will become of Jewel and Zit?'</p> - -<p>He groaned, sighed, and turned over on the -bank towards the scanty grass and short moss -that covered the marl, and laid his face in that. -The girl held his hand, and knelt by him. -Presently he raised his head and said, 'Arter all, -Zit, we did a fine business, what wi' the tea and -what wi' the flails. Them as didn't cost us -eighteenpence sold for one pun' thirteen and six—tremenjous!'</p> - -<p>'Now listen to me,' said Drownlands. 'This -horse of yours will never be able to get the van -along. I will ride home and fetch a team, and -we'll have the whole bag of tricks conveyed to -Prickwillow in a jiffy. I'll bring help, and we'll -lift you on to a feather tye.'</p> - -<p>'You will not play me false?' asked Zita.</p> - -<p>'Not I,' answered Ki, as he picked up the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> - -second flail; 'trust me. I shall be back in half -an hour.'</p> - -<p>He mounted his horse and rode away. The -girl watched him as he departed with some -anxiety; then, as he departed into the darkness, -Zita seated herself on the bank, and endeavoured -to raise her father, that his head might repose -on her bosom. He looked at her and put his -arm about her neck.</p> - -<p>'You've been a good gal,' said he. 'You've -done your dooty to the wan and the 'oss and -me, and I bless you for it. That there tea as -we made out o' sweepins as we bought at -London Docks, and out o' blackthorn leaves as -we picked off the hedges and dried on the top -of the wan—'twas a fine notion, that. Go on as -I've taught you, Zit, and you'll make a Cheap -Jack o' the right sort. One pun' thirteen and -six for them flails! That's about one pun' -twelve profits. What's us sent into the world -for but to make profits? I've done my dooty -in it. I've made profits. I feel a sort o' in'ard -glow, just as if I wos a lantern wi' a candle in -me, when I thinks on it. One pun' twelve—I -say, Zit, what's that per cent.? I can't calkerlate -it now; it's gone from me. One pun' twelve is -thirty-two. And thirty-two to one and an 'arf'—He -heaved a long sigh. 'I be bad—I can't -calkerlate no more.'</p> - -<p>Zita leaned over the sick man's face, and with -the corner of her gaily figured and coloured - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> - -kerchief wiped his brow. His mind was wandering. -From silence and impatience of being -spoken to and having to exert himself to speak, -he had come to talk, and talk much, in rambling -strains.</p> - -<p>'Father, I've brought you some brandy from -the van. Take a drop. It may revive you.'</p> - -<p>She put a flask to his lips. He found a difficulty -in swallowing, and turned his face away. -He had raised his head to the flask with an -effort; it sank back on his daughter's bosom.</p> - -<p>'Dad, how wet your hair is!'</p> - -<p>'Things ain't as they ort to be,' said the Cheap -Jack sententiously. 'I've often turned the world -over in my head and seed as the wrong side comes -uppermost. Then I'm sure I was ordained to -be a mimber o' parliament, but I never got a -chance to rise to it. How I could ha' talked the -electors over into believin' as black was white! -How I could ha' made 'em a'most swallow anything -and believe it was apricot jam! I could -ha' told 'em lies enough to carry me to the top -o' the poll by a thumping majority. It's lies -does it, all the world over—leastways with the -general public in England. It's lies sells -damaged goods. It's lies as makes 'em turn -their pockets out into your lap. It's lies as -carries votes. It's lies as governs the land. -The general public likes 'em. It loves 'em. -They be as sweet and dear to the general public -as thistles is to asses.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then he lay quiet, except only that he turned -his head from side to side, as though looking at -something.</p> - -<p>'What is it, dad?'</p> - -<p>'I thinks as I sees 'em—miles and miles, -going right away into nothing at all.'</p> - -<p>'What, father?'</p> - -<p>'The hawthorn hedges in full bloom, white -as snow—it's our own tea plantation, Zit, you -know—touched up wi' sweepins. When -the flowers fall, then the leaves will come, and -there'll be profits. Assam, Congou, Kaisow, Darjeeling, -Souchong—just what you like—and, in -truth, hawthorn leaves and sweepins—all alike. -There's profits—profits comin' in the leaves, -Zit.'</p> - -<p>A light sleet was falling, and it gleamed in -the radiance of the lantern planted on the bank -near the dying man's head.</p> - -<p>'So you see, Zit,' he said, pointing into space, -'the thorn leaves be fallin',—scores o' thousands,—and -the green leaves will come and bring -profits.'</p> - -<p>'What you see is snow that is coming down, -father.'</p> - -<p>'No, Zit. It's the thorns sheddin' their white -flowers to grow profits. Fall, fall, fall away, -white leaves.'</p> - -<p>He remained silent for a while, and then began -to pluck at his daughter with the hand that -clasped her waist.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What is it, father?'</p> - -<p>'I ain't easy.'</p> - -<p>'Shall I lift your head higher?'</p> - -<p>' 'Tain't that. It's in my mind, Zit.'</p> - -<p>'What troubles you, dad?'</p> - -<p>'That tin kettle wi' the hole in it. I've never -stopped it. Put a bit o' cobbler's wax into the -hole and some silverin' stuff over it, and you'll -sell it quick off. Nobody won't find out till they -comes to bile water in it.'</p> - -<p>'I'll do that, father. Hush! I hear the horses -coming.'</p> - -<p>'I don't want to go wi' them. I hears singing.'</p> - -<p>'It is the wind whistling.'</p> - -<p>'No, Zit. It be the quiristers chanting in -Ely. Do you hear their psalm?'</p> - -<p>'No, we cannot hear them. They do not sing -at night, and are also too distant.'</p> - -<p>'But I does hear 'em singing beautiful, and -this is the psalm they sing—"One pun' twelve—and -hawthorn tea at four shillin'. There's -profits."'</p> - -<p>He was sinking. He weighed heavy on her -bosom.</p> - -<p>She stooped to his ear and whispered, 'Are -you happy, father?'</p> - -<p>'Happy? In course I be. One pun' twelve -on them flails, and four shillin' on thorn leaves and -sweepins—there's profits—profits—tremenjous!'</p> - -<p>And he spoke no more.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">MARK RUNHAM</p> - -<p class="p1">NO sight in the Fens is so solemn, so touching, -as a funeral. There are no graveyards -in the Fens. There is no earth to which -the dead can be committed—only peat, and this -in dry weather is converted into dust, and in rain -resolved into a quagmire. A body laid in it -would be exposed by the March winds, soddened -by the November rains.</p> - -<p>Consequently the dead are conveyed, sometimes -as many as nine miles, to the islets—to -Ely, to Stuntney, or to Littleport, wherever -there is a graveyard; and a graveyard can only -be where there is an outcrop of blue clay. For -a funeral, the largest cornwain is brought forth, -and to it is harnessed a team of magnificent -cart-horses, trimmed out with black favours.</p> - -<p>In the waggon is placed the coffin, and round -it on the wain-boards sit the mourners. The -sorrowful journey takes long. The horses step -along slowly, their unshod feet muffled in the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> - -dust or mire, and their tread is therefore noiseless. -But their bells jingle, and now and then -a sob breaks forth from one of the mourners.</p> - -<p>Two waggons bearing dead men took the -road to Ely. In one sat a single mourner, Zita; -and this waggon preceded the other. The -second was full, and was followed by a train of -labourers who had been in the service of the -deceased, and of acquaintances who had roistered -or dealt with him.</p> - -<p>A cold wind piped over the level, and rustled -the harsh dun leaves of the rushes in the -dykes. Royston crows in sable and white -stalked the fields, dressed as though they also -were mourners, but were uninvited, and kept at -a distance from the train. Lines of black windmills -radiated from every quarter of the heavens, -as though they were mourners coming over the -fens from the outermost limits to attend the -obsequies of a true son of the marshland.</p> - -<p>To the south-west stood up the isle of Ely, -tufted with trees; and soaring above the trees, -now wan against a sombre cloud, then dark -against a shining sky, rose the mighty bulk of -the minster, its size enhanced by contrast with -the level uniformity of the country.</p> - -<p>Although it cannot be said that no suspicion -of foul play was entertained relative to the -death of Jake Runham, yet nothing had transpired -at the coroner's inquest that could in any -way give it grounds on which to rest; nothing - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> - -that could in the smallest degree implicate -Drownlands.</p> - -<p>Runham had drunk freely at the tavern at -Ely, and he had ridden away 'fresh,' as a -witness euphemistically termed it, implying -that he was fuddled. He had started on his -home journey with a single lantern, in itself -likely to occasion an accident, for it vividly -illumined one side of the way and unduly -darkened the other. Some one in the tavern -yard had commented on this, and had advised -the extinction of the single light as more calculated -to mislead than none at all.</p> - -<p>Horse and man had been discovered in the -water about a mile above the drove that led to -Crumbland, his farm. Runham had been found -with his legs entangled in the stirrups. Possibly, -had he been able to disengage himself when -falling, he might have escaped to land. Certainly -the horse would have found its way out; -but the weight of the rider had prevented the -poor beast from reaching the bank. It was -observed that Runham had gone into the canal -on his right hand, and that the lantern had -been slung to his left foot.</p> - -<p>There were, it was noticed, contusions on the -head and body of the deceased, but these were -easily accounted for without recourse to the -supposition of violence. At intervals in the -course of the Lark piles were driven into the -banks to protect them against the lighters, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> - -horse and man might have been carried by the -stream, or in their struggles, against these -stakes, and thus the abrasions of the skin and -the bruises might have been produced.</p> - -<p>Something was, indeed, said about a recent -quarrel between the dead man and his neighbour, -Drownlands; but then, it was asked, -when, for the last nineteen years, had there -been an occasion on which they had met without -quarrelling? The quarrel, according to -report, had been inconsiderable, and had concerned -nothing more than a flail for which both -men had bidden high. Furthermore, Drownlands, -it was ascertained, had been detained on -his way to Prickwillow, before reaching the spot -where the corpse had been found. He had -been detained by the Cheap Jack's daughter -on account of the Cheap Jack's sickness. It -was known that Drownlands had summoned -his men, and with a team of horses had removed -the van to his rickyard. He had been attentive -to the unfortunate vagabond, and had been at -his side till his death.</p> - -<p>There was no specifying the exact hour when -Runham had fallen into the water, but, as far as -could be judged, it must have been about the -time when Drownlands was occupied with the -Cheap Jack.</p> - -<p>A floating suspicion that Ki might have had -a hand in the death of Jake did exist, but there -was nothing tangible on which a charge could - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> - -be based. On the contrary, there was a great -deal to show that he was not present; enough -to free him from suspicion.</p> - -<p>When the funerals were over,—and both had -taken place simultaneously, the graves being -adjacent, one chaplain performing the service -over both,—then the waggons returned. That -in which the Cheap Jack's coffin had been conveyed -to its last resting-place was empty. Zita -declared her intention to walk.</p> - -<p>Those who had walked behind the waggon of -Runham were taken up into it, the horses started -at a trot, and both conveyances were soon far -away, and appeared as specks in the distance.</p> - -<p>Zita walked slowly along the road. She was -in no hurry. She had to resolve what she was -to do for her maintenance.</p> - -<p>Should she pursue the same trade as her -father? Would it be safe for her to do so? At -times there was a good deal of money in the -van; and if she, a young girl, were alone, she -might be robbed. She had abundance of ready -wit, she had assurance, she had at command the -stock-in-trade of old jokes used by her father, -and was perfectly competent to sell goods and -reap profits. But the purchase of the stock had -been managed by her father, and with that part -of the business she was not conversant. Could -she manage the van and its stores and the horse -alone? If not alone, then whom might she take -into partnership with herself? Not another - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> - -girl. A man it must be; but a man—that -would not do for other reasons. The girl -coloured as she walked and pondered on the -perplexed question of her future.</p> - -<p>She then considered whether it would be -advisable for her to dispose of her van and its -contents. But she saw that she could do so -only at a ruinous loss. Her situation would be -taken advantage of. The damaged goods would -not sell at all, unhelped out in the exaggerations, -lies, the flourish and scuffle of a public auction. -All the articles were not, indeed, like the tin -kettle and the 'own plantation tea.' Some were -really good. A majority were good, but the -collection was spiced with infirm and defective -articles.</p> - -<p>If she did dispose of the van and her stock, -what should she do with herself? Into service -she could not go—the bondage would be intolerable. -Into a school she could not go—she had -no education. To become a dressmaker was -not possible—she could not cut out. To enter -a factory of any sort was hardly to be considered. -She knew no trade. She could befool -the general public—that was her sole accomplishment.</p> - -<p>As she walked along, musing on her difficulties, -she was caught up by a young man, -dressed in deep mourning. At first he made -as though he would pass her by, for he was -walking at a greater pace than hers, but after a - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> - -few steps in advance he halted, turned back, -and said in a kind tone—</p> - -<p>'We are both orphans. You lost your father -on the same night as that on which I lost mine. -They have been buried on the same day, and -the same service has been read over both. I am -Mark Runham; you are the Cheap Jack girl.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, I am Cheap Jack Zita.'</p> - -<p>'I could not call you by any other name; -your real name I did not know. Let us walk -together, unless you desire to be alone.'</p> - -<p>'Oh no.'</p> - -<p>'When I was in the waggon, with my dead -father in the coffin before me, I looked forward, -and then I saw you—you, poor little thing, -sitting alone, with your head bowed down over -your father's coffin. I thought it infinitely sad. -You were all alone, and I had so many with -me.'</p> - -<p>Zita turned her face to him.</p> - -<p>'You are very kind,' she said.</p> - -<p>'Not at all. My heart is sore because I have -lost my father—but there is so much to take -the sharpness off my pain; I have my mother -alive. And you?'</p> - -<p>'My mother has been dead these five years.'</p> - -<p>'And I have many relatives, and more friends. -But you?'</p> - -<p>'I have none. I am alone in the world.'</p> - -<p>'And then I have house and lands. And -you?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I have the van.'</p> - -<p>'A wandering house—no real house. What -are you going to do with yourself?'</p> - -<p>'That is just what I was considering as I -walked along.'</p> - -<p>'Will you tell me your plan?'</p> - -<p>'I have none. I have not resolved what to -do.'</p> - -<p>'I am glad that I have caught you up. I -sent on the waggon. I had to stay behind and -make arrangements with the undertaker and -the clerk. I am glad I remained; it has given -me the opportunity of speaking with you. Our -mutual losses make us fellows in sorrow, and -you seem to me so piteously lonely. Even when -I was in the wain my eyes wandered to you, -and with my eyes went my thoughts. I could -not fail to consider how much greater was your -desolation than mine.'</p> - -<p>Again Zita turned to look at the young fellow -who spoke. He had fair hair, bright blue eyes, -a fresh, pleasant face, frank and kindly.</p> - -<p>'I think you sold something to my father,' he -said; 'I have heard the chaps talk about it. -You sold it middling dear. A flail—and he -paid a guinea for it.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, I sold a flail for a guinea, and another -for twelve and six. Mr. Drownlands bought -one of them.'</p> - -<p>'And my father the other. I was not at the -fair when that took place, but folk have talked - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> - -about it. I think, had I been there, I would -have prevented my father bidding so high. The -flail was not found with him when he was -recovered from the river.'</p> - -<p>'No; it was on the bank.'</p> - -<p>'It was probably carried down by the Lark,' -said he, not noticing her words, 'and went out -in the Wash.'</p> - -<p>The flail! Zita was surprised. One flail she -knew that Drownlands held when she met him, -the other she had herself picked up, and had -used to prevent him from continuing his course, -and to compel him to assist her father.</p> - -<p>She stood still and considered. The matter -was, however, of no consequence, so she stepped -on. If she found the flail at Prickwillow, she -would take it to Crumbland. It belonged to -Mark Runham by right.</p> - -<p>'What is it?' asked the young man, surprised -at her look of concentrated thought.</p> - -<p>'It is nothing particular,' she answered; 'something -occurred to me—that is all. But it is of -no matter.'</p> - -<p>'I should like to know what is going to -become of you,' said the young man. 'Have -you no kindred at all?'</p> - -<p>'None that I know of.'</p> - -<p>'And no home?'</p> - -<p>'None, as I said, but the van. When that is -sold, I shall have none at all.'</p> - -<p>'But you have friends?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p>'A friend—yes—Jewel, the old horse. Well, -he ain't so old, neither. I call him old because -I love him.'</p> - -<p>'I say, when you've made up your mind what -to do with yourself, come to our farm, Crumbland, -and tell me.'</p> - -<p>'That's blazin' impudence,' said Zita. 'If -you want to know, you can come and ask of -me.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot do that. Do you not know that -my father and Ki Drownlands were mortal -enemies? I cannot set foot on his soil, or he -would prosecute me for trespass. If I went to -his door, I would be met with something more -than bad words.'</p> - -<p>'Why were they enemies?'</p> - -<p>'I do not know. They have been enemies as -long as I can remember anything. Well, you -will let me have some tidings concerning you. -I will come out on the embankment near Prickwillow, -and you can come there too. It is so -dreadful that you should have no one to care -for you, and no place as a home to go to. If I -can help you in any way tell me. My mother -is most kind. As it has chanced that we have -both been made orphans at one time, and as -our two fathers were buried, as one may say, -together, and as we are walking home together, -it seems to me that it would be wrong and -heartless were I to do nothing for you. To sit -and nestle into my home and comforts at Crumbland - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> - -and see you wander forth desolate and -alone—the Pharisee couldn't have done half so -bad with the poor man by the wayside, and I -won't. I should never forgive myself. I should -never forget the sight of the poor little lass in -black, with the coffin in the great waggon, all -alone.'</p> - -<p>'You are kind,' said Zita, touched with the -honest, genuine feeling his tones expressed. 'I -thank you, but I want no help. I have money, -I have goods, I have a horse, and I have a home -on wheels. And I have—what is best of all—a -spirit that will carry me along.'</p> - -<p>'Yes; but one little girl is a poor and feeble -thing, and the world is very wide and very -wicked, and terribly strong. I'd be sorry that -this bold spirit of yours were crushed by it.'</p> - -<p>'Here is the place where I live,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>'Yes, that's Prickwillow drove. Here am I, -eighteen years old, and I have never been along -it—never been on Drownlands farm, along of -this quarrel. And what it was all about, blessed -if I or any one else knows!'</p> - -<p>Zita lingered a moment at the branch of the -road. Mark put out his hand, and she took -it.</p> - -<p>'I'll tell you what,' said she; 'you've been -kind and well-meanin' with me, and I'll give -you a milk-strainer or a blacking-brush, whichever -you choose to have.'</p> - -<p>Mark Runham was constrained to laugh.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I'll tell you which it is to be next time we -meet; to-morrow on the embankment—just -here. Remember, if you are short of anything -beside a milk-strainer or a blacking-brush—it -is yours.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">PRICKWILLOW</p> - -<p class="p1">A SLEEPLESS night followed the day of -the funeral. Zita needed rest, but obtained -none. She had brain occupied by care -as well as heart reduced by sorrow. She had -loved her father, the sole being in the world to -whom she could cling, her sole stay. The -wandering life she had led prevented her contracting -friendships. Since her father's death -she had lain at night in the van. This conveyance -was so contrived as to serve many purposes. -It was a shop, a kitchen, a parlour, an eating-house, -a carriage, a bank. The goods were -neatly packed, and were packed so close that -the inmates could very commodiously live in the -midst of their stores. There was a little cooking -stove in it. There were beds. There was, -indeed, no table, but there were boxes that -served as seats and as tables, and the lap is the -natural dinner-table every man and woman is -provided with.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> - -<p>When the front of the van was raised so as to -shut up the shop for the night, the crimson plush -curtains with their gold fringe and tassels concealed -the board on which so much trade had -been carried on during the day. There was a -window at the back that admitted light. The -stove gave out heat, and the inmates of the -travelling shop settled themselves to their -accounts, and then to rest.</p> - -<p>The accounts were calculated not in a ledger, -but on their fingers, and balanced not on paper -but in their heads.</p> - -<p>When darkness set in, then a lamp illumined -the interior, and the little dwelling was suffused -with a fragrance of fried onions and liver, or -roast mutton chops—something appetising and -well earned; something for which the public -had that day paid, and paid through its nose. -The horse had been attended to, and then the -father sat on a bench, pipe in mouth and legs -stretched out, and occasionally removed the pipe -that he might inhale the fumes of the supper his -daughter was preparing. Cheap Jack had -possessed a fund of good spirits, and his good -humour was never ruffled. He had been the -kindest of fathers; never put out by a mishap, -never depressed by a bad day's trade, never -without his droll story, song, or joke. But for -a fortnight before his death he had failed in -cheeriness and flagged in conversation. The -work of the day had become a burden instead - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> - -of a pleasure, and had left him so weary that he -could often not eat his supper or relish his pipe.</p> - -<p>He had combated his declining health, and -endeavoured to disguise the advance of disease -from the eyes of Zita. But love has keen sight, -and she had noted with heartache his gradual -failure of spirits and power. Till then no thought -as to her own future had occupied her mind. -Now that the dear father was gone, Zita had no -one on whom to lean. No other head than her -own would busy itself about her prospects, no -other heart than her own concern itself about -her to-morrow.</p> - -<p>She was kindly treated at Prickwillow. The -van was placed under cover, and the horse -provided with a stall.</p> - -<p>The housekeeper, a distant relative of Ki -Drownlands, was hearty in her offers of -assistance, and the maid-of-all-work, who was -afflicted with St. Vitus' dance, nodded her kindly -good wishes. Both Drownlands and the housekeeper -had urged Zita to accept the accommodation -of the house, in which were many rooms -and beds, but she had declined the invitation; -she was accustomed to van life, and could make -herself comfortable in her wonted quarters. She -needed little, and the van was supplied with -most things that she required. There were in it -even sufficient black odds and ends to serve her -for mourning at her father's funeral. What was -there not in the van? It was an epitome of the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> - -world, it was a universal mart, a Novgorod Fair -sublimated to an essence.</p> - -<p>'What are you about?' asked Drownlands.</p> - -<p>He had come into the yard behind the farmhouse, -and he saw Zita engaged in harnessing -the horse. The front was down, and on it stood -a milk-strainer, some blacking-brushes, and a flail.</p> - -<p>'What are you about? Whither are you -going?'</p> - -<p>Drownlands was a tall man, with a face like a -hawk, and dark bushy brows that stood out over -his eyes and the root of his nose.</p> - -<p>'I am going,' answered Zita.</p> - -<p>'Going? Who told you to go?'</p> - -<p>'I am going to be an inconvenience no longer.'</p> - -<p>'Who told you you were an inconvenience?'</p> - -<p>'No one, but I know that I am not wanted. -I thank you for what you have done, and will -pay you.'</p> - -<p>'Pay me? Who said a word about payment?'</p> - -<p>'No one, but of course I pay. Mark Runham—I -think that was his name—was kind to me,—that -is to say, he spoke civil to me,—and I'm -going to pay him for good words with a milk-strainer. -You have done me good deeds, and I -will pay you. Get into the van and pick out -what you like up to five pounds. Do you want -door-mats? There's a roll o' carpet, but I don't -recommend it, and there's tinned goods.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands stared at the girl. Then his eyes -rested on the flail.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What have you got that for? It was in my -house.'</p> - -<p>'Yes. You took it in. But it is not yours. -It belongs to Mark Runham. His father bought -it of us. He gave a guinea for it. I picked it -up on the bank when I overtook you. You had -your flail in your hand. You would have ridden -on and left me and my father in the lurch, but I -stood in the way with that flail. It is not mine. -I have the guinea I received for it in my purse. -Now that the old man is dead, for certain it -belongs to his son. That is why I am taking -it to him.'</p> - -<p>'He shall not have it! He must not have -it!' exclaimed Drownlands. 'How came you -to know Mark Runham?'</p> - -<p>'The young man walked from his father's -funeral. So did I. He walked the fastest, and -he caught me up. He spoke kindly, and so I -shall pay him for it with a milk-strainer, or, if -he prefers it, with blacking-brushes.'</p> - -<p>'Give him the blacking-brushes, by all means.'</p> - -<p>'Or the milk-strainer?'</p> - -<p>'Or the milk-strainer; but not the flail.'</p> - -<p>'It is his,' said Zita. 'The old man paid down -his money for it.'</p> - -<p>'Give him back the money, not the flail. -Here'—</p> - -<p>Drownlands thrust his hand into his pocket, -and drew a handful of money, gold, silver, copper, -mixed, from it, and extended it to the girl.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Here! you said you would pay me for what -I have done. Pay me with the flail. I want -nothing more. Then I have the pair; or if you -wish to restore the guinea—take it.'</p> - -<p>'The flail was bought. It is no longer mine.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands stamped, put out his hand and -snatched the flail from the board on which it -stood.</p> - -<p>'He shall not have it. I will accept nothing -else.'</p> - -<p>'Then I must give the young man its value—a -guinea's worth of goods.'</p> - -<p>'Do so, and take the pay from me.'</p> - -<p>'I will let him have your mats, and I'll tell -him that you'—</p> - -<p>'Tell him nothing. Not a word about the -flail. That is all I ask of you. Say nothing. -If you owe me anything for what I have done -for your father and you, then pay me by your -silence.' He mused for a moment, then caught -the girl by the arm and drew her after him. -'Come and see all I have.'</p> - -<p>He led her athwart the rickyard to where -were ranged his stacks of wheat—two, each -forty paces long, with a lane between them. -Down this lane he conducted her. 'Look,' said -he, 'did you ever see such ricks as these? No, -nowhere out of the Fens. Do you know how -much bread is in them? No, nor I. It would -take you many years to eat your way through -them; and every year fresh wheat—as much as - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> - -this—grows. There are rats and mice in these -stacks. They sit therein and eat their fill, they -rear their families there. What odds is that to -me? A few more rats and mice—a few more -mouths in the house—I care not. There is -plenty for all.' Then he drew Zita into another -yard that was full of young stock, bullocks and -heifers.</p> - -<p>'Look here,' said he. 'Do you see all these? -How much meat is on them? How long would -it take you to eat them? Whilst you were -eating, others would be coming—that is the -way of Nature. Nature outstrips us; it shovels -in with both hands, whilst we take out with -one—so is it, anyhow, in the Fens. What is -another cut off a round of beef to such as me?'</p> - -<p>Then he strode to the stables, threw open -the door, and said, 'There are stalls for horses; -there is hay in the loft to feed them, oats in the -bins to nourish them. What odds to me if there -be one more horse in the stalls? Here!' he -called to one of his men. 'Take the Cheap -Jack horse out of the van-shafts again and -bring him to this stable.'</p> - -<p>Zita endeavoured to free herself from his grasp.</p> - -<p>'No,' said Drownlands; 'you have not seen -all. You have been about the world, I daresay; -seen plenty of sights; but there is one -thing you have not seen before,—a fen-farm,—and -it is a sight to unseal your eyes. Come -along with me.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> - -<p>He held her wrist with the grip of a vice, -and now drew her in the direction of the -kitchen.</p> - -<p>'Look!' said he. 'What is that? That is -our fuel. That is turf. What do we pay for -keeping ourselves warm in winter? Nothing. -I have heard say that some folks pay a pound -and even forty shillings for a ton of sea-coal. -And for wood they will pay a guinea a load. -We pay nothing. The fuel lies under our feet. -We take off a spit of earth, and there it is for -the digging, some ten—fifteen—twenty feet of -it. It costs us no more than the labour of -taking up. Do I want a bit of brass? I go to -market, and say I have ten acres of turf to sell -at sixty pounds an acre. A dozen hands are -held up. I get six hundred pounds at once. -That is what I call making money. Come on. -You have not seen all yet.'</p> - -<p>He drew her farther. He pulled her up the -steps to the door, then turned, and, pointing to -a large field in which were mounds of clay at -short intervals, he said—</p> - -<p>'Do you see that? What is done elsewhere -when land is hungry, and demands a dressing? -Lime is brought to fertilise the exhausted soil. -We in the Fens never spend a shilling thus. -If we desire dressing, we dig under the turf, and -there it lies—rich, fat clay—and spread that -over the surface. That is what it is to have a -fen-farm. Come within now.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> - -<p>He conducted Zita through the door, and -threw open the dairy.</p> - -<p>'Look,' said he. 'See the milk, the churns, -the butter. Everything comes to us in the -Fens. Butter is a shilling a pound, and there -are twenty-eight pounds there now. There will -be as much next churning, and all goes as fast -as made. Touch that churn. Every time you -work it you churn money. Come on with me -farther.'</p> - -<p>He made the girl ascend the stairs, and as he -went along the passage at the head of the staircase, -he threw open door after door.</p> - -<p>'Look in. There are many rooms; not half -of them are occupied, but all are furnished. -Why should I stint furniture? I have money—money! -See!' He drew her into a small -apartment, where were desk and table and -chairs. It was his office. He unlocked a safe -in the wall.</p> - -<p>'See! I have money here—all gold. Come -to the window.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands threw open the casement. Below -was the yard, in which were the young cattle, -trampling on straw and treading it into mire. -He thrust his hand into his pocket, drew forth -a handful of coins, and, without looking what -he held,—whether gold, or silver, or copper,—he -threw it broadcast over the bullocks and -heifers. Some coins struck the backs of the -beasts, and bounded off them and fell among - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> - -the straw, some went down into the mud, and -was kneaded in by their feet.</p> - -<p>'What is money to me? It grows, it forces -itself on me, and I know not what to do with -it. I can throw it away to free myself of the -trash and more comes. It comes faster than I -can use it; faster than I can cast it away. Now, -girl—Cheap Jack girl—now you know what a -fen-farm is. Now you see what a fen-tiger -can do. You remain at Prickwillow with me. -I will shelter you, feed you, clothe you, care for -you. Eat, drink, sleep, laugh, and play. Work -a little. All is given to you ungrudgingly.'</p> - -<p>He put the flail to his knee and endeavoured -to break it, but failed. Then he cast it into the -corner of the room, where was a collection of -whips, sticks, and tools.</p> - -<p>'There,' said he, 'all I ask is—not a word -about my having been on the embankment. -Not a word about the flail—least of all to -Runham. I have my reasons, which you do -not understand, and which you need not know.'</p> - -<p>Zita hesitated. She had not expected such -an offer. She doubted whether she could contentedly -settle into farm life.</p> - -<p>'You were about to leave,' continued Drownlands, -'or rather to try to leave. But how could -that horse of yours draw the van out of the -Fens? You know how it was when you came -this way. The wheels sank, and the horse was -powerless. I sent my team, and only so could - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> - -we draw the van along. Never, unassisted, -could you reach Littleport or Ely, not, at all -events, in winter. When you got into the drove -the wheels would sink again, and I should send -my team and drag the van back here once -more. You have got your feet into the peat -earth and clay, and are held fast. Listen to me. -Supposing you did get a little way and then -stick, and I were angry at your departure, and -refused to come to your aid and draw you back -to Prickwillow, what then? Let me tell you -what would happen were you left out all night -unprotected, sunk to the axle in the fen. There -are slodgers in the fen; there are tigers, as they -call them here—plenty round Littleport. That -story of the sale of the flails is spread and talked -about. It is known that you have money. It -is known that your father is dead. Do you -think there are not men who, for the sake of -what money you have, would not scruple to -steal on you in the dark, to come up like rats -out of the dykes, like foxes from the holes, and -take your money, and nip that brown throat -of yours to prevent peaching? If you think -there are not, then you think differently of the -Fens and the fen-men than do I who have -lived in the Fens and among the tigers all my -days. Come'—</p> - -<p>He put his hand to her throat and pinched -it.</p> - -<p>'This, and your body found in a drain, black - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> - -in fen-water, of a morning. This on one side; -on the other, my offer of a home, protection—everything.'</p> - -<p>Zita withdrew from his grasp with a shudder.</p> - -<p>'I accept your offer,' she said; 'I can do no -other. There is no choice in the matter.'</p> - -<p>'You are right there,' said he, with a laugh. -'To you there is no choice.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">RED WINGS</p> - -<p class="p1">DAYS passed; Zita had settled into Prickwillow. -She was given her own room, -and into that she removed the contents of the -van. The walls were lined with the stock in -trade, and the crimson and gold curtains festooned -the window.</p> - -<p>A chamber in a farmhouse seemed to Zita -bare and comfortless after the well-covered -interior of the shop on wheels. She could not -rest till she had hidden the naked walls, and -brought her room into some resemblance to the -interior of the rolling house she had inhabited -for so many years. But she had further reasons -for accumulating the stores in her own apartment. -The van was in an outhouse, and was -exposed to damp, with its attendant evils, moth, -rust, and mildew, that would make havoc of her -property if exposed to them.</p> - -<p>Zita made herself useful in the house. She -considered that she could not accept the offer - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> - -made her of shelter and sustenance without -acknowledgment of a practical nature, and as -she was endowed with energy and intelligence, -she speedily adapted herself to the work of a -farmhouse. She found that there was need -for her hand. The housekeeper was without -system, and disposed to abandon to the morrow -whatever did not exact immediate attention. -The maid with St. Vitus' dance was a worker, -but required direction. Zita had been compelled -to be tidy through the exigencies of van -life. In the travelling shop a vast number of -very various goods had to be packed into a small -compass, and the claims of trade had obliged -her to keep every article in the brightest condition, -that it might look its best, and sell—if -possible—for more than its intrinsic value. -Accordingly, not only did Zita see that everything -was in its place, but also that everything -was furbished to its brightest. She was nimble -with her fingers in plying the needle, and took -in hand the household linen, hemmed the sheets, -attached buttons, darned holes, and put into -condition all that was previously neglected, and -through neglect had become ragged, and was -falling to premature decomposition.</p> - -<p>The girl noticed that Drownlands watched -her at her work, but she also saw that he -averted his eyes the moment she gave token -that she perceived his observation; she was -aware, not only that she interested him, but - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> - -that he, in a manner and in a measure, feared -her.</p> - -<p>She had a difficult course to steer with Leehanna -Tunkiss, the housekeeper, who had received -the tidings that Zita was to become an -inmate of the house for some length of time, -with doubt, if not disapproval. The woman, -moreover, resented the improvements made by -the girl as so many insults offered to herself. -To hem what had been left ragged was to proclaim -to Drownlands and to the quaking help-maid, -that Leehanna had neglected her duty; to -sew on a button that had been off the master's -coat for a week, was to exhibit a consideration -for his interests superior to her own.</p> - -<p>At the outset, before the funeral, the woman -had been gracious, believing that Zita was but -a temporary lodger. When she found that she -was likely to become a permanent resident, her -manner towards her completely altered.</p> - -<p>One afternoon, when Zita had nothing particular -to engage her, she wandered along the -drove, and then rambled from it across the -fields.</p> - -<p>A frost had set in on the day of her father's -funeral, and had ever since held the earth in -fetters. It was one of those severe frosts that -so often arrive in November, and sweep away -the last traces of summer, clear the trees of the -lingering leaves, and then sere the grass that is -still green.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was one of those early frosts which -frequently prove as severe as any that come -with the New Year. The clods and the ruts of -the drove were rigid as iron. It would have -been difficult to move the van when the way was -a slough, it was impossible now that it was -congealed. The lumps and the depressions -were such as no springs could stand, and no -goods endure. Pots would be shivered to atoms, -and pans be battered out of shape. Whatever -Zita may have desired, perhaps hoped, she -recognised the impossibility of leaving her -present quarters under existing circumstances. -A thaw must relax the soil, harrows and rollers -must be brought over the road, before a wheeled -conveyance could pass over it. Finding it -difficult, painful even, to walk in the drove, -where there was not a level surface on which -the foot could be planted, Zita deserted it for a -field, and then struck across country towards -a mill, the sails of which, of ochre-red, were -revolving rapidly. The fields are divided, one -from another, by lanes of water. The fen-men -all leap, and pass from field to field by bounds—sometimes -making use of leaping-poles. -With these latter they can clear not the ditches -only, but the broad drains or loads.</p> - -<p>Zita was curious to see a mill. From one -point she counted thirty-six, stretching away in -lines to the horizon. She had hitherto known -windmills only for grinding corn. Here the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> - -number was too considerable, and their dimensions -too inconsiderable, for such a purpose.</p> - -<p>Lightly leaping the dykes, she made her way -towards the red-winged mill. As she approached, -she saw that the mill was larger than the rest, -that it had a tuft of willows growing beside it, -and that, on an elevated brick platform, whereon -it was planted, stood as well a small house, -constructed, like the mill, of boards, and tarred. -This habitation was a single storey high, and -consisted, apparently, of one room.</p> - -<p>On the approach of Zita, a black dog, standing -on the platform with head projected, began -to bark threateningly. Zita drew near notwithstanding, -as the brute did not run at her, but -contented itself with protecting the platform, -access to which it was prepared to dispute.</p> - -<p>Then Zita exclaimed, 'What, Wolf! Don't -you know me? Haven't you been cheap-jacking -with us for a couple of months, since father -took you off the knife-swallowing man? We'd -have kept you, old boy, but didn't want to have -to pay tax for you, so sold you, Wolf.'</p> - -<p>The dog had not at first recognised Zita in -her black frock; now, at the sound of her voice, -it bounded to her and fawned on her.</p> - -<p>A girl now came out from the habitation, -called, 'What is it, Wolf?' and stood at the -head of the steps that led to her habitation, -awaiting Zita.</p> - -<p>'Who are you?' asked the girl on the platform - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> - -She was a sturdy, handsome young woman, -with fair hair, that blew about her forehead in -the strong east wind. Over the back of her -head was a blue kerchief tied under her chin, -restraining the bulk of her hair, but leaving -the front strands to be tossed and played with -by the breeze. She was, in fact, that Kainie -whose acquaintance we have already made.</p> - -<p>'I believe that I know who you are,' she said.</p> - -<p>She had folded her arms, and was contemplating -her visitor from the vantage-ground of -the brick pedestal that sustained mill and cot. -'You are the Cheap Jack girl, I suppose?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. I am Cheap Jack Zita. And who are -you?'</p> - -<p>'I—I was christened Kerenhappuch, but -some folks call me Kainie and Kenappuch. -I answer to all three names. It's no odds to -me which is used. What do you want here?'</p> - -<p>'I have come to look at the mill. What is its -purpose? You do not grind corn?'</p> - -<p>'Grind corn? You're a zany. No; we -drive the water up out of the dykes into the -drains. Come and see. Why, heart alive! -where have you been? What a fool you must -be not to know what a mill is for! Step up. -Wolf won't bite now he has recognised you. -If you'd been some one else, and tried to step up -here, and me not given the word to lie still, he'd -have made ribbons of you.' She waved her -arms towards the low wooden habitation. 'I - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> - -lives there, I does, and so did my mother afore -me. Some one must mind the mill, and a -woman comes cheaper than a man. Besides, -it ain't enough work for a man, and when a -man hasn't got enough work, why, he takes to -smoking and drinking. We women is different; -we does knitting and washing. We's superior -animals in that way, we is. Here I am a stick-at-home. -I go nowhere. I have to mind the -mill. You are a rambler and a roll-about—never -in one place. It's curious our coming to -know one another. What is your name, did -you say?'</p> - -<p>'Zita—Cheap Jack Zita.'</p> - -<p>'Zita? That's short enough. No wonder -with such a name you're blowed about light as -a feather. It'd take a thundering gale to send -Kerenhappuch flying along over the face of the -land. Her name is enough to weight her. Now, -what do you want to see? Where does your -ignorance begin?'</p> - -<p>'It begins in plain blank. I know nothing -about mills.'</p> - -<p>'My mill is Red Wings. If you look along -the line to Mildenhall and count ten, then you'll -see Black Wings. Count eight more, and you -have White Wings.'</p> - -<p>The girl threw open a door and entered the -fabric of the mill, stepping over a board set -edgewise. She was followed by Zita.</p> - -<p>Nothing could be conceived more simple, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> - -nothing more practical, than the mechanism of -the mill. The sails set a mighty axletree in -motion, that ran the height of the fabric, and -this beam in its revolution turned a wheel at the -bottom, that made a paddle revolve outside the -mill. This paddle was encased in a box of -boards, and at first Zita could not understand the -purpose of the mechanism, not seeing the paddle.</p> - -<p>'Would you like to climb?' asked Kainie. -'Look! I go up like a squirrel. You had best -not attempt it. If your skirts were to catch in -the cogs, there'd be minced Cheap Jack for -Wolf's supper. I'm not afraid. My skirts -seem to know not to go near the wheels, but -yours haven't the same intelligence in them. -A woman's clothes gets to know her ways. -Mine, I daresay, 'd be terrible puzzled in that -van of yours.'</p> - -<p>'Don't you talk to me about petticoats,' said -Zita. 'Petticoats to a woman is what whiskers -is to a cat. They have feeling in them. A -cat never knocked over nothing with his -whiskers, nor does a woman with her skirts if -she ain't a weaker fool than a cat.'</p> - -<p>Then up the interior of the mill ran Kainie, -with wondrous agility, playing in the framework, -whilst the huge axletree turned, and the oak -fangs threatened to catch or drag her into the -machinery.</p> - -<p>'Do come down,' said Zita. 'I do not like to -see you there.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> - -<p>But it was in vain that she called; her voice -was drowned in the rush of the sails, the grinding -of the cogs, and the creak of the wooden -building.</p> - -<p>Presently Kainie descended, as rapidly as she -had run up the ribs of the mill.</p> - -<p>'Mother did not let me do it when she was -alive,' said the mill girl. 'But I did it all the -same. Now, what next? Come and see this.'</p> - -<p>She led Zita outside, and took her to the -paddle-box, flung open a door in it, and exposed -the wheel that was throwing the water from the -'dyke' up an incline into the 'load' at a considerably -higher level.</p> - -<p>'It licks up the water just like Wolf, only it -don't swallow it. There's the difference. And -Wolf takes a little, and stops when he's had -enough; but this goes on, and its tongue is -never dry.'</p> - -<p>'Does the mill work night and day?'</p> - -<p>'That depends. When there's no wind, then -it works neither night nor day, but goes to sleep. -But when there has been a lot of rain, and the -fen is all of a soak—why, then, old Red Wings -can't go fast enough or long enough to please -the Commissioners. Look here; the water has -gone down eighteen inches in the dyke since -this morning. Red Wings has done it. He's -not a bad sort of a chap. He don't take much -looking after. There's a lot of difference in -mills; some are crabbed and fidgety, and some - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> - -are sly and lazy. Some work on honest and -straight without much looking after, others are -never doing their work unless you stand over -them and give them jaw. It's just the same -with Christians.'</p> - -<p>'And what is that long pole for?' asked Zita.</p> - -<p>'That, Miss Ignorance, is the clog. I can -stop the wings from going round if I handle -that, or I can set the sails flying when I lift the -clog. Come here. I'll teach you how to -manage it.' She instructed Zita in the use of -the clog. 'There!' said she; 'now you can -start the mill as well as I can, or you can stop it -just the same. You've learned something from -me today. I hope you won't forget it.'</p> - -<p>'No; I never forget what I am taught.'</p> - -<p>'Not that it will be of any use to you,' said -Kainie. 'You're never like to want to set a -mill going.'</p> - -<p>'Perhaps not; but I know how to do that, -and it is something. There is no telling -whether I may want it or not.'</p> - -<p>'It's as easy as giving a whack to the hoss -who draws the van,' said Kainie.</p> - -<p>'Now,' said Kainie, after a pause, 'this here -hoss of mine has reins too. Do you see those -two long poles, one on either side, reaching to -his head? Them's the reins; with them I turn -his head about so that he may face the wind. -That's the only way in which my hoss can go. -Now come and see where I live.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> - -<p>She led the way to her habitation, which was -beyond the sweep of the wings.</p> - -<p>'It's small, but cosy,' said Kerenhappuch. -'No one can interfere with me, for Wolf keeps -guard. But, bless you, who'd trouble me? I've -no money. And yet one does feel queer after -such things as have happened.'</p> - -<p>'What things?'</p> - -<p>'Ah! and it is a wonder to me how you or -any one can abide in the same house with -him.'</p> - -<p>'With whom?'</p> - -<p>'Why, with Ki Drownlands. Though he be -my uncle, I say it.' The girl's face darkened. -'He never spoke to my mother, his own sister; -never helped her with his gold, and he rich and -we poor. The Commissioners gave us our place, -not Uncle Drownlands.'</p> - -<p>'Who are the Commissioners?'</p> - -<p>'You are a silly not to know. Every man -who owns a couple of score acres in the Fens -is a Commissioner. And the Commissioners -manage the draining, and levy the rates. They -have their gangers, their bankers, their millers—I'm -one of their millers. No,' said Kainie -vehemently. 'No thanks to Ki Drownlands for -that.' She grasped Zita by the shoulders, -put her mouth to her ear, and said in a half -whisper, 'It was Uncle Ki who killed Jake -Runham.'</p> - -<p>Zita drew back and stared at her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I am sure of it,' said Kainie; 'and there be -others as think so too, but durstn't say it. But -there is nothing hid that shall not come to light. -Some day it will be said openly, and known to -all, that Ki Drownlands did it.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">TIGER-HAIR</p> - -<p class="p1">ZITA walked back in the direction of Prickwillow -with a weight on her heart and -her mind ill at ease. Incidents half observed -rose in her memory and demanded consideration—as -in a pool sunken leaves will rise after -a lapse of time and float on the surface. Facts -that had been indistinctly seen and scarce regarded, -now assumed shape and significance.</p> - -<p>She recalled the incidents of the night of her -father's death, and marshalled them in order -with that nicety and precision that marked -her arrangement of the goods in the van. She -remembered how that she had seen two men -ride along the bank, one after another, with an -interval of some minutes intervening between -them, as they passed above where she had been -with the van and her father. The first rider -had been furnished with two lanterns to his -feet. She had let him pass without attempting -to arrest him. That man she now knew was - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> - -Hezekiah Drownlands. Then, after a lapse -of some minutes, a second rider had passed, -going in the same direction. He had carried -a single lantern attached to his left stirrup. -To him she had run, him she had brought to -a standstill, and she had asked and been refused -his assistance. That man was Jeremiah -Runham.</p> - -<p>Zita next recalled every particular of her -run along the bank after the second rider. She -now distinctly remembered having seen a glitter -of several lights before her, a cluster of lights -leaping and falling, flashing and disappearing. -How many these had been she could not recall. -They had changed position, they were not all -visible at once. At the time, in her distress of -mind, she had not counted them. But she was -now convinced that the lights which she had -seen, and seen in one constellation, had been -more than two. A single star would have -represented Runham. Two stars would have -indicated Drownlands. More than two—that -showed that the men had been together. -Further, she had heard shouts and cries. At -the time, as she ran, she had supposed that -these were in response to her appeals for assistance; -but when she had reached Drownlands, -the only man on the bank she did come upon, -then, as she now recalled, he was startled at her -appearance, as if it were wholly unexpected. -He could not, therefore, have called in answer - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> - -to her cries. But where was the third light? -What had become of Runham?</p> - -<p>When she had reached Drownlands no third -light was visible, whereas a minute previously -there had certainly been more than two before -her. What had become of the second rider?</p> - -<p>It was, of course, conceivable at the time that -the third light had been extinguished, and the -second rider was in full career along the bank -in the direction he desired to go. But such an -explanation was no longer admissible when it -was known that this rider was dead, and had -been drowned in the river. When Zita considered -that this rider, Runham, had been found -in the water, with the light of life as well as -that of his lantern extinguished, and when she -remembered that she had picked up the flail he -had been carrying at the spot where she came -up with Drownlands, it appeared certain to her -that Drownlands must have witnessed, if he -did not cause, the death of Runham. It was -possible that Runham, returning tipsy from -market, may have urged his horse on one side, -so as to pass the man before him, and so have -plunged into the river; and it was possible -enough that Drownlands had chosen to maintain -silence on the matter, lest any admissions -on his part might have been construed into an -accusation of having caused the death of his -adversary.</p> - -<p>Zita was turning these thoughts over in her - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> - -mind when she reached the embankment. She -started to walk along it. She was confident -that she could fix the spot where she had -slipped into the water, and that was but about -a hundred paces from where she had come up -with Drownlands. She remembered to have -observed there a post in the water that had in -it a mortice-hole, like an eye, and that the -head was so indented and rugged as at one -moment to make her suppose it was a human -face.</p> - -<p>As has already been stated, there had been -sufficient frost to harden mud into rock. Traces -of a scuffle—if a scuffle had taken place—would -be recognisable still to an eye that knew precisely -where to look for them.</p> - -<p>Zita went with nimble feet, a busy brain, and -fluttering heart towards the point where the van -had been arrested in the mud, and she resolved -thence to follow the course she had taken on -that eventful night along the bank. On this -occasion she walked deliberately where she had -previously run, and came after a while to the -spot where, according to her calculation, she had -slipped into the canal. There she found the -post standing up out of the water to which she -had clung, close to the bank, with the mortice-hole -in it that had looked so like a human eye. -This was the only post of the kind she had -come across, and this was not more than a -hundred yards from the spot where she had - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> - -grasped Drownlands' foot, had held him, and -had heard him scream at her touch.</p> - -<p>At this point, some hundred yards beyond the -post with the hole in it, she carefully explored -the soil. The top of the embankment was indented -with hoof-marks, but these might have -been made by the gangers' horses, which were -constantly driven up and down the embankment. -But there was something that satisfied -the girl that at this spot a struggle had taken -place, for on the land side of the embankment -tufts of grass and clods of clay had been torn -out and thrown into the drove, and on the water -side hoof-marks and a slide in the greasy marl -were sealed up by the frost as evidences of a -horse having there gone down into the water. -These had not been observed by any one else, as -no one save Zita had known the exact place -where to look for them, and though distinguishable -enough when searched for, they were not -obtrusively manifest.</p> - -<p>Zita had not merely a well-arranged mind, -but she was able to prize whatever facts came -before her at their true value.</p> - -<p>Now, as she walked away from the river towards -Prickwillow, she realised that there was -strong presumptive evidence that Drownlands -had been engaged in a tussle with his enemy, -and that he knew how it was that Runham had -met his death, even if he were not absolutely -his murderer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> - -<p>As Zita entered the house, she heard the -master's voice raised in tones of anger. He -was addressing Mrs. Tunkiss, the housekeeper.</p> - -<p>'It's all idle excuse—you don't want the -trouble of it. I know your ways.'</p> - -<p>'I haven't a needle will go through it,' -answered Leehanna.</p> - -<p>Then Drownlands came out of the kitchen. -He was swinging in his hand the tiger-skin that -usually in cold or wet weather was slung over -his shoulders. His eye lighted on Zita, and his -face brightened at once.</p> - -<p>'Look here, you Cheap Jack girl,' said he. -'The servants are idle curs, both of them. I -want Leehanna Tunkiss to mend my skin. I -have torn it. A few threads will suffice, and -she declares she has no needle that will go through -the leather. It's all idleness and excuse.'</p> - -<p>'I will do it,' said Zita. 'We have all sizes -and sorts of needles in stock—for cobblers, -tailors, and all.'</p> - -<p>She took the tiger-hide out of his hand.</p> - -<p>'That's my great-coat—my mantle by day -and my rug and coverlet by night,' said Drownlands. -'I wear no other. We, who have been -born and bred in the Fens, folk are pleased to -call fen-tigers. That is why I got this skin. -Ten, fifteen years ago it was for sale in Ely, and -I bought it as a fancy, and have come to think -I can't do without it. Folks have got to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> - -know me now by it, and call me the Fen-tiger -King. Can you mend it?'</p> - -<p>Turning the skin about, Zita said, 'It has -been given a wrench—tremenjous.'</p> - -<p>'Well, so it has, and there is a rip as well. -If it is not drawn together now, it will go worse. -I don't want to wear rags, and I won't, that's -more—though Leehanna would have me, to -save trouble. It is easier to find an excuse than -to run threads with a needle.'</p> - -<p>'I will do it,' said Zita. 'But you must suffer -me to take it to my room, that I may find a -suitable needle and stout thread.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, take it,' said Drownlands, with his -beetling brows drawn together and his eyes -fixed on her from below them. 'Yes, Chestnut-hair! -you can do everything. In your store -you keep everything but excuses.'</p> - -<p>'We could not sell them,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>'And it is with excuses Leehanna serves me,' -he replied, and looked sideways angrily at his -housekeeper, who retreated muttering into the -kitchen.</p> - -<p>Then Drownlands went out, and Zita retired -to her room to accomplish the task she had -undertaken. As she turned the hide about, she -was struck with the evidence it gave of having -been wrenched and twisted with great strain of -violence. The wrench was no ordinary one, -produced by the catching of the skin in a nail -or door. The hide was in one place stretched - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> - -out of shape by the force exerted on it; not -only so, but it had been contorted. Again, on -closer investigation, it appeared that some of -the hair had been ripped out by the roots, by -this means exposing the bare hide.</p> - -<p>As Zita worked at the repair, her busy brain -occupied itself with the causes of this strain -and rent: how they could have been produced, -why the tension had been so excessive.</p> - -<p>That Drownlands had not ridden to Ely on -the fair-day with his skin torn she was convinced -by his asking to have it mended now; -whereas, had it been in this condition before -fair-day, he would have required it to be repaired -before riding into Ely. Drownlands was -eccentric in his dress, but he was also punctilious -about its neatness. The injury done to the -tiger-skin must have been done since Tawdry -fair-day. All at once Zita dropped needle and -twine, started up, left her room, and went to -that which Drownlands used as his office, the -apartment into which he had conducted her -when he showed her his money.</p> - -<p>Into the corner of this room he had flung the -flail that he had taken from her when she was -about to leave his farm and to return it to Mark -Runham; the flail she had picked up on the -bank was that Runham the elder had bought -from her for a guinea.</p> - -<p>Zita knew that Drownlands was out, she had -seen him go to the stables across the yard. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> - -He had not returned. She had not heard his -voice or step in the house since. Into the office -she was justified in penetrating, for the master -had asked her to keep it in order for him. -Leehanna Tunkiss neglected it, on the excuse -that she was afraid of disarranging his papers -and books. Zita knew that both flails were in -this room; that which Drownlands had bought -was suspended to a nail, the other was in the -corner where he had cast it.</p> - -<p>Zita took both flails and examined them. -She saw that they had been subjected to rough -usage. The wood was bruised in both. It had -not been so when they left her hands in the -afternoon of Tawdry Fair. The flappers were -dinted, and there was a deep bruise in the -'handfast' of one. Both had been employed to -strike, and both had clashed against each other.</p> - -<p>Zita replaced Drownlands' flail on the nail -whence she had unhitched it, and took a further -look at that which had belonged to Runham.</p> - -<p>She now observed that the leather thongs -that attached the flapper to the handfast were -twisted, stretched, and strained, and that in the -twist was a tuft of hair precisely similar to that -of the tiger-skin.</p> - -<p>She detached some of this hair, took it to her -room, and compared it with that still in place -on the hide. There could no longer be any -question but that a struggle had taken place -between the two men, that they had fought - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> - -with the flails, that in course of the contest -the flail of Runham had become entangled in -the hide worn by Drownlands, and that the -flail had been twisted, and so had strained and -torn the skin.</p> - -<p>In this case Drownlands most certainly knew -of the death of his adversary, and had had some -hand in it.</p> - -<p>Zita knew enough, and she shuddered at the -thought that she was enjoying the hospitality -of a murderer.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">ON BONE RUNNERS</p> - -<p class="p1">'HEIGH! Cheap Jack girl!'</p> - -<p>Zita was out enjoying the crisp, frosty -air, on the frozen soil, sparkling under the -winter sun.</p> - -<p>The November frost had continued, and -canals and rivers were iced over as well as -dykes and drains. God's plough was in the -soil—that is what country folk say when the -frost cuts deep into the earth. Where God's -plough has been, there golden harvests are -turned up to gladden all sorts and conditions -of men, and golden harvests turn to metallic -gold in the pockets of the farmers.</p> - -<p>Every fen man, woman, and child can skate. -As soon as a child has found its legs, it essays -to slide, and when it can slide, it attempts to -skate. Fen skating is inelegant. Speed alone -is considered, and legs and arms fly about in -all directions. With scorn does the fen-man -contemplate the figuring of the fine gentleman -on the ice.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> - -<p>In winter, skating matches come as thick as -do football matches elsewhere. Parish is pitted -against parish, fen against fen, islet contests -with islet; even the frequenters of one tavern -are matched against the frequenters of another.</p> - -<p>During a hard frost, locomotion for once -becomes easy and speedy in the Fens. Men -and women skate to market, children to school, -and smugglers run their goods from King's Lynn.</p> - -<p>Zita had gone to the river side to see a sight -that was novel to her. As she stood watching -the skaters, Mark Runham came to the bank -side, his cheeks glowing, his fair hair blowing -about his ears, his eyes sparkling as though -frost crystals were in them.</p> - -<p>'I say, Cheap Jack, get on your patines and -come.' Skates are termed <i>patines</i> in the Fens.</p> - -<p>'If you mean skates, I have none. Besides, -I do not know how to use them.'</p> - -<p>'Not got patines? Not know how to use -them? Then take a ride in my sleigh. I'll -run you along. Stay here a few minutes till -I have brought it.'</p> - -<p>He was gone, flying down the river like a -swallow, and in ten minutes he had returned, -drawing after him a little sledge, and stayed -his course on the frozen surface of the Lark -before Zita.</p> - -<p>'It's fine fun,' said he, with a voice cheery as -his smile. 'I'll run you where you like to go; -to Rossall Pits if you will—to Littleport—down - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> - -to the sea—up to Cambridge—to the end of the -world—anywhere you will.'</p> - -<p>'Take me for a short distance only.'</p> - -<p>'Then seat yourself in the sledge. We shall -go as the wind.'</p> - -<p>Zita descended the bank to the ice.</p> - -<p>'Look!' said he; 'do you see how my sleigh -is made? It is set on the leg-bones of a horse. -It runs on them in prime style. They wear as -steel, and slip along better.'</p> - -<p>With her face radiant with happiness, Zita -placed herself in the little sleigh.</p> - -<p>Then with a merry 'Whoop!' off he started -down the river. The wind rushed in Zita's face, -sharp and fresh, and drove the blood to her -cheeks.</p> - -<p>They passed many 'patiners,' men and boys. -There were few women out. Later, when the -sun set, they would skate along the frozen -surface to the tavern. The tavern is an institution -in the Fens more frequented than elsewhere, -and frequented without scruple, not by men -only, but by women as well. There is a reason -for this. The fen-water is undrinkable. There -are no springs in the Fens. Those who live near -the rivers derive thence their tea water; river -water is potable and harmless when boiled, that -which is drawn from the peat is neither. Consequently -the inhabitants of the Fens are compelled -to drink something other than water, -and instinctively seek that something other at - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> - -the public-houses. When the woman's work-day -is over, she dons her patines and is off to -the 'Fish and Duck,' or the 'Spade and Becket,' -the 'Pike and Eel,' or the 'Sedge Sheaf,' to -moisten her dust-dry clay.</p> - -<p>As Zita flew along the ice, she laughed for -joy of heart. Never had she travelled so fast. -Her wonted pace had been that of the snail, -for she had made progress in a heavily-laden -van, drawn by a depressed and stolid horse. -She was whirled past one of the main pumps -for throwing the water of the loads into the -river, and before she conceived it possible, she -had passed a second. And these engines, as -Mark told her, were two miles apart. Jewel's -fashion of travelling was very different from -that of Mark. Along the smoothest and most -level road he had been accustomed to crawl, -and then, after having made his pulses throb -and his sweat break out, to stand still, with -head down, to revive himself. Then nothing -would induce him to proceed till he considered -himself refreshed, when he would stumble on -for a couple of miles, and again pause. But -Mark flew along as though he would never -know exhaustion, and there was no bringing -him to a standstill.</p> - -<p>After several vain attempts to arrest him, -Zita succeeded. He stood beside her sleigh -with a smile on his pleasant face, and with the -steam blowing from his nostrils.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> - -<p>'You must not go too far,' said Zita. 'We -have come a long way from Prickwillow.'</p> - -<p>'What! are you tired? You have not been -dancing on sketches?'</p> - -<p>'I do not understand your meaning.'</p> - -<p>'Sketches?—does that word puzzle you as -did patines? They are what some folk call -stilts. I can run on them like a crane. But -sketches are cumbrous, and, when the fen is soft, -tire one speedily.'</p> - -<p>'Let us return now.'</p> - -<p>'No indeed. You have nothing to call you -back. That fellow Drownlands, old scoundrel,—I -beg your pardon,—will not be angry with -you and thrash you, I suppose?'</p> - -<p>'He is not at home. He has gone abroad -for the day.'</p> - -<p>'Then come along. We will visit Newport.'</p> - -<p>'Please do not take me much farther.'</p> - -<p>'Why not? Are you not enjoying the run?'</p> - -<p>'I love it.'</p> - -<p>'Then away we go. You are not afraid of -travelling, with me as your horse?'</p> - -<p>She looked straight into his bright, honest -face, and laughed. 'No—you are too good for -any one to fear you.'</p> - -<p>'How do you know that?'</p> - -<p>'You carry honesty in your eyes, and "good -boy" written across your brow.'</p> - -<p>'It is time for me to run,' laughed Mark, 'or -my head will be turned.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> - -<p>He buckled himself to his task, pranced from -side to side, swinging the little sleigh to right -and left, in his light-hearted frolic, and then -away he went, running the sleigh with Zita in -it straight along the canal.</p> - -<p>The flatness, the monotony of the Fens, the -absence of unshackled nature, the treelessness -of the region, the lack of everything that can -arrest the changing lights and passing shadows, -combine to make the district one to send a chill -into the mind of the visitor. Flat as the sea, -it is devoid of its diversity of tint and tumultuous -or glassy beauty. Nevertheless, the fen -exercises a charm over the mind and holds with -a spell the heart of the native. He can live -nowhere else. He will not emigrate. He feels -bound to spend all his days in the fen. Only -when the vital spark expires does his body -leave the turf to repose in the clay of the islet -graveyards. That the farmer and landowner -should love the fen is not marvellous, because -of the richness of the soil and the profits they -make out of it; but why the labourer should -cling to the spongy turf is not so explicable. -He may be discontented, and be a grumbler, -but he is discontented with his lot, and envies -the taverner or the smuggler on the Fens, -grumbles at the hardness of his work or the -lowness of his pay; but he is not discontented -because the fen is so flat, and he has no word -against its hideousness, or, at least, its uniformity.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - -<p>One reason why the labourer in the Fens does -not think of leaving it may be that he uses tools -there different from those employed elsewhere, -and he would have to learn his trade anew, -employ unfamiliar tools, and be subjected to -ridicule when handling them awkwardly. It is -strange, but true, that those men are more -naturally prone to leave their homes who -inhabit mountainous lands than such as dwell -in level districts.</p> - -<p>How far was Mark going? How Zita flashed -past the windmills, some of which had their -sails in motion! A little rising ground showed, -with some trees clustered on it—that must be -Littleport.</p> - -<p>'Mark,' said Zita suddenly, 'I want to ask -you a question.'</p> - -<p>'Say on,' said he, and relaxed the speed at -which he was spinning her along, and finally -came to a standstill. How pretty she was, with -her glowing cheeks, her cherry lips, the light of -the winter sun in her soft hazel eyes and in her -rich, burnished, chestnut hair! How pretty -that hair was now, in some confusion, puffed -out of its order, the coppery strands on her brow, -one down her cheek! The wildness of her -appearance thus untidied by the wind made -her more than ever charming.</p> - -<p>Mark looked with eyes that could not be -satiated with looking.</p> - -<p>But it was not merely her beauty that struck - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> - -him. It was the exuberant happiness that -seemed to be bursting forth at her eyes, running -out of her little head in every shining hair, -glowing in those bright-tinted cheeks, burning -in those carnation-red lips.</p> - -<p>'Well, my dear little Zita, what is it?'</p> - -<p>'Mark, it is something I have thought about -and have puzzled over. It seems strange to -speak about it now—now when I am so joyous—and -it is connected with things so sad to me -and to you.'</p> - -<p>'But what is it, little rogue?'</p> - -<p>'Mark, that terrible night when your father -and mine died'—. She paused.</p> - -<p>'Well, Zita?'</p> - -<p>'Then—before his death, I mean—before the -death of my own dear daddy, and I can't say -whether it was before or after yours was drowned—I -heard such a strange, such an awful sound.'</p> - -<p>'Where?'</p> - -<p>'In the sky—above; like the barking of dogs. -It was just as though a hunter was going by -with his pack. Shall I tell you what I thought -it? It was just as if the dogs had smelt the -fox, and gave tongue. Was it not dreadful? -I could see nothing; I could hear—that was -all.'</p> - -<p>'I think nothing of that,' said Mark. 'I know -our fen-folk say it is the devils running after a -human soul. They have snuffed it from the -bottomless pit, then the Great Hunter of Souls - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> - -opens the kennel door, and out they burst, -yelping, snapping, panting, and come after it.'</p> - -<p>'Oh, Mark!'</p> - -<p>'But if the soul be very nimble, it runs before -them, runs on the wind, swift as an arrow, and -slips in at heaven's gate, and then the evil spirits -yelp and bay and bark outside. But it is all -fudge and nonsense. I believe that the sound -comes from the wild geese.'</p> - -<p>'I shall ever think of this. Oh, I hope I shall -never hear that dreadful sound again. My dear -father—no—he would certainly escape those -hounds. They would never catch him. For -him the Golden Gate would be opened, and the -dogs be shut outside. He was so gentle, so -kind, so true. Oh, I loved him so—so much!' -And thereupon the brightness was gone out of -the sunny little face, and it was bathed in tears.</p> - -<p>'Put all this aside. Think no more of it.'</p> - -<p>'They were in full pursuit when I heard -them.'</p> - -<p>'The geese? And you are a little goose if -you think more of this.'</p> - -<p>'Mark, may I never hear that sound again!'</p> - -<p>'Or, if you do, Zita, may I be near you to -laugh your fears away. No, not laugh—kiss -them away, as I do now.'</p> - -<p>'Mark! you <em>are</em> a naughty boy! I did not -think it of you.'</p> - -<p>The roses had come back, and the glow was -returned, and in one cheek deeper than the other.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">PIP BEAMISH</p> - -<p class="p1">'DO go on and leave me alone,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>Then again the young man sped forward -with the sledge, at full speed on his skates. -There was a glow of something more than health—something -more than the reaction produced -by the fresh wind—in his cheeks.