of it all, there was cold tea, which, when confidence was established,
or they knew one of the party, she served hushedly in cups without
saucers; for which she sometimes apologized, and which she took into
her murderous bedroom to fill, and replenish, in its darkest and most
felonious corner from homicidal-looking pots, by candle-light. You'd
think you were in a cheap place, where you shouldn't be, in the city.

Harry and his passengers got down and stretched their legs, and while
Old Jack was guardedly answering a hurriedly whispered inquiry of
the traveller, Harry took the opportunity to nudge Mrs Mac, and
whisper in her ear:

"Look out, Mrs Mac!--Exciseman!"

"The devil he is!" whispered she.

"Ye-e-es!" whispered Harry.

"All right, Harry!" she whispered. "Never a word! I'll take care
of him, bless his soul."

After a warm at the wide wood fire, a gulp of coffee and a bite or two
at the bread and meat, the traveller, now thoroughly thawed,
stretched himself and said:

"Ah, well, Mrs Mac, haven't you got anything else to offer us?"

"And what more would you be wanting?" she snapped. "Isn't the
bread and meat good enough for you?"