I'll change him into a canting, crop-eared, whining pen-machine, with
quills behind his ears, and a back always bending humbly. I'll take
this honest barbarian and make a civilized and enlightened individual
out of him--that is to say, I'll change him into a rascal and a
hypocrite."

With which misanthropic words Mr. Rushton nodded in a surly way to the
smiling Squire, and took his way down the road toward Winchester.

"Well, well," said the old gentleman, looking after him, "Rushton
seems to be growing rougher than ever;--what a pity that so noble
a heart should have such a husk. His was a hard trial, however--we
should not be surprised. Rough-headed fellow! he thinks he can do
everything with that resolute will of his;--but the idea of chaining
to a writing-desk that wild boy, Verty!"

And the old gentleman re-entered the house smiling cheerfully, as was
his wont.




CHAPTER IV.

HOW VERTY THOUGHT, AND PLAYED, AND DREAMED.


Verty took his weary way westward through the splendid autumn woods,
gazing with his dreamy Indian expression on the variegated leaves,
listening to the far cries of birds, and speaking at times to Longears