THE ROMANY RYE




CHAPTER I



The Making of the Linch-pin--The Sound Sleeper--Breakfast--The
Postillion's Departure.


I awoke at the first break of day, and, leaving the postillion fast
asleep, stepped out of the tent. The dingle was dank and dripping.
I lighted a fire of coals, and got my forge in readiness. I then
ascended to the field, where the chaise was standing as we had left
it on the previous evening. After looking at the cloud-stone near
it, now cold, and split into three pieces, I set about prying
narrowly into the condition of the wheel and axletree--the latter
had sustained no damage of any consequence, and the wheel, as far
as I was able to judge, was sound, being only slightly injured in
the box. The only thing requisite to set the chaise in a
travelling condition appeared to be a linch-pin, which I determined
to make. Going to the companion wheel, I took out the linch-pin,
which I carried down with me to the dingle, to serve as a model.

I found Belle by this time dressed, and seated near the forge:
with a slight nod to her like that which a person gives who happens
to see an acquaintance when his mind is occupied with important