</p> - -<p>'Here's a joke!' exclaimed Mark, stopping -for a moment. 'I see quite a throng round -Beamish's mill.'</p> - -<p>Again he went on. And Zita, looking in the -direction he had indicated, saw that a considerable -number of persons was collected, some on -the banks, some on the ice, and as many as -could be accommodated on the brick platform -of a windmill.</p> - -<p>Without halting, Mark said, 'The paddle -can't go because of the frost, but Pip Beamish's -tongue can wag, and when it wags it is for -mischief. He is a restless, dissatisfied rascal. -We'll go and hear what he has to say.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> - -<p>Mark stayed the sledge when he reached the -outer ring of the congregation that was gathered -together about the mill.</p> - -<p>The day was Sunday, so no work was being -done. There were idlers everywhere, specially -on the ice. In present days there is little -church-going in the Fens, in former days there -was none. Churches are few and far apart. -In mediæval times the monks of Ely had -chapels on every islet that rose a few feet -above the meres, and they boated from one -to another, gathering around them for divine -service and moral instruction the aquatic population -of the Fens. With the Reformation these -chapels were let fall into ruin, and care for the -souls of the fen-dwellers ceased. The canons -of the cathedral were wealthy and idle, and it -never so much as occurred to their sleepy, -stagnant consciences that they had duties to -perform towards the inhabitants of the district -whence they drew their revenues.</p> - -<p>When the meres were dried, and settlers -occupied the drained land, then the parochial -clergy were unable to cope with the altered -condition of affairs. The roads were impassable, -the distances enormous, their incomes had -not increased with the alteration in the value -of the lands included in their vast parishes. -Consequently, the fen-folk came to think little -of their religious duties. The church towers -might serve as landmarks, but the church - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> - -pastors were not spiritual guides. The only -form of religion that commended itself to an -amphibious population was Anabaptism, and -that mainly because it consisted of a good -souse in fen-water. A few of the sterner spirits -settled into the sect, but the bulk of the natives -grew up and lived without any religion at all; -or, if they professed to be Christians, they took -care to allow it in no way to interfere with their -profits or their pleasures.</p> - -<p>The assemblage about the mill consisted of -labouring men and their wives; some were in -their Sunday clothes, but others had not taken -the trouble to 'clean' themselves. Such were -the men who lounged about on holidays with -springes and nets in their pockets, and a gun -barrel up the left sleeve.</p> - -<p>A stool was planted close to the mill, and on -it stood a young man with high cheek-bones, -long dark hair, and glittering eyes under heavy, -bushy brows. He had unusually lengthy arms, -and at the extremities of the arms unusually -broad, flat hands. These he flourished about. -He drew in his elbows to his sides, and emphasised -an appeal by suddenly throwing out -his arms and extending his fingers. Having his -back to the mill, which was constructed of boards, -what he said was audible to some distance. -The boards served as reverberators.</p> - -<p>'I say it is a sin,' shouted the orator. 'Here -be the farmers turning earth into corn, and corn - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> - -into gold guineas, and the men as helps them -to do it ain't paid enough to keep body and -soul together. What was wheat a quarter only -a short while ago? It was one hundred and -twenty shillings and sixpence. Now it is -ninety-six shillings. And what are the wages? -Seven to ten shillings. What is the difference -between seven shillings and ninety-six? -Eighty-nine, is it not? That is what goes into -the farmers' pockets. Who do all the work? -And who get all the gains? Look into every -stackyard and see what wheat is there for the -rats and mice to eat,—they are not begrudged -it, let them eat,—but you and your children -must starve. Why are not the stacks threshed -out? Because the farmers are waiting till the -wheat goes up to one hundred and twenty-six -shillings again. You may perish of hunger—that -is nothing to them. Your children may -run naked—that is nothing to them. You may -drink fen-water because you haven't twopence -to pay for a half-pint of beer—that is nothing -to them. You mayn't have a blanket to throw -over your beds this freezing weather—they don't -care. You may have the walls of your cots so -full of cracks that the wind whistles through -them—they don't care. Your hands have held -the plough, your hands have sown the corn, -your wives and children have hoed it three -times, you have reaped it, you have stacked it—and -there it stands for rats and mice to eat, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> - -till prices go up to one hundred and twenty-six -shillings. Ninety-six is not good enough for -them,—these bloodsuckers,—and you are content -to let things remain so. What I maintain is, -that you have a right to say to the farmers, -"Thresh out now while we are hungry; the -price is too high even now for us, and why -should sad days for us be golden days for -you?"'</p> - -<p>His address was received with applause.</p> - -<p>Mark turned to Zita and said in a low tone, -'He is right after a fashion. I'll set to work -and thresh to-morrow. I'll let the labourers -who are on my farm have this corn ten per cent. -under market price. I cannot act fairer than -that.'</p> - -<p>'And how is it with the millers?' pursued the -orator. 'Don't they take toll of every sack of -corn you send to them to be ground? Are not -their pigs and cows kept fat on what the miller's -fist brings up out of your flour? As if it were -not enough that you were cheated by the farmer, -you must be cheated also by the miller. Pillaged -in every way, pinched on every side, -trodden on by every one—that is your fate.'</p> - -<p>His words met with applause.</p> - -<p>'We have gone on hoping, and we have been -disappointed. What good comes to us from -Parliament? None at all. What help do we -get from the laws? The laws are made for the -benefit of the farmer, and not for the poor man. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> - -What good to us are magistrates—justices of -the peace? They are appointed to hold us -down, to fine and imprison us. They are the -farmer's friends, not the friends of the poor -man. We are told that Old Boney is the foe -of our country. Men are called from the -plough, plucked away from their wives and -children, to serve the king against this Bonaparte. -What does patriotism mean? It means -loving the country where we are ill-treated and -starved, loving the king who never concerns -himself about us, loving the laws that oppress -us, loving the magistrates who imprison us, -loving the farmers who are sucking the marrow -out of our bones. I'm no patriot. As well ask -a poor prisoner to love his jail, shed his blood -in its defence. I'll tell you what it is, friends, -Heaven helps them who help themselves. No -good will come to us from waiting. Heaven is -silent so long as we bear and do nothing, but -Heaven will send its lightning and hailstones -when we take the matter into our own hands. -It was so in the day of battle in Gibeon; then -the Lord cast down great stones from heaven -upon the oppressors of Israel, and made sun -and moon to stand still till they were cut to -pieces, smitten hip and thigh. The great stones -would have remained in the clouds, sun and -moon have taken their usual courses, had not -Joshua and Israel armed themselves to fight—to -right their own wrongs. So will it be again, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> - -so has it ever been, so will it be unto the end. -We must raise our hands to fight our fight, raise -our hands against our oppressors, or there will -be no help for us from on high. If you remain -hoping and doing nothing, then, as I said before—to -be trampled into the mud—that is your -fate.'</p> - -<p>'And to be thrashed and to be kicked out of -employ—that is what is laid up for you, you -rascal!' shouted an imperious voice.</p> - -<p>Zita and Mark looked round, and saw behind -them Drownlands on his horse.</p> - -<p>'I will see to you, Pip Beamish, as sure as -that I am a Commissioner,' continued the master -of Prickwillow. 'You were not set to tend a -mill that you might stump it and foment ill-feeling. -I shall report what you have said at -the next meeting of the Commissioners, and -shall have you cast adrift.' Then, turning to -the audience, Drownlands brandished his whip -and cried, 'As for the rest of you, disperse -instantly, or I will ride up and down among -you and lash you with my whip, and send you -skipping home.'</p> - -<p>The crowd broke up into knots, then further -dissolved and dispersed.</p> - -<p>'I'll have your names, and see that you are -thrown out of employ. Get home at once, -before the whip is at your breech.'</p> - -<p>The haughty, commanding tone of the man, -and the knowledge that he was one ready to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> - -execute his threats, seemed to make those -who hesitated consider that the better part of -valour was discretion, and they scattered in all -directions.</p> - -<p>Drownlands, upright in his stirrups, looked -about him, marking those who seemed reluctant -to obey his orders. Then his eye rested on -Zita. His face changed immediately.</p> - -<p>'You here?'</p> - -<p>'Mark ran me up in his sleigh.'</p> - -<p>'Mark? Mark? What Mark? How dare -you come here without leave from me?'</p> - -<p>'I am not your servant. I am not your -prisoner. I go where I choose. I do what I -will,' answered Zita, nettled at his tone.</p> - -<p>'Hallo!' scoffed Drownlands. 'What! has -the mad folly of Ephraim Beamish infected your -little brain?'</p> - -<p>'My brain is sound enough. It is you, Master -Drownlands, who forget what your place is, and -what is mine. You are not my master. I am -not your servant. I pay my way. I am a lodger -at Prickwillow, nothing more. If I please to go -out for a run on the ice with Mark, I am not idle. -I have done my work in your house, and may -enjoy myself as I like.'</p> - -<p>'Do not bandy words with me.'</p> - -<p>'It is of no use arguing with him,' whispered the -young yeoman. 'He is in one of his passions, -when he acts and talks unreasonably. Take no -notice of him.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What are you whispering about? Making -mock of me?' roared Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'Come, Cheap Jack,' said Mark, 'jump on to -the sleigh again; and you, Master Drownlands,' -he looked at the horseman with a laugh, 'let us -race—you on the bank, I on the canal—and Zita -the prize.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">ON ONE FOOTING</p> - -<p class="p1">ZITA was back at Prickwillow long before -the master.</p> - -<p>She anticipated a scene with him and prepared -for it. He was wont to domineer in his house -and on the farm, and she had just seen how -he domineered and enforced his will on an -assemblage of men not under subjection to him.</p> - -<p>She was sensible that he had gradually -assumed towards herself an air of authority, but -he had not hitherto addressed her in a dictatorial -tone so distinct as to provoke resistance. She -had, however, perceived that the time was -approaching when some understanding must be -reached as to her position and their mutual -relations. She was not a domestic in the house, -to be ordered about or to have her liberty curtailed. -She had accepted his hospitality, not -entered into his service.</p> - -<p>Zita was alive to the fact that every one in -the house and on the farm—Mrs. Tunkiss, the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> - -shaking maid-of-all-work, the herd, the labourers, -the stable-boy—all stood in awe of him. The -housekeeper was as a lamb under his reprimand; -a word addressed to the girl with St. Vitus' -dance drove her into convulsions; an order given -to the men galvanised them into momentary -agility and sent the boy skipping like a flea. -Zita despised them for their subserviency. She -was not afraid of Drownlands. She knew that -concerning him which was sufficient to make -him quake before her.</p> - -<p>Zita had been accustomed to face men of every -description. Her father had stood between her -and coarse insult, but she had been obliged to -confront men rude, boisterous, and disposed to -take advantage of her weakness, and had acquired -readiness in dealing with them, and nerve not to -show timidity.</p> - -<p>When she had seen the cringe and cower -of those whom Drownlands had threatened, she -tossed her chestnut gold head in a manner expressive -of impatience.</p> - -<p>Drownlands had noticed this, and Zita had -seen in his darkening brow that he had observed, -was surprised and offended at the contemptuous -action. The moment was not far off when he -would test his strength against hers.</p> - -<p>'The sooner the better,' said Zita to herself; -and, instead of avoiding him, she went across the -yard to meet him as he rode up the drove. She -took his horse by the bridle and said, 'I will - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> - -lead him to the stable; the men are at chapel or -the beerhouse, and the boy is with the cows.'</p> - -<p>'You won't curry favour by doing this,' said -Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'Curry favour? I curry nothing. Currycomb -your horse yourself!'</p> - -<p>'I want a word with you, Cheap Jack.'</p> - -<p>'And I with you, Fen-tiger—we must settle -terms.'</p> - -<p>'Terms? What terms?'</p> - -<p>'The price of my lodging.'</p> - -<p>'I do not understand you.'</p> - -<p>'I have a capital copper warming-pan,' said -Zita, 'with George and the Dragon on the lid. -A stunner. I've reckoned up what meat I've -ate, and all I've drunk, and the wear and tear of -knives, linen, dishes, and so forth, and I think -the copper warming-pan will cover it all.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands had flung himself from his horse.</p> - -<p>He stared at Zita; he did not in the least -seize her meaning.</p> - -<p>'If you don't care for a warming-pan,' she said, -'then there's half a dozen red plush weskits, with -gilded buttons and dogs' heads on 'em—you -can't wear all six, but take your choice and I'll -make up with scrubbing-brushes, starch, and blue. -I think the tiger-skin and a red weskit under it, -and them bushy eyebrows tied in a knot as they -be now, will make such a figure of you as will -drive babies and girls into fits.'</p> - -<p>'You are mocking me! You dare to do that?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I'm not mocking you, though I don't say I'm -not inclined to whisk a red weskit before you, -when you stamp and blare like a bull—for fun, -you know. I love fun, but I am not mocking -you. I am too much obliged to you for receiving -me to do that.'</p> - -<p>'I will turn you out—you and your van—into -the winter frost.'</p> - -<p>'When? To-morrow? I am ready to go.'</p> - -<p>'You shall not go!' exclaimed Drownlands, -coming round the head of the horse to her and -seizing her wrist. 'You shall not go; I know -why you want to leave me. I know whither -you want to go.'</p> - -<p>'Whither?'</p> - -<p>'To Crumbland.'</p> - -<p>'I have not been invited there; but if you -turn me out, I shall find a shakedown somewhere. -There is that girl Kenappuch at the mill. She'll -have me for certain, and I'll pay her; not so -high as a warming-pan, but in currants and figs -and a roll of calico. The accommodation won't -be so good as yours, nor the feeding so liberal.'</p> - -<p>'You have got to know her also?'</p> - -<p>'Yes.'</p> - -<p>'And Mark Runham?'</p> - -<p>'Yes; he has got to know me. That's the -way to put it.'</p> - -<p>'You are resolved to seek friends where I -disapprove—among those who are my enemies?'</p> - -<p>'I know nothing and care less about your - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> - -quarrels. I've got acquainted with both, and -they are the only persons in the Fens for whom -I care'—</p> - -<p>'Oh, you care only for them.'</p> - -<p>'Outside Prickwillow. You cut me short -before I had finished my sentence. That is -bad manners. If we kept manners in stock, I'd -sell you a penn'orth.'</p> - -<p>'Ah,' said Drownlands, for a moment relaxing -his iron grasp, 'you allow me some of your -regard?'</p> - -<p>'I always care for every one who is kind to me, -and you have been kind to both me and my poor -father.' At the mention of her father Zita's lips -and voice quivered, and tears filled her eyes. -'You were good to him. I do not forget that, -and I'll pay you for it in anything I have got -that you fancy. What do you say to smoked -mother-of-pearl buttons?'</p> - -<p>'Will you be quiet?' roared Drownlands, -with an oath.</p> - -<p>'Or,' continued Zita, 'there are several pounds -of strong fish-glue. It went soft and got mouldy -in the van, but I got it dry in the kitchen and -wiped the mould off. It is all right now; the -strength isn't taken out of it. A shilling a -pound is what it would cost you in Ely, but -as I offer it to you, I'll knock off twopence. -You shall have it for tenpence per pound—so -you see I do care for you, twopence in the -shilling.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> - -<p>Drownlands' face darkened; he pressed the -girl's wrist so that she uttered an exclamation -of pain.</p> - -<p>'You hurt me,' she said; 'that's something off -your account.'</p> - -<p>'You are making a jest of me!' gasped the -man. 'And you dare to do so? You are not -afraid?'</p> - -<p>'What should I be afraid of?'</p> - -<p>'I can hurt you—worse than by nipping your -wrist.'</p> - -<p>'And I can defend myself,' she answered. '<em>I</em> -afraid of <em>you</em>? No; it was you who trembled -and screamed like a woman when I touched you -on the river bank that night we first met. It is -<em>you</em> who have reason to be afraid of <em>me</em>.'</p> - -<p>The colour went out of his face.</p> - -<p>'No, I am not afraid of you,' continued Zita. -'I remember how, when you sought to ride on, -I stopped your way, and drove you where I -wanted you to go—drove you with the flail.'</p> - -<p>He released her arm. She felt that his hand -was shaking. He knew that it shook, and he -was afraid lest she should observe it.</p> - -<p>He walked in silence to the stable with his -head lowered. Zita followed. She had gained -a first advantage. She had forestalled his attack, -and now, instead of her being cowed by him, he -was subdued by her.</p> - -<p>When they were both in the stable,—for she -had followed him to show him how little fear - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> - -she entertained,—then he addressed her in an -altered tone.</p> - -<p>'You do not intend to leave me?'</p> - -<p>'No; if you desire me to remain, I will -remain.'</p> - -<p>'I do desire it. I could not endure that you -should go.'</p> - -<p>'That is right; but why did you threaten me? -I will stay. I could not put up old Jewel in -the windmill, and I haven't been invited to -Crumbland by Mark Runham.'</p> - -<p>He stamped his foot impatiently and set his -teeth.</p> - -<p>'Why do you speak of him again?'</p> - -<p>'Speech is free here—in the van—in a king's -palace—everywhere save a gaol. I will speak of -any one I choose, at any time, before any one, -and in any place I like.'</p> - -<p>'Why did you go with him today?'</p> - -<p>'Because I am free to go where I choose, and -with whom I choose. This is Sunday, and a -holiday.'</p> - -<p>'Yes; but if you have any regard for me, do -not go with him at all.' He drew a long breath, -removed and put on again his broad-brimmed -hat. 'Why do you speak to me of payment for -the trifling things I have done for you? of -payment with warming-pans, red waistcoats, and -fish-glue?'</p> - -<p>'I am glad we are round to that point again,' -said Zita, 'for speak of that I must. No one can - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> - -be expected to do things for nothing. If you -house me and Jewel, and feed us both'—</p> - -<p>'You have worked—you have done more than -that beldame Leehanna and the girl would do -in twenty years.'</p> - -<p>'I have taken that into account. I know how -many hours I have worked at fivepence three-farthings -(needles and thread included). Nevertheless, -the balance is against me. There is the -warming-pan, or the scrubbing-brushes, or the -fish-glue'—</p> - -<p>He struck his fist against the stable door to -drown her words.</p> - -<p>Zita put her hand on his arm.</p> - -<p>'It is of no good your acting the fool,' she -said. 'What is right is right. I shouldn't feel -square in my insides if the account were not -balanced. My dear father was mighty particular -on that score. Every night we balanced our -accounts as true as any banker, with a stump of -a pencil as he sucked. If I don't balance I can't -sleep. I'll put to my account some pins I had -set to yours, all because of that squinch of the -wrist you gave me. If I were to leave your -house to-morrow, Master Drownlands, you'd -find on the shelf in my room a row of articles -that I reckoned up would belong in rights to -you as balancing our account.'</p> - -<p>He did not answer. He thrust his horse into -a stall and put a halter round its head.</p> - -<p>Then Zita went to the corn-chest and brought - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> - -out a feed. The horse whinnied as he sniffed -the oats. Drownlands was in the stall tightening -the knot at the end of the halter. As Zita -turned to depart, after having tossed the oats -into the manger, he came out after her, and, -laying hold of one side of the corn-measure, -said—</p> - -<p>'Are you going?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. I have fed Pepper.'</p> - -<p>He shook the measure, and said, in tones of -angry discouragement, 'You will not take a bite -of my bread, nor lie on a flock of my wool, nor -cover your golden head with one tile of my roof, -but you must weigh each and prize and pay me -its value to the turn of a hair.'</p> - -<p>'Not so exactly; of course, I leave a margin.'</p> - -<p>'A margin of what?'</p> - -<p>'Profits!'</p> - -<p>'To whom?'</p> - -<p>'To myself, of course. We should never get -along in the world without profits. When we -come to deal among friends, as you and I, then -the profits are reasonable. But when one has to -do with the general public,—that father always -called the General Jackass,—then you lay it on -thick and heavy. Without profits of some sort -one can't sleep the sleep of innocence, as father -said. But it is one thing dealing with General -Jackass and another with a friend; and I want -you to understand the footing on which we deal -is the latter.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p>'So—the footing of buy and sell?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. I take my small profits. When a -dressmaker makes your frocks, she charges you -for a packet of needles and uses one—the rest -are profits. She charges you for a knot of tape, -and uses two yards and a half—the rest is -profit. And she cuts out eight yards of lining, -and puts down twelve—four are profits; and she -puts you some frilling round your neck and -cuffs, charging three yards, and she uses one—there's -profits again. I do the same with you. -I couldn't sleep if I didn't. It's feather bed and -pillow and bolster to me—profits.'</p> - -<p>'Take what you will. All you like.'</p> - -<p>'No,' said Zita. 'Fair trade between us. We -deal as friends. I respect and regard you too -greatly to treat you as if you were General -Jackass.'</p> - -<p>Then she left the empty corn-measure in his -hand and walked away, with a swing of the -shoulders, a toss of the head, an elasticity in her -tread, that appertained to one who was victor—not -to one defeated. And Drownlands stood -looking after her, holding the empty corn-measure, -and he wondered at himself that he -had been beaten at every point by this girl—he -who had galloped home boiling with anger, -resolved to break her into meek subjection to -his will.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">ON ANOTHER FOOTING</p> - -<p class="p1">A SOUGH of wind passed over the Fens -like a long-drawn sigh. Every one who -heard it listened in silence. It was repeated, -and then the general comment was, 'The skating -is over.'</p> - -<p>Nor was the comment falsified by the event. -The wind had veered round suddenly, without -warning, to the south-west. It blew all night -and sent a warm rain against the windows that -faced that quarter. It covered wood and walls -with dew. The ice broke up in the river, it dissolved -in the dykes. The sails of the mills were -again in revolution, they whirled merrily, merrily.</p> - -<p>Zita had come upon the embankment to see -the broken ice drift down the sluggish river, -swept along by the wind rather than the current. -There she encountered Mark Runham.</p> - -<p>'What, you here, Cheap Jackie? No, hang it! -I won't call you that. It seems impudent; but -I do not mean that, you may be sure.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I know that, and am not offended.'</p> - -<p>'Your name—it continually slips my memory.'</p> - -<p>'Zita.'</p> - -<p>'A queer sort of a name that.'</p> - -<p>'It is not often you meet a Cheap Jack girl. -They do not come thick as windmills in the -flats. So it suits me to bear a queer name.'</p> - -<p>'A queer name becomes a queer girl.'</p> - -<p>'Thanks. I have something for you—half a -pound of bird's eye.'</p> - -<p>'What for?'</p> - -<p>'In payment for my run on the ice.'</p> - -<p>'I do not want payment.'</p> - -<p>'It gave you trouble, made you hot, but it was -a very great pleasure to me.'</p> - -<p>'I won't take it.' The young fellow laughed -with his merry eyes as well as with his fresh -lips. 'Can you understand this, that it gave me -five times as much pleasure as it did you to spin -you along and see the red roses bloom in your -cheeks and those dark eyes of yours twinkle as -though there were Jack o' Lanterns dancing in -them? Zita, it is not every day that a lad gets -the chance of running a pretty girl along the -ice. It is I am in debt to you. We'll square -the account, anyhow.' He caught her head -between his hands and gave her a kiss on her -red lips. 'There is the account scored out, and -a new account begun.'</p> - -<p>'That is not fair!' exclaimed Zita, shrinking -back.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What! not settled? Again, then.' He -kissed her once more. 'And so—till all is right, -and the balance squared.'</p> - -<p>Then he laughed, and, releasing her head, -said—</p> - -<p>'You know we raced,—that old Drownlands -and I,—and you were to be the prize. I won -you.' Then, seeing that she looked disturbed, -he went off to, 'Now, Cheap Jackie, tell me, was -not that a droll sort of a life, going over the -world in that comical van?'</p> - -<p>'It was a very happy life, and the van was not -comical at all. It is splendid.'</p> - -<p>'I have not seen it.'</p> - -<p>'Then why did you call it unsuitable names?'</p> - -<p>'A jolly life, was it?'</p> - -<p>'Indeed it was. I was very happy in it—specially -when we had piled up the profits.'</p> - -<p>'You made a pile when you sold my father a -flail for a guinea.'</p> - -<p>'We did; but if it is any satisfaction to you -to know it, it was the thoughts of that made -him pass away so happy.'</p> - -<p>'A guinea was nought to my father; he was -rich. Now I am rich.' Then, with a trip of his -foot on the bank as though he were dancing, -'Zita, what a joke it would be for us to go round -in the summer with the old van and the stock-in-trade. -What have you done with the goods?'</p> - -<p>'They are safe.'</p> - -<p>'And we will visit Swaffham, and Littleport, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> - -and Ely together, and sell away like blazes. -I'll attend to the horse, and you shall do all the -talking the folk want. What fun it will be!'</p> - -<p>'No,' said Zita, colouring; 'that will not be -right.'</p> - -<p>'Why not?'</p> - -<p>'No. It was all very well with my father. -But I will not go again.'</p> - -<p>'You must—you shall—with me!'</p> - -<p>'I will not—indeed I will not.' She turned -away.</p> - -<p>'Well, anyhow you will show me the van?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. When you like.'</p> - -<p>'I can't well go into Prickwillow as matters -are between us and Drownlands—not that I -bear him ill-will, but he is sour as a crab towards -me. We will manage it somehow at some time. -But I can't help thinking what fun it would be -for us two to travel the world all over together, -selling pots and pans. I wish I had been born -a Cheap Jack. Where are you off to now, Zita?'</p> - -<p>'I am going to see Kainie at Red Wings.'</p> - -<p>'I will go with you. I also want to see her. -I am very fond of Kainie, I am.' Said with a -mischievous laugh.</p> - -<p>'I daresay you are, but I am going alone.'</p> - -<p>'Nonsense! I shall go with you. I must see -Kainie. I have an errand to her.'</p> - -<p>'Who sent you?'</p> - -<p>Mark hesitated, then said, 'Well, no one. -But it is business. I must go.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Then go. I will remain here.'</p> - -<p>Zita observed a lighter moored to the bank -in the river. She stepped towards it. 'I will -go into the barge. Will you come with me and -punt me about?'</p> - -<p>'I cannot. I must go to Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'You wanted to come with me in the van, -asked me to go with you. Now I ask you to -come with me in the boat, and you will not.'</p> - -<p>'I pay you off,' said Mark good-naturedly. -'You would not travel with me in the van, so -I will not travel with you in the barge. But, -seriously, I cannot. I must go on to Kainie. -Come along with me,' urged Mark. 'Kainie -will be pleased to see you.'</p> - -<p>'Oh! you can answer for her?'</p> - -<p>'In some things; certainly in this.'</p> - -<p>'I will not go.'</p> - -<p>Zita pouted and turned her back on Mark. -The young man did not press her to change her -intention. The decision in her face, the look in -her eyes, convinced him that his labour would -be in vain were he to attempt it. He started in -the direction of Red Wings without her, and -whistled as he walked. Zita's brow was moody. -She was a girl of impulse and of no self-restraint, -changeful in temper and vehement in passion.</p> - -<p>There was no reason why she should resent -Mark's going to Red Wings, and yet she did -resent it. If he had to go, and she refused to -accompany him, he must go without her. That - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> - -was obvious, and yet she was very wroth. In -her mind she contrasted Drownlands with Mark. -She had but to express a wish to the former, -and it was complied with. Had she said to him -that she desired him to row her on the canal, he -would have placed himself at her service with -eager delight. But this scatterbrained Mark -had no notion of submission to her wishes. -He had desired her society on the bank; -when she refused it, he did without it, and did -without it with a light heart—he went away -whistling.</p> - -<p>Zita stepped into the barge and seated herself -on the side. She put her chin in her hand and -looked sullenly into the water full of broken, -half-dissolved pieces of ice.</p> - -<p>She was hot, her angry blood was racing -through her veins. She was, in her way, as impetuous -as Drownlands. She had been suffered -in her girlhood by her father to follow her own -bent, to do just what she liked. But, indeed, -there had been no occasion for him to cross her, -their interests were identical. Good-natured -though Zita was, she was masterful. She had -sense, but sense is sometimes obscured by -passion.</p> - -<p>She sat biting her nails. A fire was in her -cheeks, and now and then the tears forced themselves -into her burning eyes.</p> - -<p>What could Mark have to call him to Red -Wings?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> - -<p>What possible business could he have with -Kainie?</p> - -<p>Red Wings was not on his land; the mill did -not drain his dykes.</p> - -<p>Zita marvelled how long Mark would remain -with Kerenhappuch. Would he sit down with -her in her cabin? Would their conversation -turn on herself—Zita? Would Mark say that -she was sulky? What would Kerenhappuch -reply? Would she not say, 'What else can you -expect from a girl who is a vagabond? We -who lead settled lives in mills and farmhouses -know how to behave ourselves. What can you -get out of a chimney but soot? What does a -marsh breed but gadflies?'</p> - -<p>It is really wonderful what a cloud of torments -an ingenious mind can rouse if it resolves to give -run to fancy. Perhaps a woman is more prone -to this than a man. She conceives conversations -relative to herself; she puts into the mouths -of the speakers the most offensive expressions -relative to herself. She wreathes their faces with -contemptuous smiles, gives to their voices insulting -intonations, and finally assumes that all the -brood of her festering brain is real fact, and not -mirage.</p> - -<p>It was so now with Zita.</p> - -<p>She was startled from her reverie of self-torment -by a shock in the boat. She looked up, -startled, and saw before her a man with long -arms and large hands, dark-haired and dark-eyed. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> - -He was handsome, but his face bore an -expression of sour discontent. The thin lips -were indicative of a sharp and querulous temper, -and the checks seemed as though they could not -dimple into laughter.</p> - -<p>'What are you doing in the lighter?' asked -the man, whom Zita recognised as Ephraim -Beamish, the orator.</p> - -<p>'I suppose I have as much right to be in the -boat as you,' answered the girl peevishly.</p> - -<p>'No doubt. We neither have any right anywhere. -We are both poor. I know who you -are—the Cheap Jack girl. I hear you have -been taken into Prickwillow. Wish you happiness. -It is not the place I should care to be in. -Drownlands is not the man to clothe the poor, -house the wanderer, feed the hungry, without -expecting his reward—and that here. He does -nothing of good to any one but to serve his own -ends. He has just had me turned out.'</p> - -<p>'Turned out of what?'</p> - -<p>'Turned out of my mill, out of my employ, -out of my livelihood. I have now to run about -the fens, in ice and snow. I have no home. I -am a gentleman, however, for I have no work. -The rats may shelter in the barn, the mice may -nest in the stack, but I must be without a roof -to cover my head, without work to engage my -hands, and without bread to put into my mouth. -And all for why? Because I have been bold -to speak the truth. Truth is like light. Men - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> - -hate it and turn their eyes from it. Them as -speaks the truth gets persecuted, and I am one -of these.'</p> - -<p>'You can obtain work elsewhere,' said Zita, -displeased at having her imaginary troubles -broken in on by some one with a real grievance.</p> - -<p>'No, I cannot,' answered Beamish; 'the owners -of property hang together like bees when they -swarm. If you disturb one, the whole hive sets -on you and stings you to death.'</p> - -<p>'Well,' said Zita irritably, 'you need not tell -me all this. I cannot assist you.'</p> - -<p>'I do not suppose you can. But—has -Property got into your blood, that you speak so -sharp to me? Maybe, like a bat, you're hanging -on to it by a claw. Like a gnat, you have your -lips to it, and are sucking your fill. I do not -ask your help. I fend for myself. But I like -to talk. Nothing will be done to correct evils -if the evils be not talked about. You must go -round Jericho and blow the trumpets seven -times, and seven times again, before the walls -will fall, and we can march up and take the city. -Let Property look out. The working people -will not stand to be robbed and maltreated any -longer.'</p> - -<p>Beamish unloosed the rope that attached the -boat to the shore, and, taking a pole, thrust out -and began slowly to force the vessel up stream, -talking as he punted.</p> - -<p>'You may tell Drownlands my curse rests on - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> - -him; and that will rot his timber and rust his -corn.'</p> - -<p>'I will bear him no such message,' said Zita. -'But where are you taking me?'</p> - -<p>'Up the river. I shall leave you presently; -but I will return and punt you back again.'</p> - -<p>'Where are you going?'</p> - -<p>'To Red Wings.'</p> - -<p>'What do you want there?'</p> - -<p>'I have an errand,' answered Beamish.</p> - -<p>'There is one gone there before you, with an -errand from himself—and that is Mark Runham.'</p> - -<p>'He there!' exclaimed Pip Beamish, leaning -on the punting-pole and looking down into the -water. 'Property meets one everywhere. Property -blights everything. I am a poor chap. I -am cast out of employ; but I did think I had -my ewe lamb. And now Property comes -between me and her. Property says to me, -"Go—what I cannot consume I will destroy, -lest you have it." Do you think, you Cheap -Jack girl, that Mark Runham will marry -Kainie? He is a man of property, and property -hungers for property. She is like me. She -has nothing. She is a miller grinding nought -save water.'</p> - -<p>He thrust the boat towards the shore.</p> - -<p>'I'll not go to see her,' said Beamish. 'I could -not bear it. I'm off to the Duck at Isleham. I -shall meet there some fellows who love the -working people, and who will combine to teach - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> - -these men who hold the Fens in their fists to -deal with their labourers justly and mercifully.'</p> - -<p>He leaped ashore, mounted the bank, and, -standing there, extended his long arms and -expanded his great hands, and cried, 'I see the -day coming! I see the light about to break! -The trumpet will sound, and the dead and -crushed working men will rise and stand on their -feet. That will be a day of vengeance!—a day -of fire and consuming heat! Then will the fen-farmers -call to the earth to swallow them, and -to the isles to cover them, against the anger of -the dead men risen up in judgment against -them.'</p> - -<p>'There comes Mark,' said Zita. 'I suppose I -must get him to punt me home. But I shall -not speak to him all the way.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">BURNT HATS</p> - -<p class="p1">AT the time of our tale, the Duck at Isleham—a -solitary inn on slightly rising -ground—was notorious as a place of resort for -poachers, a centre to which smuggled goods -were brought from the Wash, and whence they -were distributed, and a general rendezvous for the -dissatisfied. Not a bad trade was done at the -Duck. Thither came the poachers as to a mart -for the disposal of their game, and the dealers -to take the spoil of the poachers; thither came -not only those who brought, up the dark path -from the sea, spirits which had not paid duty, -but also the farmers who desired to lay in -supplies. As the fen-water was not potable -unmixed, it was a matter of necessity for the -fen-dwellers to temper it with something that -would neutralise its unpleasant savour as well -as kill its unwholesome elements. Moreover, -such being the case, those who desired to lay in -a stock of this counteracting agent went for it, -by a law of nature, to the cheapest shop, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> - -the cheapest shop was that where the traffic was -in spirits that were contraband. Lastly, at the -Duck assembled the great company of grumblers, -large everywhere, but especially large in the Fens.</p> - -<p>As the Duck afforded space for a good many -grumblers in bar and kitchen and parlour, and -as grumblers like to grumble into the ears of -men of their own kidney, the Duck drew to it -the discontented of all classes—farmers dissatisfied -with their rent, yeomen dissatisfied at their -rates, artisans out of humour because trade was -slack, gangers, clayers, bankers, gaulters, slodgers, -millers, molers, gozzards—everyone whom the depressing -atmosphere of the Fens made dispirited, -and who thought the cause of his depression was -due to the oppression of some one else.</p> - -<p>The kitchen of the Duck was full. A great -fire of turf was heaped up, and glowed red, diffusing -heat, but giving out no flame, and, notwithstanding -the tobacco smoke, filling the place with -its penetrating, peculiar odour. The men present—on -this occasion they were all men—were -drinking; they were mostly men of the class of -agricultural labourer. Among them were two or -three with dazed eyes, men silent, pallid, who -looked at the speakers and acquiesced in every -sentiment or opinion expressed, however contradictory -they might be. These were opium-eaters.</p> - -<p>In the Fens, almost every cottage grows its -crop of white poppy in the small garden. Of -the poppy heads a tea is brewed. The mothers - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> - -are accustomed to work in the fields, hoeing -between the ranks of wheat. The rich soil that -produces the corn produces also weeds that -have to be kept under. That the babe may not -interfere with the mother earning a small wage, -it is given poppy tea, and that sends it to sleep -for the day. But the drops of opium thus administered -in infancy affect the tender brains, -bewilder them, and subject the child to nervous -pains. As it grows up to man or womanhood, it -has recourse to the drug to which it was brought -up in infancy. A large business in laudanum -is done in the Fens, and much of the distraught -mind and tortured nerve is due to this cause. -The poppy tea dispels trouble as surely as whisky, -and opium dulls pain at a cheaper and surer rate -than the surgeon who boggles over its removal.</p> - -<p>'I tell you,' said Pip Beamish, 'it is due to -the farmers and yeomen. Look at them, up to -the eyes in gold, and gold that is squeezed out -of the fen by your hands. Till they have been -taught a lesson, and that a sharp and stinging -one, they will go on in the same way. No Acts -of Parliament will help us. You may send up -whom you will, Whig or Tory, to Westminster, -it is the same. No party will do aught for you. -No judges and no jury are of any avail, for law -can't come in and right us. We must do that -with our own hands. When a boy won't do the -right thing, you put a stick across his back and -make him; you don't ask for an Act of Parliament, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> - -you don't elect a member to teach him his -duty. We must teach our farmers as you teach -idle and thievish boys. Teach them in such a -way as they won't forget. Teach them to fear -the rod. Set the stackyards blazing throughout -the Fens, and by the light of those fires they'll -begin to see what is the way of justice and equity.'</p> - -<p>'I don't see how that's going to lower the -price of wheat,' said a ganger, named Silas -Gotobed. 'You sez that the cost of bread is too -high. If you burn the wheatstacks, there will -be less corn, and up the price will go.'</p> - -<p>'You're right there. That's reason, Silas,' -said a third, Thomas Goat, a gaulter. 'The -mischief don't lie with the farmers. They -grow the corn—some one must do that. The -wickedness is in the eaters.'</p> - -<p>'Why, we're all eaters.'</p> - -<p>'Ay!' said Goat sententiously. 'But we've -a right to eat; there be a lot eats as hasn't a -right to do so.'</p> - -<p>'You mean rats and mice.'</p> - -<p>'No, I don't—leastways not four-legged ones.'</p> - -<p>'What do you mean, then?'</p> - -<p>'It is them collegers,' said Goat. 'I've been -to Cambridge. I've seen them there, a thousand -of them. They come up in swarms from every -part of England, and there they do nought but -eat and drink and row on the river, and play -cricket on Parker's Piece. Rowin' and playin' -cricket ain't qualifications for eatin'. What - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> - -would you say if a thousand rats, big as bullocks, -was to come on to the Fens and attack our -stacks? There'd be a pretty outcry. Every -man would take down his gun. The terriers -would be called for. Traps, poison would be -laid, and none quiet till every rat was exterminated. -Very well, up from every part of England -come these darned collegers to the Univarsity, -and spend their time there, eatin'—eatin'—eatin'. -Mates, I axes, what are they eatin'? It is the -wheat we grow on our fens. I calculate that one-half -of what we grow goes down into their stomicks. -If there were no collegers, then there'd be twice -as much corn, and corn would be at forty-eight -instead of ninety-six. It is that Univarsity and -them collegers does it. I have shown you that -as clear as these five fingers of mine. If that -ain't reason, show me where it is to be found.'</p> - -<p>'I don't hold with you,' said Gotobed, impatient -at having his say snapped out of his mouth. -'I suppose collegers must eat somewhere.'</p> - -<p>'Let them stay and eat at home.'</p> - -<p>'Well, but what about the price of wheat at their -homes? Won't they diminish the supply there?'</p> - -<p>'That don't concern us,' shouted a clayer -named Gathercole. 'It is no odds to us what -the supply and what the price is elsewhere. -All that concerns us is the supply and the price -here in the Fens. Goat, you've hit the wrong -nail on the head! I know better than you; it's -the bankers does it.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What have you to say against the bankers?' -asked Goat. 'I'd like to know where the corn -would be if the bankers did not keep the rivers -from overflow.'</p> - -<p>'I mean those who have banks in towns,' -explained Gathercole. 'I've been to Mortlock's -in Ely. I've seen what the clerks do there. -They have drawers full of gold. They don't -trouble to put their fingers to it, they shovel it -in and shovel it out like muck. Whence does -Mortlock get all that gold, I ask. It comes out -of the Fens. The farmers are such dizzy-fools -that they put their money there for Mortlock -to take care of, and Mortlock sends the money -out of the country to America. What's the -advantage of the farmers growing corn, and of -the labourers helping to grow it, what's the -pleasure to reap and sow and plough and mow -and be a farmer's boy, if all the money earned -and addled goes into Mortlock's bank, and Mortlock -sends it to America? I wish I was in Parliament -one week, and I'd hang every banker in -the country, and burn every ship as takes the -money out of England and carries it to America.'</p> - -<p>'I say it is the millers,' said Isaac Harley, a -clayer. 'You send a sack of corn to the soak-mill, -and you get back half a sack of flour. -How is that? There should be as much flour -come back as corn went, but there does not. I -have proved it scores of times. I've sent a sack -so full of wheat that I could scarce bind the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> - -mouth, and when it came back as flour it was but -half full. That is what makes corn so dear—the -millers steal it. If I were king for half a day, I'd -drown every miller in England in his own dam.'</p> - -<p>'You are all of you out,' said a small landowner, -named Abraham Cutman. 'But it is -like your ignorance. You feel that the shoe -pinches, but you don't know where it pinches, -and why it pinches. I will tell you. I have -education, and you have not. It is the rates. -We are paying from six to seven shillings an -acre for the drainage of the Fens. The rate -has been up to ten shillings and sixpence. -Why should we pay that? We can't afford to -pay seven shillings an acre in rates, and pay -our workmen well also. All the profits are -consumed in rates. The Commissioners stick -it on, and they can't help it; they must have the -banks kept up and the mills in working order.'</p> - -<p>'Of course they must,' threw in the gaulter.</p> - -<p>'They must have their mills,' said Beamish. -'But why am I thrown out of employ, that did -no wrong, and never neglected my duty?'</p> - -<p>'Silence all round. Listen to me,' said Cutman. -'The wrong lies here. Take off the rate, -and the price of corn will go down, and the price -of labour will go up.'</p> - -<p>'That's it. Cutman has it!' exclaimed several.</p> - -<p>But Goat dissented. 'There must be a rate,' said -he, 'or how should I be paid for my gaulting? -and without gaulting there can be no banking.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Of course there must be a rate. I'd have -it permanently fixed by Act of Parliament at -fifteen shillings an acre.'</p> - -<p>'You would?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, I would; so that gaulters and bankers -should have double wages. They work hard -and deserve it.'</p> - -<p>'Right you are, master,' said Goat; but others -murmured.</p> - -<p>'Why should gaulters and bankers only have -double pay? Why not molers and gozzards -also?' others again asked. 'How about the -price of wheat then?'</p> - -<p>'I said I'd have the rate fixed at fifteen -shillings an acre,' pursued Cutman, looking -about him with an air of superiority. 'Fifteen -shillings an acre—not a penny less. But I'd -have the rate shifted from fen-land as wants -draining to all other land in Great Britain as -doesn't want draining. The rate should be laid -on all other shoulders except ours. Stick a -rate on to Mortlock's and all bankers. Stick -it on to the colleges and the universities. Stick -it on to all high and dry lands, where there is no -call for banking and draining. Stick it on -where you like, only take it off from the Fens. -Why should we pay rates for draining our land -when the farmers on high ground pay nothing? -They have their land six or seven shillings an -acre cheaper than do we. If I were in the -Ministry, the first thing I would do would be - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> - -to impose a compulsory rate of fifteen shillings -an acre on all land that didn't want draining, -to pay for the draining of land that did want it. -Then we'd have high times of it here in the -Fens—farmers, bankers, slodgers, all round. If -that is not reason, and you don't see it, so -much the worse for your intelligences.'</p> - -<p>'I don't call that reason at all,' said Goat. -'Don't tell me the Commissioners would pay -us double wages when the rate was at fifteen. -It is six now, and I get eleven shillings a week. -Twelve years ago it was half a guinea rate, and -then my wage was ten shillings. If the rate -were up to fifteen I should be wuss off. Every -four shillings the rate goes up my wage goes -down a shilling. With the rate at fifteen, I'd -be worse off—with a wage of five and sixpence, -or six shillings at most. I hold to it that -the mischief lies in the Univarsity, with them -collegers a-eatin'—eatin'—eatin'. I'll fight at -flap-chap any man as disputes my argiment.'</p> - -<p>'I dispute it,' said Silas Gotobed, starting up.</p> - -<p>'Very well. We'll find out which has the -best of the argiment and reason on his side -with flap-chaps.'</p> - -<p>'My argiment is this,' said Gotobed. 'Rivers -ought to run uphill. If they don't choose to, -they should be made to, by Act of Parliament. -Then we'd be dry, and them on high grounds -would be wet. Then they'd have the rates -and the bother, and we'd be free. That is my - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> - -contention, and it's all gammon about them -collegers.'</p> - -<p>He placed himself opposite Goat.</p> - -<p>'I don't care what you may call yourself,' -said he to his opponent, 'Goat or sheep; but -you're an ass, and every one knows it.'</p> - -<p>Then Ephraim Beamish ran between the men, -who stood facing each other with threatening looks.</p> - -<p>'Be reasonable,' he said, thrusting them apart -with his long arms. 'Why do you fly at each -other, instead of at the common foe?'</p> - -<p>'I don't know what be the common foe,' retorted -Goat, 'if it bain't the collegers. If I was -in Parliament'—</p> - -<p>'It's the bankers,' said Jonas Gathercole. 'If -I was in Parliament'—</p> - -<p>'It's the millers!' shouted Harley. 'If I was -in Parliament'—</p> - -<p>'It's the rates!' exclaimed Cutman; 'and a law -should be made, and shall be when I'm in Parliament'—</p> - -<p>'You're every one out!' roared Silas Gotobed; -'it's Providence, as don't do what it should be -made to do, and force the rivers to run uphill.'</p> - -<p>'Sit down! you're drunk,' cried Cutman.</p> - -<p>'I'm not going to be ordered about by you,' -retorted the ganger; 'we're all equal here. I -haven't been bankrupt and sold my stacks twice -over.'</p> - -<p>Cutman fell into the rear. He had been -guilty of fraudulent conduct at his bankruptcy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I say it is the Univarsity, and I maintains my -argiment,' said Goat. 'I'll prove it on your chaps.'</p> - -<p>'I sez it is the rivers ought to run uphill. I'll -box your donkey ears if you denies it. That's -my argiment.'</p> - -<p>Gotobed made a lunge at this opponent and -missed him. Flap-chaps is a pastime affected in -the Fens, more so in former times than at present, -but not out of favour now. It consists in this. -Two men face each other and endeavour to -slap each other's cheeks, right or left, as best -they can, and as best they can to ward off with -the same open palm the blows aimed at their -own chaps. Those who play this game acquire -great dexterity at it, but when much ale or -spirits has been drunk, then the eye has lost its -quickness of perception, the hand its steadiness, -the brain its coolness, and the contest rapidly -degenerates into a drunken brawl and a roll on -the floor, with fisticuffs and head-bumping.</p> - -<p>It promised to so degenerate on the present -occasion. Gotobed was the most intoxicated -and least able to parry the blows levelled at -him, and every time Goat's hand made his cheek -sting, it roused him to a further access of fury -that blinded him to what he was about; he -withdrew his left hand from behind his back. -This provoked an outcry from the lookers-on of, -'Not fair play! Hand back! hand back!'</p> - -<p>Beamish again endeavoured to interpose, but -came off with both his ears tingling; he had - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> - -received a blow on one cheek from Goat, and -on the other from Gotobed. The strife recommenced -after this futile attempt to separate the -men. Slap, slap, on the chaps of Gotobed, -followed by a blow from his fist in the face of -his adversary. This occasioned a yell from all -in the room of 'Cheat—not fair! a fine! a fine, -Silas! Fair game or none at all.'</p> - -<p>'I'll pay a fine indeed!' roared Gotobed. -Then, springing at his opponent, who staggered -stupefied under the blow he had received, he -snatched his hat from his head, and, thrusting -it into the fire, shouted, 'Caps! Caps!' Then -he dashed at Cutman, who wore a white beaver.</p> - -<p>'Your hat!' he demanded.</p> - -<p>'You shall not have it. It is as good as -new.'</p> - -<p>'I will have it,' answered Gotobed. 'Ain't -we all equal? Isn't it the rule? What are you -better than me? One cap—all caps. That's -the rule.'</p> - -<p>He tore the white beaver out of the yeoman's -hands, and rammed it with his ironshod boot -into the glowing turf fire.</p> - -<p>'Mates! Mates! Show up your caps!'</p> - -<p>Then ensued wild confusion. Some snatched -the caps and hats from those who were near -them, some endeavoured to protect their own -headgear from confiscation, and fought for -them. Some thrust their own caps into the -flames, and in ten minutes there was not one in - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> - -the company but was without a cover for his -crown.<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>Beamish had made angry resistance. Three -men assailed him, tripped him up, and sent him -sprawling on the alehouse floor. A fourth -wrenched his hat away and thrust it into the -flames, shouting, 'You're a fine chap to say all -men are equal, and want to keep your own hat -when the rest are bareheaded.'</p> - -<p>The landlord stepped outside, to see that the -fiery tinder did not fall on and ignite the thatch. -He returned and said, 'It is snowing.'</p> - -<p>'Snowing, is it?' said Gotobed, staggering to -the door. 'Then we shall all wear white night-caps -to cool our heads.' Standing in the doorway, -sustaining himself by a hand on each of the jambs, -looking in, he shouted to his comrades, 'I am -right. You are all wrong. At next election I -ain't going to vote for no candidate as won't -promise to make the rivers run uphill. Nothing -will be as it ought to be—price of corn won't be -low, and wages won't be high, and farmers cease -to oppress, and bankers to send the money out -of this country, and millers to fill their fists with -flour, and Commissioners to pocket money that -ought to have gone to the gangers, and collegians -to cease to eat—till Providence has been forced to -do what it ort—and make the rivers run uphill.'</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> -<blockquote> -<p class="footnote"><span class="smcap"><b>Footnotes</b></span></p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> -Burnt caps is a curious and inexplicable custom in the Fens. -It is one that terminates many a brawl. If one man burns the -hat of another, it is <i>de rigueur</i> that all the rest of the company -should surrender their headgear to complete the holocaust.</p> -</div> - -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A CRAWL ABROAD</p> - -<p class="p1">NO country in the world is so subject to -variations in the climate as England, -and in no part of England are the variations so -felt as in the Fens. No hills, no belts of trees -there break the force of the wind. The gales -rush over the plains unresisted from every -quarter. Elsewhere there are hedgerows, on -the sunny side of which appear the celandine -and primrose in early spring, then the red-robin, -the bluebell, our lady's smock, and the -gorgeous spires of foxglove later still. There -are no hedgeflowers in the Fens, for there are -no hedges. Elsewhere the landscape is variegated -with coppice that is brown in autumn -and pine woods that are dark green all the year. -It is not so in the Fens. There are no trees. -When the snow falls, it envelops the entire -surface in white.</p> - -<p>The frost had passed away, and the waters -had been released. With the thaw the mills - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> - -had been set again in motion, and the sails flew -fast to make up for lost time. Now again a -single night had altered the complexion of the -fen-land. All was white that had been black. -The snow had filled the ruts, and, consolidating, -had formed a comparatively smooth surface. -Rivers and dykes were not frozen, only a little -cat ice had formed among the reeds.</p> - -<p>Zita was in the farmyard. She had gone there -to put her van to rights. The van demanded her -attention. The fowls had taken to roosting on -the top, and had made it untidy. There was no -keeping them away. They could be, and they -were, excluded from the interior of the van, -but not from the shed in which the van stood. -Formerly, they had been satisfied with rafters -and manger; now, whether out of perversity or -love of variety, or because the van satisfied their -ideal, they deserted their ancient roosting-places -and crowded the van roof.</p> - -<p>This was a source of incessant annoyance to -Zita, who could not endure the degradation to -which the van was subjected. Every few days -she visited the shed, pail and scrubbing-brush -in hand, and thoroughly cleansed the conveyance.</p> - -<p>She had been thus engaged, and had flung the -dirty water at a clucking hen that sauntered -up with purpose to resume its perch on the -van top, when a pair of hands was laid on her -shoulders, and, looking round, she saw Mark.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What has brought you here?' she asked in -surprise.</p> - -<p>'What but your own sweet self. I have not -seen you for some days. As you were not -outside the farmyard, I have come into it to -seek you.'</p> - -<p>'You ought not to have done so. The master -will be angry.'</p> - -<p>'He is from home. I saw him ride to Ely.'</p> - -<p>'But if he hears that you have been here?'</p> - -<p>'You need not tell him.'</p> - -<p>'I will not tell him, but others may—mischief-makers. -Then I shall suffer.'</p> - -<p>'You can take care of yourself, I warrant.'</p> - -<p>'You are right, I can protect myself. I am -not a servant, but a lodger. I pay for everything -I receive and consume here—even for -this soap and the use of this pail.'</p> - -<p>'And this is the van?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, that is my old home. I was born in it. -I have lived in it all my life. Whatever I know -I have learned in it. It is a fine thing to crawl -over the world like a snail, with one's house on -one's back.'</p> - -<p>'The snail-crawling is over with you now. -You refused to let me go with you.'</p> - -<p>'Yes; it is over for the winter. What I may -do when the spring comes, I cannot say. My -blood runs, my feet tingle. When the white -butterflies are about, I daresay I shall spread my -wings also. I mean my red and gold curtains.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> - -<p>'And I may go with you?' mischievously.</p> - -<p>'No; if I go, I go alone.'</p> - -<p>'Let me walk round and admire your house -on wheels.'</p> - -<p>'You do not see it to advantage,' said Zita -regretfully. 'It is not dressed out. The pans -and brushes and mats are stowed away, that -make it glitter just like a lifeguardsman. The -inside is taken out. The curtains are unhung. -And then those dratted fowls are a nuisance. -They have taken a fancy to the van. If Master -Drownlands and I were on better terms, I'd ax -him to have the fowls killed, or the shed boarded -up, that they might not come in.'</p> - -<p>'What? you are not on good terms with -old Ki?'</p> - -<p>'Only middling. I have had to teach him to -keep his distance.'</p> - -<p>'Oh! he wanted to come to too close quarters—small -blame to him,' said Mark, laughing.</p> - -<p>'He and I could not agree about terms—that -was it,' said Zita, with an impatient and annoyed -toss of her head.</p> - -<p>'Let the van come to my place,' said Runham. -'Then I will stow it away out of reach of all -fowls.'</p> - -<p>Zita shook her head. 'I like to look at my -van every day.'</p> - -<p>'Well, that is no reason against sending it to -Crumbland. If you come to look at it twice a -day, so much the better pleased I shall be.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I cannot send the van anywhere where I -am not living, and this is my lodging for the -winter,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>'And how goes the horse?' asked Mark.</p> - -<p>'He don't go at all,' replied the girl. 'He -eats and thinks and gets bloated. He hasn't -enough to do. I'm afraid he'll be out of health.'</p> - -<p>'Let us have him into the shafts and trot him -out a bit.'</p> - -<p>'What? in the van?'</p> - -<p>'Of course, in the van.'</p> - -<p>Zita flushed with pleasure. 'I shall love it -above all things—but trot he won't. He never -trotted in his life but once, and that was on the -fifth of November. A gipsy had tied a Roman -candle to his tail. He trotted then. After -every flare and pop he went on at a run, then -he stopped and looked behind him for an explanation. -Then away went the Roman candle -again, and a great globe of fire shot away high -over the roof of the van. At that Jewel trembled -and trotted on once more. Father was away. -I was younger then by some years, and it -frightened me. I did not dare to touch the -Roman candle. Jewel ran about two miles, -and when the firework was exhausted, he stood -still, and, with thinking about it, and trying to -understand and unable, fell asleep in the middle -of the road. Father found us there, and he tried -to persuade Jewel to return the two miles, but -he was obstinate—tremenjous—and wouldn't - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> - -move. At last father was forced to tie a Roman -candle to his nose, and that drove him backwards -the two miles. But I don't think Jewel -ever quite got over the surprise of that fifth of -November.'</p> - -<p>When Mark had done laughing at Zita's story,—and -Zita laughed as she told it, and laughed -when it was over, because Mark's laugh was -irresistible,—then the young fellow said, 'It will -be fun for me, pleasure to you, it will exercise -the horse, and freshen and sweeten the van. -We will go a drive, in preparation for the grand -tour in the spring. Where is the harness? I'll -rig the grey up.'</p> - -<p>'You do not know how to set about it,' said -Zita.</p> - -<p>'What? not know how to harness a horse?'</p> - -<p>'You do not know Jewel. He has to be -talked to, and his reason convinced. He has -his fancies, and they must be humoured. He -knows my voice and the touch of my hand, -whereas you are a stranger.'</p> - -<p>Zita went to find Jewel and put the horse in -the shafts. Whilst thus engaged, she talked to -Mark.</p> - -<p>'The master had him out one day, and put -him in the plough. It offended Jewel, who was -not accustomed to that sort of thing. He set his -feet straight down, stiffened his legs, back went -his ears, he curled his under lip, and looked out -at the corners of his eyes. Not a step would he - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> - -take; it hurt his self-respect. Now, wait here -by Jewel's head whilst I go indoors after the -crimson curtains and gold tassels. I could not -drive without them; it would not be showing -proper regard for the van, and it might hurt -Jewel's feelings. It won't take five minutes to -rig up the curtains, and whilst I am after them, -you can make friends with the horse. Go in -front of him and speak flattering words; say -how shapely are his legs, and how silken is his -hair; but, whatever you do, not a word about -the Roman candles, or he'll never take kindly -to you.'</p> - -<p>'All right, Zita. Where is the whip?'</p> - -<p>'Whip? bless you! he don't want a whip. -Why, the crack of a whip would so frighten him -that he would sit down. He'd suppose it was -fifth of November again. He'd curl his tail -under him, and lay his nose between his legs, -and set back his ears, but keep an eye open, -watching you and winking.'</p> - -<p>Eventually, the van was considered by Zita to -be sufficiently decorated to be got under way, -and Jewel was induced, by flattery and caresses, -to start along the drove.</p> - -<p>The van was lighter than Jewel had ever -known it to be, and he might have been expected -to take this into consideration, and -accelerate his pace; but, under the supposition -that by so doing he would be establishing a -precedent that might be quoted on a future - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> - -occasion, he adopted his wonted pace, as when -drawing the van laden with its many and -multifarious contents.</p> - -<p>'The thing jolts—rather,' said Mark, laughing. -'What would become of the goods, were they -here?'</p> - -<p>'They would be thrown all over the shop,' -answered Zita. 'That is why I am at Prickwillow. -I cannot get away. Jewel could not -pull the laden van along the drove; and if other -horses were attached to it, everything would be -shaken to pieces.'</p> - -<p>Presently Jewel came to a halt.</p> - -<p>'Shall I jump out and urge him on?' asked Mark.</p> - -<p>'No; he is breathing. He will go on again -presently.'</p> - -<p>'And whilst he is breathing, we will talk. -Conversation is impossible when we are bumping -into ruts and bouncing over clods. If this -be travelling when there is snow half-choking -the wheelruts and levelling the clods, what must -it be at other times?'</p> - -<p>'You see I am a prisoner at Prickwillow. I -cannot get away without the loss of all my -possessions.'</p> - -<p>'I see that now.'</p> - -<p>Presently Mark said, 'Zita, why were you on -the river with Pip Beamish the other day?'</p> - -<p>'I hired him with half a pound of bird's eye -to punt me up stream. He behaved unfair; he -went off and left me.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> - -<p>'And I had to bring you back—and mighty -cross you were. Was that because Beamish -had left you?'</p> - -<p>'I had cause to be cross when Beamish took -the bird's eye and did not half do the job. Now -cling hard; Jewel is moving forward, and we -must hold to our seats to save being tumbled -about and broken to bits.'</p> - -<p>Mark was on one side of the van, Zita on the -other. He put out his hand to the curtains at -one lurch, and roused Zita to remonstrance.</p> - -<p>'The curtains are for ornament, and are not -to be touched. They are of velvet plush. I -don't want to have your great hand marking -them. Lay hold of a rail. No! not a gold -tassel; you would pull that down, and maybe -bring away the whole concern. Oh!'</p> - -<p>This exclamation was provoked by the off -wheel sinking into a rut, the depth of which -seemed unfathomable. The movement of the -van was like that of the mail steamer that runs -from Dover to Calais, in a chopping sea. At -one bound Zita was propelled forward, and, had -she not clung to the ribs of the vehicle, would -have been shot head foremost against the -opposite side of the van, with the result of either -perforating that side or of flattening her skull -against it.</p> - -<p>Then, at the recoil lurch, Mark was projected -in the opposite direction, and was nearly cast -into Zita's lap.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I say, Zita, the exertion is prodigious!' exclaimed -the lad. 'I think I should prefer to -walk.'</p> - -<p>'But the honour is so great,' gasped Zita. -'It is not every day you can ride in such a -conveyance as this, and have velvet curtains -flapping, and gold tassels bobbing about your -head.'</p> - -<p>'I'll try to think of it in that light.'</p> - -<p>'Besides,' pursued Zita, 'a shake up is as good -as medicine to the insides. It puts them on -their good behaviour. They are so tremenjous -afraid of having it again.'</p> - -<p>'But surely progress in this affair is not -always like this.'</p> - -<p>'Of course not. It is only in the Fens there -are droves. It was bad at times where a highway -had been new stoned. Then father and I -clung to the perishables.'</p> - -<p>'How do you mean?'</p> - -<p>'We took them in our arms, or held them. If -we were bruised, it did not matter; we mend up -according to nature; but pots and pans don't. -We always lost something, though. There was -that tea-kettle that troubled father's last hours—it -got a hole in it going over a bit of new road.'</p> - -<p>This conversation took place in fits and starts, -between the joltings of the van. Presently -Jewel thought he had sufficiently exerted himself; -he heaved a long sigh, looked back over -his shoulder, and stood still.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> - -<p>'There, now,' said Runham, pulling a large -red, white-spotted kerchief from his pocket and -mopping his brow, 'Jewel is breathing, and so -may we. This is agonies.'</p> - -<p>'I call it pleasure,' said Zita. 'It must be, -because it isn't business.'</p> - -<p>'What did the horse mean by looking back -at us, as he did just now when he sighed?'</p> - -<p>'Oh, he thinks it is his duty, now father's gone, -to keep an eye on us.'</p> - -<p>'I suppose, if I were to square accounts, as -the other day'—</p> - -<p>'He'd have an apoplexy. For goodness' sake -don't.'</p> - -<p>'I say, why did you go with Pip Beamish -when you would not go with me?'</p> - -<p>'I did not go with Beamish. He came with -me because I hired him. Tell me what took -you to Red Wings? Had you an account to -serve there?'</p> - -<p>Mark became grave. He fidgeted on his seat. -He was an honest, open-hearted fellow, and disliked -prevarication, but there was hesitation, -there was evasion in his reply.</p> - -<p>'I have business of all sorts with all kinds of -people.'</p> - -<p>'That is no answer. I want to know why you -went to the mill to see Kainie.'</p> - -<p>Mark rested his chin in his hand and considered.</p> - -<p>'I don't mind saying so much,' he answered, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> - -'but let it be between us alone. There is a sort -of a tie between her and me—a sort of a tie, -you know.'</p> - -<p>'I know nothing.'</p> - -<p>'I can't give you particulars. It's all right,—if -you knew, you would say so too,—but I can't -tell you more about it; and it's a tie can't be -got rid of.'</p> - -<p>Further explanation was interrupted, for a -head and pair of shoulders appeared in front -between the curtains.</p> - -<p>'Oh! you, Runham—and that Cheap Jack -girl! Which is it to be—she or Kainie? It -shall not be both.'</p> - -<p>Pip Beamish was there, glowering at Mark -from under his bushy eyebrows.</p> - -<p>'Take care!' said Beamish, thrusting a long -arm into the van. 'Take care what you are -about. If you hurt one hair of the head of -Kainie, I'll shoot you through the heart. I've -time on my hands now. I'm turned out of my -mill by the Commissioners, and can choose my -occasion. I shall watch you. One or other—leave -my Kainie alone and stick to <em>her</em>.' He -indicated Zita with one hand.</p> - -<p>'Pip,' said Mark, flushing very red, 'do not -talk nonsense!'</p> - -<p>'Nonsense?' repeated Beamish; 'that is how -you rich men treat these matters—sport and -nonsense; but to us it is heartbreak and despair. -What have I but my one ewe lamb? I have - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> - -been expelled my mill because you Commissioners -think I'm a dangerous chap. You ain't -far wrong there. I'm dangerous to such as you -who are evil-doers. Take care, you Cheap Jack -girl, and make not yourself cheap to such as -Runham. He is free in his wealth to do as he -pleases. If he be the ruin of you, trusting in -him, will he lose his Commissioner's place? If -he destroy my happiness by bringing harm on -my Kainie, will the laws touch him? I may -not take a straw from his stables, but he may -rob me of my Kainie. He is rich—I am poor.'</p> - -<p>'Pip! you are the man I desire to see. I will -speak to you of this matter. Judge nothing -before you hear me; and you, Zita, do not you -place any weight on his words—they are bitter -and false.'</p> - -<p>'Bitter,' repeated Pip, 'but not false. Nothing -that you can say will change my mind. Nothing -will alter my purpose. I warn you against an -injury to Kainie. You rich men of the Fens do -not seek a poor girl to raise her head and set her -up on high among yourselves, but to humble her -in the dust.'</p> - -<p>He laughed a fierce, scornful laugh.</p> - -<p>'I cannot say—you Cheap Jack Zita. They -report that you have money and goods. Have -you told him how much? If it be worth his -while, he will be honourable towards you. It is -all a matter of calculation. If you ain't worth -much, he'll throw you over, as he would throw - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> - -over Kainie when tired of her. Best take care! -If you dare!'</p> - -<p>The man's eyes glared with white heat, and -he thrust his long arm towards Mark with -clenched fist.</p> - -<p>'Pip,' exclaimed Mark, 'you are the man I -have been wanting to see. I will come out to -you.'</p> - -<p>He jumped out of the van. 'Your words are -folly.' Then, 'You drive home without me, -Zita. I told you I had business with all sorts -of persons; now I have business with Ephraim—business -of much consequence. May you get -safe back in that rattletrap, and not be shaken -to bits!'</p> - -<p>'Rattletrap? Oh, if Jewel heard you!' She -spoke as laughing, to disguise her inward -trouble.</p> - -<p>No sooner, however, was Mark gone than she -broke down and cried.</p> - -<p>But her tears did not last long.</p> - -<p>'He's venomous. He don't know all. I do -trust Mark. Besides—I've the van and money.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A DROP OF GALL</p> - -<p class="p1">WHAT did Mark Runham mean by his -conduct?</p> - -<p>He had left Zita to go after that fellow, -Pip Beamish, and they were together on the -embankment in close confabulation. The girl -looked after them from between the red curtains, -and could see Beamish gesticulating with his -long arms. He was excited, he was speaking -with vehemence, and at intervals Mark interrupted -him.</p> - -<p>Something that Mark had said seemed to have -struck the orator with surprise. He dropped -his arms and stood like a figure of wood. He -let Mark lay his hand on his shoulder and draw -him along, speaking rapidly into his ear.</p> - -<p>What this meant was plain to Zita. The -two men were rivals for Kainie of Red Wings. -They had been disputing; Beamish hot and -impatient, and unwilling to listen to the other. -What was Kainie? A she-miller, as Zita put - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> - -it, and ineligible as a wife to such as Runham. -Among fen-farmers no one marries for mere -love; money or land is the substance for which -they crave. If a little love be sprinkled on the -morsel, so much the better, but it is no essential—it -is a condiment. Zita tossed her head. -She was not a beggarly miller! She had the -van and its contents, red curtains and gold -tassels. She had money as well—the profits -of fair-days at Swaffham, Huntingdon, Wisbeach, -Cambridge, and Ely. She had a good deal of -money in her box—none suspected how much. -Of course her wealth would not compare with -that of a fen-farmer, but it was enough to place -her immeasurably above Kainie, and within -reach of Mark if he chose to stoop a little—just -a little.