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 his horse. It was resolved to convey it to the High Farm, some miles up the moor, the same evening and hold it there in secret till the time was by for the Corporal's release. And I had such a high regard for Goodman and his son that I did not hesitate to think them the equals of their word. Wherefore I went home to dress in a cheerful mood, and passed a lively evening with my aunt, his lordship, and Miss Prue.

My aunt put me quite remarkably in mind of a ferret held up by the throat. The creature was prepared to bite on the first occasion, only the season was not yet, for to attempt to do so now was to run the risk of having the life choked out of it.

"Aunt," says I, as we sat at supper, "my dearest Prue tells me she must leave us in a day or two."

"Niece," says my aunt, politely, "I shall be grieved indeed to forego her charming company."

But here the dowager's steely smile shone out and caught my eye, and—well, I wished it had not done so.