stray beast they could find, though the gibbet was the
penalty if they were captured. Trains of pack-horses also would bear
them company as they approached Cambridge, carrying all kinds of stores
and goods for Stourbridge Fair.

Jack, following the advice of his friend, resolved to obtain as much
information as he could, and therefore often fell out from his own
party, and jogged along by the side of the merchant or pedlar who seemed
most ready for his society. Jack had also occasionally to ride on
before the drovers, to make arrangements for the feeding and rest of the
cattle with some farmer or grazier a little off the high-road. In most
instances the worthy farmer was so well pleased with his honest
countenance and pleasant manners, that he invited him with Master
Brinsmead, who was well-known all along the road, to partake of his
family supper. If good old Will found a fitting opportunity, he would
on such occasions suggest reading a chapter in the Bible, which he
expounded in his own peculiar phraseology, in a clear and edifying
manner, never failing to offer up a fervent prayer that a blessing might
rest on the house of his entertainers, that his honoured master might
prosper, and that he and his companions might be preserved from the
dangers of the road, and obtain a satisfactory price for their cattle.
Seldom indeed did his hosts refuse his offer, or fail to be sensible
that besides his fair payment for keep of man and beast, he had left a
blessing behind him.

At many of these midland farms great bargaining took place, for Mr
Strelley's droves supplied them with store cattle, as agriculture was
beginning to be better understood than it had ever before been in
England. Whole carcases were still salted down for winter consumption
at the great country-houses. At these also Brinsmead and John Deane
were welcome visitors, and chaffering in the steward's room, or with his
honour the squire, or even with my lord or my lady herself, would
frequently take up many hours of the day. They had also to buy as well
as to sell, for the larger the supply they could take to Stourbridge
Fair, the better would it be for their speculation.

One day Jack had been riding by the side of a travelling merchant, the
owner of a train of pack-horses, when, as he was dropping behind to join
his own party, he felt a hand pressed on his shoulder, and heard a voice
which he thought he recognised exclaiming, "What cheer, lad? Glad to