</p> - -<p>Zita turned the head of Jewel homewards. -Mark did not follow her to say farewell. He had -given her no thanks for the jolting and jumbling -in the conveyance to which she had treated -him, though 'good as medicine to his insides.'</p> - -<p>Zita was angry with the young man. She -did not relish the thought that he came to see -her one day and went to Kainie the next—nay, -that he visited both in the same afternoon.</p> - -<p>It was true that he had made no overtures -to Zita—said nothing definite relative to his -condition of heart; but he had kissed her, and -would have done so again had she not warned -him that it would give the horse an apoplectic - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> - -fit. He had shown her plainly that he liked -her company, and that he was unhappy if he -did not see her daily.</p> - -<p>His attentions had been noticed. Mrs. Tunkiss -had commented on them, and the girl with -St. Vitus' dance had made a joke about them.</p> - -<p>His visit that day to Prickwillow would -inevitably have been seen. The unusual sight -of the van out on an airing must have attracted -attention. And if the van had been seen, those -who saw it were certain to speak of it to those -who did not. That expedition would come to -the ears of Drownlands.</p> - -<p>Knowing what she did, Zita was able to -account for the dislike Drownlands showed to -the presence of Mark Runham. The sight of -the young man was a sting to his conscience. -He would be afraid lest Zita, in conversation -with him, might let drop something about the -events of the night on which Jake Runham died.</p> - -<p>But Zita was woman enough to see that there -was another reason why the master of Prickwillow -eyed the young fellow with dislike. He -was jealous of him. Zita perceived that Drownlands -liked her, at the same time that he feared -her. She could discern in the expression of his -eye, read in his consideration for her comfort, -decipher in the quiver of his lips when Mark's -name was mentioned, that his regard for her -was deep, and that his dislike of Mark was due -to jealousy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - -<p>Zita was accustomed to admiration; she had -received a good deal of it in her public life, and -regarded it with contemptuous indifference; but -the admiration she had met with in market and -fair had been outspoken; this of Drownlands -was covert. Hitherto she had accepted it from -her vantage-ground—the platform of her own -habitation; now she was at a disadvantage—the -inmate of the house of the man who looked -on her with admiration.</p> - -<p>She turned her thoughts again in the direction -of Mark. What were the ties binding him to -Kainie, of which he spoke?</p> - -<p>On consideration, she thought she could -understand. Mark had fallen in love with the -girl at the mill when in hobbledehoydom, and -had stupidly plunged into an engagement. Boys -are fools; and he was but just emerged from -boyhood. His father's death had knocked the -nonsense out of his head, and brought him to -the consciousness that he had made a blunder. -He was now a rich farmer; Kainie had nothing -of her own but the clothes she stood up in. -Moreover, he had since seen Zita, and had -become sincerely attached to her. So long as -he was tied to that miller-girl, he could not -speak of his wishes and purposes to Zita. He -was in a dilemma; he was an honourable fellow, -and could not break his word to Kainie. Mark -was laying the case before Pip Beamish, and -was inviting Pip to take Kainie off his hands, -and set him free to speak out to Zita.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Well,' thought the girl, as she put up Jewel -in his stable, 'we all do foolish things; some of -us do wrong things at times in our life. I -have done both in one—I sold a box of paste-cutters -at one and nine that cost father two -shillings. I've had that threepence as hot -coppers on my soul ever since. Well! I hope -Pip Beamish will take Kainie. He loves her, -and he's suited to her—both are millers; one -has nothing and the other nought—so they are -fitted for a match. I'll help matters on, or try -to do so. I'll see Kainie, and have a deal with -her—she is but one of the general public after -all. I daresay she likes Pip quite as much as -Mark, and is doubting in her mind which to -have. I know what I can throw in to turn the -scale.'</p> - -<p>Accordingly, when the van had been consigned -to its shed and the curtains removed to -her room, Zita knitted her fingers behind her -back and surveyed her goods, moving from one -group of wares to another.</p> - -<p>After some consideration, she descended the -stairs and prepared to leave the house.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Tunkiss peered out of the kitchen as she -heard her step, and said—</p> - -<p>'Going to meet the master—be you?'</p> - -<p>A malevolent smile was on her face.</p> - -<p>'No, Mrs. Tunkiss. I do not know in which -direction he has ridden.'</p> - -<p>'You'd like to know, would you? You'd go - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> - -and meet him, and he'd jump off his horse and -walk alongside of you, and say soft things. Oh -my! The master! Ki Drownlands say soft -things!'</p> - -<p>The woman burst into a cackling laugh.</p> - -<p>'What do you mean?' asked Zita, reddening -with anger at the insult implied in the woman's -words.</p> - -<p>'Oh, miss, I mean nothing to offend. But I'd -like to know what the master will say to your -carawaning about with Mark Runham—what -the master will say to your receiving visits from -young men in the poultry-house.'</p> - -<p>'That is no concern of yours; and for the -matter of that, I care nothing what he thinks.'</p> - -<p>'Oh dear no! But folks can't carry on with -two at once. Two strings to a bow may be all -very well in some things. I don't mean to say -that you shouldn't sow clover with your corn, -and so have both a harvest of wheat and one of -hay; but with us poor women that don't do. -If it be a saying that we should have two strings -to one bow, there is another, that there's many -a slip between the cup and the lip.'</p> - -<p>Zita pushed past the insolent woman.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Tunkiss shouted after her, 'Strange -goings on—so folks say. There's Mark Runham -running after two girls, sweethearting both; -and there's one girl—I names no names—running -after two men, and I bet she catches neither.'</p> - -<p>Then she slammed the kitchen door.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">NO DEAL</p> - -<p class="p1">THE insolence of the housekeeper made -Zita for a while very angry. It followed -so speedily on the scene in the van with Ephraim -Beamish.</p> - -<p>Her cheek burned as though it had been -struck, and her pulses throbbed. She would -like to have beaten Mrs. Tunkiss with one of -the flails; but with creatures of that sort it is -best not to bandy words, certainly not to give -them the advantage by losing temper and acting -with violence.</p> - -<p>Zita did not long harbour her resentment. -She had other matters to occupy her mind -beside Mrs. Tunkiss.</p> - -<p>The air was fresh and bracing to the spirits -as well as to the body. Zita walked on with -elastic tread, for she had recovered her good -humour. She wore a neat white straw bonnet -trimmed with black, and a white kerchief was -drawn over her shoulders and bosom. Her - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> - -gown was black. She looked remarkably handsome. -She had been accustomed to wear her -gowns short, and her neat ankles were in white -stockings. She was strongly shod; the snow -brushed all the gloss off her shoes, but it was -not whiter than her stockings. She walked -along with a swing of the shoulders and a toss -of the head that were peculiar to her, and characteristic -of her self-confidence. The winter sun -was setting, and sent its red fire into her face; -it made her hair blaze, and brought out the -apricot richness of her complexion.</p> - -<p>When she reached the brick platform of Red -Wings, Wolf did not bark, but ran to her, -wagging his tail. She had not forgotten him. -From her pocket she produced some bread. -Then, in acknowledgment, he uttered a couple -of sharp barks, and thrust his head against her -hand for a caress.</p> - -<p>Kerenhappuch, hearing the barks, came out -and saluted Zita cordially.</p> - -<p>'That's fine,' said she. 'Step inside. I was -just going to brew some tea.'</p> - -<p>'I'm here on business,' answered Zita. 'Let -me sit down on one side of the fire and we'll -talk about it. Let's deal.'</p> - -<p>'Deal? What do you mean?'</p> - -<p>Zita drew a stool to the fireside. The turf -glowed red. The stool was low; when she -seated herself, her knees were as high as her -bosom. She folded her arms round them and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> - -closed her hands, lacing her fingers together -and looking smilingly over her knees at Kainie, -with a gleam in her face of expectant triumph. -Kainie knelt at the hearth and put on the kettle. -She turned her head and watched Zita, whose -features were illumined by the fire glow, as they -had been shortly before by that of the setting -sun. Kerenhappuch could not refrain from -saying, 'What an uncommon good-looking girl -you are!'</p> - -<p>'Yes, so most folks say,' responded Zita, with -indifference; 'and I suppose I am that.'</p> - -<p>Kainie was somewhat startled at this frank -acceptance of homage. She pursed up her lips -and offered no further compliments.</p> - -<p>'I suppose Pip Beamish is sweet on you,' -said Zita,—'tremenjous?'</p> - -<p>'Poor fellow!' sighed the girl of the mill. -'Perhaps he is, but it is no good. He has not -got even a mill to look after now, and I have -barely enough wage to keep me alive. What is -more, the Commissioners are against him, and -won't let him get any work in the fen any -more.'</p> - -<p>'Then let him go out of the fen?'</p> - -<p>'Out of the fen?' exclaimed Kainie. 'How -you talk! As if a fen-man could do that! -You don't find frogs on top of mountains, nor -grow bulrushes in London streets. That ain't -possible.'</p> - -<p>'But there are fens elsewhere.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Where?'</p> - -<p>'I do not know. In America, I suppose. -There is all sorts of country there, to suit all -sorts of people. I'd go there if I were he.'</p> - -<p>'If there are fens in America, that's another -matter. But what is it you want with me, now, -partick'ler?'</p> - -<p>Zita settled herself in her seat.</p> - -<p>'I've come to have a deal with you,' she said -chirpily. 'That is what I have come about.'</p> - -<p>'But—what do you want of me?'</p> - -<p>'We will come to that presently,' said the -Cheap Jack girl, and with her usual craft or -experience she added, 'I will let you know -what my goods are before I name the price.'</p> - -<p>'Price—money? I have no money.'</p> - -<p>'It is not money I want.'</p> - -<p>'I do not fancy there's anything I require,' -said Kerenhappuch. 'And that is fortunate, for -I have not only no money to buy with, but no -place where I could stow away a purchase.'</p> - -<p>'Nobody knows what they wants till they see -things or hear about them,' said Zita. 'Bless -you! if you were as well acquainted with the -British public as father and me, you'd say that. -Take it as a rule, folks always set their heads -on having what they never saw before, didn't -know the use of, and don't know where to put -'em when they have 'em. I'm telling you this, -though it is not to my advantage. Now, what -do you say to a ream of black-edged paper and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> - -mourning envelopes to match?—that's twenty -quires, you know.'</p> - -<p>'I write to nobody. I have no relations but -my Uncle Drownlands, and he never speaks to -me—won't notice me. I am not likely to write -letters to him.'</p> - -<p>'Then what do you say to a garden syringe? -If you have a pail of soapsuds, it is first-rate for -green-fly. Father sold several to gentlefolks -with conservatories.'</p> - -<p>'But I don't belong to the gentlefolks, nor -have I got a conservatory.'</p> - -<p>'No,' said Zita, rearranging herself on her -seat. 'But if you wanted to keep folks off your -platform, you could squirt dirty water over -them.'</p> - -<p>'I have Wolf. He is sufficient.'</p> - -<p>'Well,' said Zita, with a slight diminution of -buoyancy in her spirits and of confidence in her -tone, 'then I'll offer you what I would not give -every one the chance of having. I offer it to you -as a particular friend. It's an epergne.'</p> - -<p>'An epergne? What's that?'</p> - -<p>'It is a sort of an ornament for a dinner-table. -I will not tell you any lies about it. Father got -it in a job lot, and cheap considering how -splendid it is. It is not the sort of goods we go -in for. It lies rather outside our line of business; -and yet there's no saying whether it might not -hit the fancy of General Jackass—I mean the -public—that was father's way of talking of it. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> - -You really can't tell what won't go down with -him. Will you have the epergne?'</p> - -<p>'I'm not General Jackass, and I won't have it.'</p> - -<p>'But consider—if you was to give a dinner-party, -and'—</p> - -<p>'What? in the mill?'</p> - -<p>'No; When you marry a rich man.'</p> - -<p>'If I have any man, it will be a poor one.'</p> - -<p>'Then,' said Zita in a caressing tone, 'I know -what you really must have, and what there is no -resisting. It is the beautifullest little lot of -perfumes. They're all in a glass box, with -cotton wool, and blue ribbons round their necks. -There's Jockey Club—there's Bergamot—there's -Frangipani—there's New-mown Hay—there's -White Heliotrope, and there's Lavender too. I -am sure there is yet another; yes, Mignonette. -One for every day of the week. Think of that! -You can scent yourself up tremenjous, and a -different scent every day of the week. You -cannot refuse that.'</p> - -<p>'But,' said Kainie, with a wavering in her -tone, a token of relaxation in resistance to the -allurements presented to her imagination, 'what -do you want for this?'</p> - -<p>'One thing only.'</p> - -<p>'What is that?'</p> - -<p>'Give up Mark.'</p> - -<p>'Mark Runham?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. Mark Runham. Is it a deal between -us? Now listen.' Zita held up one hand, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> - -began again with the catalogue of perfumes. -'There is Jockey Club for Sunday;' she touched -her thumb. 'There is Bergamot for Monday;' -she touched the first finger. 'There is Frangipani -for Tuesday, and New-mown Hay for -Wednesday'—</p> - -<p>'Give up Mark?' Kainie interrupted the list. -'What do you mean?'</p> - -<p>'What I mean is this,' said Zita: 'Mark told -me that he was tied to you somehow.'</p> - -<p>'He did? It is true.'</p> - -<p>'But I want you to throw him up. Let him -go free. Say that there is no bond between you. -Think how you will smell, if you do! White -Heliotrope on Thursday, then Lavender on -Friday, and Mignonette on Saturday.'</p> - -<p>'Did Mark say how we were tied—bound?'</p> - -<p>'No; he only told me there was such a tie.'</p> - -<p>'And Mark—did he set you to ask this?'</p> - -<p>'No, not exactly. It is my idea. Now do. -You shall have all the perfumes. Consider how -on Sunday you will make the Baptist Chapel -smell of Jockey Club!'</p> - -<p>'Give up Mark? Break the bond? I can't. -I could not, even if I would.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">DAGGING</p> - -<p class="p1">WHEN Zita returned to Prickwillow, Leehanna -Tunkiss, with a malicious leer, -said, 'The master is upstairs, and would like to -speak with you;' then, with a sidelong look at -the maid-of-all-work and a giggle, she curtseyed -and added 'Miss.'</p> - -<p>Zita ascended leisurely to her room, removed -her bonnet and changed her shoes, put on an -apron, and then proceeded to Drownlands' office. -She did not hurry herself. She sauntered along -the passage and hummed a folk-melody—'High -Germany.' She stayed to shut a bedroom door -that was ajar and swinging in the draught. She -trifled with a canary that hung in a window.</p> - -<p>The office door was open. She knew that -Drownlands had heard her come in, had heard -Mrs. Tunkiss inform her that she was wanted, -heard her ascend the stairs. She knew that he -was waiting with impatience whilst she removed -bonnet and shoes, that he was chafing at the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> - -leisurely manner in which she approached his -den.</p> - -<p>After a while she tapped at the half-open -door in careless fashion, threw it open and stood -in the doorway, and shrugged her shoulders, -then rubbed her hands as though they were -cold.</p> - -<p>'Mrs. Tunkiss said you required my presence.'</p> - -<p>'You have taken your time in coming.' -Drownlands was at his table; he had been -biting his fingers. There was a sheet of blotting -paper on the board; he had scratched it, torn -four strips out of it with his nails. His face -was troubled and was working. 'Why did you -not come at once?'</p> - -<p>'I had to remove my shoes; they were wet. -I did not suppose you were in much of a -hurry.'</p> - -<p>'Come inside. Why do you stand in the -doorway?'</p> - -<p>She obeyed.</p> - -<p>'Well, is it necessary to leave the door wide -open behind you?'</p> - -<p>She closed the door.</p> - -<p>'Shut it, I say.'</p> - -<p>She obeyed, and leaned her back against the -valve, crossed her feet, and put her hands behind -her on the handle.</p> - -<p>'Where have you been?' asked Drownlands -imperiously.</p> - -<p>'To Red Wings, to see your niece. You - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> - -don't know her. It is a pity. You should -look after her; she is your own relation. She -is not bad in her way, but awfully poor—and -pig-headed too, which poor people oughtn't to -be, because they can't afford it. I went to have -a deal with her, but it was of no use. She -would do no business with me.'</p> - -<p>'Oh, you have gone back to your old profession -of Cheap Jack, have you?'</p> - -<p>'I never left it off. I Cheap Jack in my sleep -and make thundering profits. It is disappointing -to wake in the morning and see all the -goods—and damaged ones too—on the shelves -where they were the night before, after I had -sold them off in my dreams at twenty-five and -thirty per cent. profits. There's an epergne has -been the nightmare to father and me. I wanted -Kainie to take it, but she wouldn't. Suppose -you buy it and present it to her, and so make -peace and love between you?'</p> - -<p>'Have done. I told you I did not wish you -to know her.'</p> - -<p>'But I went on business, and my time was -wasted.'</p> - -<p>'You have also been with that—that fellow.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, with Mark. I took him out for a -drive.'</p> - -<p>'In the road, in the van?'</p> - -<p>'Yes; the van wanted sweetening. The fowls -have been roosting on it, and have treated it -shamefully.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Be silent. What are you playing with -behind your back?'</p> - -<p>'I am playing with nothing. I am always at -work or doing business. I never play.'</p> - -<p>'And what work or business are you engaged -on now?'</p> - -<p>'I am polishing the handle of the door.'</p> - -<p>'You not play? You never play?' exclaimed -Drownlands, starting to his feet. 'You are -always at play, and I am your sport. You play -me as a fish, you dagg me like a pike. Look at -this.'</p> - -<p>He went to the corner of his room, and from -the collection there thrown together produced -a singular weapon or tool, locally termed a -gleve.</p> - -<p>'Do you know the use of this?'</p> - -<p>'No.'</p> - -<p>'It is for playing,' said Drownlands bitterly. -'See, there are six knives tied together by the -handles at the head, and all the blades have -been jagged like saws, the teeth set backwards. -Can you guess its purpose?'</p> - -<p>'No; it's not a woman's tool.'</p> - -<p>'It is for playing—playing with pike. You -take this and dagg into the water; you dagg -and dagg, and bring up a pike or an eel wedged -between these blades, cut into by these fangs. -He cannot free himself; the more he twists -and turns, the deeper into his flesh bite these -teeth, and the greater is his anguish of heart. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> - -That is play—play for him who does the dagging, -not for the poor fish that is speared. And, -Zita, such is your play. With your fingers, with -your tongue, with your brown eyes, you dagg -for me, and I am the miserable wretch whom -you torture. It may be fun to you.'</p> - -<p>'I do not make sport with you, master,' said -Zita, with placidity of feature and evenness of -tone in strong contrast with his working face -and quivering voice.</p> - -<p>'You are at that handle again. Polishing it! -Leave off, or you will drive me mad. Can you -not for one moment desist from tormenting me? -You seek out occasion, means, to twang my -every nerve, and give me pain.'</p> - -<p>'Master Drownlands, listen to me,' said Zita. -'You are quite in the wrong when you say that -I dagg for you. Lawk-a-biddy! I dagg for you? -On the contrary, it is you who are dagging for -me, and I have to dodge to this side, then to -that, from your gleve, and as I happen to be -sharp of eye and nimble in movement, you do -not catch me. That is how the matter stands, -and not at all as you represent it.'</p> - -<p>'Who suffers?' asked Drownlands fiercely. -'Is it you, or is it I? You stand there, composed -and complacent, rubbing up my door-handle -behind your back, and all the while I -am in torture. You cannot speak to me but -you stick a dart; you cannot look at me but I -feel the knife cutting; your very laugh causes a - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> - -wound, and your weapons are all poisoned, and -the gashes fester. Here am I' (he flung the -gleve back into the corner with an oath), 'your -victim, your sport—in suffering.'</p> - -<p>He returned to the table.</p> - -<p>'Sit down,' said the girl. 'Do not work -yourself into a passion. There's no occasion -for that. Let us come to business.'</p> - -<p>'Yes,' said Drownlands; 'that is the only way -to deal with you. You have a sorry, commercial -mind. Everything to you must be a matter of -pounds, shillings, and pence.'</p> - -<p>'That is the only way with me,' said Zita. -'I was brought up to trade, and I love to drive -a bargain. That, if you like it, is sport; it is -sport and business squeezed into one.'</p> - -<p>'I will stand here,' said the man. 'You stand -there by the door, if you will; only, I beseech -you, leave off polishing that cursed handle, and -reckoning, as I suppose you are, how many -farthings to charge me for it. As you say that -you love business, to business we will go. As -nothing affects you but what is presented to -your mind in a monetary light, to moneys we -will proceed. We also will have a deal.'</p> - -<p>'By all means,' said Zita, with a sigh of relief. -'Now I am on my own ground. Do you want -to buy, sell, or barter?'</p> - -<p>He did not answer immediately. He folded -his arms and stood by the window jamb, looking -over his shoulder at her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> - -<p>The dusk had set in after the set of sun, -but a silvery grey light suffused the room, the -reflection of the snow on the ground. In this -light he could see Zita. She had withdrawn -her hands from the knob, and had them raised -to her bosom, and was rubbing one palm against -the other leisurely. A fine, clean-built girl. -He also was a fine man, with strongly-cut -features, picturesque, with his long black hair, -his swarthy complexion, his sturdy frame, and -the tiger-skin slung across his shoulders.</p> - -<p>'Now I am ready,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>He did not speak. He felt that much, everything, -depended on what he said, and how he -said it. His breath came quick, and his brow -was beaded with perspiration.</p> - -<p>'You are slow about it,' said Zita. 'Father -took an agency once for an <cite>Illustrated History -of the War</cite>. It was to be in twenty parts, at -half a crown a part, and four beautiful steel -engravings in each, of battles, and generals, and -towns. That <cite>Illustrated War</cite> was such a long -time in progress that some of the subscribers -died, and others moved away, and some went -bankrupt, and there was no getting their money -out of some of the others. Father never would -have anything more to do with concerns that -did not go off smart like the snap of a percussion -cap. It seems to me that this business of -yours is going to be as long and tiresome as -that of the <cite>Illustrated War</cite>.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> - -<p>'You are dagging at me again,' said Drownlands -sullenly.</p> - -<p>'I cannot speak a word but it takes you -contrariways,' observed the girl.</p> - -<p>He left the window and came to the table, -leaned his hand on it, and stood with his back -to the light. Still unable to make up his mind -to speak, or how to speak, he began to tear -up the blotting-paper into little pieces and to -throw them about, some on the floor, some on -the board. When the last fragment had left -his fingers—</p> - -<p>'Zita,' he said in loud and vehement tones, 'I -suppose I am twice your age.'</p> - -<p>'I should fancy more than that—a good deal.'</p> - -<p>'Be silent and listen to me.' He raised his -voice. 'I am rich. I have a large tract of land—fen-land. -I have turned over every turf, and -under each found gold. But it has not made -me happy. I have had many contradictions, -many sorrows, and some shame. My life has -been blistered and full of running sores. I have -ever been seeking and never finding, till I saw -you. When you came into my house, then I -knew at once that it was you I had craved for -and longed after, and that you, and you alone, -could give me what I can find nowhere else—happiness.'</p> - -<p>'Give?' said Zita. 'I thought this was a -business matter.'</p> - -<p>'Let me buy my happiness, then, at what - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> - -price you desire. I have told you what I am -worth. When I see you, I feel the fire kindles -in my heart; when I do not see you, it smoulders; -and now—now I speak, it breaks out into -raging flames.'</p> - -<p>'I must leave this place, or you will go clean -crazy.'</p> - -<p>'No, you must not—you shall not leave it! -I could not live without you, having once seen -you. Zita, I must have you!'</p> - -<p>'Me?' said Zita. 'With me go the van and -the goods.'</p> - -<p>'Curse the van!'</p> - -<p>'You must not say that. The van is very -fine, if the poultry would but leave it alone; -and with the curtains and tassels is fit for a -king.'</p> - -<p>'Zita, it is you only that I want.'</p> - -<p>'There are a lot of goods goes with me—scrubbing-brushes, -mops, brooms, door-mats, -pots and pans. Then there's Jewel—who is not -bad when he does go.'</p> - -<p>'You are trifling with me again. Listen to -me. Hear me to the end.'</p> - -<p>'I want to hear the end and have done with -it,' said the girl. 'I was reckoning up the -articles. Here's Cheap Jack Zita for one; there -are all these promiscuous goods, that's two; -here's the van, that's three; and there's Jewel, -that's four—a job lot.'</p> - -<p>'You are mocking me.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p> - -<p>'No indeed, I am not. We are after business, -are we not?'</p> - -<p>But Zita was purposely protracting the scene. -She was in difficulties, and was searching to -find a way out of them.</p> - -<p>'Yes, business. You are mercantile. Listen -to what I offer. I am rich, a man of consequence, -and a Commissioner. Here is the -house, here is the land. I have money in -the bank—thousands of pounds; all—all I -have is yours; give me but your own self in -return.'</p> - -<p>Zita was far from being unfeeling. She was -stirred by the earnestness, the devotion of the -man, but she was not for a moment doubtful -as to what her answer must be. Commercial -though her mind was, she could not accept him -at his price. Her scruple was how to word her -refusal so as least to wound him. In her -peculiar fashion—one inveterate to her—she -twisted the matter about so as to give it a -comical aspect. She saw no other loophole -for escape from a difficult and painful situation.</p> - -<p>'I am sorry,' she said, 'that number one in -the job lot is not to be parted with. That is -withdrawn from the sale, or bought in. But if -it is any consolation to you to have the van and -a share of the goods'—</p> - -<p>'That is no consolation to me.'</p> - -<p>'A queer state of mind to be in—an unwholesome -one, and looks like derangement of - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> - -intellects. The van ought to comfort any man -with his faculties about him.'</p> - -<p>'Zita!' exclaimed Drownlands, striking the -table with his fist, 'you persist in fooling with -me! I will not endure this. I am in deadly -earnest. I know the reason of this trifling. -Mark Runham'—he choked with passion—'Mark -has stepped in, and you have given him -that heart which you deny me—a heart I would -give worlds—worlds'—. He turned to the -window. It was starlight now, starlight over -snowfields. 'Look out, Zita, at the stars. It -is said that they are worlds. If all these were -mine, and filled with unimaginable masses of -treasure, the homes of unexampled happiness, -I would give all for you—all for you—listen to -me—merely that I might call you mine, and -then die.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot be yours,' said Zita in a firm voice. -'And now that you have said this, I shall leave -the house.'</p> - -<p>'You shall not leave this house!' he cried -fiercely. 'If you attempt it,—if I see that you -are about to attempt it—and I know whither -you would go,—then I will shoot you first, and -myself afterwards.'</p> - -<p>'I have to do, then, with a madman?'</p> - -<p>'Be it so—with a madman; mad on one -matter only, mad for one thing only—you. I -make no empty threat. I swear by these stars -I will do what I threaten. I cannot and I will - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> - -not live without you. I will kill you rather -than that you should belong to another.'</p> - -<p>Zita came forward from the door, came to -the table.</p> - -<p>'I can never be yours,' she said in a tone as -earnest, as grave as his. 'There is that between -us which makes it for ever impossible.'</p> - -<p>'What is the <em>that</em>—Mark Runham?'</p> - -<p>'No—not Mark Runham.'</p> - -<p>'Who is it, then?'</p> - -<p>'There is no <em>who</em>. There is a <em>something</em>. -Must I tell you what it is? I would gladly -spare you.'</p> - -<p>'Tell me, and torment me no more.'</p> - -<p>She stepped to the corner of the room, took -the flail up, and cast it on the table between -them.</p> - -<p>'The <em>something</em> is that flail.'</p> - -<p>Suddenly through the window smote a red -flare; it kindled the room, it turned Zita's hair -into a ruddy aureole, it streamed over the table, -and dyed the flail blood-red.</p> - -<p>And Drownlands cast himself on his knees, -with a cry of anguish and remorse, and buried -his face in his hands.</p> - -<p>Then through the house sounded a hubbub of -voices, and cries for the master.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE FEN RIOTS</p> - -<p class="p1">SEVERAL and various causes had combined -to produce discontent in the Fens.</p> - -<p>Those who lived by fishing and fowling were -angry because the improved drainage had -destroyed their sporting grounds. Those who -had been left behind in the scramble for land -were discontented because others had seized -the advantageous moment for purchasing which -they had let slip.</p> - -<p>The labourers were discontented because of -the lowness of the wage and the high price of -corn. How was it possible for a man on ten -or eleven shillings a week to maintain a family, -when wheat was at four to five shillings a -stone?</p> - -<p>It is proverbial that such as have risen from -poverty prove the harshest masters. Such was -the case in the Fens. The landowners were -related by blood and marriage to the labourers -they employed, but, nevertheless, they ground - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> - -them under their own heels. A specimen of -their brutality may be instanced. Twice or -thrice the wheat had to be hoed, and the hoers -were women. Over them the farmers set a -ganger armed with an ox goad, who thrust on -the lagging women with a prod between the -shoulder-blades.</p> - -<p>The men were paid partly in money, partly -in corn, and were given the refuse wheat that -would not sell, wheat that had been badly -harvested, and had sprouted in the ear, wheat -that made heavy and unwholesome bread.</p> - -<p>Labour in the Fens was of a specially trying -nature. The clayer was underground all day -in pits throwing up the marl that was to serve -as manure to the surface earth, and was half -stifled by the noxious exhalations from the -decomposing vegetable matter, and was immersed -half-way up his calves in fetid, phosphorescent -ooze.</p> - -<p>The cleaning out and deepening of the dykes -was trying work, for the workman was plunged -to his waist in stagnant water and slime, -tormented by mosquitos, and poisoned by the -stings of the terrible gadfly that threw him into -fever for a fortnight. Everything was poisonous. -The fen-water entering a cut produced gangrene. -If the hand or foot were wounded by a reed, -a sore was the result that resisted healing.</p> - -<p>The expenses of the fen-labourer were heavy. -He could not do the tasks set him without a - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> - -pair of well-tanned leather boots reaching to -the hips, that cost him from thirty-six shillings -to two pounds the pair.</p> - -<p>His comforts were small, and were disregarded -by the landowners. His cottage, though quite -modern, was supremely wretched. It had been -run up at the least possible expense, one brick -thick, and one room deep, on piles. But 'the -moor' beneath the surface had shrunk through -the drainage, and the walls gaped, letting wind -and rain drive through the rents, and frost enter, -impossible to expel by the largest fire.</p> - -<p>There was then, as there is now, and always -will be, a body of social failures—fraudulent -dealers detected and exposed, but not shamed, -men who, through their sourness of temper, or -indolence, or dishonesty, had failed in whatever -they took in hand. These were ready-made -demagogues, all talkers, all dissatisfied with -every person and thing save themselves, -accusing every institution of corruption, and -every person of injustice, because of their own -incompetence. They were in their element -when real discontent prevailed on account of -real wrongs. They rose into influence as -agitators; they worked on the minds of the -ignorant peasantry, dazzling them with expectations -impossible to be realised, and exciting -them to a frenzy of anger against all who were -in any way their superiors. These men were -rarely sincere in their convictions. They were - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> - -for the most part unscrupulous fishers in troubled -waters. Of the few that were sincere, Ephraim -Beamish was one.</p> - -<p>All the elements of dissatisfaction were -combined at the period of our tale, and the -high price of wheat produced an explosion; -but it was Ephraim Beamish who applied the -match.</p> - -<p>He had been expelled his office as keeper of -a mill by the Commissioners, and his enforced -idleness gave him leisure to pass from one -centre of discontent to another, to stir up the -embers, fan them to a white heat, and organise -a general outbreak. On a preconcerted day, -the labourers rose, and with them was combined -a large body of men of no particular calling, -who had no particular grievance, and no particular -end in view.</p> - -<p>No suspicion of danger was entertained by -the employers, and when the dissatisfied broke -out in open riot, they were taken by surprise -and were unprepared to offer resistance.</p> - -<p>Bodies of men assembled at Mildenhall, -Soham, Isleham, Downham, and Littleport, and -the order was given that they were to march -upon Ely, and on their way were to extort from -the farmers promise of higher wage and cheaper -corn. In Ely contributions were to be exacted -from the Bishop, the canons, and all the wealthy -and well-to-do citizens. The mills were to be -wrecked and the banks plundered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p>At the head of the whole movement was -Beamish, but he was more especially to act as -commander over the Littleport detachment.</p> - -<p>Having got the men together,—the poachers -and wild-duck fowlers armed with their guns, -the labourers with cudgels,—he endeavoured to -marshal them into some sort of discipline and -subjection to orders. But this he found more -difficult than to bring the men together. He -found the men were not amenable to command, -and were indisposed to confine themselves to -exacting contributions. Fortified by their -numbers, they attacked the grocer's shop, the -vicarage, and the home of a retired farmer in -Littleport, broke in the doors and pillaged -them.</p> - -<p>Having tasted the pleasures of plunder, they -were prepared to sack and wreck any house -whence they thought liquor or money was to -be got.</p> - -<p>It was in vain that Ephraim Beamish -endeavoured to control the unwieldy body of -men. <i>Quot homines, tot sententiæ.</i> And as each -man in the disorderly love-feasts at Corinth -had his prophecy, his psalm, and his interpretation, -so in this assemblage of peasants, each had -his opinion as to where lay the blame for the -distress or discomfort under which he laboured, -each had his private grudge to avenge, each his -special need which he sought to satisfy, and -all were united in equal determination not to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> - -submit to dictation from Beamish or any other -man.</p> - -<p>The tavern at Littleport could hardly escape, -although it had been a rendezvous of the dissatisfied. -The mob rushed towards it to break -in and seize on the contents of the cellar. In -vain did Beamish protest that they were injuring -a good cause by their disorderly conduct; all -desired drink, and none paid heed to his remonstrance.</p> - -<p>The taverner barely averted having his house -looted by rolling a hogshead of ale out of his -doors, and bidding the rioters help themselves.</p> - -<p>Then Beamish sprang on a bench and entreated -the men to attend to what he had -to say.</p> - -<p>'We want no words,' said one of the rioters. -'We are dry, we want drink. We've empty -pockets, and want to fill them. Our ears have -been stuffed with words. Keep them for chapel -on Sundays.'</p> - -<p>'I will speak,' cried Beamish. 'I am your -leader. You have sworn to follow and obey -me. You elected me yourselves.'</p> - -<p>'Lead us to liquor and sovereigns, and we'll -follow sharp enough.'</p> - -<p>'You are wasting time. You are damaging -a righteous cause. Have we not to march to -Ely? Have we not to visit the farmers on the -way, and impose our terms there?'</p> - -<p>'There's plenty of time for that, Pip.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> - -<p>'There is not plenty of time. The Mildenhall -men are on their way under Cutman, five hundred -strong.'</p> - -<p>'How do you know that?'</p> - -<p>'It was so planned. The Isleham men are -marching under Goat, the Soham men under -Gotobed. Who will be first in Ely? Is Littleport, -that should lead the way, to come in at -the tail?'</p> - -<p>'There is something in that, mates,' shouted -one of the rioters. 'Stand in order, you chaps. -To Ely! Bring along the waggon.'</p> - -<p>The idea that, if looting were to be done, -they of Littleport might come in merely to glean -where others had reaped, and the consciousness -that a far richer harvest was awaiting them in -Ely than could be garnered in Littleport, acted -as a stimulus, and the mob desisted from -further violence, and roughly organised itself -into marching order. All were armed after a -fashion, with guns, pitchforks, cudgels, leaping-poles, -and cleavers; and as the day was -declining, there was a cry for torches.</p> - -<p>'We shan't want them,' called one of the men. -'We'll light bonfires on our way.'</p> - -<p>Then a waggon was drawn out. In it were -stationed some fowlers with duck-guns. The -object of the waggon was to serve as a sort of -fortress. Those in it were above the heads of -the rest, and, in the event of resistance or an -attack, could fire over their heads. Moreover, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> - -the waggon would be serviceable to carry the -spoil taken on the way, or gathered in Ely.</p> - -<p>Then the mob rolled along the great drove -or highway to the city, with shouts, and oaths, -and laughter, and trampled the snow as it -advanced, leaving a black slush behind it.</p> - -<p>Many of the men were half intoxicated with -the ale and spirits they had already imbibed, -and all were wholly drunk with lust of gain and -love of destruction.</p> - -<p>Then one in the waggon shouted, 'To Crumbland!' -Another shouted, 'No, no! Young -Runham is not bad. He has sold his wheat -cheap and thrashed out all his stacks. And -the old woman is a widow.'</p> - -<p>'That's nought,' exclaimed a third, 'if there's -any liquor to be had there!'</p> - -<p>'To Gaultrip's!' was the cry.</p> - -<p>'Gaultrip is my cousin!' shouted another.</p> - -<p>'That's nought,' called one of the mob. 'I -suppose he has money.'</p> - -<p>'Ely way!' roared Beamish, scrambling into -the waggon. 'Drive ahead. What's the use of -being the commander, if nobody listens to the -word of command, and nobody thinks of obeying -it, if he does hear it?'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">TWENTY POUNDS</p> - -<p class="p1">THE shrill voice of Mrs. Tunkiss was heard, -as she ran screaming up the stairs, calling -for 'the master.' Then she burst into his room, -followed by the maid-of-all-work, who was in -convulsive jerks.</p> - -<p>'Oh, master! there is a riot. Some of our -men have joined, and there is a stack on fire -at Gaultrip's. The mob is coming here, and -threatens to burn us.'</p> - -<p>'Who are coming?' asked Drownlands, -looking up. He staggered to his feet, but was -as one dazed. He did not observe the glare in -the room. He did not hear distinctly the words -spoken.</p> - -<p>'Look, master! look at the blaze. It is at -Gaultrip's. You can hear them coming on. -They are swearing horrible, and say they will -have our lives.'</p> - -<p>'What is this all about?'</p> - -<p>'I don't know for certain. Tom Easy has - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> - -run here afore to tell us what he has gathered. -But lawk! poor lad, he's frightened; and me—my -poor head won't hold it. He says the mob -be armed with bombs and cannons, and all sorts -of engines of war, and they'll blow us up into -the skies.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands passed his hand over his eyes, -then went to the window and looked out.</p> - -<p>He saw in the distance the red blaze of a -burning rick, the flames dancing and leaping in -the air, and carrying with them wisps of ignited -straw, which were borne on the wind as firebrands, -to carry destruction elsewhere. He -could see the mob advancing as a ripple of fire -running along the drove before a dark wave. -The rioters had, in fact, twisted up bands of -straw, had lighted them, and were waving them -as torches as they advanced, and the flames -were reflected in the dykes on each side of the -road. Drownlands was surprised. He threw up -the sash, and the roar of voices was carried into -the room.</p> - -<p>'What is the meaning of this?' asked he. -'Who are these that are coming this way?'</p> - -<p>'It is the rioters,' answered Mrs. Tunkiss.</p> - -<p>'Rioters? What rioters?'</p> - -<p>'Lawk! how can I tell? Tom Easy said -they want advance of wages, and cheap flour. -And he said, they ask for money to help on the -cause.'</p> - -<p>'Cause? What cause?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Lawk, sir! how can I say? Tom Easy said -it was the Union of Fen Labourers, and they -will have blood or money. They will make you -swear to pay them two shillings a-day more -wage, and pull the price of flour down to half -a crown.'</p> - -<p>'They demand money of me, do they? Let -them venture to require it of me.'</p> - -<p>'Here they are!' screamed Mrs. Tunkiss, as -a blow was levelled at the door, and the strokes -resounded through the house.</p> - -<p>'Who was that?' shouted Drownlands from -the window, with a curse. He was not a man -to spare oaths when he was angry. 'Who -struck my door? I will have the law of him.'</p> - -<p>The mob was pouring into the yard.</p> - -<p>'Make a blaze, and let us see the old tiger!' -shouted one of the rioters, and bunches of straw -and corn were snatched from a rick, a blaze was -made, and fire tossed about, illumining the -face of the house and the figures of the men in -the waggon.</p> - -<p>'By heaven, I know you!' shouted Drownlands -from the window. 'That is Aaron Chevell -in the waggon, and by him Isaac Harley and -Harry Tansley with guns. I'll not forget you. -I have a memory. I have five ash trees on the -drove side, and I shall have a rioter slung to -every branch of every tree, and shall begin with -my own workmen.'</p> - -<p>'Hold a civil tongue in your head!' shouted - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> - -Chevell from the waggon. 'Don't threaten -what you can't perform. We have guns here, as -you see, and can silence you; and we shan't -think twice about doing so, if you do not come -to our terms.'</p> - -<p>'Master Drownlands!' called Ephraim Beamish, -working his way forward in the waggon -with his long arms, and leaning his elbows on -the front board when he had thrust himself into -the middle position, 'you will gain nothing by -abuse and threats. We have a good cause, and -are a thousand strong to support it. You have -had everything in the Fens your own way too -long, and have trampled the working men under -foot. You have coined their sweat into silver'—</p> - -<p>Some one shouted as a correction, 'Into gold.'</p> - -<p>'Yes,' said Beamish; 'you have coined the -sweat of your men into heavy gold, and have -left the men to hunger, and toil, and nakedness; -to cramp, and ague, and fever. They have -their rights as well as you. They have borne -their wrongs long enough. Now they have -risen to demand what in equity is theirs—some -share of the profits, some just proportion out of -your gains, so that they may live in comfort, and -not barely live.'</p> - -<p>'Shut your mouth!' roared one of the crowd; -'we want no preaching now. We knows our -rights, and we'll maintain them with our fists, -and not with your tongue. Pip thinks he'll -convert Tiger Ki, he does! Words won't do - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> - -that. Send a shot at him, Tansley. That's the -only argument for him.'</p> - -<p>Tansley, the man addressed, thrust Beamish -back with the butt-end of his fowling-piece, and -laid his barrel on the front board.</p> - -<p>'Listen, Master Drownlands,' shouted Beamish, -again making an effort to shoulder his way to -the front of the waggon. 'What we ask of you -is twenty pounds for the cause of the United Fen -Labourers. Give us twenty pounds, and swear -to the conditions—a fair wage and cheap corn. -Then we will do you no harm whatever. We -will take your money, and move along our way. -We are bound for Ely.'</p> - -<p>'I pay you twenty pounds?' yelled Drownlands. -'I have a gun as well as you have, and -will contribute lead to the cause—lead only.'</p> - -<p>He ran to the corner of the room and took -down his gun from the rack.</p> - -<p>'I'll shoot,' threatened Tansley.</p> - -<p>'Ay—and so will I,' said Drownlands, 'and -let us see who can take the best aim. I think -my eye is pretty well known to be sharp and -my hand steady. By the Lord, I'll not spare -you!' He paused and put on a hat. 'I can -see finely with all those wisps of fire. Hold up -your torches, boys, higher, that I may send my -bullet into Tansley's heart. He will leap, and -then down he goes.'</p> - -<p>Fallen pieces of ignited straw had kindled the -half-kneaded straw on the ground, and there - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> - -ran flames and half-flames to and fro on the soil. -The cart-horses in the waggon started and shifted -position to escape these flashes and flickers.</p> - -<p>'Drownlands!' shouted a young voice, and -Mark Runham thrust his way through the -crowd. 'I pray you be reasonable. You will -provoke bloodshed.'</p> - -<p>'What, you there? You a ringleader in riots?' -exclaimed Drownlands, lowering his fowling-piece.</p> - -<p>'I am not that. Let me come within.'</p> - -<p>Then Mark stood on the waggon-shafts and -called to the crowd—</p> - -<p>'Refrain from violence! Leave me to -manage Master Drownlands. I will engage -him to let you have the money you require.'</p> - -<p>Then he jumped down from the shafts and -ran up the steps.</p> - -<p>The door had been bolted and chained by the -housekeeper, but Zita, hearing what Mark said, -without waiting for orders, descended to the -ground floor, and unbarred the door, and -admitted him. He ran upstairs, for no time -was to be lost. The mob was restless and -irritated. It was impatient to be on its way to -Ely, and yet was reluctant to leave Prickwillow -without having drawn money from it, or done -some mischief.</p> - -<p>Drownlands was too angry to listen to advice. -He would not hear of coming to terms with the -rabble. He had been too long accustomed to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> - -domineer over the labourers to fear them now. -He in no way realised how much courage is -given by association in numbers.</p> - -<p>'What are you here for? How dare you -enter uninvited?' he exclaimed, as Mark came -into the office, followed by Zita.</p> - -<p>'I admitted him,' said the girl. 'He has -come in your interest.'</p> - -<p>'He is one of the rioters! He is a leader! -A Runham of Crumbland, with a tail of dirty -scoundrels after him, burning, pillaging, and -getting drunk.'</p> - -<p>'I beseech you,' said Mark—'I entreat you -to listen to reason. The men are, as you say, -drunk—drunk with folly. I am no leader.'</p> - -<p>'You are acting for them.'</p> - -<p>'I am an intermediary. They have spared -me. They came to Crumbland, but we -humoured them, brought out cake and ale, -and they went their way without molestation. -Gaultrip resisted, and they set fire to a stack, -and so frightened him that he yielded, and paid -fifteen pounds. Now he is engaged in saving -his other stacks. Do not provoke these fellows -further.'</p> - -<p>'I will not listen to you. You ought to be -ashamed to take the part of these scurvy -ragamuffins.'</p> - -<p>'I am not taking their part, but yours. -Hark!'</p> - -<p>There was a cry from the yard of, 'Drownlands! - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> - -Tiger Ki! We will break in the house -door unless you give us money.'</p> - -<p>Then a brick was thrown. It crashed through -the double panes of the window with raised sash, -and fell in the room, accompanied by a shower -of glass splinters.</p> - -<p>'I will shoot one of them!' exclaimed the -yeoman, and he ran with his gun to the window.</p> - -<p>Mark had just time to strike up the barrel, -and the contents were discharged in the air, -hurting nobody.</p> - -<p>Drownlands turned on him with an oath.</p> - -<p>'I will punish you,' he said, stamping with -fury, and he rushed upon Mark with his gun -raised over his head, grasping it by the barrel.</p> - -<p>Then Zita sprang between them, holding the -flail in both her hands, as a ward against the stock.</p> - -<p>'Stand back, Mark!' she cried. 'He dare not -touch you across this flail.'</p> - -<p>It was as she said.</p> - -<p>The man stood as one paralysed, the uplifted -gun in his hands, his eyes glaring at young -Runham, and the red reflections of the fire -flashing on his face and turning it to blood. -But the blow did not fall. His muscles remained -immovable, the gun suspended in the air, till -Zita lowered the flail, and put it behind her back. -Then the spell was off him. He let the gun fall -on the ground, and his head sank on his bosom.</p> - -<p>The discharge of the fowling-piece had produced -a hush in the voices outside.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> - -<p>None knew whether, in the darkness, some -one had been hit. But when, after a pause, it -was found that no harm had been done, then -there broke forth loud cries and execrations; the -courage of the rabble rose with a sense of its -immunity, and a rain of brickbats beat against -the windows of the house, shivering the panes. -The kitchen-maid fell on the floor in a fit. Mrs. -Tunkiss went into a series of shrieks. Renewed -blows were raised against the house door, and -they were accompanied with cries of, 'Smash it -in! Tear the tiger's house down! He has -hundreds of pounds put away somewhere. If -he will not pay twenty sovereigns when we ask -civil, we will take two hundred.'</p> - -<p>Then one shrill voice cried, 'Make a bonfire -of the wheat ricks.'</p> - -<p>'Ki Drownlands! will you do nothing?' -asked Mark; 'will you not give up a few pounds -to save those long ranges of stacks?'</p> - -<p>'Let them do their worst,' answered the -master of Prickwillow doggedly. 'By the -light of the fire I will note every face, and mark -them all down, man by man, and then woe -betide them.'</p> - -<p>Then a burst of cheers, and cries of, 'That -will do famously. We will have that out. Get -horses, harness, and we will drive to Ely.'</p> - -<p>Zita ran to the window, and returned hastily -with a blank face.</p> - -<p>'They have found my van! They have got inside. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> - -They are clambering on the roof. They are -treating it worse than poultry! Oh, Mark! Mark!'</p> - -<p>Then through the window she pleaded, 'Spare -my van. Here are ten gold sovereigns.' Then to -Mark, 'Take my money, go to the men, and get -them to leave my darling, precious van alone.'</p> - -<p>'Stay,' said Drownlands. 'I have changed -my mind.' He went to the door and summoned -the domestics who had fled when the brickbat -crashed into the room. 'Come here, Leehanna. -Sarah, get out of your fits and come at once. -Come here, Tom Easy.'</p> - -<p>The frightened servants obeyed.</p> - -<p>'Bring a candle,' he said.</p> - -<p>The scared housekeeper did as required.</p> - -<p>When Drownlands had received the light, he -went into the passage, and, holding it before the -face of Mark, said to the domestics, 'Do you -know who this is? Is not this Mark Runham? -Can you swear to it?' He paused for an answer -to each question.</p> - -<p>'He has come here, pushed his way into -my house, against my wishes, to force me to -contribute twenty pounds towards the cause of -the rioters. He threatens me with the burning -of my ricks if I do not comply. Is it not so?'</p> - -<p>'I have come,' said Mark, 'because I am -desirous to save you, as well as others in your -house, from injury; and also to intervene and -protect these misguided men against committing -a crime.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> - -<p>'They touched nothing at Crumbland.'</p> - -<p>'No; we gave them food and drink.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, you are hand and glove with them. -And now you are acting as their spokesman and -their leader. Take my money—twenty pounds, -and take Zita's ten pounds—thirty pounds in -all, the plunder of this house. Mind you, I give -it on compulsion. I do not find meat and -liquor for the rioters; I do this to save my ricks -of corn. And I give it to you, Mark Runham, -acting for the rioters.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands turned to those present.</p> - -<p>'I call upon you all to witness, you, Leehanna -Tunkiss, you, Sarah, you, Tom Easy, and you, -Zita, that I pay over my twenty pounds against -my will. Open your hand, Mark Runham. Let -them see that you have there my twenty pounds -and Zita's ten pounds. There are the sovereigns -all in gold. They are well spent—well spent—they -rid me of you.'</p> - -<p>A few moments later a shout rang from the -crowd without—'Tiger Ki has shelled out. For -the Union, for the Cause! for the fen-labourers! -Twenty pounds! Twenty pounds for liberty and -right! The cheap loaf and the big wage! -Hurrah! hurrah, boys! Forward to Ely! On -to the banks. On to the mills!'</p> - -<p>Drownlands looked after the retreating mob -from his window, and said, with a sneer, 'Go on—to -the gallows, Mark Runham; I am clear of -you now. Cheap at twenty pounds.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">TEN POUNDS</p> - -<p class="p1">NOTWITHSTANDING the call of 'On -to Ely!' the mob was not at once in -motion. Something delayed it.</p> - -<p>Zita went to the window and looked out. -She saw that which excited and angered her, -and, turning her head to Drownlands, said—</p> - -<p>'It is a shame! It is disgraceful! They have -taken my ten pounds, and yet they are carrying -off my van. They have put Jewel into the -shafts. They might as well have harnessed the -Archbishop! He's stiffening his legs and setting -back his ears. Look how he's cocking his tail. -They will have to drag on van and Jewel -together. What a thing the general public is! -I never knew it in this mood before, and yet I -thought I knew it pretty well. I'll clear the -public out of my van. There are a dozen inside, -and a score on the roof. They have no right to -do this after accepting my money.'</p> - -<p>She left the window.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Zita, where are you going?' asked Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'Going to send the general public skipping,' -she answered.</p> - -<p>'You cannot do it. It is not safe to leave the -house.'</p> - -<p>'Trust me. I've swept the poultry off, and -I'm not afraid of the public. I know how to -deal with them as I do with fowls.'</p> - -<p>Before Drownlands had time to offer further -remonstrance, she had darted out of the office, -run to her own room, taken a pair of fencing -foils from the stores, had descended the stairs -two steps at a time, had unbarred the door and -was out in the yard, making for the van.</p> - -<p>'Stand still—don't move,' she said to Jewel, -as she passed his head; and he turned one of -his eyes at her and winked.</p> - -<p>'Clear away at once,' she shouted to those -around the van. 'You have taken my money, -and must let the conveyance alone.'</p> - -<p>'Who are you? We've no money of yours.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, you have. I sent out ten pounds to you. -Go, ask your commander, secretary, treasurer, or -whatever you call him. He has pocketed my -ten pounds, and you are bound to leave my van -alone. I am the Cheap Jack girl.'</p> - -<p>'Are you the daughter of the Cheap Jack who -died here?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, I am; and this is my van. Hands off. -You have no quarrel against me. What have I - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> - -done to make bread dear and keep wages low? -I do not belong to these parts. Stand aside.'</p> - -<p>She thrust her way to the back of the van -where was the glass door. This had been -opened, and several men had ensconced themselves -inside on the benches.</p> - -<p>Zita entered, a foil in each hand. Within it -was dark, but she nevertheless knew that the -interior was packed full of men.</p> - -<p>'This is my conveyance,' she said imperiously; -'you have no more right to enter it than you -have to occupy the house of the Lord Mayor. -I have got a sword in each hand. I cannot see -any one in the dark, but I will dagg with each -hand, as you dagg for eels, and I will go on -dagging till I have got a man wriggling at the -end of each.'</p> - -<p>Down went the front of the van, and out -tumbled a dozen lusty men, one over another, -stumbling, falling, sprawling, in the trampled -snow and straw.</p> - -<p>Zita went through the van from aft to fore, -and satisfied herself that it was cleared of its -human occupants. Then, standing on the platform, -which had been thrown forward by those -who burst away from her foils, she looked up at -the roof. A score of men and youths was on it, -their legs pendent.</p> - -<p>'Down with you at once,' she said. 'Do you -see these rapiers? Do you think I can't run a -man through as easy as stick a needle in a pin-cushion? - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> - -It's not the running in—it's the pulling -out is the trouble. There's a button at the end -of each blade. I have got only two—so I can -pin but two of you, and that shall be the last -two that leave the roof.'</p> - -<p>She made as though about to scramble on to -the top of the van, and away went the men -seated there, dropping like ripe pears from a -tree.</p> - -<p>Zita leisurely reclosed the front of the van, -and went out at the back and shut that door -also.</p> - -<p>'That's a good job done, Jewel,' said she. -'Now run the van backwards into the shed, and -you shall return to the stable. Roman candles, -Jewel—pop-bang! Roman candles at your -nose.'</p> - -<p>'Hold there, you Cheap Jack girl!' shouted a -broad-shouldered man, coming up and laying -his hand on the bit. 'We have taken this conveyance -for the Union. It is confiscated.'</p> - -<p>'Whether taken and confiscated I cannot say,' -said Zita. 'But I know I have paid ten pounds -to have it untaken and set at liberty. Return -my ten sovereigns if you take from me my van.'</p> - -<p>'We have no ten sovereigns of yours.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, you have. And a shame it is that you -should rob a poor Cheap Jack girl. Not that -she belongs to the general public, save and -deliver us!—but she is a working girl, and poor.'</p> - -<p>'We have had no money of yours, and we - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> - -requisition the van. We want to load it in Ely. -It will serve our purpose better than a waggon.'</p> - -<p>'You shall not have it,' replied Zita. 'Fair -trade is fair trade, and he that will not deal -honourably I will run through, and leave the -button sticking between his shoulders, and that -will spoil a good weskit.'</p> - -<p>The man sprang back as she threatened him -with one of the foils.</p> - -<p>'I will tell you what it is,' said Zita; 'you -will not believe me till I have made an example -of one of you.'</p> - -<p>'Where is your ten pounds?' asked Pip -Beamish, who had descended from the waggon.</p> - -<p>'Ay,' said several of those who stood round; -'that is what we should uncommon like to -know.'</p> - -<p>'Where are my ten pounds?' repeated Zita. -'That is a fine question for you to put to me, -when I'll be bound you have them in your -pocket.'</p> - -<p>'Bring them out, Pip!' called one of the men.</p> - -<p>'I have not got her money. I have not -touched it,' protested the commander.</p> - -<p>'I gave it to Mark Runham along with the -master's twenty pounds.'</p> - -<p>'The twenty pounds has been put into the -Union box—I never touched your ten.'</p> - -<p>'Come, come, Pip,' said a cluster of men, -'no shuffling. Mark wouldn't have held back -the money. You have had it, sure enough.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I have not had one farthing of it.'</p> - -<p>'I paid ten pounds to have my van set at -liberty. I did not wish to have it sat upon, -and the sides kicked, and the varnish scratched. -I gave ten pounds to save it from that.'</p> - -<p>'What did you get, Beamish?' asked Aaron -Chevell.</p> - -<p>'I got just twenty pounds and no more—the -twenty pounds that Drownlands contributed, -and that I put into the box with the rest.'</p> - -<p>'And not my ten?' exclaimed Zita. 'That -is a falsehood. My ten was with his twenty. -Thirty pounds in all, in gold.'</p> - -<p>'There has been cheating,' shouted two or -three.</p> - -<p>'That is what comes of jaw and preaching.'</p> - -<p>'Mates,' said Aaron Chevell, 'we must not -let this pass. Let us have judge and jury -There has been robbery of the common fund. -Mates, I vote that we arrest Pip Beamish, and -try him at once.'</p> - -<p>'Have him up in the cart,' said Tansley. -'Comrades all! light some more straw wisps. -There has been a case of roguery. There has -been our chief officer taking the money that was -contributed to the Union, and pocketing it for -his private use. I charge Ephraim Beamish, -and vote that he be deposed from his command, -and be tried for felony.'</p> - -<p>'I second it,' shouted Isaac Harley. 'And -what I say is—like enough. He who wants - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> - -most has taken it. A chap as hasn't a house to -call his home, nor an honest employ in which to -earn his living.'</p> - -<p>'It is not what I calls respectable,' said one -man, 'that we should march under such a rascal.'</p> - -<p>Then ensued a chorus of voices.</p> - -<p>'Up into the waggon with him, and try him -there.'</p> - -<p>In vain did Beamish protest that he had not -defrauded the Union, that he had received no -more than twenty pounds. The rest suspected -him, and were jealous of his assumption of -authority.</p> - -<p>'You Cheap Jack girl,' called Chevell, 'we -want your evidence. Ay, bring the swords along -with you, if you're afraid of us, but we do not -hurt women.'</p> - -<p>Zita allowed herself to be conducted to the -waggon, and assisted into it with rough courtesy.</p> - -<p>A fen-farm waggon is a very massive structure, -more massive, perhaps, than one in other parts -of England. It has its peculiarity, which consists -in the front board being unusually high -and arched at top. Often may women be seen -going to market in the waggons, crouching -against this high board, which screens them -from the wind.</p> - -<p>There is much vermilion paint employed on -the waggons, and the front board usually blazes -with colour. It was so on this occasion. The -waggon carried off by the rioters had recently - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> - -been painted, and the vermilion was of the -brightest.</p> - -<p>Isaac Harley cried from his place in the -waggon, 'Mates, who is to be judge?'</p> - -<p>'We will have no judge but ourselves,' was the -ready response.</p> - -<p>'Then,' cried Tansley, 'choose your jury.'</p> - -<p>'We will all be jury!' shouted the mob.</p> - -<p>Then Aaron Chevell, standing forward, said, -'Comrades, the case is this. This young gal—she -is the Cheap Jack's lass, staying here—says -she gave ten sovereigns in gold to the labourers' -cause, to have her van let alone. And she gave -it along with the twenty pounds of Tiger Ki. -Now we want to know what has become of this -contribution of hers. Ephraim Beamish swears -he never received it.'</p> - -<p>'I had the twenty pounds of Mark Runham,' -said Beamish, 'but not ten besides.'</p> - -<p>'You stand by the front board,' said Chevell -to Zita, 'and tell your story. We will hold -Beamish, and every one shall judge.'</p> - -<p>'What? the general public?' asked Zita, -looking round at the crowd of upturned faces.</p> - -<p>'Yes; it shall give judgment.'</p> - -<p>'Then you'll have rare judgment,' said Zita. -She went forward to the place pointed out to -her, and stood there, with her back to the scarlet -board, and leaned on her foils. Blazing straw -wisps were held up, brilliantly illumining the -whole scene.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I call to silence,' said Chevell, 'and let us -hear what the Cheap Jack gal has to say.'</p> - -<p>'What I have to say is this,' said Zita. 'I -saw that you had drawn out my van, the house -in which I was born and reared, the shop -whence all our profits came, and were treating -it worse than did the poultry. So I gave my -savings to Mark Runham, ten pounds, all I had -on me in gold, at the same time that the master -gave twenty pounds to save his corn-stacks. -Mark Runham took it to the man, Pip Beamish, -who is your captain.'</p> - -<p>'No, he ain't! we have deposed him!' was -shouted on all sides.</p> - -<p>Then voices were raised for Runham, but -Mark was not to be found.</p> - -<p>'We want another witness,' said Chevell.</p> - -<p>'There is one,' said Zita, pointing with a foil -to Drownlands at the window of his office. -'There are more if you desire them—Leehanna -Tunkiss, the girl Sarah, and Tom Easy. They -all saw me give Mark the money.'</p> - -<p>Aaron called to Drownlands if it was so. -Drownlands answered in assent.</p> - -<p>'Summon the other witnesses,' commanded -the self-constituted judge.</p> - -<p>Whilst the men knocked at the house door -and demanded the presence of Mrs. Tunkiss -and the girl Sarah, Beamish raised his voice in -protest.</p> - -<p>'I say, mates and comrades all, this is - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> - -strange and unwarranted proceedings. Am not -I your leader?'</p> - -<p>A shout of, 'You was—but you're a thief—we'll -have none of you. I vote for Aaron -Chevell. Duck him; he's a turncoat. He's a -cheat and robs the poor men.'</p> - -<p>'It is false!' shouted Beamish, between rage -and disappointment. 'How can I have acted -as you say, when I am the man who urged you -on,—I, who have the cause at heart more than -any of you?'</p> - -<p>'Oh yes! that's how Judas talked!' shouted -some one in the crowd. Then there came -yells of, 'Judas! Judas! Let him hang like -Judas!'</p> - -<p>The door of the house was not opened to -allow the witnesses to issue at the dictate of the -mob.</p> - -<p>'We must have more witnesses,' said Chevell. -'We don't lay much store on Drownlands. He -ain't taken the oath.'</p> - -<p>Then Zita appealed to the master of Prickwillow -to suffer the maids to come forth. After -some hesitation he agreed.</p> - -<p>'I'll let 'em out if you'll hang Beamish,' -shouted he from the window.</p> - -<p>Presently the door of the house was cautiously -opened, and Drownlands, who stood at it, thrust -forth the two women. Mrs. Tunkiss was white -and quaking; Sarah nigh upon a fit.</p> - -<p>'Now, then,' demanded the judge, 'up into - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> - -the waggon wi' you. And, lads, hold up the -torches that I may see if they looks honest and -truthful. You—Leehanna Tunkiss—did this -Cheap Jack girl give ten pounds for us into -the hands of Beamish?'</p> - -<p>'Oh yes! forty!' exclaimed the woman, who -did not understand what was being done, and -thought she might be incriminating Zita, or -doing her some harm by the admission.</p> - -<p>'She don't quite agree about the figure,—she -says forty,—but she establishes the fact,' said -Chevell, addressing the crowd. 'You swear to -it?'</p> - -<p>'Oh, I swear!' exclaimed Mrs. Tunkiss. 'Oh, -gentlemen, let me down! I shall faint.'</p> - -<p>'Pass her down,' ordered Aaron. 'Now you -other—Sarah Gathercole—did she give him -money? She shakes her head—I mean she -nods.'</p> - -<p>'She has the Vitus' dance,' protested the -accused.</p> - -<p>'She understands what's she's axed—eh?'</p> - -<p>The poor girl nodded in her nervous fit.</p> - -<p>'And you swear to it—the Cheap Jack girl -gave ten pounds?'</p> - -<p>Again she went into fits of jerking and -nodding.</p> - -<p>'She's mighty sure of it, that she be,' said -Aaron. 'What say you, mates and chums? Is -it proved?'</p> - -<p>A roar in response, in the affirmative.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Now then,' said Chevell, 'it is for Pip -Beamish to answer in his defence.'</p> - -<p>'I never had more than twenty pounds. -Search me if you will.'</p> - -<p>'You may have been too sharp for that,' said -Isaac Harley. 'Mates, he ain't got a defence. -I vote for condemnation. This Pip Beamish -has been terribly stuck up, and has given himself -the airs of a dook, and has been ordering -us about. I vote that he is a thieving rascal. -What say you?'</p> - -<p>'Hear! hear! We say the same!' Then -ensued shouts of, 'Kick him down! Duck -him! Chuck him into the Lark!'</p> - -<p>In a moment Beamish was plucked out of -the waggon, flapping his long arms in protest -and entreaty, was jostled, beaten, kicked, and -finally thrown into the dyke—the one honest -and sincere man among the leaders of the -rabble.</p> - -<p>'Now then, mates,' called Chevell, 'it is right -and proper that we should elect another commander.'</p> - -<p>'We want no commanders!' shouted the mob. -'We know what we want! We will all be -commanders! Are we not the general public?'</p> - -<p>'Then I vote,' cried Harley, 'that we lose no -more time, but move on to Ely.'</p> - -<p>Zita was helped out of the cart. The improvised -torches were set in motion, forming a -line of fire as the whole mob of rioters left the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> - -farm, and marched along the dark embankment, -whilst the waggon bounced below on the drove.</p> - -<p>As Zita stood by the van, which she had -thrust back with the aid of Jewel into the shed, -a hand was laid on hers.</p> - -<p>'Zita!'</p> - -<p>The voice was that of Mark.</p> - -<p>'Oh, Mark!'</p> - -<p>'Zita, here are your ten pounds. I did not -give them to Beamish.'</p> - -<p>'Mark! and he has been deposed, and cuffed -and beaten, for having stolen it.'</p> - -<p>'He has been thrown into the dyke, and I -have helped him out of the water. Do not be -disconcerted. I could not have done him a -better turn than this, to get him out of association -with men who are running their heads -into hangmen's nooses.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A NEW DANGER</p> - -<p class="p1">'MARK, how was it that you did not give -them my ten pounds?'</p> - -<p>'Why, my dear Zita, I thought I could get -them off without it. I gave them Drownlands' -twenty. He escaped cheap at that price, and -twenty pounds is nothing to him. I made sure -I could induce them to leave your van alone -without payment to do so, and when I saw -them harness Jewel to it, then I was quite -certain they would have to leave it; you do not -suppose I would have suffered those rascals to -take your money except in an extremity? To -rob you was to rob me, Zit—for I never would -have suffered you to lose those ten pounds. If -I had been constrained to give them up, I would -have refunded this sum to you out of my own -pocket.'</p> - -<p>'You are very good.'</p> - -<p>'Not at all. I have more money than I know -how to spend.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> - -<p>'You are good all round. You pulled Pip -Beamish out of the water, and I know you do -not love him.'</p> - -<p>'You see I help one I love, and one I do not -love.'</p> - -<p>Zita coloured. 'I did not mean that.'</p> - -<p>'Then I do,'said Mark roguishly. 'You are -in the right in this, that I do not love Beamish,—for -one thing, because I think him a perverse, -meddlesome, mischievous, discontented donkey, -and for another, because of Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'Kainie again?' exclaimed Zita, drawing -back.</p> - -<p>'Yes, because I do not choose to have him -running after her.'</p> - -<p>'Why should he not run after her as well as -you?'</p> - -<p>'Because he can never make her happy.'</p> - -<p>'And you can?'</p> - -<p>'I can try,' said Mark.</p> - -<p>'Well, that is frank!' said Zita, huffed. 'You -called me "Dear Zita," just now—I suppose it -is "Dear Kainie" as well.'</p> - -<p>'My dear Zita'—</p> - -<p>'Perhaps you will keep your "dears" for her, -or any one else who cares to have them and -share them with others. I do not wish to be -so termed. I refuse to be so called.'</p> - -<p>She turned to leave. He caught her by the -arm.</p> - -<p>'Do not be cross. I cannot explain matters - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> - -now. It is all right. I did not mean to offend -you.'</p> - -<p>But Zita would not speak. She hastened to -the house with pouting lips, burning cheeks, -and sunken eyes. As she entered, she encountered -Drownlands, in his slouched hat, and -wearing a long great-coat in place of his usual -tiger-skin. He held a whip in his hand, and -had a pistol sticking out of his breast pocket.</p> - -<p>'Are you going out?' asked the girl.</p> - -<p>'Yes. You are in no further danger. The -rabble will not return. I shall follow them.'</p> - -<p>'Why so?'</p> - -<p>'To bring all I can to the gallows. I shall -watch every man I know, and see what his -proceedings are. I shall take account of every -act of lawlessness. They have not had my -twenty pounds for nothing. I shall get some -satisfaction in return. In Ely folks will be too -much alarmed, the faces will be too strange for -there to be recognition of offenders. That is -my work. I shall witness against them, man -by man, beginning with my own labourers who -have revolted against me. I have purchased -the right with my twenty pounds—a life for -every pound—ha! ha!'</p> - -<p>Then, looking steadily into Zita's eyes, he -said in a low, bitter tone, 'I shall begin with -Mark Runham.'</p> - -<p>'Mark?' echoed the girl. 'He has done no -harm.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Has he not? He entered my house uninvited. -He acted for the rioters. He was their -mouthpiece. He extorted money from me for -them.'</p> - -<p>He struck his boot with his whip, strode -faster, then turned on the doorstep and said, -'If not the gallows for Mark, then transportation. -I am well rid of him. See what it is for -a man to venture himself in my way.'</p> - -<p>Zita was startled. What had Mark done to -incur the penalties of the law? Was it conceivable -that Drownlands was in earnest? He -made idle menaces. He had threatened to -string the rioters to every bough of his five ash -trees. He had not done it, and he could not -do it. His present menace was as empty.