playing "even or odd" with Winifred and Asahel, a great
handful of chestnuts being the game, -- "Governor, have you a
mind to take Rufus's place at Asphodel for a while this fall?"

The blood rushed to Winthrop's face; but he only forgot his
chestnuts and said, "Yes, sir."

"You may go, if you've a mind to, and as soon as you like. --
It's better travelling now than it will be by and by. I can
get along without you for a spell, I guess."

"Thank you, father."

But Winthrop's eyes sought his mother's face. In vain little
Winifred hammered upon his hand with her little doubled up
fist, and repeated, "even or odd?" He threw down the chestnuts
and quitted the room hastily.


CHAPTER V.


The wind blew hollow frae the hills,
By fits the sun's departing beam
Looked on the fading yellow woods
That waved o'er Lugar's winding stream.
BURNS.


He five dollars were gone. No matter -- they could be wanted.