ommitting such follies and
transgressions. These are bad times we live in. Our ancient customs
are being overthrown daily, and no man can say where it will all end."

"I thought that most people were pretty well contented now that King
William is firmly seated on the throne, and that great improvements are
taking place throughout the country in all directions," observed Jack,
repeating the remarks he had often heard made by his father, Dr Deane,
the Worshipful Mr Pinkstone, and others.

The minister sighed.

"What some call improvements others may look upon in a very different
light," he observed; "but we will talk of these things by and by, my
young friend; perhaps matters which you now see in one light, you may
then see in another."

It is scarcely necessary to repeat the conversation which took place.
Jack was excessively puzzled with many of the remarks made by his
companions, especially by the divinity student, who seemed to have
notions very different to those held in general by Puritan divines. He
was evidently a shrewd man, with cunning, piercing eyes, and sharp
features, professing to care very little for the good things of life.
It appeared that he was to remain at the house where they then were, for
Master Pearson wished him good night, and, telling him that he would
return anon, invited Jack to accompany him into Cambridge, where he
would endeavour to find out the Cat and Whistle, the sign of the
hostelry at which Brinsmead and his drovers had put up.

"No necessity to tell old Will what we have been talking about,"
observed Pearson; "especially that poaching matter, for instance. Tell
him that you have received instructions to part company with him at
Saint Faith's; and if you render exact account of all your transactions,
and give him up any money you may have received belonging to Mr
Strelley, he can have no cause of complaint."

Pearson accompanied Deane to the entrance of the inn, where, shaking him
warmly by the hand, he said, "Remember Saint Faith's; for your own sake
keep to your present intention."

Jack followed Pearson's advice with regard to the account he gave of the
cause of his absence. Old Will fixed his keen grey eyes upon him; and
Jack could not help feeling that he looked at him with suspicion.

"It's always that Master Pearson!" observed old Will; "I should like to
have a few words with him myself. I don't like these strangers who come
dodging our steps and turning up in al