id, in a tone which made the groom feel
that he was not a man to be trifled with.

With an unconstrained, independent air, Master Pearson entered the
house, where the Squire stood ready to receive him. Alethea came into
the supper-room for a few moments, but not liking the manner or
appearance of their guest, asked leave of her father to withdraw,
guessing indeed that the Squire would not require her presence during
the meal.

About the hour at which the family generally retired to rest, Master
Pearson rose from his seat, declaring it was time for him to take his
departure.

"I must be twenty miles from hence before midnight," he observed,
laughing. "I make it a rule if possible to put about that distance
between the place where I am last seen, and the spot I sleep at, on most
nights of the week. It is seldom I should thus fail to prove an _alibi_
if necessary, while it would be difficult for any one, however sharp, to
catch me."

The Squire accompanied his guest to the stable, where Master Pearson
carefully examined his horse's hoofs, as well as the girths of his
saddle, threw himself into it, and shaking hands with his host, started
off at a quick trot down the avenue.

"A hard life he must have of it," thought the Squire, who was beginning
to be fonder of his ease than of physical exertion. "I hope that he is
trustworthy, for he has my life, and that of a good many other worthy
gentlemen, in his power."

CHAPTER SEVEN.

JACK'S JOURNEY TO STOURBRIDGE, AND ADVENTURES ON THE ROAD.

Jack, when he placed his head on his pillow the last night before
leaving home, fully expected to awake of his own accord the following
morning; but for several hours sleep did not visit his eyelids; and when
at length he opened them, he saw his eldest sister Kate leaning over
him. She had been watching for some time his youthful face, which even
in sleep bore so determined an expression, while the brown, strong hand
outside the counterpane looked well fitted for any work he might
undertake.

"Jack," she said, "you did not answer, dear brother, when I knocked at
the door, and I was afraid you would over-sleep yourself: besides, I
want to have a few words with you which I had no opportunity of speaking
last night. Brother, you are going into a world where, although there
is some good, I am afraid there is a great deal of evil, and treachery,
and deceit. Though you have done wild and thoughtless things, still you
know wh