small, did not often bear a bad crop. He heard his name called over
the hedge, and looking up saw the Squire, Mr. Elmwood, on horseback.

He came up, respectfully taking off his hat and standing with it in
his hand as was then the custom when thus spoken to. "What is this I
hear, Kenton," said the squire, "that you have been having a
prelatist service on your ground?"

Steadfast was dismayed, but did not speak, till Mr. Elmwood added,
"Is it true?"

"Yes, sir," he answered resolutely.

"Did you know it was against the law to use the Book of Common
Prayer?"

"There was no book, sir."

"But you do not deny it was the same superstitious and Popish
ceremony and festival abolished by law."

"No, sir," Stead allowed, though rather by gesture than word.

"Now, look you here, young Kenton, I ask no questions. I do not want
to bring anyone into trouble, and you are a hard-working, honest lad
by what they tell me, who have a brother fighting in the good Cause
and have suffered from the lawless malignants yourself. Was it not
the Prince's troopers that wrought this ruin?" pointing towards the
blackened gable, "and shot down your father? Aye! The more shame
you should hold with them! I wish you no harm I say, nor the blinded