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 resources cannot play a pretty little trick upon the Captain, the Captain's very wise."

'Twas then Miss Prue did prick her ears up.

"Trick!" says she, "anything daring? Aught with a spice about it? Now, Bab, let's have it!"

"It is my intention to kidnap my good friend Corporal Flickers," I replied.

"Kidnap Corporal Flickers," cries he, in a voice of pregnant admiration. "Why, Bab, your heart is big enough for five. Bravo!"

"At six o'clock to-morrow evening he is to take that paper, ride to York, and catch the London mail," says I. "But he will not get beyond our gatehouse, for everything is to be most excellently planned."

"And you will perhaps be wanting my assistance," says he, keenly.

"Very probable indeed," says I to pacify him somewhat, though I did not intend to risk his safety in the matter.

Thus by fair words, devices, and appeals he was prevailed upon to sit in peace, and for the present to let things pursue their courses. Much as I rejoiced in this, however, I was angry with myself for being such a tender sort of fool. For the moment, though, a more instant matter filled my thoughts. Such a nicety of performance was required in this new affair that fearing the least miscarriage, I directed my personal attention to it, Habiting myself for an evening stroll, I stepped into the heavy bitter night, winter though it was,