ight to you all."

Having bid the stranger farewell, Smedley and the other two lads took
their way along the banks of the river, in the direction of some
dilapidated sheds, where they had arranged to meet and enjoy, according
to their own fashion, their hard-won supper. The stranger lounged away
across the bridge at some little distance from the sheds, while Jack,
anxious to get home, hurried off in the direction of the market-place.

"I was wrong to go," said Jack to himself. "Suppose one of us had been
shot, it would have been paying very dear for our night's sport. Such
doings might be easily overlooked in a boy, but I am one no longer. I
feel that. I claim to be a man, and as a man I must act. I hope there
is work for me to do in the world of some sort, and the sooner I begin
it the better, and put aside all my boyish pranks."

"A good resolution," said a voice behind him.

Jack was not aware he had been speaking aloud.

"I followed you, because I want to have a word more with you," said the
speaker, in whom Jack at once recognised his late companion, Master
Pearson. "There's mettle in you of the right sort," continued the
stranger. "What say you? Would you like to join a band of brave
fellows who have a right good cause to fight for?" he whispered in a low
voice. "There's honour and distinction to be gained, and a name, maybe,
and wealth in the end. It is what most men fight for, and I take it
that you would not be less ready than others to use your sword for such
an object."

"I am much obliged to you for the compliment you pay me," answered Jack,
"and for the good opinion you have formed of my courage; but I have no
great fancy for undertaking what I know nothing about. Men do not
always agree as to the goodness of a cause, and what you may consider a
good cause, you will pardon me for saying it, I may consider a bad one."

"A very discreet answer," observed Master Pearson, "and I think all the
better of you for making it. Well, I will not press you just now. I
have no doubt we shall meet again before long, and though I cannot tell
you where to find me, I have a fancy that I shall have no great
difficulty in putting my finger upon you at any time. So farewell,
Master John Deane: you see I know you, and moreover I wish you well."

Saying this, the stranger wrung Jack's hand cordially. Still he
lingered, rather unwilling perhaps to let the young man go without
making a more favourable impres