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130 to one side of his head, as his custom was when he was troubled or perplexed. "You shall taste of my daughter's currant wine, and drink the health of his Majesty."

"'Twould be more to the purpose, sir, with all thanks to you for your hospitality," replied the brigadier, "if you would assist his Majesty's troops in the execution of their duty, instead of doing what you can to impede them."

"How say you, sir? What mean you?" retorted the parson sturdily, as he turned upon them, apparently glad to find that things had so quickly come to a crisis.

He had led his visitors into the little dining-parlor, which was one-half of the lower part of what had once been a fine hall. The roof was low, and the beams were roughly whitewashed like the rest of the ceiling. A small window, with latticed panes, was set in the thickness of the wall on the front side of the house. Opposite the door was the old wide hearth, the upper part filled with curiously carved woodwork, and a comfortable wooden armchair in the corner on each side. On the high shelf above were a couple of brass candlesticks, each containing a tallow candle, in that