</p> - -<p>She watched the master ride forth from the -stable when he had saddled his horse himself. -No man was left on the premises to attend on -him. The boy, Tom Easy, was too frightened -to be of service, and Drownlands was impatient -to be off.</p> - -<p>As the farmer rode past the door, he turned -his face towards Zita, but in the darkness she -could not see its expression.</p> - -<p>He pointed in the direction of Ely with his -whip, and at that moment Zita heard a roar of -voices, followed by an explosion of firearms -borne upon the wind. In fact, the rioters had -reached the metropolis of the Fens. They had -let the waggon precede the marching body. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> - -The front board had been notched to receive -the fowling-pieces, and the insurgent labourers, -on reaching the main street, had announced -their entry by a discharge of firearms and a -ringing shout, calculated to strike terror into -the hearts of the citizens.</p> - -<p>Zita did not remain long inactive, listening to -the sounds of uproar in the distance.</p> - -<p>'Sharp! a pail!' she called to the quaking -kitchen-maid. 'There is no reason why you -should be idle, or I either, because a parcel of -men are making fools of themselves.'</p> - -<p>'A pail? What can you want a pail for at -such a time as this?' asked Mrs. Tunkiss. -'You ought to be down on your knees praying.'</p> - -<p>'You would want a pail, and soap, and water, -and a scrubbing-brush, Leehanna, if you had -been drawn out into the yard, and had had a -score of bumpkins sitting on your back and -kicking your sides with their dirty boots. I am -not going to let my van remain all night in its -present condition, to have the clay caked over -it in the morning, just because wheat is up and -wages down, and folks don't like to have it so. -I will clean the van before I go to bed.'</p> - -<p>Mrs. Tunkiss and Sarah were too much overcome -to render assistance. Sarah was shaking -and jerking in every limb, and Leehanna had -got down her Bible to read about the fire and -brimstone rained on the cities of the plain, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> - -the escape of Lot, and to conceive herself to be -a female Lot. Zita furnished herself with what -she required, and set vigorously to work, commenting -as she went on upon the bruises and -scratches in the varnish and paint, which the -sides of the van had received from the boots of -those who invaded it that evening.</p> - -<p>She was engaged on the roof of the van, -when, all at once, her thoughts took a different -direction, and, kneeling upright, scrubbing-brush -in one hand and a piece of soap in the other, -she exclaimed—</p> - -<p>'That was impudence, if you please! to tell -me he did not approve of Pip going after -Kainie, and that he will do his utmost to -make her happy! Does he think he can have -us both? That may be fen ways, it isn't -caravan morals. Hark!—what is that?'</p> - -<p>She could hear the alarm bell of Ely Minster -pealing.</p> - -<p>'There was a song of father's that I mind,' -said Zita, still kneeling upright, 'and if Mark -had only been brought up in a van instead of -desultory-like on the Fens, he'd have learned -the things he ought to do, and the things he -ought to leave alone, taught him by songs and -other ways.' She sang—</p> - -<p> -'Young men, be advised, if love gets in your sconce,<br /> -Don't ever go courting two maidens at once;<br /> -With one you may work along safely and sound,<br /> -'Twixt two stools you're certain to come to the ground.'<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p> - -<p>A lurid glare was in the sky over Ely, and -the bell continued to peal its note of distress.</p> - -<p>The thoughts of Zita reverted to the threat of -Drownlands. He had said he would bring Mark -to the gallows, or, at all events, send him into -transportation.</p> - -<p>This had seemed to her at the time an idle -threat, as the empty explosion of anger, that -could do no harm, whilst it relieved the master's -chafed feelings. But as she turned the matter -over in her head, it appeared to her no longer -as trifling a concern as she had at first supposed -it to be.</p> - -<p>Mark had entered the house, and had induced -the master to part with his money to save his -ricks from being burnt down, and his house from -being broken into. This fact was capable of -two interpretations. Mark's purpose had been -obvious enough to her; but it was quite possible -for his action to be misrepresented as one of -sympathy with the rioters, and his interposition -as being due to his having been appointed -by them to act in their behalf.</p> - -<p>Zita was now able to comprehend the purport -of Drownlands calling up the servants to -look at Mark, and to witness the payment of -the money. And at the same time she realised -the force of his words when he said that he had -paid the money to be rid of Mark. She could -penetrate to the inner chambers of Drownlands' -heart, and read there his thoughts and intentions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p> - -<p>If Mark were removed, it was likely that Zita -would prove more pliable. She would feel her -loneliness, her isolation, and be driven to accept -him as her protector. Zita was very angry -when these ideas rose in her mind. She -thought it incumbent on her to seek Runham -and warn him to be on his guard, especially to -avoid having any more connection with the -rioters. Drownlands had gone in the wake of -the mob; so, possibly, had Mark, out of curiosity—out -of a wish to intervene, as he had -intervened at Prickwillow.</p> - -<p>Zita put down the pail, and, instead of returning -to the house, walked down the road that -led from the farm into the main drove by the -side of the Lark embankment.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">'I DON'T CARE THAT!'</p> - -<p class="p1">ZITA was now seriously alarmed. She knew -that Drownlands was one who was without -scruple in carrying out the ends at which he -aimed.</p> - -<p>He had not let drop these ominous words at -random. He hated Mark with deadly animosity, -and Zita knew very well the reason. -He loved her, and considered that Mark stood -in his way. He hoped, she did not question, -that by removing Mark there would remain no -other serious obstacle in the way of his suit. -Drownlands would not have recourse to violence. -The remembrance of what he had done to the -young man's father precluded that; but he -would not hesitate to adopt any other means -that promised to relieve him of his rival.</p> - -<p>Zita had formed no plan as to what she would -do. She walked in the direction of Ely, on the -chance of catching Mark up, or of finding some -one who could inform her whether he had - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> - -returned home to Crumbland, or had gone on -after the army of the discontented. She had -not walked a quarter of a mile before she saw -two figures standing on the embankment against -the illumined sky.</p> - -<p>Zita was below, in the drove, and in shadow. -The roadway that had been snowy was now -trampled black, and a person walking or standing -on it would be invisible to those on the -bank, whereas the latter were in full view to such -as were on the drove, and their every movement -was made distinct by the reflection in the sky of -the fires kindled by the rioters in Ely.</p> - -<p>Zita hardly, if at all, considered this. She did -not at first know who these persons were who -were pencilled against the red light behind them. -She had no reason for remaining concealed, but -she walked on a dark surface, and was therefore -invisible, and trod in springy peat, so that her -step was inaudible.</p> - -<p>Before she could distinguish by their faces -who the two were upon the embankment, she -had discovered their personalities by their voices. -One was Mark Runham and the other was -Kainie.</p> - -<p>Stung by jealousy, and instinctively, Zita -stood still. She heard Kainie say, 'I wish you -would go after him, Mark.'</p> - -<p>Then she heard Runham answer, 'I cannot, -and I will not. I picked him out of the dyke, -streaming with fen-water—out of the dyke into - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> - -which his own comrades had flung him—and in -spite of all this he follows them. Such a fellow -as that is past helping. No one but Pip, after -being head, would consent to draggle at the end -of the body as its tail. What is more, Kainie, I -do not like your interesting yourself in him. -He is not for you. He has too many maggots -in his brain. There is no place will suit him. -Wherever he goes he will be in opposition. -Kainie, do you know the old country-dance -tune of "The Clean Contrary Way"? Well, -that is the only strain to which Pip will caper.'</p> - -<p>'Poor Pip! He is not a bad fellow at heart.'</p> - -<p>'Maybe; but he is terribly perverse. Possibly -he would be satisfied if he were translated to -what they call the Antipodes, for there his head -would be pointing where our feet run, and his -toes would be aiming in the direction of our -heads. Once for all, I am not going into Ely -after Pip. It is of no use, and my mother is in -alarm. I must return to appease her fears. -Now, Kainie, a word to you about yourself.'</p> - -<p>'What about me?'</p> - -<p>'Why, this: How long do you intend to -remain at Red Wings?'</p> - -<p>'As long as I must. I suppose my uncle -Drownlands will do nothing for me.'</p> - -<p>'But I will. You can have any money you -want from me.'</p> - -<p>'I do not require it. I am happy at the mill. -I shall not leave it yet a while. I certainly - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> - -expect nothing from Uncle Ki. He never casts -me even a good-day. It is hard for me to suffer -because he quarrelled with my mother. I do -not suppose I shall ever be the better for my -relationship to him. Folks say he is going to -marry the Cheap Jack girl.'</p> - -<p>Zita heard Mark's laugh, and then his answer. -'She will never take him.'</p> - -<p>'Why not?'</p> - -<p>'He is too old for her.'</p> - -<p>'That will not trouble her much,' answered -Kainie; 'she calculates the value of everything, -and holds a thing to be worth just what money -it will bring in. I believe she has no thoughts, -no care for anything but money. She knows -that Uncle Ki has got land and stock, has a -good house and a balance at the bank; she will -say "There's profits," and take him—snap at -him eagerly.'</p> - -<p>'I do not believe you,' said Mark, and laughed. -'But about yourself, not Zita. My mother still -objects to my bringing you home to Crumbland -and acknowledging you. I do not feel comfortable -and happy to be in a good house, and to -have you in that hovel at that mill.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot go to you so long as your mother is -opposed.'</p> - -<p>'Perhaps not; but, after all, Kainie, she cannot -hold out against you for ever. She loves me -too sincerely. She has too right a mind. She -will see how it frets me; and then—when all is - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> - -said and done—I am master of Crumbland, and -not she. If I be driven to assert my will, she -will submit. She is certain to like, to love you, -when she comes to know you. It is but for a -little while waiting. I do not wish to have recourse -to strong measures if delay will make all go -smooth of itself. You understand that, Kainie?'</p> - -<p>'I will wait. I am content at the mill. But—oh, -Mark! I must tell you a joke. That -Cheap Jack girl was at Red Wings the other -day, and she wanted to buy you of me—actually -purchase you.'</p> - -<p>'At what price was I estimated?'</p> - -<p>'At a ream of black-edged notepaper and -envelopes to match.'</p> - -<p>Mark burst into laughter.</p> - -<p>'That is not all,' continued Kainie. 'When I -did not prove eager for the paper, she made -another bid.'</p> - -<p>'And that—?'</p> - -<p>'Was a garden syringe to kill green-fly with -soapy water.'</p> - -<p>Zita heard both laugh merrily.</p> - -<p>'I have not done yet,' continued Kainie. -'She finally produced her most splendid offer.'</p> - -<p>'And that was—?'</p> - -<p>'It was one that almost made me surrender you, -Mark. A box of all kinds of scents. And she -said'—Kainie could hardly speak for laughing—'I -should smell of Jockey Club in chapel—tremenjous—that's -her word—tremenjous!'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p> - -<p>Zita's anger was flaming hot, waves of boiling -blood swept through her veins, swept before her -eyes and blinded her.</p> - -<p>Gasping for breath, she rushed up the bank, -and, reaching them, struck Kainie on the cheek -with her open palm before she or Mark knew -she was there.</p> - -<p>'It is a shame!' exclaimed Zita, sobbing with -emotion. 'It is mean to tell of me—to make -sport of me!'</p> - -<p>Then, turning on Mark, she said, 'And I will -tell you what is preparing for you—you who -laugh and jeer at the ignorant, silly Cheap Jack -girl. It is the gallows or Botany Bay. And'—she -snapped her fingers in his face—'if you hang -or are transported, I don't care that!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A NIGHT IN ELY</p> - -<p class="p1">THE Isle of Ely, with the city in its midst, -and the cathedral in the midst of the -city, is more ecclesiastical than Rome itself. -Until comparatively recent times the Bishop -was a petty prince therein, exercising powers of -life and death. He did not indeed sit in the -courts himself, and himself sentence to the -block and the gallows, any more than did the -Pope himself consign offenders to the flames. -The secular power was committed to a 'Temporal -Steward,' who held his office for life, and -discharged the functions of High Sheriff, and the -Bishop washed his hands of all blood-guiltiness.</p> - -<p>The courts of justice were, however, held in -the Bishop's name, and the gaols were institutions -under his jurisdiction. The Bishop appointed -the municipal authorities and the justices -of peace. From the High Sheriff to the town-crier, -all derived their authority by commission -from the Bishop.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p> - -<p>As every acre of land in the isle and far away -into the fen belonged to either Bishop or Dean -and Chapter, there were no county magnates -near, and no country gentry at all. Nay, even -in the city itself there was no gentry of independent -position. In Rome there are princes who -have their territories. In Ely there were not -even squires.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, the ecclesiastical dignitaries lived -very high up in roseate clouds and in an ethereal -atmosphere, far above the clay land where -grubbed and wriggled the professional men -and the shopkeepers.</p> - -<p>Perhaps the fact of being so completely under -ecclesiastical government paralysed all initiative -in Ely, and rendered the inhabitants helpless in -cases of emergency. The citizens were but -overgrown babies. The lawyer, the surgeon, the -M.D., the surveyor, the architect, were accustomed -to be swaddled and given suck by the Right -Reverend Father the Bishop, or the Very Reverend -the Dean, or the Venerable the Archdeacon; -and all the officials, the temporal steward, and -the justices, and the chief constable, were wont -to go in leading-strings.</p> - -<p>And they were such good babies. They -always thought as the reverend fathers thought; -they never cried and kicked; and the air of the -Fens must have been salubrious, for they had all -ravenous appetites for the fat of the land, which -fell from the ecclesiastical tables. At the time - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> - -of our tale, co-operative stores had not been so -much as thought of. The Bishop, the Dean, and -the canons got their groceries, their drugs, their -wines, and their stationery from the Ely tradesmen. -In return for their custom, these tradesmen -professed the strictest churchmanship and -the staunchest Toryism.</p> - -<p>The system of appointment to offices in Ely -was distinctively ecclesiastical. The magistrates -were bespectacled and bewigged officials connected -by marriage with some of the members -of the Chapter. The constables were nominated -for their general piety, or because they were -burdened with large families. The watchmen -were pensioned cripples or asthmatic incapables, -whose utmost achievement was to crawl about -at night and proclaim the hour. Everything in -the city was managed for the residents by a -benevolent and beneficent ecclesiastical authority, -which exhibited its benevolence and beneficence -by conferring offices, not on such as showed -efficiency, but on such men as were incompetent -to earn a livelihood in any profession or business -that demanded the exercise of brain or of -muscle.</p> - -<p>When the turbulent crew from Littleport -arrived in Ely, and the rumour circulated that -other Fen centres were sending their contingents -of the disaffected to the capital of the Fens, -neither magistrates nor constables were prepared -to take prompt action to protect the town and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> - -stop the spread of disturbance. Orders were -indeed issued to have the minster bell rung, to -summon all sober, law-abiding citizens to unite -for the common defence, but, although the bell -pealed its summons, no one obeyed it, for no -one knew where the rallying-point was, or what -was to be done by those summoned.</p> - -<p>The temporal steward was in bed with a -mustard poultice on his chest and a dose of -sweet nitre in his stomach. Consequently, when -a messenger from the Deanery came to request -that he would do something, the wife of the -temporal steward was able to point out that he -was perspiring freely and the poultice drawing -vigorously. To leave his bed and the house -was, therefore, out of the question.</p> - -<p>There was no deputy sheriff to fill the place -which the sheriff was incapacitated from filling. -The vacancy had not been filled up, because the -Bishop was hesitating, balancing the claims of -one who was stone-blind against one who was -stone-deaf. The prelate himself was absent on -a confirmation tour, and he had taken his -chaplains with him, and, what was more to the -point, his butler—a man who did most of the -thinking in sublunary matters for his master. -The constables then in Ely were few. The chief -constable, Mr. Edwards, was the manager of -Mortlock's bank, and in the interests of the bank -he had come to the resolution to keep in the -background so as in no way to excite the angry - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> - -passions of the mob. Another constable had -swallowed a fish-bone, and this was being extracted -by a fellow constable. A fourth was at -the moment incapacitated for work by one of -his constitutional and chronic fits of the hiccups. -It was precisely because he suffered from this -affliction that the benevolent and beneficent -ecclesiastical authority had nominated him to, -and invested him with, the office of constable.</p> - -<p>As the combined municipal and collegiate -forces of watchmen were unprepared or unable -to cope with the approaching masses of men, -the Dean sent off his coachman on a carriage -horse to Bury St. Edmund's, to invoke the aid -of the military stationed there. The mob from -Littleport entered the town, as already said, -preceded by the waggon, in which were placed -heavy wash guns loaded with slugs. To announce -its arrival a volley was fired, and the -slugs rattled on the tiles and broke a few -windows.</p> - -<p>No sooner had the Littleport body entered -Ely, than it learned to its disappointment that -nothing had been heard of the Isleham and -Swaffham contingents.</p> - -<p>In fact, discouragement had dissolved these at -the onset. The small landowner, Cutman, who -had undertaken to lead the detachment from -Isleham, had reconsidered the matter, and -resolved that heading a riot could do him no -possible good, and might do him very considerable - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> - -harm. The men assembled at the Duck at -the appointed hour, waited, and, as he did not -appear, became uneasy, supposing that he had -been alarmed; they also reconsidered the matter, -and, coming to much the same conclusion as -Cutman, dispersed quietly to their several -homes.</p> - -<p>The Swaffham men were also defaulters. -The tidings of what was meditated had been -communicated to a large farmer there, and when -the rabble approached, he met them dauntlessly, -along with his stalwart sons and some trusty -serving-men, all armed with blunderbusses. -He addressed the mob, and, by his bold front -and resolute bearing, not only prevented them -from attacking his house, but persuaded them to -break up and abandon their undertaking.</p> - -<p>The Littleport body, swelled by stragglers, -and also by men who had lived in the suburbs -of Ely, formed a considerable host, and had they -been under efficient discipline, and had they -known exactly what demands to make, and how -to enforce their demands, might have produced -serious results.</p> - -<p>As it was, they did a certain amount of -mischief, and took a certain amount of loot, but -all in an aimless manner; and in looting or -wrecking forgot the ostensible reasons for their -assembly and purpose of marching upon Ely.</p> - -<p>No sooner were they in the town than the -mob resolved itself, without order given, into - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> - -two detachments, whereof one attacked the -flour-mills, and the other broke into the -victuallers' shops to seize on their stores of -ham, bacon, and sausages.</p> - -<p>There was a large soak-mill in the lower part -of the town, managed by a man named Rickwood. -This was the first assailed.</p> - -<p>By this time the magistrates, at the advice -and exhortation of their wives, had plucked up -sufficient courage to venture to parley with the -rioters. There were but three or four of these -in the place; one was a retired steward who -was almost stone-deaf, the other two were -clergymen. These magistrates inquired of the -fen-men what were their demands, and were -answered with confused cries for higher wages, -cheaper bread, and for money to be scattered -among them.</p> - -<p>Terrified by the shouts and the menacing -attitude of the mob, they entered into negotiations -with them, and offered to raise a certain -sum of money from the inhabitants to satisfy -their illegal demands. But the rioters could not -agree as to the price at which they would desist -from violence, nor could they wait with patience -till the magistrates had collected the sum offered.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, the conference was broken up, -and the mob proceeded to smash Rickwood's -windows and to beat open his doors.</p> - -<p>The miller was not, as it chanced, at home -himself, and his wife entered into parley with - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> - -the rabble from a window. They demanded -fifty pounds, and threatened, unless it were paid, -to proceed to set fire to the mill, and the miller's -habitation adjoining.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Rickwood, in terror, promised the sum, -but said that she had not so much coin in the -house. She would send her son for the money -to the bank.</p> - -<p>'No! no! Come yourself!' shouted the men, -and proceeded to demolish the windows.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, Mrs. Rickwood descended, and -in deadly fear issued forth into the street, after -having committed the mill to the care of her -son.</p> - -<p>The banker was also, as already said, chief -constable, and in the interest of Messrs. Mortlock -was remaining at home, and sitting in his -back parlour.</p> - -<p>When the mob reached his house, which was -one with the bank, loud cries were raised for -him, and Mrs. Rickwood knocked at the front -door. After long waiting, he appeared in the -doorway, as white as chalk. Mrs. Rickwood -then entreated him to furnish her with fifty -sovereigns in gold, in order that she might -purchase immunity for her mill from the insurgent -peasantry.</p> - -<p>'Nothing in the world will induce me to do -this!' exclaimed the chief constable heroically. -Whereupon a stone was thrown at him, and -struck his head, so that a little blood flowed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span></p> - -<p>'That is to say,' said Edwards, 'nothing save -compulsion;' and he hastened within to find the -money.</p> - -<p>The second body of rioters in the meantime -was engaged in sacking the grocery-shops and -provision-stores. One of the magistrates, the -Rev. Mr. Metcalf, endeavoured to calm the mob -by an assurance that he would induce the -owners of the shops to purchase their immunity. -But he was successful in two instances only. -In some the rabble took the money, and, notwithstanding, -plundered the shops. Then a -second mill was attacked, but, on ten pounds -being produced, no further violence was done -to it.</p> - -<p>The night was dark. The rioters went round -requisitioning faggots and coals, and soon an -immense bonfire was kindled before the cathedral -west front, and a second in face of St. Mary's -church. The first lighted up the splendid pile, -bringing out every detail of sculpture, and -twinkling in the glass that filled the Norman -windows.</p> - -<p>Round this fire the young men and girls -danced. Some of the men had carried provisions -to the Galilee, and prepared for a -carouse. The taverns had been attacked very -early, and the publicans had been constrained to -allow the rioters free use of their liquor.</p> - -<p>As Mark had assured Kerenhappuch, Ephraim -Beamish had pushed his way after the rabble, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> - -undeterred by the treatment he had received at -its hands, his enthusiasm unquenched by his -plunge in the icy water. As there was no -organisation in the mob, he was suffered to -rejoin it with an occasional protest only, but -Chevell, Harley, and Tansley would not allow -him to remount the waggon.</p> - -<p>No sooner did Beamish find that a great body -of the insurgents were setting themselves to eat, -drink, and revel about the great fire in front of the -cathedral, than he got a chair, and endeavoured -to harangue them, to point out to them that -they were throwing away their occasion, neglecting -to enforce their grievances on the employers -of labour, and that they were making enemies -among all the well-disposed by their capricious -and lawless proceedings. But directly his face -was discerned by the flicker of the fire, and his -voice recognised, beaten back by the cathedral -walls, than shouts were raised of, 'That's the -fellow who stole the Cheap Jack girl's money. -We want no preaching here.'</p> - -<p>His chair was tripped up, and he was sent -sprawling in the dirt.</p> - -<p>He rose angry and disconcerted. The movement -of which he was the instigator, and of -which he had been appointed director by vote -of the men, had rejected his direction, and was -taking its own suicidal course.</p> - -<p>The fens immediately surrounding the isle on -which Ely stood were farmed by men whose - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> - -homesteads were on the gault excrescence that -formed the isle. According to the preconcerted -scheme, the Union of Fen Labourers was to proceed -to these farmsteads one by one, to exact -of the farmers a contribution to the cause, and -an oath to raise the wage.</p> - -<p>It was true enough that two or three farms had -been visited which lay to right and left of the -road from Littleport to Ely, but no sooner had -the men reached the Fen capital, than they -forgot their purpose, directed their attention to -the provision-shops, waylaid and blackmailed -passengers, broke into the taverns, and thought -only of eating, drinking, and making money. -They entirely neglected the scheme that had -been agreed to. Not a single farm in the isle -was molested, not a single farmer coerced.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">SIR BATES DUDLEY'S RIDE</p> - -<p class="p1">AFTER a night of revelry, the winter morning -broke on men lying tipsy or asleep about -the smouldering embers of their fire, against the -walls of houses, or crowded on the benches and -on the stone floor of the Galilee. Every tavern -was packed, and many private houses as well. -The rioters had demanded admission, and had -threatened violence if opposed. Doors had accordingly -been opened to them, and they had -received reluctant admission.</p> - -<p>On the whole, little serious mischief had been -done. A few shops had been invaded, a few -well-to-do persons blackmailed, some windows -broken, all the ale and spirits in the public-houses -drunk out, and all the hams in the -licensed victuallers' consumed; but with the sole -exception of the cutting open of the head of the -chief constable, no personal violence had been -done to any one.</p> - -<p>The demonstration had been absolutely resultless, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> - -so far as concerned the purpose for -which it had been organised. The only fruit -that would come of it would be that the bakers, -millers, and provision-dealers would raise their -prices, so as to recoup themselves for what they -had lost, and that certain of the rioters would -suffer penalties out of all proportion to the -injury done.</p> - -<p>Some consciousness that a mistake had been -made stole over the dull brains of the men as -they awoke, chilled and headachy, on the morning -after the entry into Ely. Those men who -had promoted the movement, but had not been -suffered to direct it, were certainly alive to the -fact that a great blunder had been made, and -that their safety was at stake. And when the -rumour spread that the dragoons from Bury -were about to arrive, the pot-valiant fen-men -rapidly dispersed.</p> - -<p>Droves and roads radiating from Ely were -thronged with fugitives, flying at their utmost -speed towards their homes, and none speeding -more rapidly than those men who were guardians -of the money collected from the farmers and -shopmen and millers for the cause, and who -sought not only to secure their persons, but -also the money they carried with them, for -their own advantage. The sum collected might -enable them to escape from the neighbourhood, -and it would form a comfortable little capital on -which to start business where they were unknown.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> - -<p>When, about noon, the military arrived, the -streets of Ely were almost as silent and unoccupied -as on any day in the week save -market day.</p> - -<p>They were met by the magistrates, preceded -by Sir Bates Dudley, Bart., an old canon of -Ely; the chief constable showed with his head -bandaged, and the high sheriff looked approval -from his bedroom window, in nightcap and -dressing-gown.</p> - -<p>Orders were issued for the pursuit of the -rioters to Littleport, their headquarters. As it -was necessary that a magistrate should accompany -them, Sir Bates Dudley was lifted into -a saddle. He was a small, very globular man, -with a red face and a wig of sandy hair.</p> - -<p>'You won't go very fast with me?' inquired -the baronet of the officer in charge. 'Be—be—cause, -though I was a horseman oo—oo—once, -I haven't ridden these forty years.'</p> - -<p>Then, turning to his footman, he said, 'Tut—Tut—Thomas, -you'll please to run at my s—s—ide, -and hold my leg, lest I tut—tut—tumble -off. If you see me getting at all out of the -per—per—per—pendicular, just run round -and give a pull to the other leg.'</p> - -<p>Presently Sir Bates Dudley addressed Drownlands, -who was standing near him, holding his -own horse.</p> - -<p>'You will cuc—come too—so important a -witness; and you will indicate who are the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> - -persons to be arrested, and who are na—na—named -in the warrants I signed. You -will oblige me if you will ri—ride at my side, -and as Tut—Tut—Thomas is negligent, and -his at—at—tention may be distracted, and he -may forget his doo—doo—dooty to me, if you -see me at all out of the per—per—perpendicular, -just give a thrust, will you, with your -riding-whip, and set me up—pup—right again. -I haven't ridden for forty years. I hope the -saddle won't ga—ga—gall the horse.'</p> - -<p>'I'll keep at your side, sir,' said Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'That wo—wo—won't be quite enough,' said -the baronet. 'If you wouldn't mind keeping an -eye on my left leg, and if you see it go—go—going -up the side of the saddle, just tut—trot -round the ba—ba—back and give me a thrust -with the end of your whip, and set me per—per—perpendicular -again. I can't trust Tut—Tut—Thomas -entirely.'</p> - -<p>'I'll do what I can for you, sir,' said Drownlands.</p> - -<p>Then Sir Bates turned to his man Thomas -and said—</p> - -<p>'Ki—ki—keep an even habit of mind, Tut—Thomas, -and don't let your thoughts ramble to -Mary. Don't pup—pup—pull my right leg too -hard, nor let it go too lax.'</p> - -<p>Then, addressing Drownlands—</p> - -<p>'I am shush—shush—sure the Government and -all law-abiding citizens owe a debt of gratitude - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> - -to you, Mr. Dud—Dud—Drownlands.' The -baronet gasped at the name, opening his mouth -and jerking his face forward, as though endeavouring -to catch a bluebottle and swallow it. -'I con—con—congratulate you on your activity, -observation, and spirit. You will be the primary -means of convicting the ri—ri—rioters.'</p> - -<p>The canon rode along, balancing himself uncertainly -in his saddle. The dragoons trotted -after.</p> - -<p>When, however, the clay land of the Isle of -Ely was left, trotting was out of the question. -The horses made their way painfully through -the slough, and military order was not to be -maintained.</p> - -<p>Sir Bates's horse tossed his head, and endeavoured -to keep up a trot. There is pride in -brutes as well as in men, and the baronet's steed -was elate at the idea of preceding the splendid -dragoon chargers, so well groomed, so gorgeously -accoutred, and bearing such radiant beings on -their backs. Let the fen cart-horses see that -he, Sir Bates Dudley's cob, took precedence of, -was on gracious terms with, these war chargers. -Every now and then, when a horse was visible -in a stubble field, he neighed to him a challenge -to observe who went by and in what company.</p> - -<p>'I don't quite like this mo—mo—motion,' -gasped the canon, who was bouncing like a pea -on a drum. 'I am afraid the saddle will terribly -ga—ga—gall my horse's back.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p> - -<p>At that moment Drownlands uttered an exclamation, -and, turning to the colonel of the -dragoons, cried, as he pointed with his whip at -a figure in a field separated from the drove by a -lane of water—</p> - -<p>'There is Ephraim Beamish, a ringleader. -A warrant against him is signed. He has the -audacity to look on as though this did not -concern him.'</p> - -<p>The colonel gave orders to two of his soldiers -to ride in pursuit. The men detailed for the -purpose at once leaped their horses across the -dyke. The road bank was sufficiently firm to -enable the beasts to spring.</p> - -<p>Then they started in pursuit.</p> - -<p>'Shoot! Shoot!' cried Drownlands. 'You -will never take a prisoner like that.'</p> - -<p>The dragoons were careering over the field, -one of fifteen to twenty acres, but it was hard -work for the horses, so spongy was the soil; and -Pip Beamish ran before them without greatly -exerting himself.</p> - -<p>The dragoons on the drove, at the command -of the colonel, drew up in line, and watched the -chase.</p> - -<p>'They will never catch him,' repeated Drownlands; -'they never can. Give orders that he be -shot.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot do that,' said the officer in command. -'They will outstrip and head him shortly.'</p> - -<p>'They never will. You do not know the Fens.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span></p> - -<p>In another moment Beamish was seen to -plant a long pole he was carrying, swing himself -aloft easily and gracefully, and fall lightly on -his feet on the farther side of the dyke limiting -the field.</p> - -<p>One of the dragoon's horses floundered and -rolled over in the soft soil, but the other was -close behind Beamish. It rose, and in a moment -vanished along with its rider in the dyke. The -hind feet had found nothing substantial on -which to obtain the necessary purchase for a -leap across the water, and the beast and rider -had fallen into the stagnant, slimy liquid that -filled the ditch.</p> - -<p>In spite of discipline, oaths and curses broke -from the dragoons who were looking on.</p> - -<p>'I knew it,' said Drownlands. 'Why did you -not shoot? If that horse hasn't broke his back -it is a lucky job. Now Pip Beamish is beyond -reach, beyond gunshot, and it will take a day to -get the horse dug out.'</p> - -<p>'What do you mean?' asked the colonel -angrily.</p> - -<p>'Mean? Why, that no horse that falls into a -dyke can get himself out, or be got out save by -spade-work. There he must remain; every -struggle makes him sink deeper. There is no -bottom to the dykes till you reach the clay, and -for that you must go down twenty feet. He -will never do it again, if that is any consolation -to you. But ten to one his back is broke, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> - -you may as well send a bullet through his -head.'</p> - -<p>'Here,' shouted the colonel, 'dismount and go -help Standish out.' He beckoned to three men.</p> - -<p>'Help him out?' mocked Drownlands. 'They -can't do it. They must have workmen that -understand the business. They must have the -proper tools. You don't happen to have brought -any "beckets" with you, I suppose?'</p> - -<p>The man who had been precipitated into the -water, was now seen on the bank. He had -scrambled out by means of the reeds that grew -rankly in the ooze. He was stamping, his -splendid accoutrements were tarnished, and the -foul fen-water was streaming from him. Holding -the reins, by coaxing words he endeavoured -to encourage his horse to struggle out of the -water. The poor brute made efforts to escape, -churning up the sludgy mud and peat in the -dyke, but was incapable of doing anything to -extricate himself. The more he struggled the -deeper he sank.</p> - -<p>When the situation was thoroughly realised—and -the colonel would not for some time believe -the assertion of Drownlands that the horse -could be extricated by no other means than -the formation of an incline by spade labour—then -he consented grudgingly to negotiate with -some loafers who had followed the troop, and -by promises of liberal payment to engage them -to undertake the rescue of the charger.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p> - -<p>When this was settled,—and it took some -time to settle,—the body of soldiers advanced -towards Littleport. Tidings had come that -the rioters were making a rally there, and intended -to contest the way with the military. -That they were armed was known, as also that -the fowlers of the Fens were crack shots. If -they held to their resolution, Littleport would -not be occupied without effusion of blood.</p> - -<p>It was indeed true that a rally had been -made at Littleport. The men living there, -fearing that they would be arrested for the -part they had taken in the disturbance, spoke -of defending themselves—better die with guns -in their hands, they said, than swing on the -scaffold. But now, as before, there was neither -discipline nor cohesion among the men. The -colonel knew that they had no leaders, and did -not greatly concern himself at the menace. He -was impatient to reach Littleport, not lest the -rioters should gather force, but to get finished -with an unpleasant and inglorious affair. Moreover, -at Littleport most of the arrests would -have to be made, and it was as well to reach -it as speedily as possible, before every rioter -had hidden under a bed, or in a rabbit-hole.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, a considerable number of -persons assembled on the drove, partly to stare -at the unprecedented sight of the glittering -military parade, but partly also as a means of -exhibiting their own peaceful demeanour, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> - -showing that they had no sympathy with the -disturbers of tranquillity. As it happened, some -of the men who had been instigators to violence -thought this a happy way of throwing a veil -over their past proceedings. By putting on a -look of sheep-like innocence, and thrusting themselves -forward, they hoped to escape. But they -had miscalculated. They might have escaped, -but for the presence of Drownlands, who had -followed the mob, watched its proceedings, -had taken note of everything done, and of -the doers, and had denounced some forty men -to the magistrates, and was now accompanying -the military and Sir Bates Dudley, to point -out those of whom it was advisable to make an -example, and who were already down on his -'information,' and against whom warrants had -been issued.</p> - -<p>'I think,' said Sir Bates, 'that if I am not -absolutely nec—cess—cessary, I would rather -return to Ely. The saddle somehow does not -fit the horse.'</p> - -<p>'We must have a magistrate with us,' said the -officer in command of the dragoons.</p> - -<p>The canon looked piteously about him, drew -out a silk pocket-handkerchief, and wiped his -brow.</p> - -<p>'It is of the horse I am thinking. A gall is -so painful, so very pup—pup—painful to the -horse. I will do my dud—dud—duty, however -painful it may be to the horse.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span></p> - -<p>The soldiery trotted on to Littleport. There -the rioters had overthrown a waggon across the -road, and by means of bundles of straw had -composed a rude barricade. The resistance -offered by them was feeble and half-hearted. -The sight of the dragoons overawed the men, -and several, after firing from behind the bundles, -slunk away.</p> - -<p>The soldiers speedily passed the barricade -and dashed among the men who remained. A -shot from behind a garden paling broke a -dragoon's arm, another brought down one of -the chargers. This encouraged the men for a -moment, and they sprang at the heads of the -horses, whilst others assailed the riders with -pitchforks. There ensued a brief hand-to-hand -scuffle. But when one of the rioters was shot -through the head, and the men saw that the -soldiers were determined no longer to trifle -with them, they fled in all directions.</p> - -<p>Numerous arrests were made, and then the -dragoons returned towards Ely, Sir Bates jogging -before them, and their captives well -guarded in their midst.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">TWO PLEADERS</p> - -<p class="p1">THE tidings that the dragoons were on -their way to Littleport had hardly -spread sufficiently in the forenoon to draw -together great quantities of spectators, but after -they had gone by it was otherwise. The news -flew like wildfire over the Fens, and the inhabitants -of the district came in troops and -lined the road, so that they might have the -satisfaction of seeing the military, and taking -account of the number of prisoners they had -taken.</p> - -<p>The fen-folk are all more or less closely -connected by marriage, forming a people to -themselves, separate in interests, customs, and -character from those who live on the high -grounds. They have been wont for generations -to seek their mates among themselves, with the -result that a close family connection binds -the whole population together. The number -of cases in the Fens in which a woman, on - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> - -marriage, retains her maiden name is quite unequalled -elsewhere. Whoever might be taken -up by the military was certain to be akin to -some of the lookers-on, and therefore the spectacle -anticipated on the return of the dragoons -was calculated to engage their interest and excite -their sympathies.</p> - -<p>Among the yeomen there is intermarriage -with cousins for the sake of adding acre to -acre and barn to barn, but among the labouring -population no such inducement prevails. They -choose their wives from among their blood -relatives, because the idea never crosses their -minds to go elsewhere to find mates. They -must marry cousins or not marry at all, and -the question resolves itself in one of degrees of -consanguinity.</p> - -<p>As nearly, if not all, the wealthy landowners -are grandsons or great-grandsons of half-wild -fen-slodgers, it follows that they are knitted by -blood ties to the labourers they employ. This -does not necessarily increase good fellowship, -nor promote forbearance. The purse-proud -yeoman is the harshest master. He draws -the line of sympathy at the mark of the class -to which he belongs, a class of recent creation. -He holds fast to his brother yeoman, and both -together grind down their brother labourer.</p> - -<p>This condition of affairs was of course more -noticeable formerly than at present. Each -generation separates the well-to-do a step - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> - -farther from their poor relations. Our story -refers to events and conditions some decades -ago.</p> - -<p>On account of the tyranny exercised by the -masters, little consideration was felt for them by -the men when they broke out in revolt, although -allied to them by blood; and the stacks that -had been fired were in several instances set in -flames by the blood relatives of the owners of -the stacks.</p> - -<p>As the dragoons trotted along the road towards -Ely, exclamations and lamentations -broke out as the men they had taken were -recognised by those who lined the highway.</p> - -<p>'There is Robert Cheesewright! Oh dear! -what will the old Robert do without him?'</p> - -<p>'Be still. They have not taken Robert. He -is going as a witness against Pip Beamish. -That's why he is there.'</p> - -<p>'Well, they have handcuffed James Cammel, -anyhow, and he was going to marry my Beulah. -If they hang him, Beulah will have to take -Aaron Layton instead, that's all.'</p> - -<p>'There is Joseph Lavender. He is my wife's -son by her first husband. She will take on -dreadful, and I shan't have my shirt properly -washed, nor my pasty full baked—that's what -it means to me.'</p> - -<p>'They have taken Flanders Hopkins and -Richard Rutter.'</p> - -<p>'Yes; and look you there. That's Isaac Harley, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> - -as was in the waggon. I wish I had Isaac's -gun, I'd shoot the chap that has charge of him. -How ever came Isaac to be taken?'</p> - -<p>'Ay; and he is cuffed to Joseph Stibbard.'</p> - -<p>'Stibbard broke into the parson's house at -Littleport, and took his silver spoons and -money.'</p> - -<p>'He needed them more than did the parson.'</p> - -<p>'Of course he did, and had a right to take -them. Joseph Stibbard's sister married my -nephew, Philip Easy. I hope he handed on -the spoons to her before the soldiers took -him.'</p> - -<p>Such were the comments passed. Some of -those looking on endeavoured to push between -the soldiers, and get at their relatives who -were being conveyed to prison, but were repelled -by their guards. Comments of another -sort were expressed less loudly, though not less -frankly.</p> - -<p>'There rides Drownlands. He has been -along with the dragoons all the day. He has -been pointing out whom they are to take; and -if there is hanging to be done, i' fecks! it is he -who has twisted the rope for their necks, poor -fellows.'</p> - -<p>'I knew he was out and about all last night.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, and has been all this morning with -the magistrates. But they haven't taken Pip -Beamish yet.'</p> - -<p>'I am sure they would be put to it for - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> - -witnesses, if it were not for Tiger Ki. Which -of us would peach? Wouldn't we do the other -thing, and swear 'em off?'</p> - -<p>'You are right there. I suppose Ki Drownlands -knows what he is doing. But I reckon -that this will be remembered against him, and -he will be paid out for it some day or other.'</p> - -<p>'Trust our chaps for that, and the day will -not be distant.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands observed the sullen looks, the -scowls with which he was greeted, and noticed -the whispers that passed as he rode by, but -treated all with indifference or contempt.</p> - -<p>'They do not love me. I scoff at them,' said -he to Sir Bates Dudley. 'They have done -their worst. We are clearing the Fens of the -only lads with any spirit in them to do mischief. -Those that remain are arrant cowards.'</p> - -<p>Then he turned his horse's head down the -drove to Prickwillow. 'I am not needed till -to-morrow. Here is my home.'</p> - -<p>His eye lighted on Zita, who had come forth -to see the soldiers pass with their prisoners. -Near her were Mrs. Tunkiss, Sarah, and the -farm serving-men.</p> - -<p>Zita uttered an exclamation and ran forward, -caught Drownlands' horse by the bridle, and -exclaimed—</p> - -<p>'What is the meaning of this? Why is -Mark Runham taken? This is your doing.'</p> - -<p>'Why not? He headed the rioters.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span></p> - -<p>'He did not head them. It is false. You -know it is so. Set him at liberty at once.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot do that. He has been arrested. -He will appear before the magistrates to-morrow.'</p> - -<p>'Very well, so will I. I can bear witness as -well as you.'</p> - -<p>Then Zita darted nimbly between the -soldiers, in spite of their protests, which were -not roughly enforced, for the quick eyes of the -dragoons saw that she was pretty. She made -her way to Mark, who was handcuffed.</p> - -<p>'Mark,' said she, 'I will help you.'</p> - -<p>'You?' he answered. 'You said it was all -one to you whether I were hanged or transported. -I am innocent, and will be discharged -without your help.'</p> - -<p>'Back!' ordered the dragoon on the right, -and Zita was forced to retreat.</p> - -<p>As she did so, she saw Kainie by Drownlands. -The girl had seized his bridle, and was -gesticulating with vehemence.</p> - -<p>'It is your doing,' said Kerenhappuch. 'You -hate him. You try to destroy him. You are -heaping to yourself wrath against the day of -wrath.'</p> - -<p>'Let go my bridle,' ordered Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'You are my uncle,' insisted the girl, her -fair hair blown over her face. With one hand -she brushed it back, but did not release her -hold on the bridle. 'Although you have not - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> - -treated me as of like flesh and blood with yourself, -yet you cannot undo it; I am your niece, -and speak to you I will, now.'</p> - -<p>'Let go, I say. I will hold no communication -with you.' He struck his spurs into the sides -of his horse, which reared. But Kainie would -not let go. The plunging of the horse made -the curb nip and cut Kainie's hand, and some -blood came over it. She changed hands on the -bridle.</p> - -<p>'Look!' said she. 'You cannot help it. This -is Drownlands blood. It is Drownlands blood -appeals to you now.'</p> - -<p>Then Zita laid her hand on the bridle, on the -farther side of the beast.</p> - -<p>'We are two girls,' she said, 'and we will stay -you, man though you be. Kainie and I are -enemies, we do not love each other, but we unite -in beseeching you to do justice to one man.'</p> - -<p>'Ay,' said the mill-girl. 'Uncle Ki, you are -bent on evil, and we will hold you back against -plunging farther into the slough.'</p> - -<p>'Mark never intended to injure you,' said the -Cheap Jack girl. 'He sought to save your -property for you. Why should you work for -his destruction?'</p> - -<p>'You shall withdraw your charge against him -before all the world,' said Kainie.</p> - -<p>'You shall break the shackles off his hands -yourself,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>Drownlands dug his spurs wrathfully into - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> - -the flanks of the horse, and clenched his teeth -and hands. But though the beast was wounded -and bounded, his head was held too firmly for -him to break away.</p> - -<p>'Shall I grip your foot till you scream,' -exclaimed Zita, 'as I did on the night when I -stayed you before?'</p> - -<p>'Will you kill Mark, as you killed his father?' -asked Kainie.</p> - -<p>Her words were random words. She spoke -in the vehemence of her wrath against Drownlands, -and anxiety for Runham. She knew -nothing definite against her uncle, but she had -heard the whispered gossip of the Fens.</p> - -<p>'I will have justice on all who have wronged -me,' muttered Drownlands.</p> - -<p>'Take care!' exclaimed Kainie, raising the -disengaged hand, down which ran a trickle of -blood. 'Do not think that because some of the -poor lads have been taken, because ten out of -one hundred are handcuffed, that every heart -that is full of bitterness is beating behind prison -walls, and every hand that can be raised against -you is fettered. There are ninety pairs for -every ten you put in iron cuffs, and they will -be clenched in rage and resolve of revenge the -day that you send the poor fellows to the -gallows.'</p> - -<p>'I fear them not,' said Drownlands scornfully.</p> - -<p>'You may not fear, but that is because, like -Pharaoh, your heart is hardened and your eyes - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> - -are blinded, and the Lord is driving you to -your destruction. I am here to stand between -you—I, as your niece—between you and what -threatens.'</p> - -<p>'What threatens?'</p> - -<p>'You are threatened.'</p> - -<p>'Who threatens me?'</p> - -<p>'Pip Beamish for one.'</p> - -<p>'Ha! he will be arrested speedily.'</p> - -<p>'No, not speedily. He is not taken yet, and -till he is taken you are not safe.'</p> - -<p>'I will see that he be not at large for long. -Before this week is out he will be in prison.'</p> - -<p>'That may be a few days too many for -you.'</p> - -<p>'I fear not your Pip Beamish; your braggarts -do nothing.'</p> - -<p>'No, braggarts do nothing; but Pip is no -braggart.'</p> - -<p>'It is my turn now,' said Zita. 'You, Kainie, -have tried and have failed. Leave him to me. -I can employ reasons that are stronger than -yours. Let go your hold of the horse's head. -You have said your say. Now I will say mine. -But none must hear us.'</p> - -<p>Kainie reluctantly released the bit. Then -Zita, still with her hand on the bridle, strode -in the direction of Prickwillow, leading the -horse, and some of the people congregated on -the drove looked after her and the master, and -laughed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p> - -<p>'He has found his mistress,' said one man, -nudging his fellow.</p> - -<p>'Ay, and is following her lead like a lamb,' -replied the man who had been nudged.</p> - -<p>'Who leads today will drive to-morrow,' said -a third.</p> - -<p>'Is he going to marry her?' asked the first.</p> - -<p>The man addressed shrugged his shoulders -and said, 'No money. Drownlands is not such -a fool as that.'</p> - -<p>None of this was heard by Zita, who did not -relax her hold, nor turn to look at those who -were left in the road. The master suffered her -to conduct him towards the house without -making remonstrance.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A DEAL</p> - -<p class="p1">WHEN Zita was beyond earshot, she -looked over her shoulder, and said to -Drownlands, 'I call that mean.'</p> - -<p>She walked on, then halted, changed her -hand on the bridle, and, gazing about, said, -'You could free yourself of him in no other -fashion, so you swear his life away. But you -have to reckon with me before it comes to that. -I will go into court and swear against you. -What I shall swear to will be the truth; your -oath will bind you to lies.'</p> - -<p>'I refuse to strive with you in words,' retorted -Drownlands. 'A woman is always victor with -such weapons.'</p> - -<p>'What? you prefer flails?—those are your -weapons,' exclaimed Zita, clenching her fist and -holding her arm extended before her. 'I know -well why you are set against Mark Runham. -You think that he is something in some way to -me, and that I am much to him. It is because - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> - -of this that you pursue him. It is because of -me that you twist the rope round his throat. -But you are wrong altogether. I will not say -that Mark is nothing to me. He was kind to -me once; kind when my heart was tender, -because my father was just buried. But I am -nothing to Mark. He mocks at me. He -sneers and laughs at the Cheap Jack girl. He -does not love me; and, moreover, he is bound -to another.'</p> - -<p>'Mark bound to another? Who is that?'</p> - -<p>'Nay, it is his affair, and he has not given me -leave to tell his secrets. But you may guess.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands' face testified his surprise.</p> - -<p>'I cannot guess,' he said, after a long pause.</p> - -<p>'Well,' said Zita, 'father's word was true, that -in such matters men are blind. We girls see—and -I ought to see, for Mark has not played me -fair. He did let me think he fancied me; but -I think so no more. He has made me angry -with him, and I am angry with him still. But -there is a step beyond which I will not go. If -I could punish him I would—but not with the -rope or Botany Bay. You know that he came -into your house in a friendly mind, and with -kind intent. You know that he was not in -league with that topsy-turvy general public. -I shall hate and despise you, as I thought I -could hate and despise no man, if you swear -falsely against him.'</p> - -<p>'He has stood between us,' said Drownlands.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p> - -<p>'He has not done so,' retorted Zita. 'Your -own deeds lie between us, not Mark Runham. -The events of that night lie between us as a -wall of ice reaching up to heaven, that can -neither be climbed nor undermined. Listen to -me, master. I hate to be mean; but if you -drive me to desperation, if I see no other way -to save Mark's life, I will do even that which is -mean.'</p> - -<p>'What is that? I do not understand.'</p> - -<p>'I have no wish to do it. I shall hate myself -if I do it. You were good to my poor father, -and to me. When all was dark and cold about -me, you opened to me your house and fireside. -You have harboured me, my horse, and the van. -I would not speak a word to mortal man of -what I know. They might tear the flesh off -my bones with fiery pincers, and my mouth -would remain shut. I owe you an infinite debt -of gratitude, and I would repay it. But there -is one thing I cannot do—I cannot suffer you -to send Mark to the gallows. Rather than do -that, I will speak, and tell the whole truth, and -nothing but the truth, about the two flails.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands was silent. His face had -changed to a clay colour, and his lips were -tightly drawn on his teeth.</p> - -<p>'And if it be any comfort to you to know -this,' pursued Zita, as she opened the hand -extended before her: 'if you will drop this -charge against Mark, retract every word you - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> - -have said in his disfavour, I will swear to you -to have nothing more to do with Mark all your -days upon earth. He shall be to me no other -than a stranger. I will stop my ears against -him if he should try to speak to me flattering -words. I will turn my head away if the fancy -takes him to look at me with kindly eyes. -There, Ki Drownlands, I have made you an offer -now. I threw a menace at you just now.'</p> - -<p>She had stayed the horse. She stood in the -midst of the drove, upright, her foot planted -before her, her head raised, one arm lifted to -the horse's head, the other extended before her -with hand outspread. She had nothing on her -head save her chestnut hair flying in the cold -north wind. Her side-turned face was colourless -and sallow.</p> - -<p>'Come, Ki Drownlands. When I make an -offer, I mean it. When I make a threat, I mean -that too. Will you take my offer? It is not -Cheap Jack Zita who will go back from her -word.'</p> - -<p>'Be it so, then.'</p> - -<p>'It is a deal?'</p> - -<p>'Yes—a bargain.'</p> - -<p>'Here is my hand,' said Zita, dropping the -bridle. 'A deal is a deal.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">IN COURT</p> - -<p class="p1">A FEW days were allowed to pass to obtain -fresh captures. On a keen, frosty morning, -those taken by the constable and the -military, to the number of nearly forty persons, -were brought before the magistrates for the -preliminary examination. It had been resolved -that a Special Commission should be appointed -to try the prisoners on the capital charges of -burglary, arson, robbery, and tumultuous assembling -to the disturbance of the peace, and the -commission of acts of violence. The object of -the magistrates on the present occasion was -to sift the cases, and deal at once with those -of a light nature, and remand such as were -serious.</p> - -<p>The magistrates were in force at the courthouse, -and proceedings had begun before Ki -Drownlands arrived in a light gig, with Zita at -his side.</p> - -<p>On reaching the court, the girl was surprised - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> - -to see a constable issue from the door, and in -loud tones call the name of Ephraim Beamish.</p> - -<p>'Well,' said she, 'those magistrates must be a -set of innocents if they order Pip to be summoned -in the streets of Ely. Do they suppose -he would come here to be caught? Pip will put -his distance between himself and the magistrates, -as he did t'other day when the dragoons were -on the drove. He did not stay for them then, -and he won't come for the calling now.'</p> - -<p>On entering the court Zita looked about her. -She was affected with a qualm of nervousness, -and her colour was heightened. She had never -been in a court of justice before; but when she -discovered that the hall was crowded, she held -up her head, breathed freely, and her spirits recovered -their elasticity.</p> - -<p>'It's my own general public again,' said she; -'I am not afraid any more.'</p> - -<p>'Ephraim Beamish makes no answer to his -name,' said the clerk of the court.</p> - -<p>'We will proceed with the case against -Ephraim Beamish,' said the chairman; 'and -the Bench hopes that the constables will not -be remiss in their duty, nor relax their efforts -to obtain possession of his body, and lodge -him in prison—that is, should his case be -proved.'</p> - -<p>The evidence produced did satisfy the Bench -that Beamish should be remitted to the hands -of the Special Commission.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then Mark Runham was called, and at once -placed in the dock.</p> - -<p>Zita looked at him. She could see that he -was not altogether confident that his innocence -would be acknowledged. He strove to disguise -his anxiety, but ineffectually. He was bewildered -at the charge laid against him, and -troubled at finding himself in a novel and -unpleasant situation.</p> - -<p>The depositions having been read over, -Hezekiah Drownlands, of Prickwillow, was -ordered to stand in the witness-box, for it was -he who had lodged information against Mark.</p> - -<p>Zita immediately elbowed her way to the -front, and, resting her elbow on the rail that -limited the portion of the court accessible to -the public, looked steadily into the face of the -master. She was resolved to check and correct -his statements, so that they should not tell unfavourably -against the prisoner. Drownlands -noticed her, but refrained from meeting her -eye. He gave his evidence with hesitation -and confusedly, for he had laid information -against Mark Runham, and was now seeking -to minimise the charge and weaken the force -of his own accusations.</p> - -<p>'I was in my office,' said Drownlands, 'on that -same evening, and was talking with—with Zita -there,'—he pointed with his thumb towards the -girl, but without looking at her,—'when I heard -the voices of the rioters.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Stay a moment,' said the chairman, interposing. -'Who may this Zita be?'</p> - -<p>The chairman was a merry, red-faced man, a -gentleman who had been brother to a former -Dean, and had obtained from that Dean a lease -of a large tract of ecclesiastical property for -ninety-nine years at a nominal rent, and who -resided and had become wealthy in Ely.</p> - -<p>'I refer,' said Drownlands, 'to that young -woman. She lives in my house.'</p> - -<p>The eyes of the Bench and of the audience -were directed towards the girl.</p> - -<p>'Oh!' said the chairman. 'Rather young for -a housekeeper, eh?'</p> - -<p>'She is not my housekeeper.'</p> - -<p>'In what capacity, then, may we regard her -as residing with you?'</p> - -<p>Drownlands hesitated.</p> - -<p>'Come, come! Don't be reticent, Mr. Drownlands.'</p> - -<p>'I really cannot say.'</p> - -<p>'Shall we say she is a sort of—ahem—companion?'</p> - -<p>A titter ran through the court.</p> - -<p>'I am a lodger,' said Zita. 'I pay my way.'</p> - -<p>'Silence!' ordered the chief constable.</p> - -<p>'You shall speak in your turn,' said the chairman, -'and no doubt you will be able to give us -valuable evidence, but you must not interrupt, -you understand.' Then, turning to the witness, -and chuckling and becoming purple with his - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> - -suppressed laughter, the chairman said, 'Very -well, Mr. Drownlands, go on. We commend your -taste. You were talking with your pretty companion, -or lodger.'</p> - -<p>A laugh ran through the court, in which all -joined save the clerical members of the bench, -who looked grave and shook their heads.</p> - -<p>Zita coloured, and looked about her angrily. -Mark's face was pale, and his eyes were lowered.</p> - -<p>'I was talking with her in my office,' continued -Drownlands, 'when the mob entered my stackyard -with torches, and threatened to burn my -ricks and break into my house. Mark Runham -was with them.'</p> - -<p>'Did he threaten you?'</p> - -<p>'A great many voices were raised. I could -not distinguish one from another. There was -a waggon, and Aaron Chevell, Harry Tansley, -and Isaac Harley were in it, and Tansley held -a gun.'</p> - -<p>'Never mind about Tansley now. I see in -your deposition that Mark Runham entered -your house. Was it so?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. He came to my door and knocked. -Then Zita let him in.'</p> - -<p>'But,' interrupted the chairman, 'what you -say now, witness, is not in agreement with your -information. You deposed that he had feloniously -entered your house.'</p> - -<p>'He came to ask for money.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, that may be; but if he knocked and was - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> - -admitted, he cannot be said to have feloniously -entered your premises.'</p> - -<p>'I don't know about that. I gave no orders -that he should be let in. She took it on herself, -and went down and unbarred the door, and -brought him up to the office. When there he -asked for money—for twenty pounds.'</p> - -<p>'No, gentlemen,'exclaimed Zita, 'it was not -so. He told the master that he advised him to -pay the money lest the men should do mischief. -He asked for nothing.'</p> - -<p>'Silence, if you please,' said the chairman; -'your turn will come presently, and then we will -listen to your story. Proceed, Mr. Drownlands. -You say now that Mark Runham, the accused, -was let into your house by the pretty companion—or -lodger. He did not break in. The information -is incorrect.'</p> - -<p>'I don't understand lawyers' jargon,' said -Drownlands sullenly. 'All I know is that Mark -Runham came in and asked for twenty pounds, -and said that if I did not pay it, the men would -burn my ricks as they had those of Gaultrip. -I know that blows were struck at my door, and -I heard threats that the men would break in, -and a brick was thrown at me through the -window.'</p> - -<p>'That took place whilst Mark was in the room,' -said Zita.</p> - -<p>'Silence there!' shouted the constable.</p> - -<p>'If that girl will intervene, and will not be - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> - -quiet, let her be put out of the court,' said Sir -Bates Dudley, who was on the bench.</p> - -<p>'I'll be quiet,' said Zita; 'but when one hears -lies, it is hard not to contradict—it is hard—tremenjous.'</p> - -<p>'Go on, Mr. Drownlands,' said the chairman.</p> - -<p>'They threatened, if I would not pay the -twenty pounds, that they would burst in at the -door, or by the windows, and take two hundred.'</p> - -<p>'Who? The accused?'</p> - -<p>'No, not the accused; the others. He was -in my office, speaking with me.'</p> - -<p>'But we do not want to hear what the others -said—at least not now. We are considering the -case of Mark Runham. He is a farmer—a -landowner, I believe?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, he is.'</p> - -<p>'And you think it likely that such an one -would put himself at the head of a lawless rabble, -to wreck farms and extort money from his -fellow-landowners?'</p> - -<p>'He demanded twenty pounds of me.'</p> - -<p>'Well, go on with your story. You refused -the money?'</p> - -<p>'I did so at first, but in the end I was forced -to pay it.'</p> - -<p>'Forced? Did the prisoner employ violence?'</p> - -<p>'No; the rabble outside threatened to burn all -down unless I paid. I put the money into the -prisoner's hand.'</p> - -<p>'After that he left your house?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span></p> - -<p>'He took ten pounds also from Zita.'</p> - -<p>'No; I offered them to him to save my van!' -exclaimed the girl.</p> - -<p>'Another word of interruption, and you are -turned out of court,' said the chairman. 'Constable, -stand by her, and if she opens her mouth -again, clap your hand over it, or stuff your -pocket-handkerchief down her throat.'</p> - -<p>'I will do so, your worship.'</p> - -<p>'That is all you have to say, witness?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. I have nothing more, except that -Runham gave cake and ale to the rioters.'</p> - -<p>'You saw him do so?'</p> - -<p>'No. I heard he had regaled them.'</p> - -<p>'That is no evidence.' Then the chairman -turned to Mark Runham and said, 'Has the -accused any questions he would like to put to -witness?'</p> - -<p>'Yes,' said Mark. 'I inquire of him whether -I did not protest that I came merely as a -neighbour and a friend.'</p> - -<p>'A friend?' exclaimed Drownlands. 'No -Runham can be a friend to me, nor I a friend -to him.'</p> - -<p>'That is no answer to his question,' said the -chairman.</p> - -<p>'He said something of the sort,' Drownlands -admitted.</p> - -<p>'Did I not say,' pursued Mark, 'that Gaultrip -had refused at the outset to pay blackmail, and -that in the end, when his rick was blazing, he - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> - -gave way, and that I had run on ahead to advise -you as a neighbour not to provoke to outrage -an irritated and unreasonable rabble?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, you said that; but how was I to know -you were not acting for the rioters? You gave -them cake.'</p> - -<p>'Come,' said the magistrate occupying the -chair, 'we will hear now what that lively young -woman has to say. She clearly is bursting with -desire to tell us all she knows. Put her in the -witness-box.'</p> - -<p>As Drownlands left the place he had occupied, -Zita stepped into his room at the instigation of -the constable. She looked up at the Bench with -a cheery countenance, and then round at the -public that crammed every available space.</p> - -<p>'Your name?'</p> - -<p>'Zita.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, that is well enough as far as it goes, -but we want your surname also.'</p> - -<p>'Father said we were Greenways. But nobody -never called him nothing but "Cheap Jack."'</p> - -<p>'And your profession or calling? A companion?'</p> - -<p>The court tittered. A clown in the public -portion of the hall guffawed.</p> - -<p>Zita raised herself erect and said, 'A Cheap -Jack.'</p> - -<p>'A Cheap Jill, I should say,' observed the red-faced -chairman, laughing at his own feeble joke, -whereupon the Bench smiled, the clerk of the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> - -court and the constables laughed, and the public -roared.</p> - -<p>The magistrate went on, 'If you are a Cheap -Jack or Jill, how come you to be at Mr. Drownlands' -house? Is your father with you?'</p> - -<p>'My father is dead,' replied Zita. 'That is -just why I am at Prickwillow.'</p> - -<p>'Then I presume you are a roving Jill in -quest of a Jack?'</p> - -<p>'It is the place of the Jacks to run after the -Jills,' said Zita; 'not that I want one, thank -you.'</p> - -<p>'Hush! Hush! No impertinence to the -Bench.'</p> - -<p>'Beg pardon, I thought the impertinence came -from the Bench to me.'</p> - -<p>The sally produced some merriment. When -it was subdued, the magistrate in the chair -assumed a grave manner, and inquired in a -different tone—</p> - -<p>'So you are staying at Mr. Drownlands' house? -In what capacity?'</p> - -<p>'I am a Cheap Jack,' said Zita. 'I have my -van there, and horse, and all my goods. We -got stuck in the mud of the droves, when on our -way to Littleport, the night of Tawdry Fair. -Father was took ill and died. So I am lodging -at Prickwillow, and I pay for my lodging in -blacking-brushes and slop-pails.'</p> - -<p>'You are not, then, in any menial capacity—not -receiving wages?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I am a Cheap Jack, laid by the heels through -mud and frost,' answered Zita. 'It is true I -have sewn on some buttons for Master Drownlands, -and have hemmed the linen, and he gives -me house-room for my van and me and the -horse, till the dry weather comes and we can -move away.'</p> - -<p>'Well, enough of that. Tell us what you -know about the events of the sixteenth.'</p> - -<p>'First of aw—aw—all,' interposed Sir Bates -Dudley, who sat on the right of the chairman. -'She has been put on her oath. Had we not -bet—tet—tet—er ascertain if she is aware of -the nature of an oath?'</p> - -<p>'Ah, to be sure! I suppose you were brought -up as a Cheap Jack?'</p> - -<p>'Always—since I was a baby.'</p> - -<p>'And not in the most virtuous and godly -manner, I fear?'</p> - -<p>'I beg pardon, sir?'</p> - -<p>Here the constable interposed. He stooped -and said in Zita's ear, 'Address the Bench as -"your worships."'</p> - -<p>'I beg pardon, your worships. My father -brought me up. There was not a better man -anywhere.'</p> - -<p>'Then—do you understand the nature of an -oath?'</p> - -<p>'Father didn't swear but very little—off an' -on like—and mostly at Jewel, who was sometimes -very provoking. But nothing like the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> - -man with the merry-go-round—he swore -awful.'</p> - -<p>'I do not mean that. Do you comprehend -that you have solemnly promised to speak the -truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, -and that you have called Heaven to witness that -it is so?'</p> - -<p>'Yes,' said Zita, with a sigh; 'but it is hard—tremenjous.'</p> - -<p>'What?—hard to speak the truth?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, your worship—because of the general -public. You never was a Cheap Jack, was you, -your worship?'</p> - -<p>'No. Oh dear no, never—never!'</p> - -<p>'I thought so. I never saw you at any of the -fairs, but there was a man who swallowed knives -like that gentleman at your side.'</p> - -<p>'Never mind about that.'</p> - -<p>'I was going to say, sir, that as you never was -a Cheap Jack, you can't understand what the -feelings of one is, when she sees the general -public afore her eyes. There comes a sort of -swelling of the heart, and a desire of the mind -to launch out into wonderful tales, and a longing -to make the General Jackass believe that black is -white, and chalk is cheese, that what is broken -is sound, and what is old is new. But I will do -my best. I'll shut my eyes and try to forget the -general public, and fancy I'm with father in the -van, for then I always said straight out what -was true.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p> - -<p>The winter sun streamed in at the south -window over against Zita and flooded her as she -stood in the witness-box. She had a scarlet and -yellow flowered kerchief round her neck and -over her shoulders, the white chip bonnet with -black ribbons hardly contained her luxuriant, -shining hair. The sun blazed in her face, -flushing her ripe cheeks, making very June -cherries of her lips, and adding a solar twinkle -to the sparkle of intelligence and wit indwelling -in her honest but roguish eyes. She stood as -upright as a wand, her hands resting on the rail -before her, and her head thrown back.</p> - -<p>The chairman bent to Sir Bates Dudley and -whispered—</p> - -<p>'What a good-looking wench it is!'</p> - -<p>'Is she, indeed?' said the canon. 'You don't -mean to say so.'</p> - -<p>It did not comport with ecclesiastical, certainly -not with canonical, decorum and dignity to -know whether a girl were good-looking or not.</p> - -<p>The chairman turned to the magistrate on his -left and made the same remark. This magistrate -was a layman, a retired admiral, who had -come to live in Ely because his daughter was -married to an official there. His name was -Abbott. There was no etiquette in Her Majesty's -Navy against observing good looks. He replied, -'Thunderingly so, Christian.'</p> - -<p>Christian was the chairman's name.