or the present. Your friend Mr
Harwood hearing of this, and knowing that I had become acquainted with
you, sent you this packet, which you will examine at your leisure. It
contains a further supply of introductions to several people of
importance which he wishes you particularly to deliver in person, and I
promised him to invite you to accompany me in the journey I propose
making shortly to the north. You will there enjoy a wilder sort of life
than you will find in this part of the country, and meet with a variety
of characters which will afford you a subject of amusement."

"How provoking!" exclaimed Jack; "I did not think Smedley and Bligh
would have turned traitors; and--and--" he hesitated for some seconds.

"You mean to say, you would like to pay another visit to Harwood
Grange," said Pearson, with a laugh. "Well, to my mind, you will serve
your own purpose better if you carry out Mr Harwood's wishes. In a few
months probably the matter will be forgotten, and in the mean time you
can see something of the world. A trip over to the Continent would be
of interest."

"But I have engaged to accompany Brinsmead to Norwich," observed Jack;
"and I have several commissions of importance to execute there for Mr
Strelley. I must not neglect them."

"No need for you to do so," answered Pearson. "Go on to Norwich, as you
purpose, and I will meet you in a week's time at Saint Faith's. I have
agreed to wait there for a party of Highland drovers, who are on their
way south with some large herds of lean beasts, for the purpose of
getting flesh put upon them in the Lincolnshire fens. What do you say
to this plan?"

"I will think it over," said Jack. "I would rather go back to
Nottingham and meet the charge like a man. If a fine would get me off,
I would sell every thing I possess; though I have no fancy for the
pillory, I will confess."

"You would run a great risk of the pillory, let me tell you," observed
Pearson; "so I would advise you to carry out the plan I proposed; I
think our reverend friend here will give you the same advice."

"Indeed would I, my son," observed the minister; "and though by it you
have made yourself amenable to the laws, I cannot see that you are
called upon of your own free will to expiate your offence by undergoing
the punishment that would await you. I propose to accompany Master
Pearson, and may be I shall be able to give you such counsel and advice
as will keep you in future from c