letters, and Mr. Kneebone assures me _he_ didn't receive them, I can't
do otherwise than believe you. And I've made up my mind that a husband
ought to believe only half that he hears, and nothing that he sees."

"An excellent maxim!" replied his wife, approvingly; "the best I ever
heard you utter."

"I must now go and look after Thames," observed the carpenter.

"Oh! never mind him: he'll take no harm! Come with me into the parlour.
I can't spare you at present. Heigho!"

"Now for it!" cried Jack, as the couple entered the room: "the coast's
clear."

Thames was about to follow, when he felt a gentle grasp upon his arm. He
turned, and beheld Winifred.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"I shall be back presently," replied Thames, evasively.

"Don't go, I beg of you!" she implored. "You're in danger. I overheard
what Mr. Kneebone said, just now."

"Death and the devil! what a cursed interruption!" cried Jack,
impatiently. "If you loiter in this way, old Wood will catch us."

"If you stir, I'll call him!" rejoined Winifred. "It's you, Jack, who
are persuading my brother to do wrong. Thames," she urged, "the errand,