</p> - -<p>'I'll speak the truth,' said Zita; 'though it - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span> - -is against nature—just as it was against nature -for that little fat gentleman to ride yesterday; -but he did it, because he ought.'</p> - -<p>A roar of laughter at the expense of Sir Bates -Dudley.</p> - -<p>'Go on,' said the chairman, hardly controlling -himself—the lay members of the Bench loved to -have a joke at the expense of the clerical -members. 'Tell your story, and tell it truthfully, -or you'll get yourself into difficulties.'</p> - -<p>'I mean to,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>Then she gave the narrative of the events of -the evening of the riot in their order, with such -lucidity and simplicity, and so frankly, that the -truth of her story was stamped on every sentence. -Now and then some odd remark, some allusion -to her van or goods, or to the horse, provoked -a laugh, and she kept Bench and public in good -humour.</p> - -<p>'I really think,' said Mr. Christian, 'that we -may dismiss the case against young Runham. -If my brother magistrates agree with me'—He -looked round and met with nods of approval. -'The charge against Mark Runham seems to be -a mistake. There is actually nothing in it, and -the Bench sincerely regrets that, through a misunderstanding, -and possibly through an excess -of zeal on the part of Mr. Drownlands, you, -Mark Runham, should have been placed in the -position you have. Constable, discharge him.'</p> - -<p>'Thank you, gents,' said Zita. 'You've done - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> - -right, and I'm glad of it. As I came here, I -heard that you had given orders for Pip to be -called. I did think you then a set of ninnies—but -now'—</p> - -<p>'That will do. You can leave the witness-box.'</p> - -<p>'No, sir—your worship, not yet. I have not -quite said all I want to say. I am very much -obliged that you have listened to reason and -have let Mark go. And, your worships, there -are six of you on the bench. I have got just -six toasting-forks in stock—the beautifullest -toasting-forks that ever you saw. They have -red japanned handles and brass mounts, and -fold up small, like telescopes, into the handle. -And if your worships will do me the favour of -coming to Prickwillow, I'll furnish every one of -you with a toasting-fork.'</p> - -<p>'That will do; leave the witness-box.'</p> - -<p>'And, your worships, if you will pass over -poor Pip Beamish,—he's not right in his head,—I'll -let you have a real epergne to raffle for -between you.'</p> - -<p>'Constable, remove that girl. Turn her out -of the court,' ordered the chairman, red with -laughter.</p> - -<p>'I pity the man she chooses as her husband,' -said Christian behind his hand to Abbott, when -his order was being carried out.</p> - -<p>'Or Drownlands, whose companion she is,' -whispered the admiral. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> - -'No—hang it!' said Mr. Christian. 'No -more of that. I am sure that girl is as straight -as a whistle. You cannot look in her honest -face and hear her cheery voice and not swear she -is as good and clean as gold. 'Pon my life, -Abbott, I have a mind to go for my toasting-fork. -What say you? You are an old acquaintance, -as you heard,—swallowed knives at the -fair,—will you go?'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">PISGAH</p> - -<p class="p1">ZITA was standing in the room Drownlands -called his office, in conversation with the -master.</p> - -<p>'What did you mean by that which you said -to the magistrates—that you were tied here by -frost, held by mud, and that when frost went -and mud dried you would be free to go?'</p> - -<p>'It is so.'</p> - -<p>'You will leave me?'</p> - -<p>'I would go as soon as the van could roll -along the drove,' replied Zita, 'but that there -are other difficulties than frost and mud, and -how to get out of these I do not as yet see. I -work at them in my head, but cannot find a way -of escape.' She considered a while, with her -hands folded and her eyes on the floor. 'You -see, there is the stock. It seems sinful to let -it lie idle—if it don't breed money, it will breed -moths and rust. Father always said money was -made to jump—just the same as frogs were so - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> - -created. Here is all this store of goods doing -nothing. Here is myself—born a Cheap Jack, -and a Cheap Jack to my fingers' ends. I am -not in my right place if not going about in my -van to fairs and markets, selling my goods, and -making the money jump, as it was ordained to.' -Zita pursed her lips. 'That is on one side. On -the other there are considerations also. In the -first place, it is awkward for a young girl to be -cheap-jacking over the country—it's awkward, -and it's not respectable. She cannot manage -by herself. As the gentleman said, a Jill must -have a Jack. That was true, though I did not -like to hear him say it. I could not manage -the van and Jewel and the selling alone. I -must have some man with me. And if I were -to take a servant, he might set his head to make -himself Jack and make me Jill. And to take a -proper Jack,' pursued Zita,—'I mean, to have a -husband,—why, I don't fancy it. I don't like -the notion of it at all. There is my great -difficulty.'</p> - -<p>'Then stay at Prickwillow.'</p> - -<p>'I don't know. If I were here, you would not -leave me in peace and quietness. I do not -desire to remain here, but I do not know where -else to go. Now, you see, I am in a cleft -stick.'</p> - -<p>'Take me, and remain.'</p> - -<p>'That, I have told you, can never be. If you -ask that again, I will go. If you say nought - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> - -about it, I will make shift to stay till something -turns up.'</p> - -<p>'Till you find a Jack?'</p> - -<p>'I do not want a Jack. I said so. I want to -remain free—Jack and Jill all in one.' Her -expression suddenly changed as she asked, -'Have they taken Pip Beamish yet?'</p> - -<p>'No; he has been seen, but he eluded capture. -He is in the Fens. He has some hiding-place, -but where it is we have not yet discovered. -The constables are out and watching. He -cannot leave the Fens.'</p> - -<p>'Cannot? He escaped the dragoons. He -has escaped the constables, as you tell me now.'</p> - -<p>'Ah! the dragoons were not accustomed to -fen ways. The constables will take him. They -will form a ring and close in. There is a reward -for whoever takes him, and I have added five -guineas.'</p> - -<p>'And I will give ten to any constable who -lets him slip through his fingers. Publish -that.'</p> - -<p>'We have had enough of Ephraim Beamish,' -said the master. 'We were speaking about ourselves. -You have your difficulties and troubles, -but I also have mine.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands seated himself at the table, placed -his arms on the board, and for a moment rested -his head on his folded arms. Then he looked -up and said—</p> - -<p>'I have my distresses, but they are of other - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span> - -nature to yours, and different in degree. Do -you know Scripture? Did your father ever -read the Bible to you?'</p> - -<p>'My father was a God-fearing man,' answered -Zita, with warmth and pride. 'He made me -learn passages by heart, and there was one tale -he read over every Sunday, and never tired of -it. It was how the Israelites borrowed of the -Egyptians jewels of silver and gold, and spoiled -the Egyptians, then went off and got the -Egyptians drowned, and so were able to keep -their borrowings. Father said there was the -making of Cheap Jacks in them Israelites.'</p> - -<p>'Did you ever read of Moses, how he went up -the mountain to view the Promised Land,—the -land flowing with milk and honey,—and he -looked on it from afar, but was never allowed -to set foot thereon? And he died there, in the -mount. The wind came to him sweet with -thyme, and he saw the green cattle pastures by -the waters of comfort, but he might not drink of -its milk or eat its honey. And he died there, -looking at the land that was so near and yet so -far, a land he might see, but never set foot on. -He died there, for it broke his heart.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands laid his head again on his folded -arms. Zita remained in the same position. -She had an inkling of his drift, and was uneasy, -and cast about for some means of relief from a -painful scene.</p> - -<p>'I suppose,' she said, 'there were fine bargains - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> - -to be driven in the Promised Land, and that the -Canaanites were as soft-headed as the Egyptians. -To a man of proper feeling it was vexing.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands paid no attention to the remark. -He continued—</p> - -<p>'Do you remember why Moses was not -suffered to go in and possess the Good Land? -There was something betwixt him and it. He -had done that which was against the law, therefore -the Lord showed him the fields of Canaan, -but said he must never lay his head in the dewy -grass, never smell its upturned earth, never -touch its fair flowers.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, I remember something about it,' said -Zita.</p> - -<p>'What killed Moses was the seeing the land, -and being told it never might be his,' continued -Drownlands. 'But he could not go back from -Pisgah into the wilderness. He could not turn -his back on Canaan. He must sit among the -rocks, and look on the pleasant land, till his -heart broke, and he died.'</p> - -<p>The girl fixed her eyes on the quivering face -of Drownlands. She saw that he was in terrible -earnest, and she did not see her way out of an -embarrassing situation. He spoke again.</p> - -<p>'Zita, do you think it would have been wise -for Joshua to have come up into Pisgah when -Moses was there? Would not Moses have -sprung up and cried out, "This man will enter -on what is denied me!" and have held him by - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> - -the throat?' Drownlands was now on his feet, -his hands extended before him, suiting his -action to his words. 'He would have held him -by the throat, have thrown him on a rock, put -his knee to his chest, and bent his back so—and -have broken his back.'</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he hit and split and crushed -down half the table. Then he drew a long -inhalation, reseated himself, wiped his brow, -and said—</p> - -<p>'There is no Joshua. You swore to me there -was none.'</p> - -<p>'I think I can comprehend this roundabout -talk,' said Zita. 'But if you mean that I am -your Promised Land, you are mistaken. I -never was promised to you.'</p> - -<p>'No, that is true; you are the Loved Land, -the Desired Land. No, you never were -promised.'</p> - -<p>'And it is quite certain that I am not for -you.'</p> - -<p>'I know it.'</p> - -<p>'And I will trouble you to keep your Pisgah -at a distance, and stick to it,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>'You have told me that you never can be -mine, and you have told me also why. My sin -stands between us, as a sin stood between -Moses and Canaan. And yet—I would do it -again if I met him. You do not know how -Runham wronged me; you have never learned -what was my provocation. I pay the penalty - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> - -of my sin, as did Moses. That very night I -killed him—that very same night, not two -minutes after the last bubbles came from his -lips—I first saw you. The punishment followed -on the crime faster than the thunder-clap after -the lightning-flash. Well, then, so long as you -remain before my eyes, that I can see your -golden hair, and hear your lark-like voice, I am -content. I have all I can expect. I will try to -be content. But I could not endure to have a -Joshua near me.'</p> - -<p>'There is none—if you mean a Jack.'</p> - -<p>'I trust your word. Mark Runham is nothing -to you?'</p> - -<p>'I am nothing to Mark,' said Zita, with slight -evasion. 'He would not even look at me in -court.'</p> - -<p>'So long as you remain here, I will bear my -burden, though it break my heart, bit by bit. -But that is better than to lose you altogether. -No'—he stood up again, went to the window, -leaned his arm and head against the shattered -casement, and let the wind blow in on him -through the broken glass—'no, that I can bear—to -have you here. But to lose you—to see -you no more—I cannot even endure to think of -that.'</p> - -<p>Zita made a movement to escape. He heard -her, and, without turning his head, made a sign -to her with his hand to stay.</p> - -<p>'Do not leave me. I have still something I - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span> - -must say. I want to strike a bargain with -you.'</p> - -<p>'A deal? I am ready.'</p> - -<p>Zita resumed her place. Drownlands came -slowly back to the table.</p> - -<p>'Listen to me,' he said, with a thrill in his -deep tones. 'I have made up my mind to this—that -<em>his</em> blood lies between me and you, as -a Dead Sea I may never cross. I must sit -on my Pisgah and look at you as unapproachable. -That is all I can hope for; that is all I -demand; and in order to secure this, I am ready -to make you an offer. I shall never marry—never. -All the land round Prickwillow is mine, -and I have money in the bank—many thousands -of pounds. You know what money is worth. -You can judge what this land brings in every -year to heap the pile. It shall all be yours if -you will stay with me till I die. I ask for -nothing else but to have you here in this house, -that I may hear you laugh, that I may see your -smiling face. That is all. I will not open my -mouth to ask for anything but that—just to see -you and hear you every day; now and then to -touch your hand; happy, if as you pass me -your skirts brush me; glad for a day if you -condescend to cast a word at me. That is all—the -full, the sum of all. And for that I will pay -away everything I have. Command me. Do -with me what you please, only do not banish -me. My money is at your disposal, and when - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> - -I die everything that I have becomes yours. -See here.' He went to his desk, unlocked it, -and drew forth a paper. 'I have made my will, -but it is not yet signed and attested. It could -not be so till we had come to an arrangement -together. If you will undertake to remain with -me on the terms I propose, then you will be a -wealthy woman some day when I am gone. -And whilst I am here cumbering the place,'—his -tone was bitter,—'you have but to ask and I -will give you what you require. Agree with me, -and this document shall be signed and attested -forthwith. For a very slight concession on your -part you will receive a rich repayment. As you -said, you could not go about the country in your -van, and you have no settled home to which you -can go. Surely you will concede this to me.'</p> - -<p>He placed the paper on the table before Zita.</p> - -<p>She took up the will and read it through.</p> - -<p>In few words, and to the point, Drownlands -had constituted her sole heir and legatee to -everything he possessed, on the one condition -that she remained in his house through the rest -of his life.</p> - -<p>She put the paper down on the table again, -without, however, releasing it from her hand, -and stood considering.</p> - -<p>'There is one thing,' she said, after a long -pause, 'one thing I must stick out for whether -I stay here for a short time or for long.'</p> - -<p>'What is that?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span></p> - -<p>'That you board up the shed where my van -is kept, so that the fowls may not roost on it.'</p> - -<p>Then in at the door came Mrs. Tunkiss.</p> - -<p>'There's Mark Runham come,' she said to -the master, after looking suspiciously first at -Zita, then at him. 'And he says he must speak -with you on business.'</p> - -<p>'Mark?—Mark again? Bring him here. I -am not afraid of him now. Come, Zita, what -say you to my offer?'</p> - -<p>For a few moments she remained with her -hand to her head, breathing hard, her eyes -dim.</p> - -<p>'Come, Zita—what answer?'</p> - -<p>She looked at him with glazed eyes. She -was in pain and sorrow. She would in one -moment see Mark,—Mark, whom she loved,—and -see him with the knowledge that she never -could be his. But the demand made of her to -surrender was not so great as it might have -been had Mark loved and respected her. He -liked, or had once liked her. Now he loved -another. He despised her for some reason she -could not understand. He held by Kainie, to -whom he was bound by promise, and to whom, -after a short wavering of his affections, he had -returned.</p> - -<p>'Come, Zita, what say you to my offer?'</p> - -<p>In a whisper, with sunk head, her chin in her -bosom, and with folded hands—</p> - -<p>'I accept.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A PARTHIAN SHOT</p> - -<p class="p1">'SHALL I go?' asked Zita.</p> - -<p>'No, stay. There can nothing pass -betwixt us but what you may hear. And now -that he is come, he shall witness the signature to -the will.'</p> - -<p>'I would rather leave.'</p> - -<p>Further discussion of this point was prevented -by the entrance of Mark.</p> - -<p>The young man noticed that Zita was in the -room, but he did not look at her or address her. -He directed his eyes steadily at Drownlands, -who remained seated at the table.</p> - -<p>'I have come on business,' said Mark.</p> - -<p>'Say what it is.'</p> - -<p>Mark demurred. 'Let us speak together in -private.'</p> - -<p>'No; what has to be said may be said before -her.'</p> - -<p>'If you wish it. I have come concerning -Kainie.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What about Kainie?'</p> - -<p>'She is your niece.'</p> - -<p>'To my sorrow.'</p> - -<p>'You should not say that. She is a good -girl. Not to your sorrow, but to your shame.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands stamped.</p> - -<p>'Spare me words. My patience will not -stretch far.'</p> - -<p>'Kainie is your sister's only child. She is -your nearest relative. I have come to you in -her interest. It is no longer possible for her to -remain at Red Wings.'</p> - -<p>'Why not?'</p> - -<p>'It is not seemly. It is not just. The Fens -are in commotion; wild men are about, lawless -deeds are being done. She is but a girl, and -is unprotected, and away from help, if she -needed it.'</p> - -<p>'She has her dog.'</p> - -<p>'That is not sufficient. Dogs have been -silenced before now. Consider to what dangers -a girl is exposed in such a solitary spot.'</p> - -<p>'Pshaw! the men are cowed.'</p> - -<p>'Several are about in hiding, and are not yet -captured. You do a great wrong to Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'I do her no wrong. I leave her alone.'</p> - -<p>'That in itself is a grievous wrong. Whose -duty is it to guard her, but yours? She bears -your name.'</p> - -<p>'To my disgrace!' exclaimed Drownlands, -glaring up with wrath. 'No more of that.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Well, it is no pleasant topic.'</p> - -<p>'Did Kainie send you to me?'</p> - -<p>'No; I came because I felt concerned for her, -and convinced that she must not be allowed—no, -not for another night—to remain under the -sails of Red Wings. Will you receive her at -Prickwillow?'</p> - -<p>'Not I.'</p> - -<p>'She must be removed from the mill. If you -will not take charge of her, then I must.'</p> - -<p>'You are welcome. I will have nothing to do -with her.'</p> - -<p>'Well, then, so be it. It is your duty to see to -her security. You refuse to do your duty, so I -shall take her. That is settled. Now, one thing -further. Will you make Kainie an allowance,—something -to support her,—even if you refuse her -shelter?'</p> - -<p>'Not a penny. I washed my hands of her -mother, and I wash my hands of her.'</p> - -<p>'I feared this would be your answer,' said -Mark, and drew a long breath. 'I feared my -application to you would be in vain. Nevertheless, -I considered myself bound to make it; I -could not act till you had refused to act; much -as did Boaz when troubled concerning Ruth. -You finally refuse to give protection to Kainie -in her loneliness, and at this season of danger?'</p> - -<p>'Ay, I do.'</p> - -<p>'And refuse to furnish her with even a -pittance out of your abundance?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Ay, I do.'</p> - -<p>'You should blush to deny her what she -needs.'</p> - -<p>'I blush for her being in the world at all.'</p> - -<p>Mark turned to go. Then Drownlands spoke -out in strong tones—</p> - -<p>'Stay! Now that you are here, I ask you to -do me a favour. It is not much—merely to -witness a document, to attest my signature to -my will. I desire you to see me sign that, and -it will be the best answer I can make to your -application on behalf of Kainie. Zita, call up -Leehanna Tunkiss.'</p> - -<p>Mrs. Tunkiss was behind the door. She had -been listening in the passage, and now appeared -in the doorway, after a short scuffle of feet, to -give a semblance of her having come from a -distance.</p> - -<p>'Do you want me, master?' she asked. 'I -was in the midst of baking.'</p> - -<p>'Stand there,' ordered Drownlands. Then, -rising to his feet, he held up the will and said, -'I have been making my last testament, and -I desire that you, Mark Runham, and you, -Leehanna Tunkiss, should see me sign it. But -that will not suffice. I wish you to know its -contents, and then there can be no question -relative to its genuineness; and, above all, no -delusions, no hopes, no schemes can be based -on relationship, fancied or real, that are doomed -to disappointment.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span></p> - -<p>Drownlands looked round him. He saw a -flicker in Leehanna's eye. She was akin to him -distantly, yet really.</p> - -<p>'Zita and I have come to an understanding -together,' said the yeoman, in articulate words -spoken slowly. 'Zita has promised that she -will remain with me, and will look after my -house, rule over my servants, attend to my -comforts as long as I live. If you, Leehanna, -choose to remain with this understanding'—</p> - -<p>'I shall do no such thing,' said the housekeeper, -tossing her head. 'I thought matters -would come to this very quickly. I knew what -the minx was aiming at.'</p> - -<p>'That is your affair,' said the master. 'Zita -stays here, and her word is to be law in my -house. I have made my will, and leave to her -everything I possess—every brick of my house, -every clod of my soil, every guinea of my hoard.' -He paused, and looked from one to another. -Mark and Leehanna remained mute with astonishment. -'Now go, Mark Runham, as soon as -you have attested my signature, and tell Kainie -she has nothing to expect from me at present, -nor in times to come—nothing from Drownlands -living, or Drownlands dead. Let this be -known throughout the Fens. Mark Runham, -stand here and witness me sign my name. This -is my true act and deed.'</p> - -<p>'I will not do this,' said the young man, -turning white. 'Get some one else to see this - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span> - -done—this that stamps her infamy and your -baseness.' He turned sharply about and went -through the door. Then he halted for a moment, -hesitated, holding the jamb with one hand, and, -looking back with a face devoid of colour, said, -'To-night I shall fetch Kainie away, and she -shall find her home with me.'</p> - -<p>'Mark!' exclaimed Zita, running to him.</p> - -<p>'Stand back!' said he roughly. 'Do not -come near me; you, who sell yourself body and -soul for what you call profits.'</p> - -<p>Then he turned and staggered down the stairs.</p> - -<p>'And I give notice that I leave this house -at once,' said Mrs. Tunkiss. 'Fine goings on -these be. I have ever kept myself respectable. -I've been the only respectable woman here -besides Sarah. I'm not going to stay in this -house, which will be avoided by every decent -woman, with a man that will be pointed at by -every decent man, with her in it as missus—as -missus'—</p> - -<p>The woman laughed bitterly, tauntingly, and -threw a foul name in the face of Zita, and then -backed, with a sneer on her lips and hate in her -eyes.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">PURGATORY</p> - -<p class="p1">SUDDENLY, and for the first time, did the -thought flare through Zita's brain and -scorch it—that she had compromised her -character.</p> - -<p>Now only did she see why Mark had refused -to look at her; now only understand what he -meant when he said that she had sold herself -body and soul; now only comprehended what -the laughter signified when the chairman in -court had suggested that she was the 'companion' -of Drownlands, a suggestion which had -been received with titters. She remembered -how then her brow had become hot, her heart -had beat fast; she was sensible that something -had been said that hurt her maiden pride, something -that lowered her in the esteem of those -assembled in the court. But she had not -sounded the meaning of the insinuation, and -had not thought what was really the sting in -the words which wounded her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span></p> - -<p>Zita possessed a considerable amount of pride—a -different sort of pride, maybe, from any -that we can conceive in our stations in life. It -was not vanity. She concerned herself little -about her personal appearance, and made no -effort by dress to display her beauty. She -knew she was a good-looking girl, and was -indifferent to the fact. She had no education -of the sort which we prize; but she had stood -on platforms, her feet level with the shoulders -of the general public, and she had come, -instinctively, without being able to account to -herself for it, to regard herself as possessing a -character, a dignity of her own above that which -belonged to the members of the general public. -She who stood above it actually must live up to -her level, and stand above it in moral strength -and integrity.</p> - -<p>Zita had a simple and innocent mind. She -had been reared in a van, had led a rambling -life, her sole associate had been a father—a -kindly man, gentle, good after his lights, and -very careful of her welfare. The fact of her -having been shifted perpetually from place to -place had prevented her forming associates, -making fast friendships, so that she had really -had none to affect her mind save her father, and -had grown to womanhood a singular combination -of shrewdness and simplicity. Thus her heart -was fresh and childlike, whilst her brain was -keen in all that concerned commerce. She had - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span> - -been carefully screened by the Cheap Jack father -from everything that could taint the sweetness -of her innocence and sully the crystalline purity -of her mind.</p> - -<p>There was one thing she had never learned -from her father, one thing of which till this -moment she had no conception—the power of -public opinion. She had acquired in her -vagrant life an idea that the general public was -a something to be laughed at and laughed with, -that was to be humoured, cajoled, befooled; but -it had never been suspected by her that the -public could utter its voice and make the heart -quake, breathe on and blast a reputation, could -bite and poison the blood.</p> - -<p>Now, suddenly, a veil was lifted, and she saw -the general public in a new light, and felt the -terrible power over her life and happiness that -it exercised.</p> - -<p>No man is so free as the man without a home. -If he has committed an indiscretion, he pulls up -his tent-pegs, moves away, and is forgotten. -But a man who remains on the scene of his -indiscretion is haunted by it ever after. The -remembrance clings to him as the shirt of -Nessus. It is never forgotten, never forgiven. -As long as the van crawled over the face of -the country, changing the atmosphere that -surrounded it, it eluded the force of public -opinion. Its inmates paid no tax to it; were -not registered on its books. But hardly had - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span> - -Zita become settled before its burden fell upon -her.</p> - -<p>'Unsay what you have said!' cried Zita, -grasping Mrs. Tunkiss by the arm.</p> - -<p>'It is true. It is what every one has been -saying; and, as you see, Mark Runham won't -have anything to do with you. You thought to -catch him, did you? You've been angling for -him and the master, and taken the one as bids -highest. 'Tis like a Cheap Jack that. You're -young, but bold as brass and cankered as -iron.'</p> - -<p>'Silence, you false-mouthed woman!'</p> - -<p>'Can you silence all the tongues in the Fen? -There's not a man over his pipe and ale in the -tavern ain't jeering at you. There's not a -woman over her soapsuds and scrubbing-brush -ain't crying shame on you. But what can you -expect of a vagabond but vice? I spit at -you.'</p> - -<p>Zita cast the woman from her, and turned and -threw herself on her knees at the broken table, -buried her face in her hands, and burst into tears.</p> - -<p>Drownlands waved imperiously to the housekeeper -to leave, and the woman withdrew, -muttering and casting malignant glances at the -broken, prostrate girl.</p> - -<p>The table was between the master of Prickwillow -and Zita. His knuckles rested on the -will. He leaned on them, and looked down on -the shining head that was laid low before him. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> - -Zita's hair was cut short, and her neck showed -as well as her rounded cheek.</p> - -<p>He did not speak. He breathed heavily -through his distended nostrils. He waited, not -knowing what direction her thoughts might take, -what resolve her mind would form.</p> - -<p>There were but few alternatives among which -she might choose. She could not resume her -life as Cheap Jack without taking an assistant, -and from that course she shrank with maidenly -repugnance, rightly estimating its dangers. If -she were to throw herself among the wanderers -who frequented fairs, it would be to court ruin. -Was it not probable that she would maintain -her resolution to remain at Prickwillow, with this -difference, that she would accept his first offer, -and become his wife, to save her fair name from -reproach? So far as Drownlands could see, this -was the only means whereby she could extricate -herself from her difficulties, and his heart swelled -within him at the hope that opened before him. -But he saw clearly that he must allow her to -work to this solution by herself unassisted. A -word from him would mar everything.</p> - -<p>He accordingly stood with bent brows and -pale face, the furrows deeply graven on his -forehead and seaming his cheek, his lips set, -looking steadily at the chestnut-gold head and -the delicate bowed neck.</p> - -<p>There is no agony more terrible than the -agony of the soul, and among the many anguishes - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span> - -with which that can be affected none equals in -intensity and poignancy that which is caused by -the sense of the loss of the respect of men.</p> - -<p>There was an ineffable humiliation in the -thought of the light in which she—Zita—had -come to be regarded, if what Mrs. Tunkiss said -was true. The girl who errs through over-trust -in a lover, who has believed his word, his oath, -is looked down on, but deserves some pity. But -Zita did not occupy such a position, had not the -same claim to be dealt by lightly. She had—so -men thought, so men said—deliberately and -calculatingly sold herself to Drownlands. Her -degradation had been a piece of sordid merchandise, -with haggling over terms.</p> - -<p>That was true which Leehanna said. She -was the subject-matter of talk in the taverns, of -coarse and ribald jokes, of calculation of the -chances she had of retaining the affections of -Drownlands, of remark on her craft, her dexterity -in laying hold of and managing this intractable -tyrant of the Fens.</p> - -<p>But perhaps the intensest anguish-point lay -in the thought that Mark, who had loved her, or -liked her—Mark, whom she had loved, whom -she loved still, regarded her with disgust, held -himself aloof from her, as one unworthy even of -his pity, as a cold, calculating wanton.</p> - -<p>As all these thoughts passed through the mind -of Zita, the pain was so excessive that she could -have shrieked, and felt relief in shrieking; that - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span> - -she worked with her feet on the planks of the -floor, as though to bore with them a hole down -which she might disappear and hide her shame.</p> - -<p>The drops ran off her brow like the drops -on a window after rain—long-gathering trickles -of moisture, then a great drop, immediately -succeeded by another accumulation, and again -another drop. Save for the working of her feet -on the floor and the movement of her fingers, -she was motionless. Drownlands contemplated -her steadily. He saw her, in her anguish of -mind, twine and untwine her long fingers, then -pluck at and strip off chips of the table where -he had broken it, put them between her teeth -and bite them, but still with lowered brow and -eyes that she could not raise for shame. He -could see flushes pass over her, succeeded by -deadly pallor. It was as though flames were -flickering about her head, shooting up and -enveloping throat and cheek and brow, then -dying down and leaving a deathly cold behind. -A soul in this present life was prematurely -suffering its purgatory.</p> - -<p>Then she laid her hands flat on the table -before her, then folded them, as children fold -their hands in prayer, and she was still, as though -her pulses had ceased to beat and her lungs to -play. Then again ensued a paroxysm of distress, -in which the fingers writhed and became knotted, -and tears broke from her eyes and sobs from -her heart.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span></p> - -<p>How long would this last?</p> - -<p>What resolutions were forming and unforming -under that crown of shining locks, in that heavily-charged -heart?</p> - -<p>The door was thrust open, and in came Sarah, -the maid with St. Vitus' dance.</p> - -<p>'Please,' she said, 'there be three gem'men -from Ely downstairs. They say they be come -after their toastin'-forks.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">WITH TOASTING-FORKS</p> - -<p class="p1">ZITA rose from her knees.</p> - -<p>'Tell them to wait, and I will be down -directly,' she said. 'I made them a promise, -and I must keep it. I am glad they are here; -they can witness the will, now that Mark -Runham and Leehanna Tunkiss are gone.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands was surprised. The girl had -regained her composure; and from the look of -her face he was assured that she had formed -her resolution.</p> - -<p>'That is right,' said he; 'things remain as -arranged.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot go away,' said Zita in a low voice. -'Here I am, and here I must remain. If I have -done wrong to stay here, the wrong is done. If -I have been foolish to accept your hospitality, -the folly is past recall.' She looked over her -shoulder to see that Sarah had withdrawn.</p> - -<p>'Yes; I promised you I would remain here, -and here I will remain, on a condition.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span></p> - -<p>He held up the will.</p> - -<p>'Yes, on condition that you leave everything -you have as I shall direct.'</p> - -<p>'I leave it all to you.'</p> - -<p>'The will must be written afresh,' said Zita; -'a change must be made in it. You have -bequeathed everything to me, and because of -that, evil thoughts will rise up in folks' minds, -and evil words will pass over their lips. Even -Mark thinks ill of me. I did not think Mark -could have done that.' She heaved a sigh, and -drew her hand across her eyes.</p> - -<p>'Master,' said she, after a pause, 'you had no -right to make that will and leave me all. I am -not your niece. I shall never stand nearer to -you than I do now. I have no claim on your -house or lands. But Kainie has. She is your -own sister's child. You must alter your will -and leave everything to her.'</p> - -<p>'I said I would give her nought.'</p> - -<p>'And that made Mark believe me to be bad. -I will not have anything of yours. I will have -you make the writing out anew, and bequeath -everything to Kainie—on the same condition, -if you will, that I remain here all your days. -I do not say, Give Kainie everything now. I -have no right to say that. I do not say, Give -me nothing at any time. I shall have a right to -some payment, or some acknowledgment of my -services. But what I do say is that I will not -be your heir hereafter. Kainie has a claim on - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span> - -you that I have not. If I were to be enriched -with house and lands by you, then the evil that -is thought of me would be confirmed. But -folks may say what they will, when, some day, -after you are gone, the property changes hands -and falls to Kainie; they cannot think I have -been so wicked as was supposed. And I shall -have repaid you for your kindness to me, in -that I have saved you from committing a great -injustice. Mark said I would do anything—sell -body and soul—for profit. He will come to -see that he was wrong there.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands gazed on the girl with incredulity. -She had hit on an arrangement that had not -suggested itself to his mind. He could not -believe that she was serious in her purpose.</p> - -<p>'I will remain with you,' continued Zita, 'on -the clear understanding that Kainie is to be -your heir, and I would wish this understanding -to be generally made known. Some day, when -I am old and ugly, and you are dead and gone, -then, when the new folks come into Prickwillow, -I'll harness the horse and start as a Cheap Jack -once more. Then I can take a man to mind -the horse, when I do the business of a Cheap -Jack. No one can say wrong of me then. -When Mark Runham comes into this place'—</p> - -<p>'Mark Runham will never be here.'</p> - -<p>'He must be here, if this falls some day to -Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'That does not follow.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Of course it follows, if he marries Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'Mark—marry Kainie? What do you -mean?'</p> - -<p>'I told you that Mark would have nothing -more to say to me, because he was bound to -another. I would not say to whom, for that -was his secret. But now he has let it out himself. -He is going to take Kainie home to -Crumbland this evening.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands started and threw over a chair.</p> - -<p>'You are mistaken. You do not know.' He -paced the room in agitation.</p> - -<p>'I do know,' answered Zita. 'It is because -he was bound to Kainie that he gave me up. -Now he is going to take her to him for better -for worse. Lawk! how dull men are in these -matters—where girls see clear.'</p> - -<p>'You are greatly mistaken.'</p> - -<p>'No, I am not mistaken. How can you fail -to understand when he speaks so plain?'</p> - -<p>Drownlands folded his arms and walked -hurriedly up and down the room. Presently -he turned to Zita and said, 'You are serious -when you say you will not have me make you -my heir?'</p> - -<p>'I am truly resolved,' answered the girl. -'Then he can no more say that I have sold -myself body and soul for profits.'</p> - -<p>'Let no will be made.'</p> - -<p>'That will not do. You must rewrite it, and -it must make Kainie your heir. Only on that - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span> - -condition will I remain in this house with -you.'</p> - -<p>'And you believe her to be your rival, who -has snatched Mark from your arms?'</p> - -<p>'I know it is so. He could not help himself. -He was tied to her.'</p> - -<p>'Mark is a Runham. A Runham may betray -a woman, but never marry one who has no -fortune.'</p> - -<p>'More is the reason why you should give one -to Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'Were I to make you my heir,—there is no -saying,—he might take you for the sake of this -place and my savings; and, by Heaven, I will -have no Runham own acres of mine, if I can -prevent it!'</p> - -<p>'He would not do that—he could not take -me. He is too just and true to throw over -Kainie. He may think ill of me, but I do not -think so badly of him. I tried to buy of her -the rights she had in him, but she would not -sell them. Then I saw it was all up between -Mark and me.'</p> - -<p>'This is strange—this is very strange!' said -Drownlands, turning a perplexed face on the -girl as he paced the room. 'I know what is in -a Runham better than you. The Runhams -marry for money, not for love. Come here, -Zita. What would you say were you to discover -that you were mistaken about Mark and -Kainie?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I am not mistaken.'</p> - -<p>'Suppose, some day, that you found that he -was free?'</p> - -<p>She was silent.</p> - -<p>'And yet he would never marry you without -money. He would not be a Runham to do -that. If, however, he thought you were to be -my heir, he might do so, or wait till I am gone -and then take you; but he will never think of -you if you are poor. Be it as you propose. I -will rewrite my will. I will leave to you nothing, -bequeath to Kainie all.'</p> - -<p>'Then I will remain with you.'</p> - -<p>'As long as I live?'</p> - -<p>She nodded her head.</p> - -<p>'You will swear to this?'</p> - -<p>Her eyes were full, her bosom heaving; she -held out both hands, and he clasped them.</p> - -<p>'I must go downstairs,' she said, after a -struggle to gain composure. 'The justices -will want their toasting-forks.'</p> - -<p>'Keep them amused for a while. They shall -witness my new will.'</p> - -<p>Zita proceeded to her room, found the articles -that she had promised, and descended to the -sitting-room, where she found three of the -magistrates, all laymen; the clerical members -of the Bench thinking it unecclesiastical to come -after toasting-forks. The red-faced chairman, -Mr. Christian, was there; Admiral Abbott; and -another, named Wilkins. They were all merry; - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span> - -they had been drinking, and they felt sensible -relief that they were not cumbered by the -presence of the ecclesiastical magistrates. They -were also conscious of great buoyancy of spirits, -due to the fact that they were beyond the -shadow of the towers of Ely, and no longer -within the numbing circle of cathedral decorum. -Zita's arrival was hailed uproariously, with -laughter and loud words. The gentlemen -jumped from their chairs, and with effusion -insisted on shaking hands.</p> - -<p>'We've rode over,' said Mr. Christian, 'but -couldn't persuade Sir Bates to mount a horse -again. The very looks of one makes his colour -fade. Nothing would induce him—not the -prospect of a toasting-fork. I say, Abbott, if -we could have promised the canon a kiss of -those ruby lips, eh? Would that have drawn -him? How now, you comical Jill?—you who -upset the dignity of the Court! And to venture -on bribery and corruption—you pretty little -rogue! We might have had you up. What -say you, Abbott? Shall we indict her for the -attempt to poison the springs of justice? It is -a case under common law. Fine or imprisonment? -Which shall it be, Wilkins?'</p> - -<p>'Now, come,' said the magistrate addressed, -'no law here; we have had enough of that -today. Here are weapons. Arm thee, arm -thee, Sir Christian, knight of the blazing -countenance and the purple nose. Queen of - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span> - -Cheap Jacks, let your gay red-flowered kerchief -be the prize. I defy thee to the death, Christian. -Up with you on to the table, Queen of Cheap -Jacks, or upon the mantelshelf—anywhere away -from the clash of blades and the soil of battle. -Come on, Christian! And after thee, Old Salt -the Admiral; but, Lord! he will swash about -with his toasting-fork as if 'twere a cutlass. -Come on, Christian, and he who wins rides -home wearing her favour.'</p> - -<p>Justice Wilkins brandished one of the toasting-forks, -and, putting himself in a posture of attack, -shouted again for his opponent.</p> - -<p>Mr. Christian at once snatched and flourished -his weapon, and the two half-tipsy men began -to make passes at each other.</p> - -<p>'Bright eyes looking on! A fair maid's -favour as the prize! Ah, Christian, you're off -your guard; you are using your foil wildly. -The man is drunk! Heigh! To the heart! I -have run you through! Down with your blade, -sir!' Wilkins shouted as he charged home, and -drove the toasting-fork up into the handle -against the breast of his adversary. 'Abbott! -gallop off for Sir Bates! Make him come to -shrive Christian. Rest his soul! he was a jolly -dog, but too fond of lasses and the bottle. -Admiral, help me; we will compose his epitaph. -No, no, Christian, that is a breach of rules. -You're dead, man; dead as a stone, with a -stroke through your heart. Didn't you feel the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span> - -toasting-fork tickle your ribs? Stand aside, or -lie dead on the hearthrug. You are out of the -game now. Come on, Admiral Abbott. It lies -between you and me; Christian, you dog, you -are dead, and must not interfere. That stroke -will let some of the port wine out of your -gizzard. Keep in the rear—you are a dead -man. If you walk, it is your ghost. It is -Abbott's turn with me now.'</p> - -<p>'Wilkins, your tongue runs away with you. -I'll cut it off and wear it in my hat. I'm your -man.'</p> - -<p>Thereupon Admiral Abbott, armed with his -toasting-fork, strutted into the place lately -occupied by Christian.</p> - -<p>'No,' said he; 'Wilkins, you cheat; you took -a scurvy advantage over my dear deceased -brother Christian. You shall not play me the -same trick. You have the window behind -you.'</p> - -<p>'I did not consider it. Change sides.'</p> - -<p>'No, I will not have the advantage over you -either. We will fight with the daylight athwart -our blades.'</p> - -<p>'Then the Queen of Cheap Jacks must shift -quarters, to see that all is fair.'</p> - -<p>'Let her shift,' said Abbott. 'I am not -going to be killed or to kill you at a disadvantage. -Ready!'</p> - -<p>The passage of arms between Wilkins and -Abbott was as brief as that between him and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span> - -Christian. A stroke from the admiral, who -used his tool as a cutlass, bent the soft metal -of the toasting-fork of his opponent.</p> - -<p>'Weapon broken. Surrender!' shouted -Abbott. 'Now, Wilkins, stand aside. I am -conqueror, and claim the red rag.'</p> - -<p>'That's a way to ask! Like the bear you -are, Abbott. Down on one knee—I won't say -gracefully, for you can't do that—and ask in -courteous tone. Red rag indeed!—a crimson -favour.'</p> - -<p>'He can't kneel,' said Christian. 'He'd never -get up if he were once down.'</p> - -<p>'Admiral! I could swear the Cheap Jack -Queen has been crying. There are tears on -her cheek and a drench of rain in her -brown eyes. It is for you, Christian, you -lucky dog; you caused them to fall, because -I ran you through, and Her Royal Highness -weeps for her knight bleeding his life-tide -away.'</p> - -<p>At this moment Drownlands entered the -room, and was saluted by the three magistrates.</p> - -<p>'We have been fighting,' said the admiral, -'and I am the conqueror. If you are disposed -to part with the pretty housekeeper, I will carry -her off <i>en croupe</i> on my horse.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands disdained an answer.</p> - -<p>'Gentlemen,' said he, 'now that you are here, -let me ask a favour of you. Pray put your - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span> - -hands to this paper and witness my signature -to this my last will and testament.'</p> - -<p>'I hope you have put the Queen of Cheap -Jacks down for something handsome. If you -have done that, we will sign cheerfully.'</p> - -<p>'Not for a penny,' answered Drownlands. -'Everything I have goes to my niece. Here -is ink and here a pen. Gentlemen, this is my -true act and deed.'</p> - -<p>'My hand shakes,' said Christian; 'I have -been laughing, and cannot hold a pen.'</p> - -<p>'And mine is jarred,' said Wilkins, 'with -the thundering blows of that swashbuckler, -Abbott.'</p> - -<p>Jesting, laughing, the three men complied -with the request of Drownlands, hardly regarding -what they were about.</p> - -<p>'I say, Abbott,' said Wilkins, 'what was that -promise that fell from ruby lips relative to an -epergne?'</p> - -<p>'We were to raffle for one,' said the admiral.</p> - -<p>'Can't do it,' said Christian. 'We have not -got the others here. We'll hoist Bates on to a -horse and make him come another day, when -this confounded business of the riots is over.'</p> - -<p>'You have got the favour, Abbott,' said -Wilkins, 'but not by fair swordsmanship. -Whether you carry it to Ely is another matter. -Christian, shall he hoist it at the end of his -toasting-fork and ride? We'll give him a -hundred yards, and then pursue, and he who - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span> - -overtakes, captures the favour and carries it -into the city.'</p> - -<p>'Done—we'll race the admiral for it.' Then, -turning to Zita, 'We'll come another day and -raffle for the epergne at a guinea a-piece. The -pool goes to you. Now then, brother justices, -away we go!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE JACK O' LANTERNS</p> - -<p class="p1">'TAKE it, and keep it,' said Drownlands, -handing the will to Zita. 'You can read. -It is as you desired, and on the same condition -as before. That is as you promised.'</p> - -<p>'Yes,' said the girl; 'with that I am content.' -She put the will in her bosom.</p> - -<p>'Then,' said Drownlands in a tone of sad -bitterness, 'for life and till death we are united.'</p> - -<p>'After a fashion, to keep apart.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, united to be separate.'</p> - -<p>'Like a pair of wheels,' said Zita. 'They -keep the concern going, but have it always -between them.'</p> - -<p>The day had closed in, and Zita retired to her -room to sit at the window and look out at the -dead uniformity of the fen, and the white line of -horizon between it and the darkness above, like -a white fringe to a pall. She desired solitude, -that she might review what was past.</p> - -<p>The weather was cold. There had been - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span> - -frost, hard and biting, and the ice clad the -water. The snow that had been spread over -the land had in part disappeared, licked up by -the dry wind that scaled the waters, and the -land from whiteness had turned to blackness.</p> - -<p>The lakes of frozen water would have attracted -many skaters during the day, had not the engrossing -excitement relative to the trial of the -rioters engaged the public attention.</p> - -<p>The frost had set in with redoubled hardness -on the morrow of the riot, and in four days even -the Lark was turned to stone within its embankments.</p> - -<p>As Zita looked out into the night, she could -see the heavy sky, burdened with black clouds, -that were ragged as a torn fringe, or a moth-eaten -pall, about the black hard bank of the -river, that stood up sharply against the sky.</p> - -<p>The cold was so biting in the fireless room -that Zita drew the velvet curtains about her, -which were suspended over her window, covered -her shoulders, and wrapped them about her -bosom. There was no light in the room save -the wan reflection from the horizon. Had there -been, she would have formed a pretty picture, -folded in crimson velvet, with her oval face and -dark amber hair peeping out of the folds.</p> - -<p>She looked dreamily through the window.</p> - -<p>A wave of regret had come over her after the -exaltation caused by the sense of self-sacrifice.</p> - -<p>She considered how that she had loved Mark, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span> - -had valued his regard for herself, had delighted -in his society. He had never said to her that -he loved her, yet there had been a look in his -blue eyes, a pressure of his fingers when he -took her hand, a softness of intonation in his -voice when he spoke to her, that had said more -than words, that had assured her heart that she -was dear to him. And how happy she had been -when she believed that! A solitary child, with -no belongings and belonging to none, a waif -thrown upon the desolate fens, she had found -herself lifted into a new region of brightness. -Then Mark had become cool, and had held -aloof from her. She had discovered that he was -engaged to Kainie, and could not become disentangled -from this tie. He had been constrained -to resign himself to it. Now his interest, his -sympathies, were enlisted on behalf of that girl, -because she was treated with injustice and was -exposed to danger. Now he was about to take -Kainie to his house—now, this very evening.</p> - -<p>A feeling of resentment against the girl who -stood between herself and happiness swelled in -Zita's heart; Kainie threw down the palace of -delight she had built up in the cloudland of -hope and fancy. Kainie snatched Mark from -her; and it was for Kainie that she—Zita—had -given up the inheritance offered her by Drownlands.</p> - -<p>In the darkness Zita's brow darkened. Angry -feelings surged in her bosom and sent waves of - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span> - -fire through her pulses. She would defy the -world. What need she care for the chatter of -slanderous tongues? Conscious of her own integrity, -she would brave public opinion.</p> - -<p>She snatched the will from her bosom, that -she might tear it in pieces, and then she would -run to the master and bid him make another in -her own favour, as first proposed. Why should -she not be his heir?</p> - -<p>If Kainie robbed her of Mark, might not she -retaliate and take from her the inheritance of -Drownlands?</p> - -<p>If she were struck, might she not strike back? -Did Kainie need lands and houses? As Mark's -wife, she would be rich without her uncle's estate -added to Crumbland, whereas she—Zita—had -not a particle of soil on which to set her foot -and say it was her own. Had not the master of -Prickwillow a right to do what he would with -his own? Kainie had done nothing for him, -and she—Zita—was devoting her life to his -service.</p> - -<p>As she looked out of the window, musing on -these things, she saw that the light on the -horizon had faded, or that the great curtain of -cloud had set over it and had obscured it. -Something, where she believed that the embankment -ran, now attracted, without greatly -engaging, her attention.</p> - -<p>A minute flash of light travelled a little distance, -and was then extinguished. Presently - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span> - -another wavering speck appeared, and then -again all was dark.</p> - -<p>'The Jack o'Lanterns are about,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>Her thoughts recurred to her troubles.</p> - -<p>A recoil of better feeling set in and washed -over her heart.</p> - -<p>'No,' said she, 'I could not have borne it. -It would have killed me to have Mark believe -that I was sold body and soul. Let him take -Kainie, and with Kainie let him have Prickwillow -when it falls;—but let him not think ill -of me.'</p> - -<p>She started up. She replaced the will in her -bosom.</p> - -<p>'I will go to Red Wings,' she said. 'He is -there with Kainie. He said he would take her -away this night. I will go and tell him all. I -will show him what I have here;' she touched -her bosom where lay the will. 'When he has -heard my story and has seen that, he will think -better of me.'</p> - -<p>She descended the staircase. At the foot she -found the master.</p> - -<p>'There are Jack o'Lanterns in the fens,' she -said.</p> - -<p>'Folks say that they have seen them,' he -replied. 'I never have. They were plentiful -before so much marsh was reclaimed.'</p> - -<p>'I have seen them,' said Zita.</p> - -<p>'Pshaw!' laughed he. 'There are no Jack of -Lanterns in winter. Whither are you going?'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span></p> - -<p>'On the embankment; perhaps on the ice. -I wish to be alone.'</p> - -<p>She drew a shawl over her head and opened -the door. Drownlands followed her to the -doorstep.</p> - -<p>At that moment he also for a moment saw a -twinkle on the embankment.</p> - -<p>'That is what you call Jack o' Lanterns,' said -he. 'It is some ganger going home. Shall I -attend you?'</p> - -<p>'I desire to be alone.'</p> - -<p>Then Drownlands went within, and Zita -walked on till she reached the highway that ran -below the embankment. It was so dark there -that she mounted the steep slope, so as to have -the advantage of what little light still hung in -the sky and was reflected by the frozen surface -of the river.</p> - -<p>As she ascended, an uneasy sensation came -over her—a feeling that she was in the presence -of human beings whom she neither saw nor -heard. She stood still, listening. Then, stepping -forward, she was again conscious that she -was close upon some invisible person. Feeling -alarmed, Zita was about to retrace her steps, -when a light was flashed in her eyes and a hand -grasped her shoulder. Thereupon a voice said -in a low tone, 'It is that wench of Drownlands'.' -Then she was aware that several men surrounded -her. They had been crouching on the -ground for concealment, at the sound of her - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span> - -approaching foot. Now they rose and pressed -about her. She could distinguish that these -were all men, and that they had black kerchiefs -over their faces with holes cut in them, through -which their eyes peered. One alone was not so -disguised, and he it was who spoke to her.</p> - -<p>'Unhappy girl! You do not return. Go -your ways along the bank, and no harm will be -done to you. We have no quarrel with you, but -we have with your master. This night we strike -off a score, pay a debt.'</p> - -<p>The voice was that of Ephraim Beamish.</p> - -<p>'Throw her in. Send her under the ice. She's -a bad lot,' said one of the men.</p> - -<p>'Make an end of all that belongs to Tiger Ki,' -said another.</p> - -<p>'We do not fight with women,' said Beamish. -'She shall go, but not return to Prickwillow.'</p> - -<p>'What are you about? What harm are you -doing?' asked Zita.</p> - -<p>'We are serving out chastisement to your -master for what he has done to our lads,' -answered Pip.</p> - -<p>'You will not hurt him?'</p> - -<p>'Not in person.'</p> - -<p>'What, then, will you do?'</p> - -<p>'Go your way. We are letting the water out -over his land.'</p> - -<p>Ephraim conducted Zita a little way along -the tow-path on the bank.</p> - -<p>'Attend to me,' said he. 'Go anywhere you - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span> - -will except back to Prickwillow. We have our -men drawn across the way. You cannot pass, -it is in vain for you to attempt it. Keep to the -bank, and keep at a distance from us.'</p> - -<p>'Where is Mark Runham?'</p> - -<p>'I have not seen him.'</p> - -<p>'He is not in this affair with you?'</p> - -<p>'Mark? of course he is not. He knows -nothing of our purpose.'</p> - -<p>Zita advanced along the path. She was -uneasy; desirous, if possible, to warn Drownlands.</p> - -<p>Presently she heard a rush of water.</p> - -<p>She turned, and was caught almost immediately -by one of the men.</p> - -<p>'It is of no use your attempting to go home,' -he said. 'It is of no use your thinking of telling -Tiger Ki to be on his guard. It is now too -late.' The man took her wrist and said, 'Go -your way, but take care not to step on the ice—not -as you value your life.'</p> - -<p>'The ice?—why so?'</p> - -<p>'Listen.'</p> - -<p>A shrill whine—then a crash. The icy surface -of the Lark had split, then gone down in fragments -under its own weight, as the water that -had sustained it was withdrawn.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A RETURN BLOW</p> - -<p class="p1">ZITA hurried along the tow-path. Her mind -was in a tumult. The full force of the -words of Ephraim she could not understand. -He and his comrades were letting the waters of -the river Lark over Drownlands' farm, that she -knew; but to what an extent they would overflow, -and what amount of injury they might do, -that was what she was incapable of judging. -It was a relief to her mind that no personal -violence was contemplated. The water that -was let out could be pumped back again. -The Fens were wont to be flooded at times, -and the mills could always throw the flood from -off them.</p> - -<p>It was natural that her thoughts should revert -to certain words that had been dropped by the -men—words that had fallen on her ears like -drops of fire. Why had Pip Beamish spoken to -her as an 'unhappy girl'? Why had she been -referred to as 'belonging to Drownlands,' as - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span> - -'Tiger Ki's wench'? The tone in which these -words had been used had conveyed more insult -than the words themselves. They implied that -she was sold, as Mark had said, body and soul, -to the master of Prickwillow. Mark was not -alone in his ill opinion of her.</p> - -<p>How had this opinion come to be formed? -Surely not from the fact that she was staying -on in the house where she had been sheltered -when her father died? Every one must know -that it was impossible for her to leave it, unless -she deserted her van and her wares.</p> - -<p>There had been nothing in Drownlands' conduct -towards her in public to breed this opinion. -The spring of the scandal must have been in -Leehanna Tunkiss. That woman had viewed -the presence of Zita at Prickwillow with jealousy, -and had come to hate her.</p> - -<p>In the first gush of womanly sympathy with -a forlorn child, left solitary, bereaved of her only -parent, the housekeeper had urged Zita to accept -the hospitality offered her, and had welcomed -her when she transferred herself from the van in -the outhouse into a room in the farm dwelling. -But no sooner did the keen eye of Leehanna -observe that Drownlands watched Zita with -interest, and that the girl was acquiring an -extraordinary influence over him, than her envy -was roused, and she was filled with alarm lest -her own position should be undermined, and she -should have to make way for the girl whom she - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span> - -had so readily taken under the shelter of Prickwillow -roof.</p> - -<p>Zita had not failed to notice the growing -malevolence exhibited towards her by this -woman. She had endeavoured to keep out of -her way, but had not laid much store on her -ill-humour. Now she saw, or suspected, that -Leehanna had been poisoning the minds of the -neighbourhood against her, and she had little -doubt that the alienation of Mark was due in a -measure to the slanders of Mrs. Tunkiss.</p> - -<p>Presently Zita saw the light that shone from -Kainie's window. The girl had not as yet -deserted her habitation. A little muslin blind -was drawn across the casement, and the candlelight -shone hazily through that. During the -frost, when the waters were chained down, the -windmills were not worked, so that there was -no immediate necessity for a successor to take -the place of the girl-miller. No doubt that -Mark would inform the Commissioners that -Kainie's charge of the mill was at an end, and -that it was incumbent on them to immediately -look out for a successor. But Kainie had not -as yet departed, though it might be she was -preparing for her 'flitting.'</p> - -<p>Had Mark come for her? Was he with her -now? Or was she sitting in her cottage with -throbbing heart, waiting for him to arrive?</p> - -<p>Was it a fact that Mark Runham grasped at -money? It was not true. Drownlands had - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span> - -charged him falsely in that. He was taking -Kainie, who had nothing. With a twinge, Zita -thought how that she herself was enriching her -rival with what might, had she willed it, become -her own. With a sickness at heart, Zita looked -forward to the day when Kainie would join the -acres of Prickwillow to those of Crumbland, and -bid Zita go forth a wanderer and destitute—and -it was her own doing.</p> - -<p>Was she one who sold body and soul for -profits? She might have been Drownlands' -wife; she had refused this. She might have -been his heir; she had refused that: and Kainie -reaped all the advantages that sprang out of -her refusals.</p> - -<p>No! There was something that was dearer -to Zita even than profits.</p> - -<p>As Zita approached Red Wings, the dog, -standing on the brick platform, began to bark. -Zita called to him, and he came to her bounding. -On her former visits she had brought Wolf -something in her pocket. Now that he reached -her, he thrust his nose into her hand beseechingly.</p> - -<p>She halted at the tuft of thorn-bushes and -flags below the platform, and seated herself -there, throwing her arm round the dog. She -would not present herself at the door of the hut, -and receive a rough greeting from Kainie. She -would wait and see whether Mark were there -before she made her presence known. The -explanation she had to make, the story to tell, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span> - -she would in preference make and tell to Mark. -She did not forget that she had struck Kainie, -and she knew that her chances of placing her -conduct in a favourable light were greater with -a man than with a woman.</p> - -<p>A dark figure of a man issued from the -cottage door and stood on the platform, looking -round. After a moment he went back to the -door, saying—</p> - -<p>'There is no one that I can see, but the night -is dark, Kainie.'</p> - -<p>The voice was that of Mark.</p> - -<p>He did not re-enter the cottage, but, standing -where he was, he said—</p> - -<p>'Come, Kainie, it is time for us to be off. My -mother is expecting you.'</p> - -<p>The girl issued from the hovel.</p> - -<p>'Mark,' said she, 'has she really consented to -receive me?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, she has.'</p> - -<p>'Yet I know that she has refused to see me, -and even to hear about me.'</p> - -<p>'That is true, but now she has given way. I -could not allow you to remain here. I took a -firm stand with my mother, and she admitted -that I was right, and yielded. Now, have you -got all ready for the sledge?'</p> - -<p>'I have packed everything.'</p> - -<p>'Then jump on to the sleigh, and I will run -you along upon the ice, which is in prime -condition.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span></p> - -<p>Zita's arm convulsively nipped the dog.</p> - -<p>How happy she had been on that day when -Mark had run her along on the ice on the same -bones that were now to bear her successful rival!</p> - -<p>Wolf protested against the pressure of her -arm by a growl.</p> - -<p>'Where are you, Wolf?' called Mark.</p> - -<p>Zita released the dog, and he sprang upon the -platform.</p> - -<p>'I wonder what the old fellow means,' said the -young man. 'He does not usually give false -alarms. I daresay he's puzzled at our proceedings. -Something affecting his interests is in -view, Kainie, and he can't understand it. It -is so dark one can't see far; but had any one -been coming, he would have given tongue -lustily.'</p> - -<p>'Perhaps it may be Pip.'</p> - -<p>'Pip will have to be careful for the next day -or two. If he be caught, 'twill go hard with -him for certain.'</p> - -<p>'But you will get him away from the Fens?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. I am making arrangements. If he -can keep hidden for a few more days and -nights, I shall have managed matters, and be -able to clear him off; to clear him not only -from the Fens, but out of England. Now, however, -we must think of you. Take with you -only such traps as you need immediately, and -which you can carry in your arms or on your -lap. I'll return for the rest to-morrow.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I shall leave the fire burning and the light -on the table.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, for Pip when he comes. Folk will think -nothing of seeing the light, making sure it is -yours. He can hide here till I am ready to send -him away; and Wolf shall remain to give him -notice if any one approaches. I'll tie him up.'</p> - -<p>Kainie re-entered the cottage, and Mark proceeded -to tie Wolf by a piece of twine that he -had in his pocket.</p> - -<p>Whilst he was thus engaged, Kainie came out -with her little package, and stood watching the -proceedings of the young man.</p> - -<p>The dog was restless, and objected to being -fastened.</p> - -<p>'Don't be angry with me, Mark,' said Kainie, -'if I ask you a question.'</p> - -<p>'No; what may it be?'</p> - -<p>'It concerns that wretched creature—that -Cheap Jack girl. You were rather taken with -her at first, Mark, till you found out what she -was. You are quite sure you don't fancy her no -longer?'</p> - -<p>The young fellow had been stooping over the -dog. He stood up and said gravely—</p> - -<p>'Kainie! I regard her now no more than I do -the dirt under my soles.'</p> - -<p>'Hark! what is that?'</p> - -<p>The sound was that of a gasp or sob.</p> - -<p>'There is certainly some one here,' said Mark. -'Bring a light.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span></p> - -<p>'You need not,' said Zita, rising from behind -the thorns. 'It is I.'</p> - -<p>'You here, Zita?'</p> - -<p>'Yes. I heard what you said of me.'</p> - -<p>'I am sorry for that.'</p> - -<p>'It is cruelly false.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot go into that matter. What has -brought you here at this time o' night?'</p> - -<p>'What has brought her here?' repeated -Kainie. 'There is no need to ask that, Mark; -the wretched creature is running after you.'</p> - -<p>'You must go back,' said the young man.</p> - -<p>'Yes, go back—to your dear master,' sneered -Kainie.</p> - -<p>'I must speak. I must justify myself,' said -Zita, with vehemence. 'You wrong me in your -thoughts; you wrong me in your words. I am -not what you suppose. I am not a bold, bad -girl. I do not sell myself for profits. I am in -Drownlands' house because I cannot help myself. -I have nowhere else whither to go. Why -should you and Kainie believe evil of me? -Why should'—</p> - -<p>'I cannot argue with you,' said Mark. 'This -is not the place; this is not the time. I am -sorry for you. I can say no more. I thought -better of you once.'</p> - -<p>'Go, you Cheap Jackess,' said Kainie. 'Unless -you had a heart lost to shame, you'd not -have come here after Mark at night.'</p> - -<p>'You misjudge me in this as in other things,' - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span> - -said Zita, bursting into tears. 'I came here for -your good.'</p> - -<p>'That's a fine tale,' sneered Kainie. 'We -want no good from you, nor do we expect figs -of thistles or grapes of thorns.'</p> - -<p>Mark said nothing, but stepped from the -platform.</p> - -<p>'I entreat you to listen to me,' said Zita, -catching his arm. 'It is not true that Drownlands -has left me everything.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot attend to this now,' said he, disengaging -himself from her grasp. But she again -seized him.</p> - -<p>'Unsay what you said!' she exclaimed. Her -anger was rising and overmastering her grief. -'Unsay those ugly words—that I am the dirt -under your feet.'</p> - -<p>'I said—but never mind. I regret that you -overheard me use such an expression.'</p> - -<p>'That is not unsaying it.'</p> - -<p>Kainie came up and struck Zita with the full -force of her heavy hand across the face.</p> - -<p>'Take that,' she said; 'I have owed it you. -Now the debt is repaid.'</p> - -<p>Then she stepped on the ice with a 'Mark, I -am ready.'</p> - -<p>'Go!' cried Zita in towering wrath, stung -with pain, maddened with humiliation. 'Go—go -under the ice, both of you! I care not! I -care not!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">A CATHERINE WHEEL</p> - -<p class="p1">THE words were hardly out of Zita's mouth -before they were repented. The anger, -the desire for revenge, which had spurted up in -her heart, was abated as rapidly as it had risen.</p> - -<p>Once before she had spoken in violence of -anger, and had speedily contradicted her words -by her acts. She had bidden Mark go and be -hanged or transported for aught she cared; -yet no sooner did she learn that he was in actual -danger, than she had interfered to deliver him. -She had fought for him with Drownlands, and -had thrust herself into the witness-box to -exculpate him.</p> - -<p>Stinging now under the moral pain of the -sense of wrong done to her, that wounded her in -her honour, stinging also under the physical pain -caused by the blow of Kainie, a girl for whom -she had made the greatest sacrifices, in a blind -and inconsiderate explosion of resentment, she -had allowed Mark and Kainie, unwarned of their - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span> - -danger, to commit themselves to the treacherous -ice.</p> - -<p>Repentance came too late. The words had -been spoken which hinted danger, but the hint -was too vague to be regarded, even to be understood. -Mark had started, running Kainie on -his sledge over the polished surface of the -channel, before Zita had recovered herself and -realised what would be the consequences of her -neglect.</p> - -<p>Then, with a cry, the girl ran along the bank. -She called to Mark, imploring him to return. -She called, telling him that the ice was broken. -Then she stayed, out of breath, her pulses -bounding, the sweat streaming off her brow, and -the tears racing down her cheeks.</p> - -<p>She found that it was not possible for her to -catch up the sledge, that flew like a swallow -over the glassy ice, and which was invisible in -the darkness. She found that the wind was -blowing in her face, and carrying her voice -behind her, away from those whose attention she -desired to arrest.</p> - -<p>In her despair, she threw herself on her knees -and beat her head and breast.</p> - -<p>'I am worse than what they thought of me! -I am worse than that murderer Drownlands. -He killed one, and I kill two. Oh that I had -died in their place!'</p> - -<p>Again she sprang to her feet, and again she -cried to those who were speeding far away, and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span> - -bade them return. She was sensible, as she -called, that she could do nothing to arrest them -in their course. The horror of the situation was -insupportable, and in a wave of despair that -swept over her, Zita was ready to fling herself -into the canal.</p> - -<p>There are moments of life when instantaneously -a whole prospect opens before the inner -eye—call that eye what you will. In a second -of time Zita saw the consequences of her neglect -mirrored before her with intense and terrible -vividness. It was as though the whole sequence -of events that must follow was unrolled before -her eye, and, clear as in broadest day, she saw -the sledge, propelled by Mark, approach the -dangerous spot where the arch of ice stood -unsupported, and when the additional weight was -thrown on it, must come crashing down. She -heard the whine of the cracking surface, as the -sleigh reached it. She saw the whole mass of -ice, together with sleigh, Mark, and Kainie, go -down with a crash, impelled by the velocity of -the pace at which they had been going—saw -them shoot under the water, and the sheets of -fractured ice that encumbered the surface of the -shrunken river. She heard the cry of Mark, the -scream of Kainie. She saw them battling with -their hands beneath the surface. It was to her -as though she were looking from above on the -glassy sheet that lay broken, but yet encasing -the water. She could see through it, and watch - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span> - -the expiring efforts of Mark and Kainie, behold -them struggling with their hands to break -through or push aside the ice-plate that lay -between their mouths and air. She could see -their straining eyes fixed reproachfully on her -through the transparent screen. In her fancy -she was now running and beckoning to the only -patch of open water through which escape was -possible. And yet they would not attend; -either they misunderstood her signals, or they -mistrusted her motives.</p> - -<p>She beheld how their efforts relaxed, their -palms patted listlessly against the ice, their -fingers picked with feeble effort at the cracks, -how the light of intelligence died out of their -eyes, how their lips gasped and drew in water.</p> - -<p>Then to her fancy they went down, Kainie -first, Mark next.</p> - -<p>After that there rose about her, as a cloud, a -mass of black figures, pointing at her with their -fingers, and from every finger-point flashed an -electric spark.</p> - -<p>'Murderess—double murderess! Thou who -didst judge Drownlands, judge thine own self. -Thou who didst condemn, condemn thyself.'</p> - -<p>Then Wolf came to her. He had gnawed -through the cord that had bound him.</p> - -<p>Zita clasped him round the neck.</p> - -<p>'Oh, Wolf! Wolf!' she cried. 'Go after them—fly—stay -them. Snap at Mark's clothes. -Bite Kainie. Hold them back!'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span></p> - -<p>She indicated the direction that the sledge had -taken, and the dog ran out on the ice.</p> - -<p>Zita looked after him. Would he be able to -track them on the frozen sheet? Would the -scent lie on the congealed water?</p> - -<p>If Wolf did come up with his mistress and -Mark, would he be able to arrest their course? -Did he understand the message, the order given -him? Would he, bounding forward in advance -of the sledge, discover for himself the danger -that lay ahead, and come back and warn them?</p> - -<p>Should this attempt to stay the sleigh fail, -were there no other means available?