then told Oswald of their having taken the gipsy boy in the pit,
at which he appeared much amused.

"What is the name of the verderer whom I met in the forest?" inquired
Edward.

"James Corbould; he was discharged from the army," replied Oswald.

"I do not like his appearance," said Edward.

"No; his face tells against him," replied Oswald; "but I know nothing of
him; he has been here little more than a fortnight."

"Can you give me a corner to put my head in to-night, Oswald? For I
shall not start till to-morrow morning."

"You may command all I have, sir," replied Oswald; "but I fear there is
little more than a hearty welcome; I have no doubt that you could be
lodged at the Intendant's house if you choose."

"No, Oswald, the young lady is alone, and I will not trust to Phoebe's
accommodation again; I will stay here, if you will permit me."

"And welcome, sir: I will put your puppy in the kennel at once."

Edward remained that night at Oswald's, and at daylight he rose, and
having taken a slight breakfast, throwing his gun over his shoulder,
went to the kennel for Holdfast, and set off on his return home.

"That's a very nice little girl," were the words which Edward found
himself constantly saying to himself as he walked along; "and she is of
a grateful disposition, or she would not have behaved as she has done
towards me--supposing me to be of mean birth;" and then he thought of
what she had told him relative to her father, and Edward felt his
animosity against a Roundhead wasting fast away. "I am not likely to
see her again very soon," thought Edward, "unless, indeed, I am brought
to the Intendant as a prisoner." Thus thinking upon one subject or
another, Edward had gained above eight miles of his journey across the
forest, when he thought that he was sufficiently far away to venture to
look-out for some venison. Remembering there was a thicket not far from
him, in which there was a clear pool of water, Edward thought it very
likely that he might find a stag there cooling himself, for the weather
was now very warm at noon-day. He therefore called Holdfast to him, and
proceeded cautiously towards the thicket. As soon as he arrived at the
spot, he crouched and crept silently through the underwood. At last he
arrived close to the cleared spot by the pool. There was no stag there,
but fast asleep upon the turf lay James Corbould, the sinister-looking
verderer who had accosted him in the forest on the p