windmiller. The safety of the priceless sails, if all were true,
had been risked by the man he kept, and secured by the man he sent
away, but Master Lake was quite satisfied with his own decision.

"I bean't so fond myself of men as is so mortal sprack and fussy in
a strange place," the miller observed to Mrs. Lake in reference to
this matter.

Mrs. Lake had picked up several of her husband's bits of proverbial
wisdom, which she often flattered him by retailing to his face.

"Too hot to hold, mostly," was her reply, in knowing tones.

"Ay, ay, missus, so a be," said the windmiller. And after a while
he added, "Gearge is slow, sartinly, mortal slow; but Gearge is
sure."



CHAPTER V.

THE POCKET-BOOK AND THE FAMILY BIBLE.--FIVE POUNDS' REWARD.

Of the strange gentleman who brought Jan to the windmill, the Lakes
heard no more, but the money was paid regularly through a lawyer in
London.

From this lawyer, indeed, Master Lake had heard immediately after
the arrival of his foster-son.