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200 often mischief in their power, composed his features, and listened with apparent attention; not so the other, who leant back on the bench, and began whistling some air he had picked up on his travels. The volunteer homilist was stopping for lack of breath, when the hostess stepped forward, and, addressing the owner of the falcon, observed,—

"You will find your bird a sore cumbrance; for the noble sport is little kept up in our parts."

"I know that," said the man, as he looked with a sorrowful sigh at the cage, which he had covered with his cloak.

"Well, now, what would you say if I could help you to a purchaser? There are many bird-fanciers in the town of Southampton—"

"I have a starling myself that can ask what time o' the day it is, just like a Christian," interrupted the mercer; who could never hear a question of buying and selling raised without putting in a word.

"Pshaw, man!" exclaimed the other; "do you think my noble falcon is a fitting companion for your blackbirds and linnets, to be put in a wicker cage, and fed on chickweed?"

"I think," added the hostess, "you had better listen to me. I tell you I know of a purchaser."