you may ask your grandfather for me."

A long, sharp, wistful survey did Mr. Dummie Dunnaker cast around him
before he rejoined. All seemed safe and convenient for confidential
communication. The supine features of Mrs. Lobkins were hushed in a
drowsy stupor; even the gray cat that lay by the fire was curled in the
embrace of Morpheus. Nevertheless, it was in a close whisper that Dummie
spoke.

"I dares be bound, Meester Pepper, that you 'members vell ven Harry Cook,
the great highvayman,--poor fellow! he's gone vhere ve must all go,--
brought you, then quite a gossoon,' for the first time to the little back
parlour at the Cock and Hen, Dewereux Court?"

Ned nodded assent.

"And you 'members as how I met Harry and you there, and I vas all afeard
at you,--'cause vy? I had never seen you afore, and ve vas a going to
crack a swell's crib. And Harry spoke up for you, and said as 'ow though
you had just gone on the town, you was already prime up to gammon. You
'members, eh?"

"Ay, I remember all," said Ned; "it was the first and only house I ever
had a hand in breaking into. Harry was a fellow of low habits; so I
dropped his acquaintance, and took solely to the road, or a chance
ingenuity now and then. I have no idea of a gentleman turning
cracksman."

"Vel, so you vent vith us, and ve slipped you through a pane in the
kitchen-vindow. You vas the least of us, big as you be now; and you vent