bishop first comes to the see he is met at Croft bridge by all the big
men of the county, who do homage to him as if he were a king."

The guard stared at a youngster, an outside and therefore a poor
passenger too, who appeared so well informed, and then applied himself
vigorously to his horn.

The afternoon was fast waning when the coach brought to its passengers
the first glimpse of the blackened old fortress of Newcastle and the
lantern tower of St. Nicholas. Fairburn, almost as helpless as on the
previous afternoon, was speedily lifted down from his lofty perch by
the strong arms of his father.

"Ah, my dear lad," the elder cried as he hugged George to his breast,
"the mother has a store of good things ready for her bairn and for
Christmas. And here is old Dapper ready to jog back with us and to his
own Christmas Eve supper. How do you do, sir?"

These last words were addressed to a gentleman who had just driven up
in a well-appointed family equipage.

"I hope I see young Mr. Blackett well," Fairburn continued.

"Ah! 'tis you, Mr. Fairburn," said the great man condescendingly.
"This is your boy? Looks a trifle cold, don't you think? 'Tis bitter
weather for travelling outside."

And with the curtest possible nod to the father, and no recognition
whatever of the son, Mr. Blackett linked his arm in Matthew's and
strode away to his carriage.