ngs."

With these words the old man put on his clothes, and accompanying Jack
down-stairs, assisted him in getting his horse ready for his journey.

"Weel, weel, laddy, you're o'er long in mounting your nag!" shouted
Master Sanderson.

"I am ready for you now, at all events," answered Jack, as he threw
himself into his saddle, and once more shook hands with Brinsmead.

"Stop, stop, Mr Sanderson, you be off without your stirrup-cup!"
exclaimed the landlord, who at that moment appeared at the door with a
tankard in his hand. "Such doings are never allowed at my house,
however early in the morning my guests depart. It will do thee good,
man, and help to keep the cold mists of our fen-country out of thy
throat this morning; and thou, lad, must not break through our rules,
either," he said, turning to Jack, who, it must be confessed, took the
proffered tankard and drained its contents, then touching the flank of
his horse with his spur, and giving a farewell wave of the hand to
honest old Brinsmead, rode after his new acquaintance nothing loath.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

JACK AND PEARSON'S JOURNEY TO THE NORTH, AND HOW JACK WAS EMPLOYED ON
THE ROAD.

The sky was clear overhead, and a damp mist was swept by a south-east
wind over the face of the country. Jack and the Scotchman rode on till
they were clear of the village without speaking.

"I am glad to have you in my company, Master Deane," said the latter,
now for the first time throwing off all disguise.

"I am obliged to you," said Jack. "I knew you, Master Pearson, the
moment I saw you."

"So I thought," was the answer. "When we parted at Cambridge, I was not
certain in which character I should come to Saint Faith's. However, you
might have found it difficult to come north without me, and I therefore
have made arrangements to accompany you."

"But why this masquerading, Master Pearson?" asked Jack. "Mr Harwood's
recommendation makes me place confidence in you, but I tell you frankly,
I would rather know more about you than I do!"

"Very sensibly spoken," said Pearson, laughing. "The state of the times
makes `masquerading,' as you call it, necessary; but of one thing you
may be sure, that I mean you fair; I will treat you honourably. Had I
not given you warning, you would have returned to Nottingham, and have
been clapped probably into the stocks; for depend upon it some of the
country gentlemen round would have been too glad to get hold of your
fathe