of a fresh gathered mushroom, and if I see a
few I like to take them to the Hoze."

"Ay, to be sure," said Shackle, as he thought to himself "And precious
glad to get them, you two poor half-starved creatures, with your show
and sham, and titles and keep up appearances."

"I--er--I have not got many, Master Shackle. Would you like to see?"
continued the tall thin gentleman, raising the flap of one of his
salt-box pockets.

"I don't want to see," growled the other, as he stood patting the neck
of his old grey horse. "Been to the cliff edge?"

"I--yes, Master Shackle."

"See the cutter?"

"I think I saw a small vessel lying some distance off, with white
sails."

"That's the _White Hawk_, Luff Brough. And I wanted to speak to you,
Sir Risdon."

The gentleman started.

"Not about--about that--" he stammered.

"Tchah! Yes. It was about that, man," said the other. "Don't shy at
it like a horse at a blue bogey in a windy lane."

"But I told you, man, last time, that I would have no more to do with
that wretched smuggling."

"Don't call things by ugly names."

"My good man, it is terrible. It is dishonourable, and the act is a
breaking of the laws of our country."

"Tchah! Not it, Sir Risdon," cried the other so sharply, that the grey
horse started forward, and had to be checked. "Not the king's laws, but
the laws of that Dutchman who has come and stuck himself on the throne.
Why, sir, you ought to take a pleasure in breaking his laws, after the
way he has robbed you, and turned you from a real gentleman, into a
poor, hard-pressed country squire, who--"

"Hush! Hush, Master Shackle!" said the tall gentleman huskily. "Don't
rake up my misfortunes."

"Not I, Sir Risdon. I'm full o' sorrow and respect for a noble
gentleman, who has suffered for the cause of the real king, who, when he
comes, will set us all right."

"Ah, Master Shackle, I'm losing heart."

"Nay, don't do that, Sir Risdon; and as to a few mushrooms, why, you're
welcome enough; and I'd often be sending a chicken or a few eggs, or a
kit o' butter, or drop o' milk, all to the Hoze, only we're feared her
ladyship might think it rude."

"It's--it's very good of you, Master Shackle, and I shall never be able
to repay you."

"Tchah! Who wants repaying, Sir Risdon? We have plenty at the farm,
and it was on'y day 'fore yes'day as I was out in my little lugger, and
we'd took a lot o' mackrel! `Ram,' I says to my boy Ramillies, `thi