h lower, so that a ledge
about nine inches wide was laid bare and offered itself as a convenient
resting-place; but I thought I would not fish while my uncles were away,
especially since they had left me in charge.

So I walked right to the very place I had been warned to avoid, and
found the men as busy as usual, and ready enough to say a few civil
words.

And so the afternoon wore away, and telling myself that I had been
scared at shadows, I felt a great deal more confident by tea-time when
the men were leaving.

I sat in the office then as important as if I were the master, and
listened to their leaving and crossing the yard. I could hear them
talking to the gate-keeper, and then I fancied I heard a rustling noise
outside the building, but it was not repeated, and I began listening to
the last men going, and soon after, according to his custom, old Dunning
the gate-keeper came to bring his key.

I heard the old fellow's halting step on the stairs, and trying to look
very firm I answered his tap with a loud and important "Come in!"

"All gone, Mester Jacob, sir," he said. "I s'pose you'll tek a look
round?"

"Yes; I'll do that, Dunning," I replied.

"Then, good-night, sir!"

"One moment, Dunning," I cried, as he turned to go. "I know you don't
mix with the quarrels between masters and men."

"Not I, Mester Jacob. I just do my bit o' work here, which just suits
me, being a worn-out sort o' man, and then goes back home to my tea and
my garden. You've nivver seen my bit o' garden, Mester Jacob, sir. You
must come."

"To be sure I will, Dunning; but tell me, how do the men seem now?"

"Bit tired, sir. End o' the day's wuck."

"No, no; I mean as to temper. Do you think they are settling down?"

"O ay; yes, sir. They'd be quiet enew if the trade would let 'em
alone."

"No threats or anything of that sort?"

"Well, you see, sir, I've no right to say a word," he replied, sinking
his voice. "If they thought I was a talker, mebbe they'd be falling
upon me wi' sticks; but you've always been a kind and civil young
gentleman to me, so I will tell you as Gentles says he means to pay you
when he gets a chance."

"Then I must keep out of Mr Gentles's way," I said, laughing outside,
for I felt very serious in.

"Ay, but that arn't it, Mester Jacob, sir," said old Dunning, to make me
more comfortable. "You see, sir, you nivver know where to hev a man
like that. He might hit at you wi' his own fisty, b