f."

"And thou wert curious to see her."

"Exactly. I have travelled, Master Morgan, and I love to look about me
and ponder upon what I see."

"Thy conclusions are not always correct."

"The wisest men make mistakes, Master Morgan."

"What a comfort to us that are fools!" ejaculated the forester. "But
thy message, my good sir."

"I like thy house; 'tis uncommon pretty."

"A good enough nest," assented Morgan.

"Wants another bird in it."

"True!"

"Thou hast no thought of quitting the homestead?"

"Heaven forbid! 'twas my father's before me. I'll never leave it."

"That's a pity."

"How so?"

"I've come down to fetch thee away."

Johnnie was losing patience with his visitor. His thoughts were busy
with the rick-makers in the yard, and Master Jeffreys was in no hurry
to say his say and be gone. He gave himself more airs than the knight
his master. "Sit and rest thyself," exclaimed the farmer, getting up.
"I can see that thy story will keep another hour. I'll send the wench
into thee with some ale and venison. Eat and drink and take thine ease
until I come to thee again." Without another word he vanished.

"A hasty fellow," commented Master Jeffreys. "A few trees and a muddy
river make up his world. A winter in London will open his eyes and
give him a broader view of life; then he will behave in a more leisured
manner."

Johnnie saw to the unlading of his last wagon and the shaping off of
his wheat-rick. Then he went indoors again, and found his visitor
ready to deliver his message without any more beating about the bush.
It was short, but pointed. Jeffreys--who described himself as a poor
gentleman of Devon attached to the fortunes of his more famous
neighbour--was instructed to invite, or rather command, Master Morgan's
presence in London. Raleigh had spoken of him to the Queen, and the
admiral had also written concerning him. Her Majesty was anxious to
see the valiant forester, and Jeffreys duly impressed upon him the
necessity of seizing so glorious a chance to push his fortunes.

But Morgan was not so eager; in fact, he told the messenger that, much
as he loved Raleigh and honoured the Queen, he did not propose to
venture into London. Jeffreys argued. Morgan was firm. "I'll not
come except at the direct command of the good Sir Walter or the Queen.
If I am left any choice in the matter, I choose to abide in the forest."

"Very well," said Jeffreys, "then I'll be going. My st