he, with a view of bringing him out for his own covert and somewhat
ungenerous purposes.

"I am no stranger, sure enough, sir," replied the other, "so far as a
good slice of the counthry side goes; but if I am not you are, sir, or
I'm out in it."

"Yes, I am a stranger here."

"Never mind, sir, don't let that disthress you; it's a good, man's case,
sir. Did you thravel far, wid submission? I spake in kindness, sir."

"Why, yes, a--a--pretty good distance; but about Mr. Lindsay and--"

"Yes, sir; crossed over, sir, I suppose? I mane from the other side?"

"O! you want to know if I crossed the Channel?"

"Had you a pleasant passage, sir?"

"Yes, tolerable."

"Thank God! I hope you'll make a long stay with us, sir, in this part
of the counthry. If you have any business to do with Mr. Lindsay--as of
coorse you have--why, I don't think you and he will quarrel; and by the
way, sir, I know him and the family well, and if I only got a glimpse, I
could throw in a word or two to guide you in dalin' wid him--that is, if
I knew the business."

"As to that," replied Woodward, "it is not very particular; I am only