to help in the capture." And this speaker also revealed the object
of his return by looking solicitously round for the fascinating
mug of old mead.

"And I thought you had gone," said the other, continuing his
skimmer-cake with some effort.

"Well, on second thoughts, I felt there were enough without me,"
said the first, confidentially, "and such a night as it is, too.
Besides, 't is the business o' the government to take care of its
criminals, not mine."

"True, so it is; and I felt as you did--that were enough without
me."

"I don't want to break my limbs running over the humps and hollows
of this wild country."

"Nor I, either, between you and me."

"These shepherd people are used to it--simpleminded souls, you
know, stirred up to anything a moment. They'll have him ready for
me before the morning, and no trouble to me at all."

"They'll have him, and we shall have saved ourselves all labour in
the matter."

"True, true. Well, my way is to Casterbridge, and't is as much as
my legs will do to take me that far. Going the same way?"