he
same table with the gentleman who had called to Dr. Percival; "that
martial music has ceased with great suddenness, and I no longer hear
the tramp, tramp of the troops."

"I begin to have a very strong suspicion that ventriloquism is
responsible for it all," returned the gentleman with a smile. "Did you
not hear at the time of the marriage of Dr. Johnson's sister that a
ventriloquist was present and made rare sport for the guests?"

"Oh, yes, I think I did and that he was one of the relatives. I
presume he is here now and responsible for these strange sounds. But,"
she added thoughtfully, "there are several sounds going on at once;
could he make them all, do you think?"

"Perhaps the talent runs in the family and there is more than one here
possessing it."

"Ah, yes, that must be it," remarked another guest, nodding wisely. "I
presume it is in the family, and what sport it must make for them."

"But what has become of those tramps--the merry men who were going to
claim a share of this feast?" queried a young girl seated at the same
table.

"Perhaps they have joined the troops," laughed another. "But hark!
they are at it again," as a shrill whistle once more came floating on
the breeze from the same direction as before, followed by the words,
"Come on, my merry men; let us make haste ere all the best of the
viands have disappeared down the throats of the fellows already
there."

Mr. Hugh Lilburn had overheard the chat about the neighboring table
and thought best to gratify the desire to hear further from the merry
men of the wood.

A good many eyes were turned in the direction of the sounds, but none
could see even one of the merry men so loudly summoned to make a raid
upon the feasting company.

Then another voice seemed to reply from the same quarter as the first.

"The days of Robin Hood and his merry men are over lang syne; and this
is no' the country for ony sic doin's. If we want a share o' the grand
feast we maun ask it like decent, honest folk, tendering payment if
that wad no' be considered an insult by the host an' hostess."

At that Dr. Percival laughed and called out in a tone of amusement,
"Come on, friends, and let me help you to a share of the eatables; we
have enough and to spare, and you will be heartily welcome."

"Thanks, sir," said the voice; "perhaps we may accept when your
invited guests have eaten their fill and departed."

"Very well; manage it to suit yourselves," laughed the