out and had not returned. My heart misgave me that he had gone to see
Mary, and that some misfortune had occurred, and I went to bed with most
anxious feelings. My forebodings were proved to be correct, for the
next morning I was informed that old Stapleton wished to see me. He was
ushered in, and as soon as he entered, he exclaimed, "All's up, Master
Jacob--Tom's nabbed--Mary fit after fit--_human natur'_."

"Why, what _is_ the matter, Stapleton?"

"Why, it's just this--Tom desarts to come to Mary. Cause why?--he loves
her--human natur'. That soldier chap comes in and sees Tom, clutches
hold, and tries to take possession of him. Tom fights, knocks out
sergeant's starboard eye, and tries to escape--human natur'. Soldiers
come in, pick up sergeant, seize Tom, and carry him off. Mary cries,
and screams, and faints--human natur'--poor girl can't keep her head
up--two women with burnt feathers all night. Sad job, Mister Jacob. Of
all the senses love's the worst, that's sartain--quite upset me, can't
smoke my pipe this morning--Mary's tears quite put my pipe out,"--and
old Stapleton looked as if he was ready to cry himself.

"This is a sad business, Stapleton," replied I. "Tom will be tried for
desertion, and God knows how it will end. I will try all I can; but
they have been very strict lately."

"Hope you will, Mister Jacob. Mary will die, that's sartain. I'm more
afraid that Tom will. If one does, t'other will. I know the girl--just
like her mother, never could carry her helm amidships, hard a port, or
hard a starboard. She's mad now to follow him--will go to Maidstone. I
take her as soon as I go back to her. Just come up to tell you all
about it."

"This is a gloomy affair, Stapleton."

"Yes, for sartain--wish there never was such a thing as _human natur'_."

After a little conversation, and a supply of money, which I knew would
be acceptable, Stapleton went away, leaving, me in no very happy state
of mind. My regard for Tom was excessive, and his situation one of
peculiar danger. Again I repaired to Mr Wharncliffe for advice, and he
readily interested himself most warmly.

"This is, indeed, an awkward business," said he, "and will require more
interest than I am afraid that I command. If not condemned to death, he
will be sentenced to such a flogging as will break him down in spirit as
well as in body, and sink him into an early grave. Death were
preferable of the two. Lose no time, Mr F