Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/124

 "Why, Agatha married one of the troopers, and went away to London."

"And the others?"

"Why, Cook went home to her friends, who live about ten miles from here, and I have never heard of her since."

"But there were three of them," said Oswald. "Oh, yes; there was Phœbe," replied Benjamin, looking rather confused. "She married a trooper—the jilt!—and went off to London, when Agatha did. If I'd have thought that she would have done so, I would not have carried her away from Arnwood behind me, on a pillion, as I did; she might have been burnt with the poor children, for all as I cared."

"Was not the old lady killed?"

"Yes; that is to say, she killed herself, rather than not kill Southwold."

"Where was she buried?"

"In the churchyard, at St. Faith's, by the mayor and corporation; for there was not money enough found upon her person, to pay the expenses of her burial."

"And so you are tapster at the Commonwealth. Is it a good inn?"

"Can't say much for it. I shan't stay longer than I can help, I can tell you."

"Well, but you must have an easy place, if you can stay away so long as you do now."

"Won't I be mobbed, when I go back! but that's always the case, make haste or not, so it's all one. However, I do think I must be a going now, so good bye, Mr. Forester; and tell Jacob Armitage's grandson that I shall be glad to see him, for old Jacob's sake; and it's hard but I'll find him something to drink, when he calls."

"I will: I shall see him to-morrow," replied Oswald, getting