</p> - -<p>Then an idea flashed through the brain of -Zita. There remained one chance of staying -their career.</p> - -<p>Instantly Zita ran to the hut, burst open the -door, and, seizing the mattress of Kainie's bed, -dragged it forth across the platform, and threw -it under the stationary sails of the mill.</p> - -<p>Then she went back to the cottage, and, -gathering up the red embers of the fire in a -shovel, ran with them forth again, and threw -them upon the straw mattress.</p> - -<p>Next she stood, shovel in hand, waiting the -result, watching as the fire burnt its way through -the ticking and buried itself in the straw.</p> - -<p>For a moment there ensued a red glare—an -eating outward of the ticking by fiery teeth—then -a ghost-like flame leaped up, and wavered -above the incandescent mass. It threw itself - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span> - -high into the air, as though it were independent -of the fire below, then returned and dipped its -feet in the red ashes. With the shovel Zita -stirred the ignited mass. Then the mattress -broke into flame, and the flame reared itself in -many tongues, swayed with the wind, curled -over, broke into a multitude of orange fire-flashes -that capered and pirouetted about the glowing -heart of fire, as though the fabled Salamanders -had manifested themselves, and rejoiced in -being able to dance in their proper element. In -another moment the flames had ignited the sail -that hung above them, and were racing each -other up the canvas.</p> - -<p>Zita sped to the clog. She had learned from -Kainie how a windmill was to be set in motion, -and how the revolution of the sails was to be -arrested, on the first visit she had paid to Red -Wings. She now raised the clog, and with a -sigh and creak the arms began to turn. As -they did so, the sail which was on fire swept -from the bed of flames that had kindled it, and -was replaced by another. Instantly Zita stopped -the revolution, to allow it also to be kindled. In -like manner she treated the remaining sails, and -when all blazed, she allowed them to spin unhampered -in the breeze.</p> - -<p>A wondrous sight in the black night! The -mill sails whirling in the freezing blast sent -forth streamers of flame and a rain of sparks. -Every now and then there dropped from them - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span> - -incandescent tears. They roared as they went -round, forming, as they rotated on the axle, a -mighty wheel of dazzling light. Zita stood -looking up at her work, and for a moment forgot -the occasion of the setting fire to the wheel -in the overwhelming effect produced by the -brilliancy of the spectacle. The wind not only -made the canvas glare, but kindled as well the -stretchers of lath to which it was fastened, and -the mainbeams likewise. The ties by which the -sail-cloth was fastened were of tarred cord. As -the fire consumed a portion, the rest slipped -forth, and flew away in lurid lines of light.</p> - -<p>The platform was illumined, as though a blaze -of July sun had fallen on it. The window-panes -of the cottage were transmuted into flakes of -gold-leaf. The dykes reflected the flashing sails, -and shot the light along in streaks through the -dark fen into the outer darkness beyond.</p> - -<p>A number of bats that had been harboured by -the old mill, and were sleeping through the -winter, were roused by the light, quickened by -the heat, and came forth in flights, dazed, to -flit on leather wings about the platform, to dart -into the wheel of fire, and to fly back scorched, -and to fall crippled at Zita's feet.</p> - -<p>Wolf came up cowering. He had been unable -to trace the course of his mistress on the ice, -and he crouched moaning at Zita's feet, his eyes -watching the fiery revolutions, but ever and -anon starting back with a snap and a whine - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span> - -as some disabled bat clawed at him, and -endeavoured to scramble up his side.</p> - -<p>Would the whole mill fall a prey to the -flames?</p> - -<p>Ignited, molten tar was flung off as fire dross -by the whirling sails, masses of burning canvas -were carried off on the wind. The sails for -a while moved more slowly. The canvas was in -part consumed, but the flame itself seemed to -form a sheet over the ribs, and incite the wind -to act with redoubled force; for again, with -renewed activity, the great arms continued their -rotation.</p> - -<p>Every rush in the dyke was made visible, -standing out as a rod of burnished gold, and the -withered tassels of seed glowed scarlet, against -a background of night made doubly sombre by -the dazzling splendour of the burning mill sails.</p> - -<p>The boarded and tarred body of the mill was -changed in the lurid glare into a structure of -red copper. In the heat given off by the wings, -the tar dissolved and ran down from the -movable cap, as though the great bulk of the -mill were sweating in an agony of fear lest the -fire should reach and consume it also.</p> - -<p>A barn-owl hovered aloft, and the glare -smote on its white breast and under-wings. It -to-whooed in its terror, and its cry could be -heard above the rush of the sails and the roar -of the flames.</p> - -<p>There were other sounds that combined with - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span> - -the hooting of the owl, the rush of the sails and -of the fire. The mechanism of the mill was in -motion; the huge axle revolved and throbbed -like a great pulse running through the body of -the structure, the wheels creaked and groaned, -the paddles laboured to drive the water up the -incline, and the water when it came produced -strange sounds beneath the ice, gasps and gulps. -It was as though the dykes were sobbing at the -combustion and destruction of the engine which -had so long and so steadily laboured to drain -them.</p> - -<p>When the fire reached iron and copper nails -and bands, and heated the metals to white heat, -they became incandescent, and gave forth -streams of green and blue flame, that glowed -with the marigold yellow and tiger-lily red of -the blazing wood and tar, forming of the fiery -circle a rainbow complete in its prismatic tints. -The clouds that passed overhead were flushed -and palpitated, reflecting the fire below.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the anguish of mind that -possessed Zita, her anxiety for the fate of Mark -and Kainie, and her self-reproach, she was -carried away, out of all such thoughts, by the -transcendent splendour of the spectacle. She -stood looking up at the wheel of light, with -hands clasped to her bosom, hardly breathing, -her face illumined as though she had been -looking into the sun.</p> - -<p>Then, suddenly, a hand was laid roughly on - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span> - -her shoulder, and an agitated voice said in her -ear, 'Good heavens! what have you done?—wicked, -malignant girl!'</p> - -<p>Zita dropped on her knees, with a cry of -mingled joy and pain.</p> - -<p>'Thank God! they are saved!'</p> - -<p>She stooped and hid her face in her skirt -about her knees. The revulsion of feeling was -more than she could bear. She gasped for -breath. She came to a full stop in sensation -and thought. She could not rise, speak, nor -look up. Then relief from acute tension of the -mind found itself a way in a flood of tears, and -broken words of no meaning and without connection -were sobbed forth, and muffled in her -gown.</p> - -<p>When, finally, she did raise her head, and -gather her dazed faculties, and wipe the water -from her eyes, she saw that Mark and Kainie -were forcing the head of the mill round, so as -no longer to present the sails to the wind, but -make them face away from it, so as to lessen -the danger to the body of the mill, which might -at any moment ignite when flame and sparks -were swept over it.</p> - -<p>They then put on the clog and stopped the -movement of the charred arms.</p> - -<p>This was almost all that could be done. -They trusted that the arms would burn themselves -out without the axle catching fire.</p> - -<p>'Kainie,' said Mark, 'I'll run a rope up and - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span> - -throw it over the axle, and you can pass me up -buckets of water.'</p> - -<p>Then he came to where Zita knelt. Kainie -was at his side.</p> - -<p>'You infamous creature!' said Kainie. 'Why -did you do it?'</p> - -<p>'To save you and Mark.'</p> - -<p>'To save us? That is a fine story.'</p> - -<p>'They had let out the water, and the ice is -broken up.'</p> - -<p>'Let out what water?' asked Mark.</p> - -<p>'The water of the river.'</p> - -<p>'Who have done this?'</p> - -<p>'Why, Pip and some other men.'</p> - -<p>'Zita,' said Mark, 'what do you mean? Is -there any truth in this?'</p> - -<p>'It is true, indeed,' she answered. 'They -have done it to revenge themselves on Mr. -Drownlands, because he gave evidence against -some of their comrades.'</p> - -<p>'This is very serious,' said Mark.</p> - -<p>'It is quite true. They would not allow me -to go back to Prickwillow. I tried, but they -stopped me, and forced me to come on this way. -I could not warn the master. And they told -me to keep off the ice. As I came along, I -heard it scream and crack, and go down in a -mass together.'</p> - -<p>'Why did you not tell me this before?'</p> - -<p>'You would not listen to me. You said cruel -things of me, and Kainie struck me in the face.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span></p> - -<p>'And why did you set the mill on fire?'</p> - -<p>'To force you to come back. I did not care -about your danger till too late. I ran after -you, you could not hear me. I knew that if -you saw fire at the mill you would return. -Nothing but that could bring you back.'</p> - -<p>Mark was silent for a moment. Then, with -emotion in his voice, he said—</p> - -<p>'Zita, I believe we have wronged you -grievously.'</p> - -<p>'No,' answered the girl, 'it was I who wronged -you. I let you go, and said, Go under the ice -and be drowned, I did not care.'</p> - -<p>'I did not hear you.'</p> - -<p>'I said it—instead of telling you of your -danger. I was angry—very angry, and I was -hurt by Kainie—but'—she hesitated, her voice -faltered—'at the bottom of all was this—I was -jealous.'</p> - -<p>'Jealous? Jealous of whom?'</p> - -<p>'Mark, you had been so kind to me. I had -been so happy with you. I even thought you -liked me. Then you turned away from me for -Kainie.'</p> - -<p>'For Kainie?'</p> - -<p>There was surprise in his face.</p> - -<p>'Yes, you like her best. You are right—she -is good, and I am bad—but it made me jealous.'</p> - -<p>'Good heavens! You do not understand. -There is now no need for further concealment. -Kainie is my sister!'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE BRENT-GEESE</p> - -<p class="p1">IT was even as Mark said, but the particulars -relative to Kerenhappuch did not come to -the knowledge of Zita till some time later.</p> - -<p>Jake Runham, the father of Mark, had made -the acquaintance of Drownlands' sister, and had -betrayed her. Instead of marrying her, he -suddenly took a woman who was an heiress, -married her for her money, and left Leah -Drownlands to her shame.</p> - -<p>The secret of Leah's disgrace was well kept. -She was sent away to a distance, and when she -returned after five years with a child, she would -say nothing relative to the parentage of Kainie, -nor did her brother proclaim it. Ki never -forgave his sister, and would never hold communication -with her or receive her child. Jake -Runham naturally enough was reserved on the -matter, and no one suspected who the father of -Kainie was. The public believed that, to use -their own terms, Leah had 'met with a misfortune' -whilst away from the Fens.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span></p> - -<p>On her return to the neighbourhood of Prickwillow, -the unfortunate woman obtained from -the Commissioners the use of the cottage and a -small allowance, on consideration of her attending -to the mill. This pittance she eked out -with needlework. Mark had entertained no -suspicion of the relationship so long as his -father lived, but on his death there was that -provision made in the will which revealed the -long-hidden secret. Jake acknowledged his -paternity to Kainie, and solemnly required his -son to provide for and watch over his half-sister. -It seemed probable that he had in the past -secretly contributed something towards the maintenance -of Leah Drownlands and her daughter.</p> - -<p>These facts were not as yet generally known, -but now that Kainie was to be removed to -Crumbland, it was inevitable that they should -be made public.</p> - -<p>The reason why Mark was so resolved to -take Kainie away from Red Wings was that -she was harbouring and screening Ephraim -Beamish, to whom she was attached and -engaged. Mark saw that this could not be -suffered to continue. He urged the case with -his mother, who had strenuously opposed the -reception of the girl into the farm, but who now, -as a good woman, yielded when she considered -the gravity of the circumstances.</p> - -<p>Ever since the death of Jake Runham, Kerenhappuch -had known the truth. It had been - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span> - -necessary for Mark to tell her of their relationship, -and of the obligation that had been laid -upon him. At the same time, to save his father's -memory, he urged her to keep the matter secret. -This it was which made her reticent with Zita.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>'Come,' said Mark. 'Now is not the time for -an explanation—nor can I speak of such matters -to you without pain, for my father did a great -wrong. The question at this moment is—What -is to be done? Here is the mill running a risk -of being burnt down; on the other hand, there -is the water which has been let out, pouring -over the Fens. The latter is the most serious -concern. If the mill be consumed, it can be -rebuilt speedily; but if the fen be flooded, it -will take years before it recovers.'</p> - -<p>He took Zita's hand in his.</p> - -<p>'I do believe I have been unjust. So has -Kainie. We owe our lives to you. Kainie, ask -her to forgive you the blow you dealt her.'</p> - -<p>'No,' said Zita. 'I struck Kainie first, and -she gave me the blow back again—harder than -I struck her, but that was her profits.'</p> - -<p>It seemed probable that the fire smouldering in -the ribs of the sails would become extinct. There -were matters more urgent, calling Mark elsewhere.</p> - -<p>'Pip knew better than advise me of his intent,' -said Mark. 'We must have a light.'</p> - -<p>He tore one of the stakes from the sails of -the mill.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span></p> - -<p>'It will serve as a torch,' said he. 'Run, Kainie, -to the bridge, give the alarm to the bankers -there. Tell them to bring tools and all needful -down the embankment.'</p> - -<p>'But they must not take Pip.'</p> - -<p>'Pip will have sheered off long before they -reach the place. Run, Kainie. Come on, Zita, -and show me where the bank has been cut -through.'</p> - -<p>They walked on together, and their shadows -were cast before them by the still glowing mill, -which now and then shot up into flame, and -then became a smouldering mass.</p> - -<p>They walked fast, but not very fast; that was -hardly possible on the bank.</p> - -<p>For a while Mark said nothing, but he put -out his hand, and took that of Zita.</p> - -<p>'There has been great misunderstanding,' he -said meditatively.</p> - -<p>'Yes,'she replied, 'indeed there has. I was -jealous because I thought you liked Kainie -best.'</p> - -<p>'And I—I do not know what I thought; evil -things were said, and I was a fool, a cursed -fool, to believe them. So—you were jealous?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, Mark.'</p> - -<p>'You could not have been jealous if you had -not cared for me.'</p> - -<p>She did not answer.</p> - -<p>'And I believe the Reason why I gave ear to -evil words was because I loved you—loved you - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span> - -so dearly that I was jealous through every thread -of my being. I was jealous of that fellow -Drownlands. I was an ass to think those -things could be possible that were said of you. -I ought to have known you better.'</p> - -<p>'Yes, Mark, you ought to have known me -better.'</p> - -<p>'But it is not now too late. Zita, we will be -to each other as we were before—that is, if you -can forgive me.'</p> - -<p>'Indeed I can forgive you.'</p> - -<p>'And I will let all know that we understand -each other. And, Zita,' he laughed, 'we'll have -the old van and Dobbin'—</p> - -<p>'He is Jewel, not Dobbin.'</p> - -<p>'And Jewel, brought over to Crumbland.'</p> - -<p>'That cannot be, Mark, now.'</p> - -<p>'Why not?'</p> - -<p>'It is too late.'</p> - -<p>'How too late?'</p> - -<p>'I have promised Drownlands to remain with -him at Prickwillow, and take care of his house -as long as he lives.'</p> - -<p>'That won't hold. If I make you my wife'—</p> - -<p>'That cannot be.'</p> - -<p>'Cannot be?—it shall be.'</p> - -<p>'No, Mark, I gave you up. I gave up my -thoughts of you as a husband in order to get Ki -Drownlands to desist from appearing against -you in court.'</p> - -<p>'He could have done nothing.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[381]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Whether he could or could not, matters -nought now. I made a promise.'</p> - -<p>'You must break it.'</p> - -<p>She shook her head.</p> - -<p>'A deal is a deal.'</p> - -<p>Then, as both remained silent, suddenly -strange sounds were heard high up in the dark -sky, a sound as of barking dogs in full career.</p> - -<p>Zita shivered and caught hold of Mark.</p> - -<p>'Oh!' she said in a whisper, full of fear. -'They scent a soul—they hunt a soul! Oh, -poor soul! God help it! Poor soul—run—run—swift—in -at heaven's door!'</p> - -<p>'Nonsense, little frightened creature! It is -the brent-geese!'</p> - -<p>'Mark, last time I heard them it betokened -death. Then it was two souls—two flying—flying—and -the dogs in full career after them.'</p> - -<p>'You, Zita,' laughed Mark, 'do you remember -when we spoke of this on the ice, I -said when next you heard the brent-geese I -hoped I might stand by you. Zita, please God, -when the hell-hounds, if such they be,—and I -don't believe a word of it,—be let loose, scenting -my soul or yours, that I may be by you, or you -by me, to cheer each other in the final and -dreadful race.'</p> - -<p>Zita shuddered.</p> - -<p>'Mark, it may not be. I shall stand by -Drownlands. I have promised—a deal is a -deal.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[382]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THE CUT EMBANKMENT</p> - -<p class="p1">DROWNLANDS had been for some time -in the upstairs room that served as his -office. He had brought out his account-books, -lighted his lamp, and was endeavouring to -engage his thoughts on his expenditure in wages, -and to go over the names of his workmen, and -strike out such as had taken part in the recent -riot. But it was in vain. After a few futile -attempts, he leaned his head on his palm, and -gave himself over to thoughts of Zita.</p> - -<p>It was poor comfort to him to know that she -would remain in his house, but it was a comfort. -He felt confidence in her—that, having passed -her word to remain, remain she would, whatever -might happen. Whatever animadversions might -be made on her presence in his house, however -deeply her reputation might suffer, she would -stay with him. She had passed her word. It -was not unlikely, he thought, that some swain -might become enamoured of her, and ask her to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[383]</a></span> - -join her lot with his, but she would refuse him. -She would remain an old maid at Prickwillow, -because she had passed her word. Not for a -moment did Drownlands' faith in Zita give way. -She had impressed the man indelibly with a -conviction of her sincerity. Zita as a Cheap -Jack was one thing, Zita in private life was -another. She had one conscience for her dealings -with the general public, another conscience -for her dealings with individuals face to face. -The sun might rise in the west and go down in -the Orient sky, but Zita could not fail to keep -her word.</p> - -<p>Drownlands was startled from his reverie by -the maid Sarah, who rushed in at the door, -exclaiming—</p> - -<p>'Master, the water be out!'</p> - -<p>'What water?'</p> - -<p>'The boy says the fen is flooded.'</p> - -<p>'Flooded?'</p> - -<p>'He says the bank be broke.'</p> - -<p>'The Lark embankment?'</p> - -<p>Drownlands realised instantly the significance -of the announcement.</p> - -<p>'Quick!' said he; 'light me the lantern. -Sharp! No time is to be lost.'</p> - -<p>He ran to the corner to snatch up a stick, and, -without observing what he did, laid hold of the -flail. He did not perceive his mistake till he -had reached the foot of the staircase. Then he -could not delay to return and exchange it for a - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[384]</a></span> - -staff. He caught the lantern from the hand of -Sarah and went out into the yard. His feet at -once splashed into water.</p> - -<p>'What has happened?' he exclaimed, with an -oath. 'It cannot be that they have cut the -embankment.'</p> - -<p>He splashed on. Over the frozen surface of -the soil a ripple of water was running, followed -by another ripple, and with each the film of -water covering the yard was sensibly deepened.</p> - -<p>'The bank must have broken. The frost has -done it. They would never have dared to -cut it.'</p> - -<p>Swaying his lantern, Drownlands strode -through the water, out of the stackyard and into -the drove that led from his farm to the highway. -This had been much cut up that day by his -waggons carting roots. The heavy vehicles -with broad wheels had crushed through the icy -crust, and the hoofs of the horses had assisted in -breaking up the frost case. Thus in places the -water was able to act on the unfrozen peat, and -undermine the surface that was hard frozen. -The peat was dry, and when the water reached -it, it swelled as a sponge.</p> - -<p>A tide was flowing down the drove. On both -sides were the frozen dykes; the water covered -the ice, running along it, and but for the sedge -and rushes that rose out of the ditches, their -presence would have been undefined.</p> - -<p>The brow of Drownlands darkened, and his - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[385]</a></span> - -cheeks glowed. Was this the meaning of the -threats launched against him? He had never -conceived it possible that the men would have -recourse to such means as this to pay off their -grudge against him, for to inundate the farm -was to destroy their field of labour.</p> - -<p>'I wish I had brought my gun,' said he. -'And then, should I see one of the scoundrels, -I'd shoot him with no more scruple than I would -a dotterel. As it is, let me come upon one,'—he -raised and flourished his flail,—'and I will beat -out his brains.'</p> - -<p>Drownlands walked with difficulty. Where -the surface under the water was frozen, there it -was slippery. Where it was broken through -and broken up by the wain wheels and horse -hoofs, there it was slough.</p> - -<p>Ruts, still frozen, were in places two or three -feet in depth, and they were filled. Invisible -under the water, he was liable to sink into them. -He stumbled along, angry, swearing, advancing -with labour, forced to hold his lantern, first to -one side, then to the other, to make sure that he -was not turning from his road, his sole guide -being the sedge lines, one on each side.</p> - -<p>The roads in the Fens are not made of stone, -for stone is not to be found in the Fens. The -soil hardens with drought and frost. In rainy -weather it is a slough. The draining-machines, -being almost constantly at work, suck all the -moisture out of the soil, and as it dries it - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[386]</a></span> - -shrinks. Now that the water from the canal -was overflowing the fen, it rippled on innocuously -over the icy case, but wherever it could penetrate -through that case, at every crack, at every dint, -it was drunk in in heavy draughts by the thirsty -soil, that immediately heaved and swelled as it -imbibed the moisture, and in so doing dissolved -into slough.</p> - -<p>The tide continued to flow. In the yard the -water had been hardly as high as the instep. -It now flowed over the boot tops.</p> - -<p>The water was intensely cold.</p> - -<p>Drownlands had on his boots, such as he wore -ordinarily, but not his wading boots that reached -to the thighs. He had not thought it necessary -to wear such protectors in frosty weather. Those -he wore did not extend higher than his calves. -Already, in one of his plunges into a rut filled -with water, he had soaked his feet, his boots, so -far from serving as a protection, being an encumbrance. -The flail, moreover, was of small -service; the handfast was not of length sufficient -for him to probe the water before him and sound -his way. Would that he had drawn on his -wading-boots—would that he had brought a -leaping-pole!</p> - -<p>Drownlands turned his head over his shoulder -and looked back at the house. He could see the -light from the kitchen and that from his office—the -latter partially, as, owing to the broken -glass in the window, he had closed the shutters. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[387]</a></span> - -He had left his lamp burning, and he could distinguish -its light in a line where the shutters -closed imperfectly.</p> - -<p>It seemed to the man that the distance he -had come was greater than it really was.</p> - -<p>The difficulty of advancing must increase with -every few minutes. In a quarter of an hour it -would not be possible to traverse the distance -between Prickwillow and the embankment save -by boat.</p> - -<p>He must reach the tow-path, and hasten -along it to the nearest station, where a gang of -workmen was quartered, with implements and -material ready on an emergency.</p> - -<p>There was no time to be lost. Every minute -was of importance. Drownlands knew but too -well that if his farm were inundated, it would be -rendered valueless for several years. It would -not be utter ruin, as he had the savings of the -past to eat into, but it would prevent his reaping -advantage from his land till it had been completely -recovered of the effects of the flood.</p> - -<p>Struggling with the rising tide, he succeeded -in getting upon the highway. But now his -difficulties were the greater, for he had entered -into the current that poured from the Lark. -The water rushed over his knees. The cold was -almost insupportable. With body bent, step by -step, helping himself onwards with the flail, but -unable always to trust it, owing to the pits in the -submerged surface, he advanced slowly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[388]</a></span></p> - -<p>He held up the lantern and looked round. -The tallow candle through the horn sides but -feebly illumined the night. It showed the -gurgling water in which he was wading, but it -showed nothing beside. He did not any longer -know his direction. He must stem the current, -but was unable to judge where the edge and -where the centre of the current were that poured -against him.</p> - -<p>When he lowered his lantern, he was aware of -a lurid light in the sky above the embankment, -and saw now and then a brilliant spark thrown -up. That there was a fire somewhere he could -not doubt, and concluded that the rioters who -had cut the embankment were continuing their -incendiary work as before. He could not see -the wheel of fire; he was too low down for that, -but he saw the illumination caused by it. Suddenly -his feet gave way, and he fell in the water. -He had gone into one of the deepest cart-ruts. -As he fell, his lantern was extinguished.</p> - -<p>It was now impossible for him to return. He -could not, if he wished it, have retraced his -steps. His only possible course was to scramble -up the bank, and to do this he now devoted all -his energies. But unhappily he had reached precisely -that point where the bank had been cut -through, and was therefore exposed to the full -force of the outrush of the river. As, by a -desperate effort, he recovered his feet, he could -see the lip of water curling over, reddened by - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[389]</a></span> - -the reflection of the fire beyond. He was -drenched in the ice-cold water, but that was -nothing to the anguish in his feet; they were -turning dead, numbed by the water in which -they had been immersed so long without proper -protection.</p> - -<p>But this was not all. No sooner had Drownlands -reached the slope of the embankment -than he became aware that the little assistance -rendered him by the frost was at an end. The -rush of water had broken up the gault of which -the bank was formed, was eating at every -moment farther into it, and widening the mouth -by which it poured from the bed of the river -upon the low reclaimed land. The moistened -marl was greasy under his feet. When he -slipped and endeavoured to catch at the bank, -his hands sank into the sodden clay, and the -tenacious matter held his fingers like glue. His -feet, moreover, went deep into the clay, and to -extract them was difficult.</p> - -<p>It became apparent to Drownlands that he -must battle for his life against the current.</p> - -<p>He endeavoured to assist himself in his ascent -by the staff of the flail, but this proved of no -help to him, as it sank with the pressure applied -to it in the glutinous mass. He strove to heave -himself up, and could not; his feet, dead with -cold, and, through their loss of sensation, no -longer able to feel the bottom, slipped from under -him. He could not extract his staff from the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[390]</a></span> - -marl. All he was able to do was to cling to it, -and pant and recover breath, and then make -another desperate effort forward.</p> - -<p>The water, tearing through the fissure in the -bank, broke off masses of the clay, half frozen, -and whirled them down, and along with them -blocks of river ice that had broken up. It was -sometimes difficult to ascend the embankment, -the slope of which was steep, in the face of a -strong wind; it was a hundred times more difficult -now, when it had to be done against a -rushing torrent, and that of water which curdled -the blood in the veins, knotted the muscles with -cramp, and paralysed the sinews.</p> - -<p>No thought of revenge on those who had cut -the bank now occupied the mind of Drownlands—no -thought of having the leak stopped. The -one absorbing consideration was how to escape -from the deadly-cold raging current.</p> - -<p>Then a sharp cant of ice whirled down, cut -his knuckles and jarred his fingers, so that he -let go the flail with one hand, but seized it in -time with the other to save himself from being -swept away. He was carried off his feet, and in -trying to right himself drove one foot so deeply -into the marl, that, when he endeavoured to -pluck it forth, the tenacious matter held his boot -and tore it off his foot. The intensity of the -cold was, however, so great, that he was not -sensible of the loss. He looked up. The red -auroral light was still illumining the sky behind - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[391]</a></span> - -the bank. He held to the flail that was planted -in the clay. If that gave way, his hold on life -would be gone.</p> - -<p>Now he saw above him a dark figure on the -bank, and he cried, 'Help! help!'</p> - -<p>'Who calls there?'</p> - -<p>'It is I—Ki Drownlands.'</p> - -<p>The man made no effort to descend. He -folded his arms, and said slowly in harsh tones—</p> - -<p>'I cannot help you. I am Ephraim Beamish. -You are prepared to testify against some twenty -of my comrades, and to send them to the -gallows. Which is of most worth, your life, -you Judas, or theirs?'</p> - -<p>'Help! I will say nothing.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot trust you,' said Beamish. 'Wretched -man, water was created of God to cleanse away -transgression. Go, wash thee and be clean—wash -thee and be free from thy sins.'</p> - -<p>Then a torch flared above the bank. Mark -was there with Zita.</p> - -<p>'Who is there? What is this?' Mark asked, -with an agitated voice. The blazing tarred -wood, sending up a golden burst of flame, -illumined the upturned countenance of Drownlands. -The struggling man raised his arm to -wipe the water and sweat from his eyes and -screen them from the brilliant light.</p> - -<p>'It is the master,' said Zita. 'Save him, -Mark! Oh, do save him!'</p> - -<p>Instantly, but with caution, Mark descended, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[392]</a></span> - -digging his heels deep into the marl at each -step, and held the torch aloft, wavering, guttering, -throwing out sparks in the wind. 'Give me -your hand,' said the young man.</p> - -<p>The exhausted, desperate Drownlands withdrew -his arm from before his eyes.</p> - -<p>In the burning wood was a copper nail, and -this now sent forth a lambent, grass-green flame, -in the light of which Drownlands' face was like -that of a corpse. The man, in his extreme peril -and desire for help, stretched forth his hand.</p> - -<p>Then the wind blew the flame so that the face -of Mark was illumined. Suddenly Tiger Ki -snatched his hand back again.</p> - -<p>'A Runham—no!'</p> - -<p>He endeavoured by a frantic effort to ascend -the bank by his own efforts. There ensued a -terrible scene—the struggle of a well-nigh spent -man with the adverse elements to deliver himself -from his position. He fought with the water -and the clay, tossing a spray about him, pounding -with his feet, one shod, the other bare, -churning clay and water around him.</p> - -<p>Failing to mount one step above where the flail -was rooted, he discontinued his profitless effort, -and, clinging with both hands to the stay, cried—</p> - -<p>'Zita, I will owe life to you, or to none!'</p> - -<p>Without a thought for herself, the girl leaped -to his aid.</p> - -<p>In a moment his disengaged arm was round her.</p> - -<p>'We may die—if we cannot live—together.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[393]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Let go!' shouted Mark, and laid hold of -Zita by the arm. 'Let go!'</p> - -<p>'To you—never!'</p> - -<p>Without consideration Mark drove the burning -torch against his hand that clasped the girl.</p> - -<p>With a shriek Drownlands relaxed his hold.</p> - -<p>At that moment, Ephraim, who had descended -carefully, had laid hold of the flail above where -Drownlands' hand had clutched it. He stooped, -and, exerting his full force from above, drew it -forth from the clay in which it was fast.</p> - -<p>At once Drownlands slid away in the stream. -Still clinging to the flail, he was carried off his -feet, out of the range of light cast by the torch, -and under water.</p> - -<p>'Go!' said Beamish, waving his hand over the -torrent. 'Go! thou accuser of thy brethren! -Go, wash away thy sins in the water that drowns -thee!'</p> - -<p>He saw the flood before him glittering like -gold. He looked round. The gangers had -come—summoned by Kainie.</p> - -<p>'Save him! save him!' cried Zita.</p> - -<p>'Where is he?—who can say? Carried -forth into the outer darkness; rolled away in -the baptismal flood—who can say whither?' -answered Ephraim.</p> - -<p>'No,' said one of the gangers. 'No help is -possible.'</p> - -<p>'God have mercy on a sinful soul!' said -Ephraim.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[394]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">THISTLES</p> - -<p class="p1">THE trial of the rioters came on before a -Special Commission, that sat a few weeks -after the arrest of the men. The cutting of the -embankment after the arrest had greatly exasperated -minds against the unfortunate men -who were to take their trial, although they -themselves were guiltless in this matter. It -probably served to sharpen the sentences pronounced -upon them, as their judges shared the -general feeling that an example should be made -that would overawe the fen-men, and deter them -from future acts of lawlessness.</p> - -<p>Judgment of death was passed on thirty-four -men, but only five were actually executed. -The sentence on nine was mitigated into transportation -for life, and that on the rest was -commuted to imprisonment for a term of years.</p> - -<p>Ephraim Beamish was not taken. Mark succeeded -in effecting his escape from the Fens. -He supplied him with money, and Beamish - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[395]</a></span> - -took ship at Liverpool for the United States, -where he bought a farm, then turned backwoods -Baptist preacher, tired of that, returned to farm -life, and married Kainie, who went out to him. -She was a rich woman, and might have had -her pick of the young fen-farmers. She had -inherited everything that had belonged to her -uncle. But Kainie would have no one save Pip, -and as Pip could not come to her, she sold -Prickwillow to Mark, and went out to the man -of her choice in the New World.</p> - -<p>Mark gave his half-sister a fair price for the -farm. The land had been seriously injured by -the inundation, and would have been more -seriously affected had not the bankers, summoned -by Kainie, been able rapidly and -effectually to stop the breach.</p> - -<p>Mark was now a man of substance. When -he purchased Prickwillow, he united that estate -to Crumbland, and became one of the largest -landed proprietors in that portion of the Fens; -nevertheless, like his fellow-yeomen, he did not -affect to be a squire, but lived in sober fashion, -worked with his men, and worked harder than -any one of them. A popular man he was with -the labourer as with the farmer, for he was just -and kindly, and possessed unflagging good -spirits. He amassed money. Let his sons or -grandsons style themselves gentlemen, said he; -for his part, he was content to be plain Mark -Runham, farmer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[396]</a></span></p> - -<p>What is to be told concerning Zita?</p> - -<p>The ill opinion formed of her had been due -mainly to the malicious and slanderous tongue -of Leehanna Tunkiss. Whatever had been said -against Zita was traceable to this source.</p> - -<p>When it was discovered that Ki Drownlands -had made and executed his will on the very day -on which he died, and that in it he had constituted -his niece sole heiress of all he possessed, -and had not even mentioned the Cheap Jack -girl, the trust of the fen-folk in the word of -Mrs. Tunkiss failed. The housekeeper was -discredited and her stories disbelieved.</p> - -<p>It was not long before Mark Runham made -Zita his wife, and the van, with all its goods, -was moved by a team of his horses to Crumbland.</p> - -<p>There was one secret Zita retained locked in -her heart, and which she never revealed to Mark—the -events of the night when Ki Drownlands -and Jake Runham met on the embankment and -fought with the flails till Mark's father was cast -into the canal—there to perish. There was no -necessity for her to tell it. The guilty man had -died as had his foe—in the same water.</p> - -<p>For many years recourse was had to the -stores of the van whenever the household was -in need of some article there in stock.</p> - -<p>In the Fens, when a man requires to traverse -a considerable distance, he provides himself with -a leaping-pole, and makes for his destination in - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[397]</a></span> - -a bee-line, clearing every watery obstruction -in his way.</p> - -<p>The author now uses this privilege—takes -pole in hand, and, seeing the end before him, -makes for it. What does he first see after -having put down the pole and leaped?</p> - -<p>A van. Surely the familiar Cheap Jack conveyance, -crawling along the drove on a summer's -day, drawn by an old horse that takes a few -steps, then pauses, breathes hard, looks behind -him with a peculiarly resolute expression in his -eye, and ignores absolutely every appeal, entreaty, -objurgation addressed to him, till he has -recovered his wind, when he goes on once more.</p> - -<p>From within the van issue cheery children's -voices. Then some little heads appear, some -with auburn hair and brown eyes, others very -fair, and with eyes the colour of the sky.</p> - -<p>'What the dickens is that there concern?' -asks a stranger, standing on the tow-path by the -Lark, who from his vantage-ground watches -the slow and intermittent progress of the van -on the drove.</p> - -<p>'Lor' bless you!' answers a ganger going by. -'It's only them little Cheap Jackies taking a -drive.'</p> - -<p>Again. What is the meaning of the noise -that issues from the coach-house? A shrill -voice is haranguing, then is broken in on by a -clamour of other voices.</p> - -<p>Let us look within.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[398]</a></span></p> - -<p>The van is there, in a house so boxed in as -to be inaccessible to poultry.</p> - -<p>The front of the van is down. The red velvet -curtains, much faded, and the gold fringe, much -tarnished, are suspended in their proper places, -decorating the front. One boy is on the platform, -and is exhibiting his toys to his brothers -and sisters, and offering them for sale at extravagant -prices; then, abating his demands, he -assures them that he offers these articles for -absolutely the last time, and at the lowest price -which he will consent to receive.</p> - -<p>Mark Runham returns from the farm.</p> - -<p>'Zita,' says he, 'I want to see my little ones. -Where are they?'</p> - -<p>'At their favourite amusement on a rainy -day.'</p> - -<p>'What is that?'</p> - -<p>'Playing at being Cheap Jacks. Mark, it is -in their blood.'</p> - -<p>'Who is doing the selling today?'</p> - -<p>'Our eldest—James,' answers Zita; 'and, -Mark, when James marries, we'll have out that -there epergne for the wedding breakfast.'</p> - -<p>'That's a long way ahead,' answers Mark.</p> - -<p>So it seemed to him. But again the novelist -uses his privilege, puts down the pole, and away -he goes with one great bound over a period of -several years, and finds himself suddenly alight -in the parlour of Crumbland. He sees before -him Mark, now a middle-aged man, broad in - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[399]</a></span> - -shoulders and in beam, with ruddy cheeks -that are pretty full; and Zita, now a comely -matron.</p> - -<p>Facing his father and mother, with some shyness -in his face, stands Jim, the hope of the -family, twirling his hat, and looking furtively in -his father's face, as he says—</p> - -<p>'Father, give me the portion of goods that -falleth to me, and let me go.'</p> - -<p>'Go? Go, Jim? Good gracious! what do -you mean? Whither do you want to go?'</p> - -<p>'That is just it; nowhere in particular, and -yet somewhere.'</p> - -<p>'But—leave home?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, father, I want to be off and about.'</p> - -<p>'Why, Jim, this is sheer delirium—tremenjous, -as your mother would say. There is Prickwillow -empty, waiting for you, whenever you -marry.'</p> - -<p>'And the epergne for the breakfast-table,' -added Zita.</p> - -<p>'I do not want to marry, father! The epergne -must wait, mother dear! I haven't found the -right one yet,' answered James, hanging his -head.</p> - -<p>'But, good gracious! why should you go? -Have not I been kind to you? Have not you -been allowed your own way in all that is -right?'</p> - -<p>'Never was there a better father,' answered -the young man, with emotion, 'and never, never - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[400]</a></span> - -a dearer, better mother! It is not that. I love -home. I love my parents and my brothers and -sisters. I dote on the baby. I love the Fens. -I cannot believe that any other portion of God's -world can be worth living in. I am sure none -will be more beautiful in my eyes than the fens -of Ely. Nevertheless, give me the portion of -goods that falleth to me, and let me go.'</p> - -<p>'But for what do you want to be off?'</p> - -<p>'Why, father, mother,' says the young man, -'I want to be a Cheap Jack. Ever since I was -a child I have loved to drive bargains.'</p> - -<p>'Let him go,' says Zita. 'There are some -things we have never found a use for here. -There's that box of scents; there's the garden -syringe. It is a sad pity so much capital should -lie idle.'</p> - -<p>'Father,' says the young man, 'I feel as -though I must go. I do not say I shall be a -Cheap Jack all my days.'</p> - -<p>'Why, I had such grand views for you, Jim; -I thought I would send you to college, and I -hoped some day you might even try and get -into Parliament.'</p> - -<p>'Mark,'—it is Zita who speaks,—'I was a -rambling girl once, a sort of a vagabond, going -over the country selling my goods; but I have -become stationary, like the van, stuck in the fen -peat. I have not stirred for many a year, and -have never desired to rove out of the Fens any -more. It will be the same with Jim. He has - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[401]</a></span> - -it in his bones. It will do him an amazing -lot of good. He'll get to know the General -Public.'</p> - -<p>'That is it, father,' says James. 'I seems as -if I never could be happy and easy in my mind -till I've done a stroke of business with that there -Public. And I sees my way to it. There's -abundance of thistles growing about the edges -of the drains. I wants to cut 'em down.'</p> - -<p>'Well, cut 'em. That need not take you away.'</p> - -<p>'Father, I wants to make the General Public -eat 'em, and pay for the privilege. I've heard -in my sleep a voice in my ear that I do believe -comes from the General Public, saying, -"Jim! Jim! give us thistles!" And the wind -always whistles to the same tune. And the -thunder rolling seems to be the voice of the -General Public, braying, "Give us thistles!" -And, father, even the very bees when they hum -about the flowers seem to convey to me in a -whisper the message, as from a lover, but it -comes from the General Public, "Give us thistles. -We are sick for thistledown. 'Tisn't bread we -wants—'tisn't meat—'tis thistledown." I can't -say exactly how I'll dispose of it to them,—whether -rolled up in pills, or stuffed in feather -beds,—but I know the Public will buy thistles -in any disguise. And then, father, think of the -profits.'</p> - -<p>'Mark,' said Zita, 'let him go. Cheap-jacking -is an edication. It teaches a chap to know the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[402]</a></span> - -General Public, what to lay on his back, how to -tickle his ears, what you can make him swallow. -If you think of making Jim a mimber of Parliament, -there is no school, no college more suitable -than the Cheap Jack's van. Let him go, Mark. -He's a good boy—he'll come to no harm. He'll -settle down the better after it, and he'll enjoy -himself—"tremenjous."'</p> - -<div class="topspace4"></div> - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - -<div class="topspace4"></div> - -<p class="center">PRINTED BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[1]</a></span></p> -</div> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<h2 id="A_CATALOGUE_OF_BOOKS">A CATALOGUE OF BOOKS<br /> -<span class="smaller">AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF<br /> -METHUEN AND COMPANY<br /> -PUBLISHERS : LONDON<br /> -36 ESSEX STREET<br /> -W.C.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"><span class="large">CONTENTS</span></p> - -<table summary="catalogue"> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> </td> -<td class="tdr">PAGE</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">FORTHCOMING BOOKS,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#FORTHCOMING_BOOKS">2</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">BELLES LETTRES, ANTHOLOGIES, ETC.,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#BELLES_LETTRES_ANTHOLOGIES">5</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">POETRY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#POETRY">7</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">ILLUSTRATED AND GIFT BOOKS,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#ILLUSTRATED_AND_GIFT_BOOKS">14</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">HISTORY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#HISTORY">15</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">BIOGRAPHY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#BIOGRAPHY">17</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">TRAVEL, ADVENTURE AND TOPOGRAPHY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#TRAVEL_ADVENTURE_AND_TOPOGRAPHY">18</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">NAVAL AND MILITARY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#NAVAL_AND_MILITARY">20</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">GENERAL LITERATURE,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#GENERAL_LITERATURE">22</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">PHILOSOPHY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#PHILOSOPHY">24</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">THEOLOGY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#THEOLOGY">24</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">FICTION,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#FICTION">29</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#BOOKS_FOR_BOYS_AND_GIRLS">39</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">THE PEACOCK LIBRARY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#THE_PEACOCK_LIBRARY">39</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERIES,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#UNIVERSITY_EXTENSION_SERIES">39</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">SOCIAL QUESTIONS OF TODAY,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#SOCIAL_QUESTIONS_OF_TODAY">40</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">CLASSICAL TRANSLATIONS,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#CLASSICAL_TRANSLATIONS">41</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl">EDUCATIONAL BOOKS,</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#EDUCATIONAL_BOOKS">42</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<p class="center"><span class="large">OCTOBER 1900</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[2]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="p53"><span class="smcap">October 1900</span><br /></p> -<h2 id="FORTHCOMING_BOOKS"><span class="xxlarge">Messrs. Methuen's</span><br /> -<span class="large">ANNOUNCEMENTS</span> -</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_deco.png" alt="Decorated Bar" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Travel, Adventure and Topography</span></h3> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE INDIAN BORDERLAND:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Being a Personal Record -of Twenty Years. By Sir <span class="smcap">T. H. Holdich</span>, K.C.I.E. Illustrated. -<i>Demy 8vo. 15s. net.</i></p> - -<p>This book is a personal record of the author's connection with those military and -political expeditions which, during the last twenty years, have led to the consolidation -of our present position in the North-West frontier of India. It is -a personal history of trans-frontier surveys and boundary demarcations, commencing -with Penjdeh and ending with the Pamirs, Chitral, and Tirah.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>MODERN ABYSSYNIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. B. Wylde</span>. With a Map and -a Portrait. <i>Demy 8vo. 15s. net.</i></p> - -<p>An important and comprehensive account of Abyssinia by a traveller who knows -the country intimately, and has had the privilege of the friendship of King -Menelik.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p class="psub"><i>Revised by Commanding Officers.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE HISTORY OF THE BOER WAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. H. E. Cunliffe</span>, -Fellow of All Souls' College, Oxford. With many Illustrations, -Plans, and Portraits. Vol. I. <i>Quarto. 15s.</i> Also in Fortnightly -Parts, <i>1s. each.</i></p> - -<p>The first volume of this important work is nearly ready. When complete, this book -will give an elaborate and connected account of the military operations in South -Africa from the declaration to the end of the present war. It must remain for some -years the standard History of the War. Messrs. Methuen have been fortunate -enough to secure the co-operation of many commanding officers in the revision -of the various chapters.<br /> -The History is finely illustrated.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A PRISONER OF WAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Colonel A. Schiel</span>. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> -<p>This remarkable book contains the experiences of a well-known foreign officer of -the Boer Army—from 1896 to 1900—both as a Boer officer and as a prisoner in British -hands. Colonel Schiel, who was captured at Elandslaagte, was a confidential -military adviser of the Transvaal Government, and his story will cause a sensation.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>DARTMOOR:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>A Descriptive and Historical Sketch. By <span class="smcap">S. -Baring Gould</span>. With Plans and Numerous Illustrations. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This book attempts to give to the visitor a descriptive history of the antiquities and -natural features of this district. It is profusely illustrated from paintings and from -photographs. Plans are also given of the chief antiquities. The book is uniform -with the author's well-known <cite>Book of the West</cite>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Angus Hamilton</span>. With -many Illustrations. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This is a vivid, accurate, and humorous narrative of the great siege by the well-known -Correspondent of the <i>Times</i>. Mr. Hamilton is not only an admirable -writer, but an excellent fighter, and he took an active part in the defence of the town. -His narrative of the siege is acknowledged to be far superior to any other account.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[3]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PEOPLE OF CHINA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. W. Robertson-Scott</span>. -With a Map. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This book of 200 pages contains a complete account of the history, races, government, -religion, social life, army, commerce, and attitude to foreigners of the Chinese.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE RELIEF OF MAFEKING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Filson Young</span>. With -Maps and Illustrations. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This book gives a spirited and vigorous account of the work accomplished by -Mahon's flying column and its relief of Mafeking. It also relates the defeat of -Colonel Villebois and his death. The book deals in the main with episodes in -the war which have not yet been described in any work.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WITH THE BOER FORCES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Howard C. Hillegas</span>. -With 16 Illustrations. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This highly interesting book is a narrative of the episodes of the Boer war by a correspondent -with the Boer army. Mr. Hillegas was present at many of the most -exciting and most dramatic episodes of the war. He was with the force which -attempted to relieve Cronje at Paardeberg, was present during a considerable -part of the siege of Ladysmith, at the battle of Colenso, at the surprise of Sanna's -Post. His book, written with dramatic vigour, is a spirited description of the -Boer methods, of their military strength, and contains vivid character sketches of -most of the Boer leaders with whom Mr. Hillegas was on terms of fairly intimate -friendship. This book, though written by one who sympathises with the Boers, -is permeated by a spirit of chivalry, and it contains little that can offend the most -sensitive of Englishmen. It throws a flood of light on many of the episodes -which have been mysterious, and explains the secrets of the many successes which -the Boers have won.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">History and Biography</span></h3> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE LETTERS OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON TO HIS FAMILY<br />AND FRIENDS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited with an Introduction and -Notes by <span class="smcap">Sidney Colvin</span>. Fourth Edition. <i>Two volumes. Crown -8vo. 12s.</i></p> - -<p>This is a completely new edition of the famous Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, -published in 1899.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF SIR JOHN EVERETT MILLAIS,<br />President of the Royal Academy.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By his son <span class="smcap">J. G. -Millais</span>. With over 300 Illustrations, of which 9 are in Photogravure. -Cheaper Edition, Revised. <i>Two volumes. Royal 8vo. -20s. net.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE WALKERS OF SOUTHGATE: Being the Chronicles of a Cricketing Family.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. A. Bettesworth</span>. Illustrated. <i>Demy -8vo. 15s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A HISTORY OF EGYPT, <span class="smcap">from the Earliest Times to the Present Day</span>.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>, D.C.L., -LL.D., Professor of Egyptology at University College. Fully Illustrated. -In Six Volumes. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s. each.</i></p> - -<p>Vol. VI. <span class="smcap">Egypt under the Saracens.</span> By <span class="smcap">Stanley Lane-Poole</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Illustrated and Gift Books</span></h3> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE LIVELY CITY OF LIGG.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Gelett Burgess</span>. With -53 Illustrations, 8 of which are coloured. <i>Small 4to. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[4]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>GOOP BABIES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Gelett Burgess</span>.</p> -<p>With numerous Illustrations. <i>Small 4to. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE EARLY POEMS OF ALFRED LORD TENNYSON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, with Notes and an Introduction by <span class="smcap">J. Churton Collins</span>, -M. A. With 10 Illustrations in Photogravure by <span class="smcap">W. E. F. Britten</span>. -<i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This beautiful edition contains ten charming sketches by Mr. Britten, reproduced in -the highest style of Photogravure.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>NURSERY RHYMES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With many Coloured Pictures by -<span class="smcap">F. D. Bedford</span>. <i>Super Royal 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'An excellent selection of the best known rhymes, with beautifully coloured pictures -exquisitely printed.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Theology</span></h3> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION IN ENGLAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alfred Caldecott</span>, D.D. <i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -<p class="right">[<i>Handbooks of Theology.</i></p> -<p>A complete history and description of the various philosophies of religion which have -been formulated during the last few centuries in England and America.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ST. PAUL'S SECOND AND THIRD EPISTLES TO THE -CORINTHIANS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Introduction, Dissertations, and Notes by -<span class="smcap">James Houghton Kennedy</span>, D.D., Assistant Lecturer in Divinity -in the University of Dublin. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SOUL OF A CHRISTIAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. S. Granger</span>, M.A., -Litt. D. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>Professor Granger abandons the conventional method of psychology by which the -individual is taken alone, and instead, he regards him as sharing in and contributing -to the catholic tradition. Hence the book deals not only with the average -religious life, but also with the less familiar experiences of the mystic, the visionary, -and the symbolist. These experiences furnish a clue to poetic creation in its -various kinds, and further, to the miracles which occur during times of religious -enthusiasm.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h4><span class="large">Oxford Commentaries.</span></h4> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, with an Introduction and Notes, by <span class="smcap">R. B. Rackham</span>, M.A. -<i>Demy 8vo.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h4><span class="large">The Library of Devotion</span></h4> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller"><i>Pott 8vo. Cloth 2s.; leather 2s. 6d. net.</i><br /> -<i>NEW VOLUMES.</i></span></p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A GUIDE TO ETERNITY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Cardinal Bona</span>. Edited -with an Introduction and Notes by <span class="smcap">J. W. Stanbridge</span>, B.D., late -Fellow of St. John's College, Oxford.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PSALMS OF DAVID.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With an Introduction and Notes -by <span class="smcap">B. W. Randolph</span>, D.D., Principal of the Theological College, -Ely.</p> - -<p>A devotional and practical edition of the Prayer Book version of the Psalms.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LYRA APOSTOLICA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With an Introduction by <span class="smcap">Canon Scott -Holland</span>, and Notes by <span class="smcap">H. C. Beeching</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[5]</a></span></p> -<h2 id="BELLES_LETTRES_ANTHOLOGIES"><span class="xlarge">Belles Lettres</span></h2> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Little Guides</span></h3> - -<div class="topspace-1"></div> - -<p class="center"><span class="smaller"><i>Pott 8vo. Cloth, 3s.; leather, 3s. 6d. net.</i></span><br /> -<span class="smaller"><i>NEW VOLUMES.</i></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>WESTMINSTER ABBEY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. E. Troutbeck</span>. Illustrated -by <span class="smcap">F. D. Bedford</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>SUSSEX.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. G. Brabant</span>, M.A. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">E. H. New.</span></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Little Biographies</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller"><i>Fcap. 8vo. Each Volume, cloth 3s. 6d.; leather, 4s. net.</i></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> - -<p><span class="smcap">Messrs. Methuen</span> will publish shortly the first two volumes of a new -series bearing the above title. Each book will contain the biography of a -character famous in war, art, literature or science, and will be written by -an acknowledged expert. The books will be charmingly produced and -will be well illustrated. They will make delightful gift books.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE LIFE OF DANTE ALIGHIERI.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Paget Toynbee</span>. -With 10 Illustrations.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE LIFE OF SAVONAROLA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. L. Horsburgh</span>, M.A.. -With Portraits and Illustrations.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Works of Shakespeare</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">New volumes uniform with Professor Dowden's <cite>Hamlet</cite>.</span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer3"> -<p>ROMEO AND JULIET.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">Edward Dowden</span>, Litt.D.<br /> -<i>Demy 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer3"> -<p>KING LEAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">W. J. Craig</span>.<br /><i>Demy 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Methuen's Standard Library</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>MEMOIRS OF MY LIFE AND WRITINGS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Edward -Gibbon</span>. Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by <span class="smcap">G. Birkbeck -Hill</span>, LL.D. <i>Crown 8vo. Gilt top. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE LETTERS OF LORD CHESTERFIELD TO HIS SON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by <span class="smcap">C. Strachey</span> and -<span class="smcap">A. Calthrop</span>. <i>Two volumes. Crown 8vo. Gilt top. 6s. each.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[6]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Novels of Charles Dickens</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">With Introductions by <span class="smcap">George Gissing</span>, Notes by <span class="smcap">F. G. Kitton</span>, -and Illustrations.<br /> -<span class="smaller"><i>Crown 8vo. Each Volume, cloth 3s. net, leather 4s. 6d. net.</i></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p class="p10">The first volumes are:</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE PICKWICK PAPERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">E. H. New</span>.<br /> -<i>Two Volumes.</i> -[<i>Ready.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>NICHOLAS NICKLEBY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">R. J. Williams</span>.<br /> -<i>Two Volumes.</i> -[<i>Ready.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>BLEAK HOUSE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Beatrice Alcock</span>.<br /> -<i>Two Volumes.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>OLIVER TWIST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">E. H. New</span>.<br /> -<i>One Volume.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Little Library</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p class="center">With Introductions, Notes, and Photogravure Frontispieces. -<span class="smaller"><i>Pott 8vo. Each Volume, cloth 1s. 6d. net.; leather 2s. 6d. net.</i> -<i>NEW VOLUMES.</i></span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE EARLY POEMS OF ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">J. C. Collins</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>MAUD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alfred, Lord Tennyson</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">Elizabeth -Wordsworth</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A LITTLE BOOK OF ENGLISH LYRICS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Notes.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Jane Austen</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">E. V. Lucas</span>. <i>Two Volumes.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PENDENNIS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. Thackeray</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">S. Gwynn</span>. -<i>Three volumes.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>EOTHEN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. W. Kinglake</span>. With an Introduction and Notes.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LAVENGRO.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">George Borrow</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">F. Hindes Groome</span>. 2 Volumes.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CRANFORD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Gaskell</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">E. V. Lucas</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE INFERNO OF DANTE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">H. F. Cary</span>. -Edited by <span class="smcap">Paget Toynbee</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Craik</span>. Edited -by <span class="smcap">Annie Matheson</span>. <i>Two volumes.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A LITTLE BOOK OF SCOTTISH VERSE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Arranged and -Edited by <span class="smcap">T. F. Henderson</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A LITTLE BOOK OF ENGLISH PROSE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Arranged and -Edited by Mrs. <span class="smcap">P. A. Barnett</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[7]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="POETRY"><span class="xlarge">Poetry</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WRIT IN BARRACKS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Edgar Wallace</span>. <i>Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>Mr. Edgar Wallace, a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps, is a follower of -Mr. Kipling, and his ballads of soldier life and sufferings are well-known in South -Africa. They are spirited, pathetic, and true, and at the present time they should -enjoy a considerable popularity.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by -<span class="smcap">Edward FitzGerald</span>, with a Commentary by <span class="smcap">H. M. Batson</span>, and -a Biography of Omar by <span class="smcap">E. D. Ross</span>. 6<i>s.</i></p> - -<p>This edition of the famous book, the text of which is printed by permission of Messrs. -Macmillan, is the most complete in existence. It contains FitzGerald's last text, -and a very full commentary on each stanza. Professor Ross, who is an admirable -Persian scholar, contributes a biography, containing many new, valuable, and -interesting facts.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Scientific and Educational</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CAPTIVI OF PLAUTUS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, with an Introduction, -Textual Notes, and a Commentary, by <span class="smcap">W. M. Lindsay</span>, Fellow of -Jesus College, Oxford. <i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.</i></p> -<p>For this edition all the important MSS. have been re-collated. An appendix deals -with the accentual element in early Latin verse. The Commentary is very full.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CONSTRUCTION OF LARGE INDUCTION COILS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. T. Hare</span>, M.A. With numerous Diagrams. <i>Demy 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SCIENCE OF HYGIENE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. C. C. Pakes</span>, Guy's -Hospital. With many illustrations. <i>Demy 8vo. 15s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PRINCIPLES OF MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY:</p> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">An Elementary Text-Book</span>. By <span class="smcap">P. L. Gray</span>, B.Sc., -formerly Lecturer on Physics in Mason University College, Birmingham. -With numerous diagrams. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LACE-MAKING IN THE MIDLANDS, PAST AND PRESENT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. C. Channer</span> and <span class="smcap">M. E. Roberts</span>. With 16 -full-page Illustrations. <i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AGRICULTURAL ZOOLOGY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Dr. <span class="smcap">J. Ritzema Bos</span>. -Translated by <span class="smcap">J. R. Ainsworth Davis</span>, M.A. With an Introduction -by <span class="smcap">Eleanor A. Ormerod</span>, F.E.S. With 155 Illustrations. -<i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A SOUTH AFRICAN ARITHMETIC.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Henry Hill</span>, -B.A., Assistant Master at Worcester School, Cape Colony. <i>Crown -8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This book has been specially written for use in South African schools.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A GERMAN COMMERCIAL READER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Bally</span>, M.A. -<i>Crown 8vo. 2s.</i> </p> -<p class="right">[<i>Methuen's Commercial Series.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[8]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Fiction</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE MASTER CHRISTIAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Marie Corelli</span>. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>QUISANTE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Anthony Hope</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A MASTER OF CRAFT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. W. Jacobs</span>, Author of -'Many Cargoes.' With 12 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W. Owen</span>. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE GATELESS BARRIER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lucas Malet</span>, Author -'The Wages of Sin.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CUNNING MURRELL.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Arthur Morrison</span>, Author of -'A Child of the Jago,' etc. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>FOR BRITAIN'S SOLDIERS:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Stories for the War Fund. By -<span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling</span> and Others. Edited by <span class="smcap">C. J. Cutcliffe -Hyne</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>A volume of stories, the proceeds of which will be given to the War Fund. -Among the contributors are:—Rudyard Kipling, Sir W. Besant, S. R. Crockett, -A. E. W. Mason, Max Pemberton, H. G. Wells, C. J. C. Hyne, Mrs. Croker.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE FOOTSTEPS OF A THRONE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Max Pemberton</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SONS OF THE MORNING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Eden Phillpotts</span>, Author -of 'The Children of the Mist.' With a frontispiece. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SOFT SIDE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Henry James</span>, Author of 'What Maisie -Knew.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>TONGUES OF CONSCIENCE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Hitchens</span>, Author -of 'Flames.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CONQUEST OF LONDON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Dorothea Gerard</span>, -Author of 'Lady Baby.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WOUNDS IN THE RAIN:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>A Collection of Stories relating -to the Spanish-American War of 1898. By <span class="smcap">Stephen Crane</span>, -Author of 'The Red Badge of Courage.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WINEFRED.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>, Author of 'Mehalah.' -With 8 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Edgar Bundy</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE STRONG ARM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Barr</span>, Author of 'The -Countess Tekla.' Illustrated. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Richard Marsh</span>. -Author of 'The Beetle,' 'Marvels and Mysteries,' etc. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[9]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SERVANTS OF SIN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Bloundelle Burton</span>, Author -'The Clash of Arms.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PATH AND GOAL.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Ada Cambridge</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ELMSLIE'S DRAG-NET.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. H. Strain</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A FOREST OFFICER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Penny</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i> -A story of jungle life in India.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>FITZJAMES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lilian Street</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Novelist</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A monthly series of novels by popular authors at Sixpence. Each -Number is as long as the average Six Shilling Novel. Numbers I. to -XII. are now ready:—</p> -</div> - -<table summary="Novelist"> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIII.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE POMP OF THE LAVILETTES. </td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Gilbert Parker.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIV.</td> -<td class="tdl">A MAN OF MARK.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Anthony Hope.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XV.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE CARISSIMA.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Lucas Malet.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVI.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE LADY'S WALK.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Oliphant. </span>[<i>October.