good-natured farewell to the crowd. A quick and vigorous application of
the whip awakened the dozing horses so suddenly that they started up
with a spasmodic jerk which nearly threw the old fellow from his perch.
By a desperate effort, however, he maintained his seat, but his
broad-brimmed hat went flying from his bald head and rolled to the
ground, scattering in its fall his snuff-box, spectacles and a monstrous
red bandanna handkerchief. This little episode called forth a peal of
laughter from the by-standers, in which the old man heartily joined.

"Stick to 'em, Jerry!" cried one, "too much oats makes them animals
frisky," while another hastened to pick up the several articles and
restore them to their owner.

Jerry wiped the great drops of perspiration from his bald, shining pate,
as he replied:

"Them hosses are a leetle too high fed, I'll admit, but I'll take some
of the vinegar out of 'em afore night, or my name ain't Jerry Hobson."

Everything being now in readiness, he again spoke to his steeds, and
this time without mishap, the lumbering old vehicle rattled away on its
journey. The little crowd gradually dispersed and soon left Robert and
the constable alone with the store-keeper.

"I didn't see old Ben Ratcliffe around this morning," said Mr. Bascom to
John Todd, the store-keeper.

"No," answered that individual; "he was here last evening, and said if
the weather was fine he was going with his nephew over to the lake,
fishing."