other night when I passed through here,' Festus continued; 'but it
was so late that I couldn't come so far out of my way. You won't
think it unkind?'

'Not at all, if you COULDN'T. I never shall think it unkind if you
really CAN'T come, you know, Festy.' There was a few minutes'
pause, and as the nephew said nothing Uncle Benjy went on: 'I wish
I had a little present for ye. But as ill-luck would have it we
have lost a deal of stock this year, and I have had to pay away so
much.'

'Poor old man--I know you have. Shall I lend you a seven-shilling
piece, Uncle Benjy?'

'Ha, ha!--you must have your joke; well, I'll think o' that. And so
they expect Buonaparty to choose this very part of the coast for his
landing, hey? And that the yeomanry be to stand in front as the
forlorn hope?'

'Who says so?' asked the florid son of Mars, losing a little
redness.

'The newspaper-man.'

'O, there's nothing in that,' said Festus bravely. 'The gover'ment
thought it possible at one time; but they don't know.'

Festus turned himself as he talked, and now said abruptly: 'Ah,
who's this? Why, 'tis our little Anne!' He had not noticed her
till this moment, the young woman having at his entry kept her face