</i></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVII.</td> -<td class="tdl">DERRICK VAUGHAN.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Edna Lyall.</span> [<i>November.</i></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Methuen's Sixpenny Library</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>A New Series of Copyright Books.</i></p> - -<table summary="sixpenny"> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">I.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE MATABELE CAMPAIGN.</td> -<td class="tdl"> Maj.-General <span class="smcap">Baden-Powell</span>.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">II.</td> -<td class="tdl">THE DOWNFALL OF PREMPEH.</td> -<td class="tdc">Do.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">III.</td> -<td class="tdl">MY DANISH SWEETHEART.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">W. Clark Russell.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IV.</td> -<td class="tdl">IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">V.</td> -<td class="tdl">PEGGY OF THE BARTONS.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">B. M. Croker.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VI.</td> -<td class="tdl">BADEN-POWELL OF MAFEKING: a Biography. </td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">J. S. Fletcher.</span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VII.</td> -<td class="tdl">ROBERTS OF PRETORIA.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">J. S. Fletcher.</span></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[10]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="A_CATALOGUE_OF"><span class="small">A CATALOGUE OF</span><br /> -<span class="xlarge"><span class="smcap"> Messrs. Methuen's</span></span><br /> -<span class="smaller">PUBLICATIONS</span></h2> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_deco.png" alt="Decorated Bar" /> -</div> - -<div class="topspace-2"></div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Poetry</span></h3> - - -<p class="center"><b>Rudyard Kipling.</b> BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS.<br /> -By <span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling</span>. -<i>68th Thousand. Crown 8vo. 6s. -Leather, 6s. net.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>'Mr. Kipling's verse is strong, vivid, full -of character.... Unmistakable genius -rings in every line.'—<i>Times.</i></p> - -<p>'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?'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</div> - - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Rudyard Kipling.</b> THE SEVEN SEAS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling</span>. -<i>57th Thousand. Cr. 8vo. Buckram, -gilt top. 6s. Leather, 6s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'The Empire has found a singer; it is no -depreciation of the songs to say that -statesmen may have, one way or other, -to take account of them.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> - -<p>'Animated through and through with indubitable -genius.'—<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>"Q."</b> POEMS AND BALLADS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By "Q." <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>"Q."</b> GREEN BAYS:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Verses and Parodies. By "Q." <i>Second Edition, -Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. Mackay.</b> A SONG OF THE SEA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Eric Mackay</span>. <i>Second Edition. -Fcap. 8vo. 5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. Ibsen.</b> BRAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>A Drama by <span class="smcap">Henrik Ibsen</span>. Translated by -<span class="smcap">William Wilson</span>. <i>Third Edition. -Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. D. Godley.</b> LYRA FRIVOLA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. D. Godley</span>, M.A., Fellow of -Magdalen College, Oxford. <i>Third -Edition. Pott 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Combines a pretty wit with remarkably -neat versification.... Every one will -wish there was more of it.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. D. Godley.</b> VERSES TO ORDER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. D. Godley</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. -2s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>'A capital specimen of light academic -poetry.'—<i>St. James's Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. G. Cordery.</b> THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>A Translation by <span class="smcap">J. G. -Cordery</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[11]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Belles Lettres, Anthologies, etc.</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. L. Stevenson.</b> VAILIMA LETTERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Louis Stevenson</span>. -With an Etched Portrait by -<span class="smcap">William Strang</span>. <i>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A fascinating book.'—<i>Standard.</i></p> - -<p>'Unique in Literature.'—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>G. Wyndham.</b> THE POEMS OF WILLIAM -SHAKESPEARE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited with an Introduction and Notes by -<span class="smcap">George Wyndham</span>, M.P. <i>Demy -8vo. Buckram, gilt top. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This edition contains the 'Venus,' 'Lucrece,' -and Sonnets, and is prefaced with an -elaborate introduction of over 140 pp.</p> - -<p>'We have no hesitation in describing Mr. -George Wyndham's introduction as a -masterly piece of criticism, and all who -love our Elizabethan literature will find a -very garden of delight in it.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Henley.</b> ENGLISH LYRICS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Selected and Edited by <span class="smcap">W. E. -Henley</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. Gilt top. -3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'It is a body of choice and lovely poetry.'—<i>Birmingham -Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Henley and Whibley.</b> A BOOK OF -ENGLISH PROSE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Collected by <span class="smcap">W. E. Henley</span> and <span class="smcap">Charles -Whibley</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. Buckram, -gilt top. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. C. Beeching.</b> LYRA SACRA:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>An Anthology of Sacred Verse. Edited -by <span class="smcap">H. C. Beeching</span>, M.A. <i>Crown -8vo. Buckram. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A charming selection, which maintains a -lofty standard of excellence.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>"Q."</b> THE GOLDEN POMP.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>A Procession of English Lyrics. Arranged -by <span class="smcap">A. T. Quiller Couch</span>. <i>Crown -8vo. Buckram. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. B. Yeats.</b> AN ANTHOLOGY OF IRISH VERSE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">W. B. -Yeats</span>. <i>Revised and Enlarged -Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'An attractive and catholic selection.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>G. W. Steevens.</b> MONOLOGUES OF THE DEAD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. W. Steevens</span>. -<i>Foolscap 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. M. Dixon.</b> A PRIMER OF TENNYSON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. Dixon</span>, -M.A. <i>Cr. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Much sound and well-expressed criticism. -The bibliography is a boon.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. A. Craigie.</b> A PRIMER OF BURNS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. A. Craigie</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'A valuable addition to the literature of the -poet.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>L. Magnus.</b> A PRIMER OF WORDSWORTH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Laurie Magnus</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'A valuable contribution to Wordsworthian -literature.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Sterne.</b> THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lawrence Sterne</span>. With an Introduction -by <span class="smcap">Charles Whibley</span>, -and a Portrait. <i>2 vols. 7s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Congreve.</b> THE COMEDIES OF WILLIAM CONGREVE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With an Introduction by <span class="smcap">G. S. Street</span>, and -a Portrait. <i>2 vols. 7s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Morier.</b> THE ADVENTURES OF HAJJI BABA OF ISPAHAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">James Morier</span>. With an Introduction -by <span class="smcap">E. G. Browne</span>, M.A. and a -Portrait. <i>2 vols. 7s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Walton.</b> THE LIVES OF DONNE, WOTTON, HOOKER, HERBERT and SANDERSON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Izaak Walton</span>. With an Introduction by -<span class="smcap">Vernon Blackburn</span>, and a Portrait. -<i>3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Johnson.</b> THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Samuel Johnson</span>, LL.D. With an Introduction -by <span class="smcap">J. H. Millar</span>, and a Portrait. -<i>3 vols. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Burns.</b> THE POEMS OF ROBERT BURNS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">Andrew Lang</span> -and <span class="smcap">W. A. Craigie</span>. With Portrait. -<i>Second Edition. Demy 8vo, gilt top. -6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Among editions in one volume, this will -take the place of authority.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[12]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. Langbridge.</b> BALLADS OF THE BRAVE;</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Poems of Chivalry, Enterprise, -Courage, and Constancy. -Edited by Rev. <span class="smcap">F. Langbridge.</span> -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i> -<i>School Edition. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'The book is full of splendid things.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Methuen's Standard Library</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Dante.</b> LA COMMEDIA DI DANTE ALIGHIERI.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>The Italian Text edited by <span class="smcap">Paget Toynbee</span>, -M.A. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A carefully-revised text, printed with -beautiful clearness.'—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Gibbon.</b> THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Edward Gibbon</span>. A New Edition, -Edited with Notes, Appendices, -and Maps, by <span class="smcap">J. B. Bury</span>, LL.D., -Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. -<i>In Seven Volumes. Demy 8vo. Gilt -top. 8s. 6d. each. Also Cr. 8vo. 6s. -each.</i></p> - -<p>'The time has certainly arrived for a new -edition of Gibbon's great work.... Professor -Bury is the right man to undertake -this task. His learning is amazing, -both in extent and accuracy. The book -is issued in a handy form, and at a -moderate price, and it is admirably -printed.'—<i>Times.</i></p> - -<p>'At last there is an adequate modern edition -of Gibbon.... The best edition the -nineteenth century could produce.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> - -<p>'A great piece of editing.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> - -<p>'The greatest of English, perhaps of all, -historians has never been presented to -the public in a more convenient and -attractive form. No higher praise can -be bestowed upon Professor Bury than -to say, as may be said with truth, that -he is worthy of being ranked with Guizot -and Milman.'—<i>Daily News.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. G. Crump.</b> THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF THOMAS ELLWOOD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">C. G. Crump</span>, -M.A. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This edition is the only one which contains -the complete book as originally published. -It contains a long Introduction -and many Footnotes.</p> - -<p>'"The History of Thomas Ellwood" holds a -high place among the masterpieces of -autobiography, and we know few books -that better deserve reprinting. Moreover, -Mr. C. G. Crump's new edition is -accurate and convenient, and we commend -it ungrudgingly to all those who -love sound and vigorous English.'—<i>Daily Mail.</i><br /> -</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Tennyson.</b> THE EARLY POEMS OF ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON,</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, with Notes and an Introduction -by <span class="smcap">J. Churton Collins</span>, M.A. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>An elaborate edition of the celebrated -volume which was published in its -final and definitive form in 1853. This -edition contains a long Introduction and -copious Notes, textual and explanatory. -It also contains in an Appendix all -the Poems which Tennyson afterwards -omitted.</p> - -<p>'Mr. Collins is almost an ideal editor of -Tennyson. His qualities as a critic are -an exact and accurate scholarship, and -a literary judgment, which has been -trained and polished by the closest study -of classics both ancient and modern. -Mr. Collins' introduction is a thoroughly -sound and sane appreciation of the -merits and demerits of Tennyson.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Works of Shakespeare</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">General Editor, <span class="smcap">Edward Dowden</span>, Litt.D.</p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><span class="smcap">Messrs. Methuen</span> have in preparation an Edition of Shakespeare in -single Plays. Each play will be edited with a full Introduction, Textual -Notes, and a Commentary at the foot of the page.</p> - -<p>The first volume is:</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>HAMLET.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">Edward -Dowden</span>. <i>Demy 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'An admirable edition.... A comely -volume, admirably printed and produced, -and containing all that a student of -"Hamlet" need require.'-<i>-Speaker.</i></p> - -<p>'Fully up to the level of recent scholarship, -both English and German.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[13]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Novels of Charles Dickens</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo. Each Volume, cloth 3s. net; leather 4s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>Messrs. <span class="smcap">Methuen</span> have in preparation an edition of those novels of Charles -Dickens which have now passed out of copyright. Mr. George Gissing, -whose critical study of Dickens is both sympathetic and acute, has written an -Introduction to each of the books, and a very attractive feature of this edition -will be the illustrations of the old houses, inns, and buildings, which Dickens -described, and which have now in many instances disappeared under the -touch of modern civilisation. Another valuable feature will be a series of -topographical and general notes to each book by Mr. F. G. Kitton. The books -will be produced with the greatest care as to printing, paper and binding.</p> - -<p>The first volumes are:</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PICKWICK PAPERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">E. H. New</span>. <i>Two Volumes.</i></p> - -<p>'As pleasant a copy as any one could desire. The notes add much to the value of the -edition, and Mr. New's illustrations are also historical. The volumes promise well -for the success of the edition.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Little Library</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>'The volumes are compact in size, printed on thin but good paper in clear type, -prettily and at the same time strongly bound, and altogether good to look upon and -handle.'—<i>Outlook.</i></p> - -<p class="center"><i>Pott 8vo. Each Volume, cloth 1s. 6d. net, leather 2s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>Messrs. <span class="smcap">Methuen</span> intend to produce a series of small books under the -above title, containing some of the famous books in English and other -literatures, in the domains of fiction, poetry, and belles lettres. The series -will also contain several volumes of selections in prose and verse.</p> - -<p>The books will be edited with the most sympathetic and scholarly care. -Each one will contain an Introduction which will give (1) a short biography of -the author, (2) a critical estimate of the book. Where they are necessary, -short notes will be added at the foot of the page.</p> - -<p>Each book will have a portrait or frontispiece in photogravure, and the -volumes will be produced with great care in a style uniform with that of 'The -Library of Devotion.'</p> - -<p>The first volumes are:</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>VANITY FAIR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. Thackeray</span>. -With an Introduction by <span class="smcap">S. -Gwynn</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">G. P. -Jacomb Hood</span>. <i>Three Volumes.</i></p> - -<p>'Delightful little volumes.'—<i>Publishers' -Circular.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PRINCESS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alfred, Lord -Tennyson</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">Elizabeth -Wordsworth</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">W. -E. F. Britten</span>.</p> - -<p>'Just what a pocket edition should be. -Miss Wordsworth contributes an acceptable -introduction, as well as notes which -one is equally glad to get.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>IN MEMORIAM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alfred, Lord -Tennyson</span>. Edited, with an Introduction -and Notes, by <span class="smcap">H. C. Beeching</span>, -M.A.</p> - -<p>'An exquisite little volume, which will be -gladly welcomed.'—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> - -<p>'The introduction, analysis, and notes by -the Rev. H. C. Beeching are all of the -sound literary quality that was to be -expected.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> - -<p>'The footnotes are scholarly, interesting, -and not super-abundant.'—<i>Standard.</i></p> - -<p>'It is difficult to conceive a more attractive -edition.'—<i>St. James's Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[14]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Little Guides</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller"><i>Pott 8vo, cloth 3s.; leather, 3s. 6d. net.</i></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>OXFORD AND ITS COLLEGES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Wells</span>, M.A., Fellow and -Tutor of Wadham College. Illustrated -by <span class="smcap">E. H. New</span>. <i>Third Edition.</i></p> - -<p>'An admirable and accurate little treatise, -attractively illustrated.'—<i>World.</i></p> - -<p>'A luminous and tasteful little volume.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CAMBRIDGE AND ITS COLLEGES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Hamilton Thompson</span>. -Illustrated by <span class="smcap">E. H. New</span>.</p> - -<p>'It is brightly written and learned, and is -just such a book as a cultured visitor -needs.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SHAKESPEARE'S COUNTRY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">B. C. Windle</span>, F.R.S., M.A. Illustrated -by <span class="smcap">E. H. New</span>. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Windle is thoroughly conversant with -his subject, and the work is exceedingly -well done. The drawings, by Mr. -Edmund H. New, add much to the -attractiveness of the volume.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'One of the most charming guide books. -Both for the library and as a travelling -companion the book is equally choice -and serviceable.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> - -<p>'A guide book of the best kind, which -takes rank as literature.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 id="ILLUSTRATED_AND_GIFT_BOOKS"><span class="xlarge">Illustrated and Gift Books</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Phil May.</b> THE PHIL MAY ALBUM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>4to. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'There is a laugh in each drawing.'—<i>Standard.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. H. Milne.</b> ULYSSES; OR, DE ROUGEMONT OF TROY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Described and depicted by <span class="smcap">A. H. Milne</span>. -<i>Small quarto. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'Clever, droll, smart.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Edmund Selous.</b> TOMMY SMITH'S ANIMALS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Edmund Selous</span>. -Illustrated by <span class="smcap">G. W. Ord</span>. <i>Fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>A little book designed to teach children -respect and reverence for animals.</p> - -<p>'A quaint, fascinating little book: a nursery -classic.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> THE CROCK OF GOLD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Fairy Stories told by <span class="smcap">S. -Baring Gould</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Twelve delightful fairy tales.'—<i>Punch.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>M. L. Gwynn.</b> A BIRTHDAY BOOK.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Arranged and Edited by <span class="smcap">M. L. -Gwynn</span>. <i>Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This is a birthday-book of exceptional -dignity, and the extracts have been -chosen with particular care.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>John Bunyan.</b> THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">John Bunyan</span>. -Edited, with an Introduction, by <span class="smcap">C. H. -Firth</span>, M.A. With 39 Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">R. Anning Bell</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The best "Pilgrim's Progress."'—<i>Educational Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. D. Bedford.</b> NURSERY RHYMES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With many Coloured Pictures by <span class="smcap">F. -D. Bedford</span>. <i>Super Royal 8vo. 5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES</p> -<blockquote> -<p>retold by <span class="smcap">S. Baring -Gould</span>. With numerous Illustrations -and Initial Letters by <span class="smcap">Arthur -J. Gaskin</span>. <i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. -Buckram. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> OLD ENGLISH FAIRY TALES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Collected and -edited by <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. With -Numerous Illustrations by <span class="smcap">F. D. -Bedford</span>. <i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. -Buckram. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A charming volume.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> A BOOK OF NURSERY SONGS AND RHYMES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">S. Baring -Gould</span>, and Illustrated by the Birmingham -Art School. <i>Buckram, gilt -top. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. C. Beeching.</b> A BOOK OF CHRISTMAS VERSE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">H. C. Beeching</span>, M.A., and Illustrated -by <span class="smcap">Walter Crane</span>. <i>Cr. 8vo, gilt top. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[15]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="HISTORY"><span class="xlarge">History</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> A HISTORY OF EGYPT, <span class="smcap">from the Earliest Times -to the Present Day</span>.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by -<span class="smcap">W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>, D.C.L., -LL.D., Professor of Egyptology at -University College. <i>Fully Illustrated. -In Six Volumes. Cr. 8vo. 6s. each.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. I.</span><span class="smcap"> Prehistoric Times to XVIth Dynasty.</span></p> -<p class="p2">W. M. F. Petrie. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. II. </span> -<span class="smcap">The XVIIth and XVIIIth Dynasties.</span></p> -<p class="p2">W. M. F. Petrie. <i>Third Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. IV.</span> <span class="smcap">The Egypt of the -Ptolemies.</span></p> -<p class="p2">J. P. Mahaffy.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. V. </span> <span class="smcap">Roman Egypt.</span></p> -<p class="p2">J. G. Milne.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>'A history written in the spirit of scientific -precision so worthily represented by Dr. -Petrie and his school cannot but promote -sound and accurate study, and -supply a vacant place in the English -literature of Egyptology.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> RELIGION AND CONSCIENCE IN ANCIENT EGYPT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>, D.C.L., LL.D.</p> -<p>Fully Illustrated. <i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'The lectures will afford a fund of valuable -information for students of ancient -ethics.'—<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> SYRIA AND EGYPT, FROM THE TELL EL AMARNA TABLETS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>, D.C.L., LL.D. -<i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'A marvellous record. The addition made -to our knowledge is nothing short of -amazing.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> EGYPTIAN TALES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">W. M. Flinders Petrie</span>. -Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Tristram Ellis</span>. <i>In -Two Volumes. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d. each.</i></p> - -<p>'Invaluable as a picture of life in Palestine -and Egypt.'—<i>Daily News.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Flinders Petrie.</b> EGYPTIAN DECORATIVE ART.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. Flinders -Petrie</span>. With 120 Illustrations. -<i>Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'In these lectures he displays rare skill in -elucidating the development of decorative -art in Egypt.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. W. Oman.</b> A HISTORY OF THE ART OF WAR. Vol. <span class="smcap">II.</span>:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>The Middle Ages, from the Fourth to the -Fourteenth Century. By <span class="smcap">C. W. -Oman</span>, M.A., Fellow of All Souls', -Oxford. Illustrated. <i>Demy 8vo. 21s.</i></p> - -<p>'The whole art of war in its historic evolution -has never been treated on such an -ample and comprehensive scale, and we -question if any recent contribution to -the exact history of the world has possessed -more enduring value.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> THE TRAGEDY OF THE CÆSARS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>With numerous -Illustrations from Busts, Gems, -Cameos, etc. By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. -<i>Fourth Edition. Royal 8vo. 15s.</i></p> - -<p>'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 Cæsars 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.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. W. Maitland.</b> CANON LAW IN ENGLAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. W. Maitland</span>, -LL.D., Downing Professor of the -Laws of England in the University -of Cambridge. <i>Royal 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Professor Maitland has put students of -English law under a fresh debt. These -essays are landmarks in the study of the -history of Canon Law.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[16]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. de B. Gibbins.</b> INDUSTRY IN ENGLAND: HISTORICAL OUTLINES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. de B. Gibbins</span>, -Litt.D., M.A. With 5 Maps. <i>Second -Edition. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. E. Egerton.</b> A HISTORY OF BRITISH COLONIAL POLICY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. E. Egerton</span>, M.A. <i>Demy -8vo. 12s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'It is a good book, distinguished by accuracy -in detail, clear arrangement of facts, -and a broad grasp of principles.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Albert Sorel.</b> THE EASTERN QUESTION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Albert -Sorel</span>. Translated by <span class="smcap">F. C. Bramwell</span>, -M.A. <i>Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. H. Grinling.</b> A HISTORY OF THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY, 1845-95.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. H. Grinling</span>. -With Illustrations. <i>Demy 8vo. -10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Grinling has done for a Railway what -Macaulay did for English History.'—<i>The -Engineer.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. Sterry.</b> ANNALS OF ETON COLLEGE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. Sterry</span>, M.A. -With numerous Illustrations. <i>Demy -8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'A treasury of quaint and interesting reading. -Mr. Sterry has by his skill and -vivacity given these records new life.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>G. W. Fisher.</b> ANNALS OF SHREWSBURY SCHOOL.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. W. -Fisher</span>, M.A. With numerous Illustrations. -<i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'This careful, erudite book.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>'A book of which Old Salopians are sure -to be proud.'—<i>Globe.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. Sargeaunt.</b> ANNALS OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Sargeaunt</span>, -M.A. With numerous -Illustrations. <i>Demy 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. Clark.</b> THE COLLEGES OF -OXFORD:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Their History and their -Traditions. Edited by <span class="smcap">A. Clark</span>, -M.A., Fellow of Lincoln College. -<i>8vo. 12s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'A work which will be appealed to for -many years as the standard book.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>T. M. Taylor.</b> A CONSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY OF ROME.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">T. M. Taylor</span>, M.A., -Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, -Cambridge. <i>Crown 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'We fully recognise the value of this carefully -written work, and admire especially -the fairness and sobriety of his judgment -and the human interest with which he -has inspired a subject which in some -hands becomes a mere series of cold -abstractions. It is a work that will be -stimulating to the student of Roman -history.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. Wells.</b> A SHORT HISTORY OF ROME.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Wells</span>, M.A., -Fellow and Tutor of Wadham Coll., Oxford. <i>Third Edition.</i> -With 3 Maps. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This book is intended for the Middle and -Upper Forms of Public Schools and for -Pass Students at the Universities. It -contains copious Tables, etc.</p> - -<p>'An original work written on an original -plan, and with uncommon freshness and -vigour.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>O. Browning.</b> A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDIÆVAL ITALY, <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1250-1530.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Oscar Browning</span>, Fellow and Tutor of King's College, -Cambridge. <i>In Two Volumes. Cr. 8vo. 5s. each.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. i.</span> 1250-1409.—Guelphs and Ghibellines.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Vol. ii.</span> 1409-1530.—The Age of -the Condottieri.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>O'Grady.</b> THE STORY OF IRELAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Standish O'Grady</span>, -Author of 'Finn and his Companions.' -<i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[17]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Byzantine Texts</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">Edited by <span class="smcap">J. B. Bury</span>, M.A.</p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ZACHARIAH OF MITYLENE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated into English by <span class="smcap">F. J. -Hamilton</span>, D.D., and <span class="smcap">E. W. -Brooks</span>. <i>Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d. net.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>EVAGRIUS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by Professor -<span class="smcap">Léon Parmentier</span> and <span class="smcap">M. Bidez</span>. -<i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE HISTORY OF PSELLUS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. Sathas</span>. <i>Demy 8vo. 15s. -net.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 id="BIOGRAPHY"><span class="xlarge">Biography</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. L. Stevenson.</b> THE LETTERS OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON -TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Selected and Edited, with Notes and Introductions, by -<span class="smcap">Sidney Colvin</span>. <i>Third Edition. -Demy 8vo, 2 vols., 25s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'Irresistible in their raciness, their variety, -their animation ... of extraordinary -fascination. A delightful inheritance, -the truest record of a "richly compounded -spirit" that the literature of -our time has preserved.'—<i>Times.</i></p> - -<p>'There are few books so interesting, so -moving, and so valuable as this collection -of letters. One can only commend -people to read and re-read the book. The -volumes are beautiful, and Mr. Colvin's -part of the work could not have been -better done, his introduction is a masterpiece.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. G. Millais.</b> THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF SIR JOHN -EVERETT MILLAIS, President of the Royal Academy.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By his Son, <span class="smcap">J. G. Millais</span>. With 319 Illustrations, -of which 9 are in Photogravure. <i>Second Edition. 2 vols, -Royal 8vo, 32s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'The illustrations make the book delightful -to handle or to read. The eye lingers -lovingly upon the beautiful pictures.'—<i>Standard.</i></p> - -<p>'This charming book is a gold mine of good -things.'—<i>Daily News.</i></p> - -<p>'This splendid work.'—<i>World.</i></p> - -<p>'Of such absorbing interest is it, of such -completeness in scope and beauty. -Special tribute must be paid to the -extraordinary completeness of the illustrations.'—<i>Graphic.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. With over 450 -Illustrations in the Text and 12 Photogravure Plates. <i>Large quarto. -Gilt top. 36s.</i></p> - -<p>'The main feature of this gorgeous volume -is its great wealth of beautiful photogravures -and finely executed wood -engravings, constituting a complete -pictorial chronicle of Napoleon I.'s -personal history from the days of his early -childhood at Ajaccio to the date of his -second interment.'—<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>P. H. Colomb.</b> MEMOIRS OF ADMIRAL SIR A. COOPER KEY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Admiral <span class="smcap">P. H. Colomb</span>. With -a Portrait. <i>Demy 8vo. 16s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Morris Fuller.</b> THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF JOHN DAVENANT, -D.D. (1571-1641), Bishop of Salisbury.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Morris Fuller</span>, -B.D. <i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. M. Rigg.</b> ST. ANSELM OF CANTERBURY:</p> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">A Chapter in -the History of Religion</span>. By -<span class="smcap">J. M. Rigg</span>. <i>Demy 8vo, 7s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[18]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. W. Joyce.</b> THE LIFE OF SIR FREDERICK GORE OUSELEY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. W. Joyce</span>, M.A. <i>7s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. G. Collingwood.</b> THE LIFE OF JOHN RUSKIN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. G. Collingwood</span>, M.A. With Portraits, -and 13 Drawings by Mr. Ruskin. <i>Second Edition. 2 vols. -8vo. 32s. Cheap Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. Waldstein.</b> JOHN RUSKIN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Charles Waldstein</span>, M.A. With -a Photogravure Portrait, <i>Post 8vo. 5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. M. F. Darmesteter.</b> THE LIFE OF ERNEST RENAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Madame Darmesteter</span>. With -Portrait. <i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. H. Hutton.</b> THE LIFE OF SIR THOMAS MORE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. H. -Hutton</span>, M.A. With Portraits. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 5s.</i></p> - -<p>'The book lays good claim to high rank -among our biographies. It is excellently, -even lovingly, written.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> THE VICAR OF MORWENSTOW: A Biography.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>, M.A. A -new and Revised Edition. With Portrait. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>A completely new edition of the well known -biography of R. S. Hawker.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 id="TRAVEL_ADVENTURE_AND_TOPOGRAPHY"><span class="xlarge">Travel, Adventure and Topography</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Sven Hedin.</b> THROUGH ASIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Sven Hedin</span>, Gold Medallist of the -Royal Geographical Society. With 300 Illustrations from Sketches -and Photographs by the Author, and Maps. <i>2 vols. Royal 8vo. 20s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'One of the greatest books of the kind -issued during the century. It is impossible -to give an adequate idea of the -richness of the contents of this book, -nor of its abounding attractions as a story -of travel unsurpassed in geographical -and human interest. Much of it is a -revelation. Altogether the work is one -which in solidity, novelty, and interest -must take a first rank among publications -of its class.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. H. Skrine and E. D. Ross.</b> THE HEART OF ASIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. H. -Skrine</span> and <span class="smcap">E. D. Ross</span>. With -Maps and many Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Verestchagin</span>. -<i>Large Crown 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>'This volume will form a landmark in our -knowledge of Central Asia.... Illuminating -and convincing.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. E. Peary.</b> NORTHWARD OVER THE GREAT ICE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. E. Peary</span>, -Gold Medallist of the Royal Geographical -Society. With over 800 Illustrations. -<i>2 vols. Royal 8vo. 32s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'His book will take its place among the permanent -literature of Arctic exploration.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. A. FitzGerald.</b> THE HIGHEST ANDES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. A. FitzGerald</span>. -With 2 Maps, 51 Illustrations, 13 of -which are in Photogravure, and a -Panorama. <i>Royal 8vo, 30s. net.</i> -Also a Small Edition on Hand-made -Paper, limited to 50 Copies, <i>4to, -£5. 5s.</i></p> - -<p>'The record of the first ascent of the highest -mountain yet conquered by mortal man. -A volume which will continue to be the -classic book of travel on this region of -the Andes.'—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[19]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. W. Christian.</b> THE CAROLINE ISLANDS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. W. Christian</span>. -With many Illustrations and Maps. -<i>Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>'A real contribution to our knowledge of -the peoples and islands of Micronesia, -as well as fascinating as a narrative of -travels and adventure.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. H. Johnston.</b> BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Sir <span class="smcap">H. H. -Johnston</span>, K.C.B. With nearly -Two Hundred Illustrations, and Six -Maps. <i>Second Edition. Crown 4to. -18s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'A fascinating book, written with equal -skill and charm—the work at once of a -literary artist and of a man of action -who is singularly wise, brave, and experienced. -It abounds in admirable -sketches.'—<i>Westminster Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>L. Decle.</b> THREE YEARS IN SAVAGE AFRICA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lionel -Decle</span>. With 100 Illustrations and -5 Maps. <i>Second Edition. Demy 8vo. -10s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>'Its bright pages give a better general -survey of Africa from the Cape to the -Equator than any single volume that -has yet been published.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. Hulme Beaman.</b> TWENTY YEARS IN THE NEAR EAST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Hulme Beaman</span>. <i>Demy -8vo.</i> With Portrait. <i>10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Henri of Orleans.</b> FROM TONKIN TO INDIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Prince Henri of -Orleans</span>. Translated by <span class="smcap">Hamley -Bent</span>, M.A. With 100 Illustrations -and a Map. <i>Cr. 4to, gilt top. 25s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. L. Hinde.</b> THE FALL OF THE CONGO ARABS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. L. Hinde</span>. -With Plans, etc. <i>Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. St. H. Gibbons.</b> EXPLORATION AND HUNTING IN CENTRAL AFRICA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Major <span class="smcap">A. St. H. -Gibbons</span>. With full-page Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">C. Whymper</span>, and Maps. -<i>Demy 8vo. 15s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Fraser.</b> ROUND THE WORLD ON A WHEEL.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">John Foster -Fraser</span>. With 100 Illustrations. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A classic of cycling, graphic and witty.'—<i>Yorkshire -Post.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. L. Jefferson.</b> A NEW RIDE TO KHIVA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. L. Jefferson</span>. -Illustrated. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>The account of an adventurous ride on a -bicycle through Russia and the deserts -of Asia to Khiva.</p> - -<p>'An exceptionally fascinating book of -travel.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. K. Trotter.</b> THE NIGER SOURCES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Colonel <span class="smcap">J. K. -Trotter</span>, R.A. With a Map and -Illustrations. <i>Crown 8vo. 5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Michael Davitt.</b> LIFE AND PROGRESS IN AUSTRALASIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Michael Davitt</span>, M.P. 500 pp. -With 2 Maps. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. J. Galloway.</b> ADVANCED AUSTRALIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">William J. Galloway</span>, -M.P. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'This is an unusually thorough and informative -little work.'—<i>Morning Post.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. Crooke.</b> THE NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES OF INDIA:</p> -<blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Their Ethnology and -Administration</span>. By <span class="smcap">W. Crooke</span>. -With Maps and Illustrations. <i>Demy -8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. Boisragon.</b> THE BENIN MASSACRE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Captain Boisragon</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'If the story had been written four hundred -years ago it would be read today as an -English classic.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. S. Cowper.</b> THE HILL OF THE GRACES: <span class="smcap">or, the Great Stone -Temples of Tripoli</span>.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. S. -Cowper</span>, F.S.A. With Maps, Plans, -and 75 Illustrations. <i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[20]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. B. Worsfold.</b> SOUTH AFRICA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. B. Worsfold</span>, M.A. <i>With -a Map. Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A monumental work compressed into a -very moderate compass.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Katherine and Gilbert Macquoid.</b> IN PARIS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Katherine</span> and <span class="smcap">Gilbert -Macquoid</span>. Illustrated by -<span class="smcap">Thomas R. Macquoid</span>, R.I. With -2 maps. <i>Crown 8vo. 1s.</i></p> - -<p>'A useful little guide, judiciously supplied -with information.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. H. Keane.</b> THE BOER STATES: -A History and Description of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. H. Keane</span>, M.A. With Map. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A work of clear aims and thorough execution.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> - -<p>'A compact and very trustworthy account -of the Boers and their surroundings.'—<i>Morning -Post.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 id="NAVAL_AND_MILITARY"> -<span class="xlarge">Naval and Military</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>G. S. Robertson.</b> CHITRAL: The Story of a Minor Siege.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Sir <span class="smcap">G. S. Robertson</span>, K.C.S.I. With -numerous Illustrations, Map and Plans. -<i>Second Edition. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'It is difficult to imagine the kind of person -who could read this brilliant book without -emotion. The story remains immortal—a -testimony imperishable. We are face -to face with a great book.'—<i>Illustrated -London News.</i></p> - -<p>'A book which the Elizabethans would have -thought wonderful. More thrilling, more -piquant, and more human than any -novel.'—<i>Newcastle Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>'As fascinating as Sir Walter Scott's best -fiction.'—<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. S. S. Baden-Powell.</b> THE DOWNFALL OF PREMPEH. A Diary of Life in Ashanti, 1895.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Maj.-Gen. -<span class="smcap">Baden-Powell</span>. With 21 Illustrations -and a Map. <i>Cheaper Edition. -Large Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. S. S. Baden-Powell.</b> THE MATABELE CAMPAIGN, 1896.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Maj.-Gen. -<span class="smcap">Baden-Powell</span>. With nearly -100 Illustrations. <i>Cheaper Edition. -Large Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. B. Atkins.</b> THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">John Black -Atkins</span>. With 16 Plans and Illustrations. -<i>Second Edition. Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This book contains a full narrative by an -eye-witness of General Buller's attempts, -and of his final success. The story is of -absorbing interest, and is the only complete -account which has appeared.</p> - -<p>'The mantle of Archibald Forbes and G. -W. Steevens has assuredly fallen upon -Mr. Atkins, who unites a singularly -graphic style to an equally rare faculty -of vision. In his pages we realise the -meaning of a modern campaign with the -greatest sense of actuality. His pages -are written with a sustained charm of -diction and ease of manner that are no -less remarkable than the sincerity and -vigour of the matter which they set -before us.'—<i>World.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Atkins has a genius for the painting -of war which entitles him already to be -ranked with Forbes and Steevens, and -encourages us to hope that he may one -day rise to the level of Napier and -Kinglake.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'It is the record told with insight and -sympathy of a great conflict. It is as -readable as a novel, and it bears the -imprint of truth.'—<i>Morning Leader.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. W. Nevinson.</b> LADYSMITH: The Diary of a Siege.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. W. Nevinson</span>. -With 16 Illustrations and a -Plan. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This book contains a complete diary of the -Siege of Ladysmith, and is a most vivid -and picturesque narrative.</p> - -<p>'There is no exaggeration here, no straining -after effect. But there is the truest -realism, the impression of things as they -are seen, set forth in well-chosen words -and well-balanced phrases, with a measured - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[21]</a></span> - -self-restraint that marks the true -artist. Mr. Nevinson is to be congratulated -on the excellent work that he has -done.'—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>'Of the many able and fascinating chroniclers -of the sad and splendid story, Mr. -Nevinson is among the ablest and most -fascinating.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. H. Alderson.</b> WITH THE MOUNTED INFANTRY AND THE MASHONALAND FIELD FORCE, 1896.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Lieut.-Colonel -<span class="smcap">Alderson</span>. With numerous Illustrations -and Plans. <i>Demy 8vo. -10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Seymour Vandeleur.</b> CAMPAIGNING ON THE UPPER NILE AND NIGER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Lieut. <span class="smcap">Seymour -Vandeleur</span>. With an Introduction -by Sir <span class="smcap">G. Goldie</span>, K.C.M.G. With -4 Maps, Illustrations, and Plans. -<i>Large Crown 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Lord Fincastle.</b> A FRONTIER CAMPAIGN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Viscount <span class="smcap">Fincastle</span>, -V.C., and Lieut. <span class="smcap">P. C. -Elliott-Lockhart</span>. With a Map -and 16 Illustrations. <i>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. N. Bennett.</b> THE DOWNFALL OF THE DERVISHES: A Sketch -of the Sudan Campaign of 1898.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">E. N. Bennett</span>, Fellow of Hertford -College. With a Photogravure Portrait -of Lord Kitchener. <i>Third -Edition. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. Kinnaird Rose.</b> WITH THE GREEKS IN THESSALY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">W. Kinnaird Rose</span>. With Illustrations. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>G. W. Steevens.</b> NAVAL POLICY:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. W. Steevens</span>. <i>Demy 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This book is a description of the British and -other more important navies of the world, -with a sketch of the lines on which our -naval policy might possibly be developed.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>D. Hannay.</b> A SHORT HISTORY OF THE ROYAL NAVY, <span class="smcap">From -Early Times to the Present Day</span>.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">David Hannay</span>. Illustrated. -<i>2 Vols. Demy 8vo. 7s. 6d. each.</i> -Vol. I., 1200-1688.</p> - -<p>'We read it from cover to cover at a sitting, -and those who go to it for a lively and -brisk picture of the past, with all its faults -and its grandeur, will not be disappointed. -The historian is endowed with literary -skill and style.'—<i>Standard.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. Cooper King.</b> THE STORY OF THE BRITISH ARMY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Colonel -<span class="smcap">Cooper King</span>. Illustrated. <i>Demy -8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'An authoritative and accurate story of -England's military progress.'—<i>Daily -Mail.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. Southey.</b> ENGLISH SEAMEN (Howard, Clifford, Hawkins, Drake, Cavendish).</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Southey</span>. -Edited, with an Introduction, by -<span class="smcap">David Hannay</span>. <i>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A brave, inspiriting book.'—<i>Black and -White.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. Clark Russell.</b> THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. Clark Russell</span>. -With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">F. Brangwyn</span>. -<i>Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A book which we should like to see in the -hands of every boy in the country.'—<i>St. -James's Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. L. S. Horsburgh.</b> WATERLOO: A Narrative and Criticism.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. L. S. Horsburgh</span>, B.A. With Plans. -<i>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s.</i></p> - -<p>'A brilliant essay—simple, sound, and -thorough.'—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. B. George.</b> BATTLES OF ENGLISH HISTORY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. B. George</span>, M.A., Fellow of New -College, Oxford. With numerous Plans. <i>Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. George has undertaken a very useful -task—that of making military affairs intelligible -and instructive to non-military -readers—and has executed it with a -large measure of success.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[22]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="GENERAL_LITERATURE"><span class="xlarge">General Literature</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> THE BOOK OF THE WEST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring -Gould</span>. With numerous Illustrations. -<i>Two volumes.</i> Vol. <span class="smcap">I.</span> Devon. -Vol. <span class="smcap">II.</span> Cornwall. <i>Crown 8vo. -6s. each.</i></p> - -<p>'They are very attractive little volumes, -they have numerous very pretty and -interesting pictures, the story is fresh -and bracing as the air of Dartmoor, and -the legend weird as twilight over Dozmare -Pool, and they give us a very good -idea of this enchanting and beautiful -district.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> - -<p>'A narrative full of picturesque incident, -personal interest, and literary charm.'—<i>Leeds -Mercury.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> OLD COUNTRY -LIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. With -Sixty-seven Illustrations. <i>Large Cr. -8vo. Fifth Edition. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'"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.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> AN OLD ENGLISH -HOME.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. -With numerous Plans and Illustrations. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The chapters are delightfully fresh, very -informing, and lightened by many a good -story. A delightful fireside companion.'—<i>St. -James's Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> HISTORIC -ODDITIES AND STRANGE -EVENTS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. -<i>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> FREAKS OF -FANATICISM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring -Gould</span>. <i>Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> A GARLAND OF -COUNTRY SONG: English Folk -Songs with their Traditional Melodies.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Collected and arranged by <span class="smcap">S. Baring -Gould</span> and <span class="smcap">H. F. Sheppard</span>. -<i>Demy 4to. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> SONGS OF THE -WEST: Traditional Ballads and -Songs of the West of England, with -their Melodies.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Collected by <span class="smcap">S. -Baring Gould</span>, M.A., and <span class="smcap">H. F. -Sheppard</span>, M.A. In 4 Parts. <i>Parts -I., II., III., 3s. each. Part IV., 5s. -In one Vol., French morocco, 15s.</i></p> - -<p>'A rich collection of humour, pathos, grace, -and poetic fancy.'—<i>Saturday Review.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> YORKSHIRE -ODDITIES AND STRANGE -EVENTS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. -<i>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> STRANGE SURVIVALS -AND SUPERSTITIONS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. <i>Cr. 8vo. -Second Edition. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. Baring Gould.</b> THE DESERTS -OF SOUTHERN FRANCE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>. <i>2 vols. Demy -8vo. 32s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Cotton Minchin.</b> OLD HARROW -DAYS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. G. Cotton Minchin</span>. -<i>Cr. 8vo. Second Edition. 5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Gladstone.</b> THE SPEECHES -OF THE RT. HON. W. E. GLADSTONE, -M.P.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited by <span class="smcap">A. W. -Hutton</span>, M.A., and <span class="smcap">H. J. Cohen</span>, -M.A. With Portraits. <i>Demy 8vo. -Vols. IX. and X., 12s. 6d. each.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. E. Marr.</b> THE SCIENTIFIC -STUDY OF SCENERY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. E. -Marr</span>, F.R.S., Fellow of St. John's -College, Cambridge. Illustrated. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>An elementary treatise on geomorphology—the -study of the earth's outward forms. -It is for the use of students of physical -geography and geology, and will also be -highly interesting to the general reader.</p> - -<p>'A fascinating book, a real fairy tale.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Marr is distinctly to be congratulated -on the general result of his work. He -has produced a volume, moderate in size - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[23]</a></span> - -and readable in style, which will be -acceptable alike to the student of geology -and geography, and to the tourist.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> - -<p>'Can be read with pleasure alike by the -expert and the general reader.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>M. N. Oxford.</b> A HANDBOOK OF -NURSING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">M. N. Oxford</span>, of -Guy's Hospital. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This is a complete guide to the science and -art of nursing, containing copious instruction -both general and particular.</p> - -<p>'The most useful work of the kind that we -have seen. A most valuable and practical -manual.'—<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. V. Zenker.</b> ANARCHISM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">E. V. Zenker</span>. <i>Demy 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Herr Zenker has succeeded in producing a -careful and critical history of the growth -of Anarchist theory.'</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. Silva White.</b> THE EXPANSION -OF EGYPT: A Political and Historical -Survey.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Silva White</span>. -With four Special Maps. <i>Demy 8vo. -15s. net.</i></p> - -<p>'This is emphatically the best account of -Egypt as it is under English control that -has been published for many years.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Peter Beckford.</b> THOUGHTS ON -HUNTING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Peter Beckford</span>. -Edited by <span class="smcap">J. Otho Paget</span>, and -Illustrated by <span class="smcap">G. H. Jalland</span>. -<i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Beckford's "Thoughts on Hunting" has -long been a classic with sportsmen, and -the present edition will go far to make it -a favourite with lovers of literature.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. B. Michell.</b> THE ART AND -PRACTICE OF HAWKING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">E. B. Michell</span>. With 3 Photogravures -by <span class="smcap">G. E. Lodge</span>, and other -Illustrations. <i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>A complete description of the Hawks, -Falcons, and Eagles used in ancient and -modern times, with directions for their -training and treatment. It is not only -a historical account, but a complete -practical guide.</p> - -<p>'A book that will help and delight the -expert.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'Just after the hearts of all enthusiasts.'—<i>Daily -Telegraph.</i></p> - -<p>'No book is more full and authorative than -this handsome treatise.'—<i>Morning -Leader.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. G. Hutchinson.</b> THE GOLFING -PILGRIM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Horace G. -Hutchinson</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Without this book the golfer's library will -be incomplete.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. Wells.</b> OXFORD AND OXFORD -LIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Members of the University. -Edited by <span class="smcap">J. Wells</span>, M.A., -Fellow and Tutor of Wadham College. -<i>Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'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 possessed -of a close acquaintance with the -system and life of the University.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. G. Robertson.</b> VOCES ACADEMICÆ.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. Grant Robertson</span>, -M.A., Fellow of All Souls', Oxford. -<i>With a Frontispiece. Pott 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'Decidedly clever and amusing.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Rosemary Cotes.</b> DANTE'S GARDEN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Rosemary Cotes</span>. With -a Frontispiece. <i>Second Edition. Fcp. -8vo. 2s. 6d. Leather, 3s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>'A charming collection of legends of the -flowers mentioned by Dante.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Clifford Harrison.</b> READING AND -READERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Clifford Harrison</span>. -<i>Fcp. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'An extremely sensible little book.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>L. Whibley.</b> GREEK OLIGARCHIES: -THEIR ORGANISATION -AND CHARACTER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">L. -Whibley</span>, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke -College, Cambridge. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>L. L. Price.</b> ECONOMIC SCIENCE -AND PRACTICE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">L. L. Price</span>, -M.A., Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[24]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. S. Shedlock.</b> THE PIANOFORTE -SONATA: Its Origin and Development.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. S. Shedlock</span>. <i>Crown -8vo. 5s.</i></p> - -<p>'This work should be in the possession of -every musician and amateur. A concise -and lucid history and a very valuable -work for reference.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>A. Hulme Beaman.</b> PONS ASINORUM; -OR, A GUIDE TO -BRIDGE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Hulme Beaman</span>. -<i>Fcap 8vo. 2s.</i></p> - -<p>A practical guide, with many specimen -games, to the new game of Bridge.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. M. Bowden.</b> THE EXAMPLE OF -BUDDHA: Being Quotations from -Buddhist Literature for each Day in -the Year.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Compiled by <span class="smcap">E. M. -Bowden</span>. <i>Third Edition. 16mo. -2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. Ware.</b> EDUCATIONAL REFORM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Fabian Ware</span>, M.A. -<i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>An attempt by an expert to forecast the -action and influence of the New Secondary -Education Act, with suggestions -for useful developments.</p> - -<p>'Mr. Ware's book may be warmly commended -to all who have at heart the -desire for the intellectual prosperity of -the British race.'—<i>Morning Post.</i></p> - -<p>'Any one who really wants to know how -education stands today should read it.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 id="PHILOSOPHY"><span class="xlarge">Philosophy</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>L. T. Hobhouse.</b> THE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">L. T. Hobhouse</span>, -Fellow of C.C.C., Oxford. -<i>Demy 8vo. 21s.</i></p> - -<p>'The most important contribution to English philosophy since<br /> -the publication of Mr. Bradley's "Appearance and Reality."'<br /> -—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. H. Fairbrother.</b> THE PHILOSOPHY OF T. H. GREEN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">W. H. Fairbrother</span>, M.A. <i>Second -Edition. Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'In every way an admirable book.'—<i>Glasgow -Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. W. Bussell.</b> THE SCHOOL OF PLATO.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. W. Bussell</span>, D.D., -Fellow of Brasenose College, Oxford.<br /> -<i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. S. Granger.</b> THE WORSHIP OF THE ROMANS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. S. -Granger</span>, M.A., Litt.D. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 id="THEOLOGY"><span class="xlarge">Theology</span></h2> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> - -<p><b>W. R. Inge.</b> CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM. -The Bampton Lectures for -1899.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. R. Inge</span>, M.A., Fellow -and Tutor of Hertford College, Oxford. -<i>Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<p>A complete survey of the subject from St. John and St. Paul to modern times, -covering the Christian Platonists, Augustine, the Devotional Mystics, the Mediæval -Mystics, and the Nature Mystics and Symbolists, including Böhme and Wordsworth.</p> - -<p>'It is fully worthy of the best traditions connected with the Bampton -Lectureship.'—<i>Record.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. R. Driver.</b> SERMONS ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE OLD TESTAMENT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. -R. Driver</span>, D.D., Canon of Christ Church, Regius Professor of Hebrew in the -University of Oxford. <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A welcome companion to the author's famous "introduction."'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>T. K. Cheyne.</b> FOUNDERS OF OLD -TESTAMENT CRITICISM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">T. K. Cheyne</span>, D.D., Oriel Professor at -Oxford. <i>Large Crown 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>A historical sketch of O. T. Criticism.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Walter Lock.</b> ST. PAUL, THE MASTER-BUILDER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Walter Lock</span>, D.D., Warden of Keble College. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'The essence of the Pauline teaching is condensed into little more than a hundred -pages, yet no point of importance is overlooked. We gladly recommend the lectures<br /> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[25]</a></span> - -to all who wish to read with understanding.'—<i>Guardian</i>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. Rashdall.</b> DOCTRINE AND DEVELOPMENT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Hastings Rashdall</span>, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of New College,<br /> -Oxford. <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A very interesting attempt to restate some of the principal doctrines of Christianity,<br /> -in which Mr. Rashdall appears to us to have achieved a high measure of success. He is often<br /> -learned, almost always sympathetic, and always singularly lucid.'—<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. H. Henson.</b> APOSTOLIC CHRISTIANITY: -As Illustrated by the -Epistles of St. Paul to the Corinthians.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. H. Henson</span>, M.A., Fellow of -All Souls', Oxford. <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. H. Henson.</b> DISCIPLINE AND -LAW.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. Hensley Henson</span>, -B.D., Fellow of All Souls', Oxford. -<i>Fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. H. Henson.</b> LIGHT AND -LEAVEN: <span class="smcap">Historical and -Social Sermons</span>.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. H. Henson</span>, -M.A. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Bennett and Adeney.</b> A BIBLICAL -INTRODUCTION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. H. -Bennett</span>, M.A., and <span class="smcap">W. F. Adeney</span>, -M.A. <i>Crown 8vo. 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'It makes available to the ordinary reader -the best scholarship of the day in the -field of Biblical introduction. We know -of no book which comes into competition -with it.'—<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. H. Bennett.</b> A PRIMER OF -THE BIBLE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. H. Bennett</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'The work of an honest, fearless, and sound -critic, and an excellent guide in a small -compass to the books of the Bible.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. F. G. Masterman.</b> TENNYSON -AS A RELIGIOUS TEACHER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. F. G. Masterman</span>. <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A thoughtful and penetrating appreciation, -full of interest and suggestion.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>William Harrison.</b> CLOVELLY -SERMONS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">William Harrison</span>, -M.A., late Rector of Clovelly. -With a Preface by '<span class="smcap">Lucas Malet</span>.' -<i>Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Cecilia Robinson.</b> THE MINISTRY -OF DEACONESSES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Deaconess -<span class="smcap">Cecilia Robinson</span>. With an -Introduction by the Lord Bishop of -Winchester. <i>Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'A learned and interesting book.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. B. Layard.</b> RELIGION IN BOYHOOD. -Notes on the Religious -Training of Boys.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. B. -Layard</span>, M.A. <i>18mo. 1s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>T. Herbert Bindley.</b> THE OECUMENICAL -DOCUMENTS OF -THE FAITH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited with Introductions -and Notes by <span class="smcap">T. Herbert -Bindley</span>, B.D., Merton College, -Oxford. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>A historical account of the Creeds.</p> - -<p>'Mr. Bindley has done his work in a fashion -which calls for our warmest gratitude. -The introductions, though brief, are -always direct and to the point; the notes -are learned and full, and serve admirably -to elucidate the many difficulties of the -text.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. M. Barron.</b> TEXTS FOR SERMONS -ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS -AND SUBJECTS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Compiled -and Arranged by <span class="smcap">H. M. Barron</span>, -B.A., of Wadham College, -Oxford, with a Preface by Canon -<span class="smcap">Scott Holland</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. -6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. Yorke Fausset.</b> THE <i>DE -CATECHIZANDIS RUDIBUS</i> -OF ST. AUGUSTINE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, -with Introduction, Notes, etc., by -<span class="smcap">W. Yorke Fausset</span>, M.A. <i>Cr. 8vo. -3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>F. Weston.</b> THE HOLY SACRIFICE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. Weston</span>, M.A., -Curate of St. Matthew's, Westminster. -<i>Pott 8vo. 6d. net.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>À Kempis.</b> THE IMITATION OF -CHRIST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Thomas à Kempis</span>. -With an Introduction by <span class="smcap">Dean -Farrar</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">C. M. -Gere</span>. <i>Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. -3s. 6d. Padded morocco, 5s.</i></p> - -<p>'Amongst all the innumerable English - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[26]</a></span> - -editions of the "Imitation," there can -have been few which were prettier than -this one, printed in strong and handsome -type, with all the glory of red initials.'—<i>Glasgow -Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. Keble.</b> THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">John Keble</span>. With an Introduction -and Notes by <span class="smcap">W. Lock</span>, -D.D., Warden of Keble College. -Illustrated by <span class="smcap">R. Anning Bell</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d. -Padded morocco. 5s.</i></p> -<p>'The present edition is annotated with all -the care and insight to be expected from -Mr. Lock.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Oxford Commentaries</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<blockquote> -<p class="center">General Editor, <span class="smcap">Walter Lock</span>, D.D., Warden of Keble College,<br />Dean -Ireland's Professor of Exegesis in the University of Oxford.</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE BOOK OF JOB. Edited, with -Introduction and Notes,</p> -<blockquote> -<p>by <span class="smcap">E. C. S. -Gibson</span>, D.D., Vicar of Leeds. <i>Demy -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The publishers are to be congratulated on -the start the series has made.'—<i>Times.</i></p> - -<p>'It is in his patient, lucid, interest-sustaining -explanations that Dr. Gibson is -at his best.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> - -<p>'We can hardly imagine a more useful book -to place in the hands of an intelligent -layman, or cleric, who desires to elucidate -some of the difficulties presented in -the Book of Job.'—<i>Church Times.</i></p> - -<p>'The work is marked by clearness, lightness -of touch, strong common sense, and -thorough critical fairness.</p> - -<p>'Dr. Gibson's work is worthy of a high -degree of appreciation. To the busy -worker and the intelligent student the -commentary will be a real boon; and it -will, if we are not mistaken, be much in -demand. The Introduction is almost a -model of concise, straightforward, prefatory -remarks on the subject treated.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Handbooks of Theology</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">General Editor, <span class="smcap">A. Robertson</span>, D.D., -Principal of King's College, London.</p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE XXXIX. ARTICLES OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited with an Introduction by <span class="smcap">E. C. S. -Gibson</span>, D.D., Vicar of Leeds, late -Principal of Wells Theological College. -<i>Second and Cheaper Edition -in One Volume. Demy 8vo. 12s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'We welcome with the utmost satisfaction -a new, cheaper, and more convenient -edition of Dr. Gibson's book. It was -greatly wanted. Dr. Gibson has given -theological students just what they want, -and we should like to think that it was -in the hands of every candidate for -orders.