"Seed the drag of his leg." Now it was well known that the man Nokes
had injured some of his muscles, and habitually dragged one foot
after another.

"I don't think you could have been sure of him by such a glimpse as
that."

"Maybe not," said the boy, "only I'm sure as sure."

Harry Heathcote said not another word, but getting again upon his
horse, galloped home. It was past one when he reached the station,
but the two girls were waiting up for him, and at once began to
condole with him because he was wet. "Wet!" said Harry; "if you could
only know how much I prefer things being wet to dry just at present!
But give Jacko some supper. I must keep that young fellow in good
humor if I can."

So Jacko had half a loaf of bread, and a small pot of jam, and a
large jug of cold tea provided for him, in the enjoyment of which
luxuries he did not seem to be in the least impeded by the fact that
he was wet through to the skin. Harry Heathcote had another nobbler--
being only the second in the day--and then went to bed.




CHAPTER III.

MEDLICOT'S MILL.