the stranger, however, had nearly caused a schism between the hostess
and her leading customers; for the former had whilst he honoured the
Mermaid with his presence, engaged the parlour for his exclusive
accommodation--an arrangement contrary to all the rules of Lanport
etiquette; and he might have experienced rather a rude reception had not
Mrs. Judy given up her _sanctum sanctorum_ for the temporary use of
the "elect."

Next day, the morning had passed away, nay, the sun was fast careering
towards the western horizon, and yet the stranger exhibited no
inclination to explore the locality of Lanport. Night at last set in,
but still he remained in close quarters as before.

This appeared the more strange, as the situation of Lanport was
singularly wild and interesting. The prospect from the wooded and rocky
heights of the coast was of great and commanding beauty; and the inland
view presented many scenes and objects highly calculated to invite the
attention of the lover of nature or the curious traveller. It was
evident that the stranger was deficient in both these points.

The history of the next day closely corresponded with that of the
preceding. There he sat. That night there was again a strong muster
around the capacious hearth of the Mermaid. If the stranger was
deficient in that inherent passion of the human mind--curiosity--not so
the villagers. But one sentiment seemed to pervade the assembled party,
and that may be summed up in the words "Who _is_ he?" An echo
responded "Who _is_ he?" Conjecture was literally at a fault. His
very appearance was unknown to all except the fortunate few that had
beheld him in his march from the pier; the fishing boat had put to
sea before any one thought of making inquiry as to the freight it