ends must
separate. We may soon meet again, or we now may part forever. We cannot
command our luck; but we can make the best of the span allotted to us.
You have your game to play. I have mine. May each of us meet with the
success he deserves."

"Egad! I hope not," said King. "I'm afraid, in that case, the chances
would be against us."

"Well, then, the success we anticipate, if you prefer it," rejoined
Dick. "I have only to observe one thing more, namely, that I must insist
upon standing Sam upon the present occasion. Not a word. I won't hear a
syllable. Landlord, I say--what oh!" continued Dick, stepping out of the
arbor. "Here, my old Admiral of the White, what's the reckoning?--what's
to pay, I say?"

"Let ye know directly, sir," replied mine host of the Falstaff.

"Order my horse--the black mare," added Dick.

"And mine," said King, "the sorrel colt. I'll ride with you a mile or
two on the road, Dick; perhaps we may stumble upon something."

"Very likely."

"We meet at twelve, at D'Osyndar's, Jerry," said King, "if nothing
happens."

"Agreed," responded Juniper.

"What say you to a rubber at bowls, in the mean time?" said the Magus,
taking his everlasting pipe from his lips.

Jerry nodded acquiescence. And while they went in search of the
implements of the game, Turpin and King sauntered gently on the green.

It was a delicious evening. The sun was slowly declining, and glowed
like a ball of fire amid the thick foliage of a neighboring elm.
Whether, like the robber Moor, Tom King was touched by this glorious
sunset, we pretend not to determine. Certain it was that a shade of
inexpressible melancholy passed across his handsome countenance, as he
gazed in the direction of Harrow-on-the Hill, which, lying to the west
of the green upon which they walked, stood out with its pointed spire
and lofty college against the ruddy sky. He spoke not. But Dick noticed
the passing emotion.

"What ails you, Tom?" said he, with much kindness of manner--"are you
not well, lad?"

"Yes, I am well enough," said King; "I know not what came over me, but
looking at Harrow, I thought of my school days, and what I was _then_,
and that bright prospect reminded me of my boyish hopes."

"Tut--tut," said Dick, "this is idle--you are a man now."

"I know I am," replied Tom, "but I _have_ been a boy. Had I any faith in
presentiments, I should say this is the last sunset I shall ever see."

"Here comes our host," said Dick, smi