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AN INTRODUCTION TO THE -HISTORY OF RELIGION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">F. B. Jevons</span>, M.A., Litt.D., Principal -of Bishop Hatfield's Hall. -<i>Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'The merit of this book lies in the penetration, -the singular acuteness and force of -the author's judgment. He is at once -critical and luminous, at once just and -suggestive. A comprehensive and -thorough book.'—<i>Birmingham Post.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE DOCTRINE OF THE INCARNATION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. L. Ottley</span>, M.A., -late fellow of Magdalen College, -Oxon., and Principal of Pusey House. -<i>In Two Volumes. Demy 8vo. 15s.</i></p> - -<p>'A clear and remarkably full account of the -main currents of speculation. Scholarly -precision ... genuine tolerance ... -intense interest in his subject—are Mr. -Ottley's merits.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AN INTRODUCTION TO THE -HISTORY OF THE CREEDS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. E. Burn</span>, B.D., Examining Chaplain -to the Bishop of Lichfield. <i>Demy -8vo. 10s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>'This book may be expected to hold its -place as an authority on its subject.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[27]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Churchman's Library</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">General Editor, J. H. BURN, B.D., Examining Chaplain to the -Bishop of Aberdeen.</p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE BEGINNINGS OF ENGLISH -CHRISTIANITY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. E. Collins</span>, -M.A. With Map. <i>Cr. 8vo. -3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'An excellent example of thorough and fresh -historical work.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SOME NEW TESTAMENT PROBLEMS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Arthur Wright</span>, -M.A., Fellow of Queen's College, -Cambridge. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HERE AND HEREAFTER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Canon Winterbotham</span>, M.A., -B.Sc., LL.B. <i>Cr. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'A most able book, at once exceedingly -thoughtful and richly suggestive.'—<i>Glasgow -Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE PRAYER BOOK: Its Literary and Liturgical Aspects.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Dowden</span>, -D.D., Lord Bishop of Edinburgh. -<i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'Scholarly and interesting.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>EVOLUTION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. B. Jevons</span>, -Litt.D., Principal of Hatfield Hall, -Durham. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'A well-written book, full of sound thinking -happily expressed.'—<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p> -<p>'A singularly fresh and stimulating book.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> -<p>'We have no hesitation in saying that this -is much the best general account of the -philosophical consequences of the theory -of Evolution that has yet appeared.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Churchman's Bible</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">General Editor, J. H. BURN, B.D.</p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>Messrs. <span class="smcap">Methuen</span> are issuing a series of expositions upon most of the books of -the Bible. The volumes will be practical and devotional, and the text of the -authorised version is explained in sections, which will correspond as far as -possible with the Church Lectionary.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE GALATIANS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Explained by <span class="smcap">A. W. Robinson</span>, Vicar of All -Hallows, Barking. <i>Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d. net.</i></p> -<p>'The most attractive, sensible, and instructive -manual for people at large, which -we have ever seen.'—<i>Church Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ECCLESIASTES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Explained by <span class="smcap">A. W. Streane</span>, D.D. <i>Fcap. 8vo. -1s. 6d. net.</i></p> -<p>'Scholarly, suggestive, and particularly -interesting.'—<i>Bookman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Explained by <span class="smcap">C. R. D. -Biggs</span>, B.D. <i>Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d. -net.</i></p> -<p>'Mr. Biggs' work is very thorough, and he -has managed to compress a good deal of -information into a limited space.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Library of Devotion</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Pott 8vo, cloth, 2s.; leather, 2s. 6d. net.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>'This series is excellent.'—<span class="smcap">The Bishop of London.</span></p> - -<p>'Very delightful.'—<span class="smcap">The Bishop of Bath and Wells.</span></p> - -<p>'Well worth the attention of the Clergy.'— -<span class="smcap">The Bishop of Lichfield.</span></p> - -<p>'The new "Library of Devotion" is excellent.'— -<span class="smcap">The Bishop of Peterborough.</span></p> - -<p>'Charming.'—<i>Record.</i> 'Delightful.'—<i>Church Bells.</i> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Newly Translated, with an Introduction and Notes, by -<span class="smcap">C. Bigg</span>, D.D., late Student of Christ -Church. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -<p>'The translation is an excellent piece of -English, and the introduction is a masterly -exposition. We augur well of a -series which begins so satisfactorily.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[28]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CHRISTIAN YEAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">John -Keble</span>. With Introduction and -Notes by <span class="smcap">Walter Lock</span>, D.D., -Warden of Keble College, Ireland -Professor at Oxford.</p> -<p>'The volume is very prettily bound and -printed, and may fairly claim to be an -advance on any previous editions.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE IMITATION OF CHRIST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>A Revised Translation, with an Introduction, -by <span class="smcap">C. Bigg</span>, D.D., late Student -of Christ Church. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -<p>'A practically new translation of this book, -which the reader has, almost for the first -time, exactly in the shape in which it -left the hands of the author.</p> -<p>'A nearer approach to the original than -has yet existed in English.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A BOOK OF DEVOTIONS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. -W. Stanbridge</span>, B.D., Rector of -Bainton, Canon of York, and sometime -Fellow of St. John's College, -Oxford.</p> -<p>'It is probably the best book of its kind. It -deserves high commendation.'—<i>Church -Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LYRA INNOCENTIUM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">John -Keble</span>. Edited, with Introduction -and Notes, by <span class="smcap">Walter Lock</span>, D.D., -Warden of Keble College, Oxford. -<i>Pott 8vo. 2s.; leather, 2s. 6d. net.</i></p> -<p>'This sweet and fragrant book has never -been published more attractively.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -<p>'The work is given in as dainty a form as -any it has yet taken.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -<p>'The analysis and notes are discriminating, -scholarly, and helpful.'—<i>Church Review.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A SERIOUS CALL TO A DEVOUT AND HOLY LIFE.By <span class="smcap"> -William Law</span>.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited, with an Introduction, -by <span class="smcap">C. Bigg</span>, D.D., late Student of -Christ Church.</p> -<p>This is a reprint, word for word and line for -line, of the <i>Editio Princeps</i>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE TEMPLE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">George Herbert</span>. Edited, with an Introduction -and Notes, by <span class="smcap">E. C. S. Gibson</span>, -D.D., Vicar of Leeds.</p> - -<p>This edition contains Walton's Life of -Herbert, and the text is that of the first -edition.</p> -<p>'As neat and desirable an edition of the -work as can be found.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Leaders of Religion</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">Edited by H. C. BEECHING, M.A. <i>With Portraits, Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A series of short biographies of the most prominent leaders of religious -life and thought of all ages and countries.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>The following are ready—</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>CARDINAL NEWMAN. By <span class="smcap">R. H. Hutton</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>JOHN WESLEY. By <span class="smcap">J. H. Overton</span>, -M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>BISHOP WILBERFORCE. By <span class="smcap">G. -W. Daniell</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>CARDINAL MANNING. By <span class="smcap">A. W. -Hutton</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>CHARLES SIMEON. By <span class="smcap">H. C. G. -Moule</span>, D.D.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>JOHN KEBLE. By <span class="smcap">Walter Lock</span>, -D.D.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. -<span class="smcap">Oliphant</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>LANCELOT ANDREWES. By <span class="smcap">R. -L. Ottley</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY. -By <span class="smcap">E. L. Cutts</span>, D.D.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>WILLIAM LAUD. By <span class="smcap">W. H. -Hutton</span>, B.D.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>JOHN KNOX. By <span class="smcap">F. MacCunn</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>JOHN HOWE. By <span class="smcap">R. F. Horton</span>, -D.D.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>BISHOP KEN. By <span class="smcap">F. A. Clarke</span>, -M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>GEORGE FOX, THE QUAKER. -By <span class="smcap">T. Hodgkin</span>, D.C.L.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>JOHN DONNE. By <span class="smcap">Augustus -Jessopp</span>, D.D.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>THOMAS CRANMER. By <span class="smcap">A. J. -Mason</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<blockquote> -<p>BISHOP LATIMER. By <span class="smcap">R. M. Carlyle</span> -and <span class="smcap">A. J. Carlyle</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p class="center">Other volumes will be announced in due course.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[29]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="FICTION"><span class="xlarge">Fiction</span></h2> - -<p class="center"><b>SIX SHILLING NOVELS</b></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Marie Corelli's Novels</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo. 6s. each.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A ROMANCE OF TWO WORLDS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Twentieth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>VENDETTA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Fifteenth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THELMA. </p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Twenty-third Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ARDATH: THE STORY OF A -DEAD SELF.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Twelfth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SOUL OF LILITH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Ninth -Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WORMWOOD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Tenth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>BARABBAS: A DREAM OF THE -WORLD'S TRAGEDY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Thirty-fifth -Edition.</i></p> -<p>'The tender reverence of the treatment -and the imaginative beauty of the writing -have reconciled us to the daring of -the conception, and the conviction is -forced on us that even so exalted a subject -cannot be made too familiar to us, -provided it be presented in the true spirit -of Christian faith. The amplifications -of the Scripture narrative are often conceived -with high poetic insight, and this -"Dream of the World's Tragedy" is -a lofty and not inadequate paraphrase -of the supreme climax of the inspired -narrative.'—<i>Dublin Review.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SORROWS OF SATAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Forty-second Edition.</i></p> -<p>'A very powerful piece of work.... The -conception is magnificent, and is likely -to win an abiding place within the -memory of man.... The author has -immense command of language, and a -limitless audacity.... This interesting -and remarkable romance will live long -after much of the ephemeral literature -of the day is forgotten.... A literary -phenomenon ... novel, and even sublime.'—<span class="smcap">W. -T. Stead</span> in the <i>Review -of Reviews</i>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Anthony Hope's Novels</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo. 6s. each.</i></p> -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE GOD IN THE CAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Ninth -Edition.</i></p> -<p>'A very remarkable book, deserving of -critical analysis impossible within our -limit; brilliant, but not superficial; -well considered, but not elaborated; -constructed with the proverbial art that -conceals, but yet allows itself to be -enjoyed by readers to whom fine literary -method is a keen pleasure.'—<i>The World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A CHANGE OF AIR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'A graceful, vivacious comedy, true to -human nature. The characters are -traced with a masterly hand.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A MAN OF MARK.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'Of all Mr. Hope's books, "A Man of -Mark" is the one which best compares -with "The Prisoner of Zenda."—<i>National -Observer.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CHRONICLES OF COUNT ANTONIO.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'It is a perfectly enchanting story of love -and chivalry, and pure romance. The -Count is the most constant, desperate, -and modest and tender of lovers, a peerless -gentleman, an intrepid fighter, a -faithful friend, and a magnanimous foe.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PHROSO.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Illustrated by <span class="smcap">H. R. -Millar</span>. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'The tale is thoroughly fresh, quick with -vitality, stirring the blood.'—<i>St. James's -Gazette.</i></p> -<p>'From cover to cover "Phroso" not only -engages the attention, but carries the -reader in little whirls of delight from -adventure to adventure.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[30]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SIMON DALE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p> Illustrated. <i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'There is searching analysis of human -nature, with a most ingeniously constructed -plot. Mr. Hope has drawn the -contrasts of his women with marvellous -subtlety and delicacy.'—<i>Times.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE KING'S MIRROR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Third Edition.</i></p> -<p>'In elegance, delicacy, and tact it ranks -with the best of his novels, while in the -wide range of its portraiture and the -subtilty of its analysis it surpasses all his -earlier ventures.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -<p>'"The King's Mirror" is a strong book, -charged with close analysis and exquisite -irony; a book full of pathos and moral -fibre—in short, a book to be read.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Gilbert Parker's Novels</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller"><i>Crown 8vo. 6s. each.</i></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> - -<p>PIERRE AND HIS PEOPLE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'Stories happily conceived and finely executed. -There is strength and genius in -Mr. Parker's style.'—<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>MRS. FALCHION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'A splendid study of character.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE TRANSLATION OF A SAVAGE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>'The plot is original and one difficult to -work out; but Mr. Parker has done it -with great skill and delicacy.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE TRAIL OF THE SWORD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Illustrated. <i>Seventh Edition.</i></p> -<p>'A rousing and dramatic tale. A book like -this, in which swords flash, great surprises -are undertaken, and daring deeds -done, in which men and women live and -love in the old passionate way, is a joy -inexpressible.'—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WHEN VALMOND CAME TO PONTIAC:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>The Story of a Lost Napoleon. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'Here we find romance—real, breathing, -living romance. The character of Valmond -is drawn unerringly.'—<i>Pall Mall -Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AN ADVENTURER OF THE -NORTH:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>The Last Adventures of 'Pretty Pierre.' <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -<p>'The present book is full of fine and moving -stories of the great North, and it -will add to Mr. Parker's already high -reputation.'—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SEATS OF THE MIGHTY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Illustrated. <i>Tenth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'Mr. Parker has produced a really fine -historical novel.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -<p>'A great book.'—<i>Black and White.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE POMP OF THE LAVILETTES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p><i>Second Edition. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -<p>'Living, breathing romance, unforced -pathos, and a deeper knowledge of -human nature than Mr. Parker has ever -displayed before.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE BATTLE OF THE STRONG:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>a Romance of Two Kingdoms. Illustrated. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -<p>'Nothing more vigorous or more human has -come from Mr. Gilbert Parker than this -novel. It has all the graphic power of -his last book, with truer feeling for the -romance, both of human life and wild -nature.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[31]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">S. Baring Gould's Novels</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller"><i>Crown 8vo. 6s. each.</i></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>'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.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> - -<p>'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 it is no wonder that readers have gained confidence in his -power of amusing and satisfying them, and that year by year his popularity widens.'—<i>Court -Circular.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ARMINELL. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>URITH. <i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA. <i>Seventh Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>CHEAP JACK ZITA. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE QUEEN OF LOVE. <i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MARGERY OF QUETHER. <i>Third Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>JACQUETTA. <i>Third Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>KITTY ALONE. <i>Fifth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>NOÉMI. Illustrated. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> - -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE BROOM-SQUIRE. Illustrated. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE PENNYCOMEQUICKS. <i>Third Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DARTMOOR IDYLLS.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>GUAVAS THE TINNER. Illustrated. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>BLADYS. Illustrated. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> - -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DOMITIA. Illustrated. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>PABO THE PRIEST.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Conan Doyle.</b> ROUND THE RED -LAMP.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Conan Doyle</span>. -<i>Sixth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The book is far and away the best view -that has been vouchsafed us behind the -scenes of the consulting-room.'—<i>Illustrated -London News.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Stanley Weyman.</b> UNDER THE -RED ROBE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Stanley Weyman</span>, -Author of 'A Gentleman of -France.' With Illustrations by <span class="smcap">R. C. -Woodville</span>. <i>Fifteenth Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'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. An inspiration -of manliness and courage.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Lucas Malet.</b> THE WAGES OF -SIN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lucas Malet</span>. <i>Thirteenth -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Lucas Malet.</b> THE CARISSIMA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lucas Malet</span>, Author of 'The -Wages of Sin,' etc. <i>Third Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>George Gissing.</b> THE TOWN TRAVELLER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">George Gissing</span>, -Author of 'Demos,' 'In the Year of -Jubilee,' etc. <i>Second Edition. Cr. -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'It is a bright and witty book above all -things. Polly Sparkes is a splendid bit -of work.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'The spirit of Dickens is in it.'—<i>Bookman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>George Gissing.</b> THE CROWN OF -LIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">George Gissing</span>, Author -of 'Demos,' 'The Town Traveller,' -etc. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Gissing is at his best.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> - -<p>'A fine novel.'—<i>Outlook.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. R. Crockett.</b> LOCHINVAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">S. R. Crockett</span>, Author of 'The -Raiders' etc. Illustrated. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Full of gallantry and pathos, of the clash - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[32]</a></span> - -of arms, and brightened by episodes of -humour and love....'—<i>Westminster -Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>S. R. Crockett.</b> THE STANDARD -BEARER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">S. R. Crockett</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A delightful tale.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Crockett at his best.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Arthur Morrison.</b> TALES OF -MEAN STREETS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Arthur -Morrison</span>. <i>Fifth Edition. Cr. -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Told with consummate art and extraordinary -detail. In the true humanity -of the book lies its justification, the -permanence of its interest, and its indubitable -triumph.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> - -<p>'A great book. The author's method is -amazingly effective, and produces a -thrilling sense of reality. The writer -lays upon us a master hand. The book -is simply appalling and irresistible in -its interest. It is humorous also; without -humour it would not make the mark -it is certain to make.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Arthur Morrison.</b> A CHILD OF -THE JAGO.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Arthur Morrison</span>. -<i>Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The book is a masterpiece.'—<i>Pall Mall -Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'Told with great vigour and powerful simplicity.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Arthur Morrison.</b> TO LONDON -TOWN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Arthur Morrison</span>, -Author of 'Tales of Mean Streets,' -etc. <i>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'We have idyllic pictures, woodland scenes -full of tenderness and grace.... This -is the new Mr. Arthur Morrison gracious -and tender, sympathetic and human.'—<i>Daily -Telegraph.</i></p> - -<p>'The easy swing of detail proclaims the -master of his subject and the artist in -rendering.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>M. Sutherland.</b> ONE HOUR AND -THE NEXT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">The Duchess -of Sutherland</span>. <i>Third Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Passionate, vivid, dramatic.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> - -<p>'It possesses marked qualities, descriptive, -and imaginative,'—<i>Morning Post.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Mrs. Clifford.</b> A FLASH OF -SUMMER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Mrs. <span class="smcap">W. K. Clifford</span>, -Author of 'Aunt Anne,' etc. -<i>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The story is a very beautiful one, exquisitely -told.'—<i>Speaker.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Emily Lawless.</b> HURRISH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By the -Honble. <span class="smcap">Emily Lawless</span>, Author of -'Maelcho,' etc. <i>Fifth Edition. Cr. -8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Emily Lawless.</b> MAELCHO: a Sixteenth -Century Romance.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By the -Honble. <span class="smcap">Emily Lawless</span>. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A really great book.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> - -<p>'One of the most remarkable literary -achievements of this generation.'—<i>Manchester -Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Emily Lawless.</b> TRAITS AND -CONFIDENCES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By the Honble. -<span class="smcap">Emily Lawless</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Eden Phillpotts.</b> THE HUMAN -BOY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Eden Phillpotts</span>, Author -of 'Children of the Mist.' With a -Frontispiece. <i>Fourth Edition. Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Phillpotts knows exactly what schoolboys -do, and can lay bare their inmost -thoughts; likewise he shows an all-pervading -sense of humour.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>E. W. Hornung.</b> THE AMATEUR -CRACKSMAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. W. Hornung</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'An audaciously entertaining volume.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Jane Barlow.</b> A CREEL OF IRISH -STORIES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Jane Barlow</span>, -Author of 'Irish Idylls.' <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Vivid and singularly real.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>Jane Barlow. FROM THE EAST -UNTO THE WEST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Jane -Barlow</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Mrs.Caffyn.</b> ANNE MAULEVERER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Caffyn</span> (Iota), Author of -'The Yellow Aster.' <i>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[33]</a></span></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Benjamin Swift.</b> SIREN CITY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Benjamin Swift</span>, Author of 'Nancy -Noon.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'"Siren City" is certainly his best book, -and it is the work of a strong man. It -has sobriety, not only of manner, but of -spirit.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. H. Findlater.</b> THE GREEN -GRAVES OF BALGOWRIE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Jane H. Findlater</span>. <i>Fourth -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A powerful and vivid story.'—<i>Standard.</i></p> - -<p>'A beautiful story, sad and strange as truth -itself.'—<i>Vanity Fair.</i></p> - -<p>'A very charming and pathetic tale.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'A singularly original, clever, and beautiful -story.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> - -<p>'Reveals to us a new writer of undoubted -faculty and reserve force.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> - -<p>'An exquisite idyll, delicate, affecting, and -beautiful.'—<i>Black and White.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. H. Findlater.</b> A DAUGHTER -OF STRIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Jane Helen -Findlater</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. H. Findlater.</b> RACHEL.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Jane H. Findlater</span>. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A not unworthy successor to "The Green -Graves of Balgowrie."'—<i>Critic.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Mary Findlater.</b> OVER THE -HILLS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Mary Findlater</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A strong and wise book of deep insight and -unflinching truth.'—<i>Birmingham Post.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Mary Findlater.</b> BETTY MUSGRAVE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Mary Findlater</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Handled with dignity and delicacy.... -A most touching story.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Alfred Ollivant.</b> OWD BOB, THE -GREY DOG OF KENMUIR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alfred Ollivant</span>. <i>Third Edition. -Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Weird, thrilling, strikingly graphic.'—<i>Punch.</i></p> - -<p>'We admire this book.... It is one to read -with admiration and to praise with enthusiasm.'—<i>Bookman.</i></p> - -<p>'It is a fine, open-air, blood-stirring book, -to be enjoyed by every man and woman -to whom a dog is dear.'—<i>Literature.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>B. M. Croker.</b> PEGGY OF THE -BARTONS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">B. M. Croker</span>, -Author of 'Diana Barrington.' -<i>Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>Mrs. Croker excels in the admirably simple, -easy, and direct flow of her narrative, the -briskness of her dialogue, and the geniality -of her portraiture.'—<i>Spectator.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Mary L. Pendered.</b> AN ENGLISHMAN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Mary L. Pendered</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Her book is most healthy in tone, and -leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'A very noble book. It is filled with wisdom -and sympathy.'—<i>Literary World.</i></p> - -<p>'At once sound and diverting.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Morley Roberts.</b> THE PLUNDERERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Morley Roberts</span>, -Author of 'The Colossus,' etc. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The author secures and maintains the -reader's lively interest in his clever absurdities.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'The whole atmosphere is one of high spirits -and high comedy.'—<i>Globe.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Roberts writes of real people who do -things and know things.'—<i>Black and -White.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Norma Lorimer.</b> MIRRY-ANN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Norma Lorimer</span>, Author of 'Josiah's -Wife.' <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The heroine is rare and striking, but -thorough woman and altogether lovable, -and the plot is brisk and well sustained.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'It is a Manx story, and a right able story. -The atmosphere is excellent, the descriptive -passages fine, and the story is one -which will repay perusal.'—<i>Glasgow -Herald.</i></p> - -<p>'A Manx novel which is at once sincere, -poetical, and in the best sense true.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Helen Shipton.</b> THE STRONG GOD -CIRCUMSTANCE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Helen -Shipton</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A story of high merit and many attractions.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'An up-to-date story—and a very beautiful -one—of self-sacrifice.'—<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p> - -<p>'A most effective story, written with both -insight and imagination.'—<i>Leeds Mercury.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[34]</a></span></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Violet Hunt.</b> THE HUMAN INTEREST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Violet Hunt</span>, -Author of 'A Hard Woman,' etc. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Clever observation and unfailing wit.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> - -<p>'The insight is keen, the irony is delicate.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. G. Wells.</b> THE STOLEN BACILLUS, -and other Stories.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">H. G. Wells</span>. <i>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The impressions of a very striking imagination.'—<i>Saturday -Review.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>H. G. Wells.</b> THE PLATTNER -STORY and Others.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. G. -Wells</span>. <i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. -6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Weird and mysterious, they seem to hold -the reader as by a magic spell.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Richard Marsh.</b> MARVELS AND -MYSTERIES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Richard -Marsh</span>, Author of 'The Beetle.' -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'While under their immediate influence the -reader is conscious of nothing but thrilling -excitement and curiosity.'—<i>Glasgow -Herald.</i></p> - -<p>'Ingeniously constructed and well told.'—<i>Morning -Leader.</i></p> - -<p>'Admirably selected and of the very best.'—<i>Christian -World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Esmé Stuart.</b> CHRISTALLA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Esmé Stuart</span>, <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The story is happily conceived, and entertaining -throughout.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'An excellent story, pathetic, and full of -humour.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> - -<p>'We wish that we came across more books -like this clever and charming story.'—<i>Leeds -Mercury.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Sara Jeannette Duncan.</b> A VOYAGE -OF CONSOLATION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Sara -Jeannette Duncan</span>, Author of 'An -American Girl in London.' Illustrated. -<i>Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A most delightfully bright book.'—<i>Daily -Telegraph.</i></p> - -<p>'The dialogue is full of wit.'—<i>Globe.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Sara Jeannette Duncan.</b> THE PATH -OF A STAR.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Sara Jeannette -Duncan</span>, Author of 'A Voyage of -Consolation.' Illustrated. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Richness and fullness of local colouring, -brilliancy of style, smiting phrases, and -the display of very pretty humour are -graces which are here in profusion. The -interest never flags.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>C. F. Keary.</b> THE JOURNALIST.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. F. Keary</span>. <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'It is rare indeed to find such poetical sympathy -with Nature joined to close study -of character and singularly truthful dialogue: -but then "The Journalist" is -altogether a rare book.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Norris.</b> MATTHEW AUSTIN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. E. Norris</span>, Author of 'Mademoiselle -de Mersac,' etc. <i>Fourth -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'An intellectually satisfactory and morally -bracing novel.'—<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Norris.</b> HIS GRACE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. E. -Norris</span>. Third Edition. <i>Cr. 8vo. -6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Norris.</b> THE DESPOTIC -LADY AND OTHERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. E. -Norris</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Norris.</b> CLARISSA FURIOSA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. E. Norris</span>. <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'As a story it is admirable, as a <i>jeu d'esprit</i> -it is capital, as a lay sermon studded -with gems of wit and wisdom it is a -model.'—<i>The World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Norris.</b> GILES INGILBY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">W. E. Norris</span>. <i>Illustrated. Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Interesting, wholesome, and charmingly -written.'—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. E. Norris.</b> AN OCTAVE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">W. E. Norris</span>. <i>Second Edition. -Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A very perfect exposition of the self-restraint, -the perfect knowledge of society -and its ways, the delicate sense of -humour, which are the main characteristics -of this very accomplished -author.'—<i>Country Life.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Ernest Glanville.</b> THE DESPATCH RIDER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Ernest Glanville</span>, -Author of 'The Kloof Bride.' <i>Crown -8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>A highly interesting story of the present -Boer War by an author who knows the -country well, and has had experience of -Boer campaigning.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[35]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. Clark Russell.</b> MY DANISH SWEETHEART.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. Clark -Russell</span>. <i>Illustrated. Fourth -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Robert Barr.</b> IN THE MIDST OF -ALARMS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Barr</span>. -<i>Third Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A book which has abundantly satisfied us -by its capital humour.'—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>'Mr. Barr has achieved a triumph.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Robert Barr.</b> THE MUTABLE -MANY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Barr</span>. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Very much the best novel that Mr. Barr -has yet given us. There is much insight -in it, and much excellent humour.'—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Robert Barr.</b> THE COUNTESS -TEKLA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Barr</span>. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Of these mediæval romances, which are -now gaining ground, "The Countess -Tekla" is the very best we have seen. -The story is written in clear English, -and a picturesque, moving style.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Andrew Balfour.</b> BY STROKE OF -SWORD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Balfour</span>. Illustrated. -<i>Fourth Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A banquet of good things.'—<i>Academy.</i></p> - -<p>'A recital of thrilling interest, told with -unflagging vigour.'—<i>Globe.</i></p> - -<p>'An unusually excellent example of a semi-historic -romance.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Andrew Balfour.</b> TO ARMS!</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Andrew Balfour</span>. Illustrated. -<i>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The marvellous perils through which Allan -passes are told in powerful and lively -fashion.'—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>Andrew Balfour.</b> VENGEANCE IS -MINE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Andrew Balfour</span>, -Author of 'By Stroke of Sword.' -<i>Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>A vigorous piece of work, well written, and -abounding in stirring incidents.'—<i>Glasgow -Herald.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. Maclaren Cobban.</b> THE KING -OF ANDAMAN: A Saviour of -Society.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Maclaren Cobban</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'An unquestionably interesting book. It -contains one character, at least, who has -in him the root of immortality.'—<i>Pall -Mall Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. Maclaren Cobban.</b> THE ANGEL -OF THE COVENANT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. -Maclaren Cobban</span>. <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. N. Stephens.</b> AN ENEMY TO -THE KING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. N. Stephens</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'It is full of movement, and the movement -is always buoyant.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'A stirring story with plenty of movement.'—<i>Black -and White.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. N. Stephens.</b> A GENTLEMAN -PLAYER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. N. Stephens</span>, -Author of 'An Enemy to the King.' -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A bright and spirited romance of adventure, -full of movement and changing -action.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>R. Hichens.</b> BYEWAYS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert -Hichens</span>. Author of 'Flames, etc.' -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The work is undeniably that of a man of -striking imagination.'—<i>Daily News.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. S. Fletcher.</b> THE PATHS OF -THE PRUDENT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. S. Fletcher</span>. -<i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. B. Burton.</b> IN THE DAY OF -ADVERSITY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Bloundelle-Burton</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Unusually interesting and full of highly -dramatic situations.'—<i>Guardian.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. B. Burton.</b> DENOUNCED.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">J. Bloundelle-Burton</span>. <i>Second -Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A fine, manly, spirited piece of work.'—<i>World.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. B. Burton.</b></p> -<blockquote> -<p>THE CLASH OF -ARMS. By <span class="smcap">J. Bloundelle-Burton</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'A brave story—brave in deed, brave in -word, brave in thought.'—<i>St. James's -Gazette.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>J. B. Burton.</b> ACROSS THE SALT -SEAS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Bloundelle-Burton</span>. -<i>Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The very essence of the true romantic -spirit.'—<i>Truth.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[36]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. C. Scully.</b> THE WHITE HECATOMB.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. C. Scully</span>, Author -of 'Kafir Stories.' <i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'Reveals a marvellously intimate understanding -of the Kafir mind.'—<i>African -Critic.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><b>W. C. Scully.</b> BETWEEN SUN -AND SAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. C. Scully</span>, -Author of 'The White Hecatomb.' -<i>Cr. 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>'The reader passes at once into the very -atmosphere of the African desert: the -inexpressible space and stillness swallow -him up, and there is no world for him but -that immeasurable waste.'—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">OTHER SIX SHILLING NOVELS</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DANIEL WHYTE. By <span class="smcap">A. J. Dawson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE CAPSINA. By <span class="smcap">E. F. Benson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DODO: A DETAIL OF THE DAY. By <span class="smcap">E. F. Benson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE VINTAGE. By <span class="smcap">E. F. Benson</span>. -Illustrated by <span class="smcap">G. P. Jacomb-Hood</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ROSE À CHARLITTE. By <span class="smcap">Marshall -Saunders</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>WILLOWBRAKE. By <span class="smcap">R. Murray Gilchrist</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED. By <span class="smcap">Dorothea Gerard</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>SIR ROBERT'S FORTUNE. By -Mrs. <span class="smcap">Oliphant</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE TWO MARYS. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Oliphant</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE LADY'S WALK. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Oliphant</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>LONE PINE: A ROMANCE OF MEXICAN LIFE. By <span class="smcap">R. B. -Townshend</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>WILT THOU HAVE THIS WOMAN? By <span class="smcap">J. Maclaren -Cobban</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A PASSIONATE PILGRIM. By <span class="smcap">Percy White</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>SECRETARY TO BAYNE, M.P. By <span class="smcap">W. Pett Ridge</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ADRIAN ROME. By <span class="smcap">E. Dawson</span> -and <span class="smcap">A. Moore</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE BUILDERS. By <span class="smcap">J. S. -Fletcher</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>GALLIA. By <span class="smcap">Ménie Muriel Dowie</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE CROOK OF THE BOUGH. By <span class="smcap">Ménie Muriel Dowie</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A BUSINESS IN GREAT WATERS. By <span class="smcap">Julian Corbett</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MISS ERIN. By <span class="smcap">M. E. Francis</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ANANIAS. By the Hon. Mrs. <span class="smcap">Alan Brodrick</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>CORRAGEEN IN '98. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Orpen</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE PLUNDER PIT. By <span class="smcap">J. Keighley -Snowden</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>CROSS TRAILS. By <span class="smcap">Victor Waite</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>SUCCESSORS TO THE TITLE. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Walford</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>KIRKHAM'S FIND. By <span class="smcap">Mary -Gaunt</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DEADMAN'S. By <span class="smcap">Mary Gaunt</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>CAPTAIN JACOBUS: A ROMANCE -OF THE ROAD. By <span class="smcap">L. Cope Cornford</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>SONS OF ADVERSITY. By <span class="smcap">L. Cope -Cornford</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE KING OF ALBERIA. By -<span class="smcap">Laura Daintrey</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE DAUGHTER OF ALOUETTE. By <span class="smcap">Mary A. Owen</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD. By <span class="smcap">Ellen F. Pinsent</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>AN ELECTRIC SPARK. By <span class="smcap">G. Manville Fenn</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[37]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>UNDER SHADOW OF THE -MISSION. By <span class="smcap">L. S. McChesney</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE SPECULATORS. By <span class="smcap">J. F. -Brewer</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE SPIRIT OF STORM. By -<span class="smcap">Ronald Ross</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE QUEENSBERRY CUP. By <span class="smcap">Clive P. Wolley</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A HOME IN INVERESK. By <span class="smcap">T. L. Paton</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MISS ARMSTRONG'S AND OTHER<br /> - CIRCUMSTANCES. By <span class="smcap">John Davidson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DR. CONGALTON'S LEGACY. By <span class="smcap">Henry Johnston</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>TIME AND THE WOMAN. By <span class="smcap">Richard Pryce</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THIS MAN'S DOMINION. By the -Author of 'A High Little World.'</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DIOGENES OF LONDON. By <span class="smcap">H. -B. Marriott Watson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE STONE DRAGON. By <span class="smcap">Murray Gilchrist</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A VICAR'S WIFE. By <span class="smcap">Evelyn Dickinson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ELSA. By <span class="smcap">E. M'Queen Gray</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE SINGER OF MARLY. By <span class="smcap">I. Hooper</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE FALL OF THE SPARROW. By <span class="smcap">M. C. Balfour</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A SERIOUS COMEDY. By <span class="smcap">Herbert Morrah</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE FAITHFUL CITY. By -<span class="smcap">Herbert Morrah</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>IN THE GREAT DEEP. By <span class="smcap">J. A. -Barry</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>BIJLI, THE DANCER. By <span class="smcap">James -Blythe Patton</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>JOSIAH'S WIFE. By <span class="smcap">Norma -Lorimer</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE PHILANTHROPIST. By <span class="smcap">Lucy Maynard</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>VAUSSORE. By <span class="smcap">Francis Brune</span>.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="r15"/> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">THREE-AND-SIXPENNY NOVELS</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>DERRICK VAUGHAN, NOVELIST. <i>42nd thousand</i>. By <span class="smcap">Edna Lyall</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A SON OF THE STATE. By <span class="smcap">W. Pett Ridge</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CEASE FIRE! By <span class="smcap">J. Maclaren Cobban</span>. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>A stirring Story of the Boer War of 1881, -including the Siege of Potchefstrom and -the Defeat of Majuba.</p> - -<p>'Brightly told and drawn with a strong and -sure hand.'—<i>St. James's Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>'A capital novel.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'Fact and fiction are so deeply woven -together that the book reads like a fascinating -chapter of history.'—<i>Pall Mall -Gazette.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE KLOOF BRIDE. By <span class="smcap">Ernest -Glanville</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A VENDETTA OF THE DESERT. By <span class="smcap">W. C. Scully</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SUBJECT TO VANITY. By <span class="smcap">Margaret Benson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SIGN OF THE SPIDER. <i>Fifth Edition.</i> By <span class="smcap">Bertram Mitford</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE MOVING FINGER. By <span class="smcap">Mary Gaunt</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>JACO TRELOAR. By <span class="smcap">J. H. Pearce</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE DANCE OF THE HOURS. By '<span class="smcap">Vera</span>.'</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A WOMAN OF FORTY. By <span class="smcap">Esmé Stuart</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A CUMBERER OF THE GROUND. By <span class="smcap">Constance Smith</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SIN OF ANGELS. By <span class="smcap">Evelyn Dickinson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AUT DIABOLUS AUT NIHIL. By X. L.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE COMING OF CUCULAIN. By <span class="smcap">Standish O'Grady</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE GODS GIVE MY DONKEY WINGS. By <span class="smcap">Angus Evan Abbott</span>.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[38]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE STAR GAZERS. By <span class="smcap">G. Manville Fenn</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE POISON OF ASPS. By <span class="smcap">R. Orton Prowse</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE QUIET MRS. FLEMING. By <span class="smcap">R. Pryce</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>DISENCHANTMENT. By <span class="smcap">F. Mabel Robinson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SQUIRE OF WANDALES. By <span class="smcap">A. Shield</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A REVEREND GENTLEMAN. By <span class="smcap">J. M. Cobban</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR. By <span class="smcap">W. E. Norris</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A CAVALIER'S LADYE. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Dicker</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PRODIGALS. By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Oliphant</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE SUPPLANTER. By <span class="smcap">P. Neumann</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A MAN WITH BLACK EYE-LASHES. By <span class="smcap">H. A. Kennedy</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A HANDFUL OF EXOTICS. By <span class="smcap">S. Gordon.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AN ODD EXPERIMENT. By <span class="smcap">Hannah Lynch</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>TALES OF NORTHUMBRIA. By <span class="smcap">Howard Pease</span>.</p> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">HALF-CROWN NOVELS</span></h3> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>HOVENDEN, V.C. By <span class="smcap">F. Mabel Robinson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. By <span class="smcap">F. Mabel Robinson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MR. BUTLER'S WARD. By <span class="smcap">F. Mabel Robinson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ELI'S CHILDREN. By <span class="smcap">G. Manville Fenn</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A DOUBLE KNOT. By <span class="smcap">G. Manville Fenn</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>DISARMED. By <span class="smcap">M. Betham Edwards</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>IN TENT AND BUNGALOW.<br /> By the Author of 'Indian Idylls.'</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MY STEWARDSHIP. By <span class="smcap">E. M'Queen Gray</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>JACK'S FATHER. By <span class="smcap">W. E. Norris</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>A LOST ILLUSION. By <span class="smcap">Leslie Keith</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE TRUE HISTORY OF JOSHUA DAVIDSON,<br /> Christian and Communist.<br /> - By <span class="smcap">E. Lynn Lynton</span>. <i>Eleventh Edition. Post 8vo. 1s.</i></p> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">The Novelist</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p><span class="smcap">Messrs. Methuen</span> are making an interesting experiment which constitutes a -fresh departure in publishing. They are issuing under the above general title -a Monthly Series of Novels by popular authors at the price of Sixpence. Many -of these Novels have never been published before. Each Number is as long as -the average Six Shilling Novel. The first numbers of '<span class="smcap">The Novelist</span>' are as -follows:—</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>I. DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. <span class="smcap">E. W. Hornung.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>II. JENNIE BAXTER, JOURNALIST. <span class="smcap">Robert Barr.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>III. THE INCA'S TREASURE. <span class="smcap">Ernest Glanville.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>IV. A SON OF THE STATE. <span class="smcap">W. Pett Ridge.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>V. FURZE BLOOM. <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>VI. BUNTER'S CRUISE. <span class="smcap">C. Gleig.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>VII. THE GAY DECEIVERS. <span class="smcap">Arthur Moore.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>VIII. PRISONERS OF WAR. <span class="smcap">A. Boyson Weekes.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>IX. THE ADVENTURE OF PRINCESS SYLVIA.<br /> - Mrs. <span class="smcap">C. F. Williamson</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>X. VELDT AND LAAGER: Tales of the Transvaal.<br /> - <span class="smcap">E. S. Valentine.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>XI. THE NIGGER KNIGHTS. <span class="smcap">F. Norreys Connell.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>XII. A MARRIAGE AT SEA. <span class="smcap">W. Clark Russell.</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">[39]</a></span></p> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<h2 id="BOOKS_FOR_BOYS_AND_GIRLS"><span class="xlarge">Books for Boys and Girls</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center"><i>A Series of Books by well-known Authors, well illustrated.</i></p> - -<p class="center"><b>THREE-AND-SIXPENCE EACH</b></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE ICELANDER'S SWORD. By <span class="smcap">S. Baring Gould</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>TWO LITTLE CHILDREN AND CHING.<br /> - By <span class="smcap">Edith E. Cuthell</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>TODDLEBEN'S HERO. By <span class="smcap">M. M. Blake</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ONLY A GUARD-ROOM DOG. By <span class="smcap">Edith E. Cuthell</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE DOCTOR OF THE JULIET.<br /> - By <span class="smcap">Harry Collingwood</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>MASTER ROCKAFELLAR'S VOYAGE.<br /> - By <span class="smcap">W. Clark Russell</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>SYD BELTON: Or, The Boy who would not go to Sea.<br /> - By <span class="smcap">G. Manville Fenn</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE WALLYPUG IN LONDON. By <span class="smcap">G. E. Farrow</span>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>ADVENTURES IN WALLYPUG LAND.<br /> - By <span class="smcap">G. E. 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Meade. -<i>2s. 6d.</i></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer2"> -<p>THE HONOURABLE MISS. By -<span class="smcap">L. T. Meade</span>.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<h2 id="UNIVERSITY_EXTENSION_SERIES">University Extension Series</h2> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A series of books on historical, literary, and scientific subjects, suitable for -extension students and home-reading circles. Each volume is complete in -itself, and the subjects are treated by competent writers in a broad and -philosophic spirit.</p> - -<p>Edited by J. E. SYMES, M.A., -Principal of University College, Nottingham. -<i>Crown 8vo. Price (with some exceptions) 2s. 6d.</i></p> -<p><i>The following volumes are ready</i>:—</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF -ENGLAND.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. de B. Gibbins</span>, -Litt.D., M.A., late Scholar of Wadham -College, Oxon., Cobden Prizeman. -<i>Sixth Edition, Revised, With -Maps and Plans. 3s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A HISTORY OF ENGLISH POLITICAL -ECONOMY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">L. L. Price</span>, -M.A., Fellow of Oriel College, Oxon. -<i>Third Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PROBLEMS OF POVERTY: An -Inquiry into the Industrial Conditions -of the Poor.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. A. Hobson</span>, -M.A. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>VICTORIAN POETS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Sharp</span>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">[40]</a></span></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">J. E. Symes</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PSYCHOLOGY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. S. Granger</span>, -M.A. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE EVOLUTION OF PLANT -LIFE: Lower Forms.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. -Massee</span>. <i>With Illustrations.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AIR AND WATER.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">V. B. Lewes</span>, -M.A. <i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE AND -HEALTH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. W. Kimmins</span>, -M.A. <i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE MECHANICS OF DAILY -LIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">V. P. Sells</span>, M.A. <i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ENGLISH SOCIAL REFORMERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. de B. Gibbins</span>, Litt.D., M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ENGLISH TRADE AND FINANCE -IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. A. S. Hewins</span>, B.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE. The -Elementary Principles of Chemistry.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">M. M. Pattison Muir</span>, M.A. -<i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A TEXT-BOOK OF AGRICULTURAL -BOTANY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">M. C. -Potter</span>, M.A., F.L.S. <i>Illustrated. -3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE VAULT OF HEAVEN. A -Popular Introduction to Astronomy.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. A. Gregory</span>. <i>With numerous -Illustrations.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>METEOROLOGY. The Elements of -Weather and Climate.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. N. -Dickson</span>, F.R.S.E., F.R. Met. Soc. -<i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A MANUAL OF ELECTRICAL -SCIENCE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">George J. Burch</span>, -M.A., F.R.S. <i>With numerous Illustrations. -3s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE EARTH.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>An Introduction to -Physiography. By <span class="smcap">Evan Small</span>, -M.A. <i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>INSECT LIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. W. Theobald</span>, -M.A. <i>Illustrated.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ENGLISH POETRY FROM BLAKE -TO BROWNING.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. M. -Dixon</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ENGLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. Jenks</span>, M.A., Professor -of Law at University College, -Liverpool.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE GREEK VIEW OF LIFE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">G. L. Dickinson</span>, Fellow of King's -College, Cambridge. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<h2 id="SOCIAL_QUESTIONS_OF_TODAY">Social Questions of Today</h2> -</div> - -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">Edited by H. <span class="smcap">DE</span> B. GIBBINS, Litt.D., M.A.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>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> - -<p><i>The following Volumes of the Series are ready</i>:—</p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>TRADE UNIONISM—NEW AND -OLD.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. Howell</span>. <i>Second -Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT -TODAY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. J. Holyoake</span>. -<i>Second Edition.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">[41]</a></span></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>MUTUAL THRIFT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By Rev. <span class="smcap">J. -Frome Wilkinson</span>, M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PROBLEMS OF POVERTY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. -A. Hobson</span>, M.A. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE COMMERCE OF NATIONS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. F. Bastable</span>, M.A., Professor -of Economics at Trinity College, -Dublin. <i>Second Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE ALIEN INVASION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. -H. Wilkins</span>, B.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE RURAL EXODUS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">P. -Anderson Graham</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LAND NATIONALIZATION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Harold Cox</span>, B.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>A SHORTER WORKING DAY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. de B. Gibbins</span>, D.Litt., M.A., -and <span class="smcap">R. A. Hadfield</span>, of the Hecla -Works, Sheffield.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>BACK TO THE LAND: An Inquiry -into the Cure for Rural Depopulation.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. E. Moore</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>TRUSTS, POOLS AND CORNERS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Stephen Jeans</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE FACTORY SYSTEM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. -W. Cooke-Taylor</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE STATE AND ITS CHILDREN.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Gertrude Tuckwell</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WOMEN'S WORK.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Lady Dilke</span>, -Miss <span class="smcap">Bulley</span>, and Miss <span class="smcap">Whitley</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SOCIALISM AND MODERN -THOUGHT.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">M. Kaufmann</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE HOUSING OF THE WORKING -CLASSES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. Bowmaker</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>MODERN CIVILIZATION IN -SOME OF ITS ECONOMIC -ASPECTS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. Cunningham</span>, -D.D., Fellow of Trinity College, -Cambridge.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE PROBLEM OF THE UNEMPLOYED.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. A. Hobson</span>, -B.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LIFE IN WEST LONDON.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By -<span class="smcap">Arthur Sherwell</span>, M.A. <i>Second -Edition.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>RAILWAY NATIONALIZATION.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Clement Edwards</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>WORKHOUSES AND PAUPERISM.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">Louisa Twining</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>UNIVERSITY AND SOCIAL -SETTLEMENTS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">W. Reason</span>, -M.A.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<h2 id="CLASSICAL_TRANSLATIONS">Classical Translations</h2> -</div> -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<p class="center">Edited by H. F. FOX, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Brasenose College, Oxford.</p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ÆSCHYLUS—Agamemnon, Chöephoroe, -Eumenides.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by -<span class="smcap">Lewis Campbell</span>, LL.D., late Professor -of Greek at St. Andrews. <i>5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CICERO—De Oratore I.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated -by <span class="smcap">E. N. P. Moor</span>, M.A. <i>3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CICERO—Select Orations(Pro Milone, -Pro Murena, Philippic <span class="smcap">II.</span>, In Catilinam).</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">H. E. D. -Blakiston</span>, M.A., Fellow and Tutor -of Trinity College, Oxford. <i>5s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CICERO—De Natura Deorum.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated -by <span class="smcap">F. Brooks</span>, M.A., late -Scholar of Balliol College, Oxford. -<i>3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CICERO DE OFFICIIS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated -by <span class="smcap">G. B. Gardiner</span>, M.A. <i>Crown -8vo. 2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>HORACE: THE ODES AND -EPODES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">A. -Godley</span>, M.A., Fellow of Magdalen -College, Oxford. <i>2s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LUCIAN—Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, -Icaro-Menippus, The Cock, The -Ship, The Parasite, The Lover of -Falsehood).</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">S. T. -Irwin</span>, M.A., Assistant Master at -Clifton; late Scholar of Exeter -College, Oxford. <i>3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SOPHOCLES—Electra and Ajax.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">E. D. A. Morshead</span>, -M.A., Assistant Master at Winchester. -<i>2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>TACITUS—Agricola and Germania.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">R. B. Townshend</span>, -late Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. -<i>2s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">[42]</a></span></p> - -<h3><span class="xlarge">Oxford Classical Texts.</span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>Messrs. <span class="smcap">Methuen</span> are about to publish in conjunction with the Clarendon -Press a series of classical texts edited by competent scholars from the best <span class="smcap">MSS.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THUCYDIDIS HISTORIAE, <span class="smcap">Libri -I.-IV.</span></p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. Stuart Jones</span>. -<i>Paper Covers, 3s. Limp Cloth, 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PLATONIS OPERA, Tom. <span class="smcap">I.</span> (<span class="smcap">Tetralogiae I.-II.</span>)</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Burnet</span>. -<i>Paper Covers, 5s. Limp Cloth, 6s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>LVCRETI CARI DE RERVM -NATVRA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">C. Bailey</span>. <i>Paper -Covers, 2s. 6d. Limp Cloth, 3s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>CORNELII TACITI OPERA MINORA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">H. Furneaux</span>. <i>Paper -Covers, 1s. 6d. Limp Cloth, 2s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>AESCHYLI TRAGOEDIAE CUM -FRAGMENTIS.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. Sidgwick</span>. -<i>Paper Covers, 3s. Limp Cloth, 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>APOLLONII RHODII ARGONAUTICA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">R. C. Seaton</span>. <i>Paper -Covers, 2s. 6d. Limp Cloth, 3s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>ARISTOPHANIS COMOEDIAE. -<span class="smcap">Tom. I.</span></p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">F. W. Hall</span> and <span class="smcap">W. -M. Geldart</span>. <i>Paper Covers, 3s. -Limp Cloth, 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>XENOPHONTIS OPERA. <span class="smcap">Tom. I.</span> -(Historia Graeca).</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. C. Marchant</span>. -<i>Paper Covers, 2s. 6d. Limp -Cloth, 3s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="nobreak"> -<h2 id="EDUCATIONAL_BOOKS">Educational Books</h2> -</div> - -<h3><span class="xlarge"><i>CLASSICAL</i></span></h3> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE NICOMACHEAN ETHICS -OF ARISTOTLE.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited with an -Introduction and Notes by <span class="smcap">John -Burnet</span>, M.A., Professor of Greek -at St. Andrews. <i>Demy 8vo. 15s. -net.</i></p> - -<p>This edition contains parallel passages from -the Eudemian Ethics, printed under the -text, and there is a full commentary, the -main object of which is to interpret difficulties -in the light of Aristotle's own -rules.</p> - -<p>'An edition which reflects every credit upon -its author's learning and critical acumen, -and which cannot but prove heartily welcome -to all classes of Greek scholars.'—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>'It forms a valuable addition to the existing -literature on the subject.'—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> - -<p>'We must content ourselves with saying, in -conclusion, that we have seldom, if ever, -seen an edition of any classical author in -which what is held in common with other -commentators is so clearly and shortly -put, and what is original is (with equal -brevity) of such value and interest.'—<i>Pilot.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PLAUTI BACCHIDES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Edited with -Introduction, Commentary, and -Critical Notes by <span class="smcap">J. 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F. -Davis</span>, M.A., Assistant Master at -Weymouth College. <i>Crown 8vo. 2s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">[43]</a></span></p> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>TACITI GERMANIA.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By the same -Editor. <i>Crown 8vo. 2s.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>HERODOTUS: EASY SELECTIONS. -With Vocabulary.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">A. C. -Liddell</span>, M.A. <i>Fcap. 8vo. 1s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>SELECTIONS FROM THE ODYSSEY.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">E. D. Stone</span>, M.A., late -Assistant Master at Eton. <i>Fcap. 8vo. -1s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>PLAUTUS: THE CAPTIVI.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Adapted for Lower Forms by <span class="smcap">J. 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Buckland Green</span>, -M.A., Assistant Master at Edinburgh -Academy, late Fellow of St. John's -College, Oxon. <i>Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>Notes and explanations on the chief difficulties -of Greek and Latin Syntax, with -numerous passages for exercise.</p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>NEW TESTAMENT GREEK. A -Course for Beginners.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>By <span class="smcap">G. Rodwell</span>, -B.A. With a Preface by -<span class="smcap">Walter Lock</span>, D.D., Warden of -Keble College. <i>Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> -</blockquote> -</div> - -<div class="bookcontainer"> -<p>THE FROGS OF ARISTOPHANES.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>Translated by <span class="smcap">E. W. 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