body takes anything
out of the cart, while I go in for some parcels."

"Yes, to be sure I will; but, I say, forester, how came you by that
sword?"

"I will tell you when I come out again," replied Oswald.

Oswald then went in to Edward, and told him what had occurred.

"He will certainly know you, sir, and you must not come out till I can
get him away," said he.

"You are right, Oswald; but before he goes, ask him what became of my
aunt, and where she was buried, and also ask him where the other
servants are--perhaps they are at Lymington as well as he."

"I will find it all out," replied Oswald, who then left Edward, and
returned to the landlord and recommenced conversation.

Oswald, on his return, told Benjamin in what manner the sword had been
procured from the shopman, by the grandson of old Armitage.

"I never knew that he had one," replied Benjamin; "nor did I know that
old Jacob was dead."

"What became of all the women who were at Arnwood?" inquired Oswald.

"Why, Agatha married one of the troopers, and went away to London."

"And the others?"

"Why, cook went home to her friends, who live about ten miles from here,
and I have never heard of her since."

"But there were three of them," said Oswald. "Oh yes; there was
Phoebe," replied Benjamin, looking rather confused. "She married a
trooper--the jilt!--and went off to London when Agatha did. If I'd have
thought that she would have done so I would not have carried her away
from Arnwood behind me on a pillion, as I did; she might have been burnt
with the poor children, for all as I cared."

"Was not the old lady killed?"

"Yes; that is to say, she killed herself, rather than not kill
Southwold."

"Where was she buried?"

"In the churchyard, at Saint Faith's, by the mayor and corporation; for
there was not money enough found upon her person to pay the expenses of
her burial."

"And so you are tapster at the `Commonwealth.' Is it a good inn?"

"Can't say much for it. I shan't stay longer than I can help, I can
tell you."

"Well, but you must have an easy place, if you can stay away so long as
you do now."

"Won't I be mobbed when I go back! But that's always the case, make
haste or not, so it's all one. However, I do think I must be a-going
now, so good-bye, Mr Forester; and tell Jacob Armitage's grandson that
I shall be glad to see him, for old Jacob's sake; and it's hard but I'll
find him something to drink when he calls."

"I