will ask you still another favour; the moon will
be up in four or five hours: let me sleep till then, and allow me to
rise and proceed on my way. I shall thus reach the end of my journey
soon after daybreak, where I can get further rest for myself and horse."

Although the good miller at first objected to this, Jack induced him to
agree to let him take his departure. The air was bitterly cold, for the
wind was from the north and a sharp frost had set in, and Jack feared
lest a snowstorm should come on and impede his progress. He was
therefore thankful that he had started at that early hour, hoping
without impediment to reach Harwood Grange. His good steed, after a few
hours' rest, carried him as well as when he first started from
Hammersmith, and the sun had only just risen as he rode up the avenue to
the Grange. He was anxious to make as little disturbance as possible,
and he therefore at once rode up to the stable, and begged the groom to
attend to his horse while he went up to the house. The man, who did not
know him, seemed indisposed at first to obey his orders.

"It is a matter of importance," said Jack; "and I may have but little
time to rest my tired beast."

As the housemaid was just opening the front door, Jack entered, and
learned that the Squire was already on foot, and that Mistress Alethea
would soon be down to breakfast. Jack hurried into the Squire's own
room, where he was examining several fire-arms, placed against the wall.

"Mr Harwood," he exclaimed, "I fear that you are in danger! If you
have been connected with those engaged in the conspiracy to bring over a
foreign army, and to dethrone King William, let me urge you to fly or to
conceal yourself. The plot has been discovered!"

Mr Harwood turned deadly pale on hearing this, and trembled in every
limb.

"I am deeply thankful to you for the warning you have given me," he
answered. "But what am I to do? I cannot leave my daughter, and know
not where to conceal myself."

"Mistress Alethea will surely find a welcome and shelter in the house of
my father," answered Jack. "I will endeavour to assist you to escape to
a place of safety. It may be that no one will search for you here; but
if you think it more advisable to go abroad, I will accompany you either
to Yarmouth or Harwich, where you may take ship and get across to
France."

Mr Harwood overwhelmed Jack with thanks, and gladly accepted his offer.
Their plans were scarcely arra