startling the keeper from time to time as very damaging to the theory of
master and man, strictly forbade any indulgence in words as courtesies.

Behind the keeper came Enoch (who had been assisting in the garden) at
the well-considered chronological distance of three minutes--an interval
of non-appearance on the trapper's part not arrived at without some
reflection. Four minutes had been found to express indifference to
indoor arrangements, and simultaneousness had implied too great an
anxiety about meals.

"A little earlier than usual, Fancy," the keeper said, as he sat down and
looked at the clocks. "That Ezekiel Saunders o' thine is tearing on
afore Thomas Wood again."

"I kept in the middle between them," said Fancy, also looking at the two
clocks.

"Better stick to Thomas," said her father. "There's a healthy beat in
Thomas that would lead a man to swear by en offhand. He is as true as
the town time. How is it your stap-mother isn't here?"

As Fancy was about to reply, the rattle of wheels was heard, and "Weh-
hey, Smart!" in Mr. Richard Dewy's voice rolled into the cottage from
round the corner of the house.

"Hullo! there's Dewy's cart come for thee, Fancy--Dick driving--afore
time, too. Well, ask the lad to have pot-luck with us."

Dick on entering made a point of implying by his general bearing that he
took an interest in Fancy simply as in one of the same race and country