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50 I know to my cost the things that go on in these parts, and that there's many a man ruined for an honest calling by being drawn in with these folks. You see, sir, it be in the air, and they breathe it in from childhood up, so to speak."

"That's it; that's it, my good woman!" cried the brigadier enthusiastically. "Egad, my lass, you're the first person I've met in these parts to admit even so much. Now tell me, think you not 'twould be better for you all if this thing, this free-trade, as they falsely call it, was rooted out?"

"Ay, sir, I do think so," said the woman earnestly. "And if I thought you'd do your work without too rough a hand, I'd lead you to their haunts myself."

"You would? You would?" cried the brigadier, with great eagerness. "Well, then, you may rely on me. If you'll but take me to the spot where they harbor, I'll be as gentle as a lamb with the ruff—I should say, with the poor misguided fellows."

"Come, sir, then, with me," said the woman, as she at once began to lead the way back through the village at a smart pace.