Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/119

 "Since you wish it, certainly," replied Oswald, "indeed it would be better, for a slip of the tongue before other people might create suspicion."

The pony and cart were soon at the door, and Edward having received farther instructions from Alice, set off for Lymington, accompanied by Oswald.  

" you have found your way to Lymington?" said Oswald, as the pony trotted along.

"Yes; I think so," replied Edward; "but I must have first gone to Arnwood. Indeed, had I been alone I should have done so; but we have made a much shorter cut."

"I did not think that you would have liked to have seen the ruins of Arnwood," replied Oswald.

"Not a day passes without my thinking of them," replied Edward. "I should like to see them. I should like to see if any one has taken possession of the property, for they say it is confiscated."

"I heard that it was to be; but not that it was yet," said Oswald; "but we shall know more when we get to Lymington. I have not seen it for more than a year. I hardly think that any one will recognise you."

"I should think not; but I care little if they do. Indeed, who is there to know me?"

"Well, my introduction of you will save some surmises, probably; and I shall not take you among those who may be inclined to ask questions. See, there is the steeple; we have not more than a quarter of an hour's drive."

As soon as they arrived at Lymington, Oswald directed the way to a small hostelrie to which the keepers and verderers usually resorted. In fact, the landlord was the party who took all the 