uneasily. 'What makes 'em think I am going to
fall?'

'Well, sir, by all accounts the yeomanry will be put in front.'

'Front! That's what my uncle has been saying.'

'Yes, and by all accounts 'tis true. And naterelly they'll be mowed down
like grass; and you among 'em, poor young galliant officer!'

'Look here, Cripplestraw. This is a reg'lar foolish report. How can
yeomanry be put in front? Nobody's put in front. We yeomanry have
nothing to do with Buonaparte's landing. We shall be away in a safe
place, guarding the possessions and jewels. Now, can you see,
Cripplestraw, any way at all that the yeomanry can be put in front? Do
you think they really can?'

'Well, maister, I am afraid I do,' said the cheering Cripplestraw. 'And
I know a great warrior like you is only too glad o' the chance. 'Twill
be a great thing for ye, death and glory! In short, I hope from my heart
you will be, and I say so very often to folk--in fact, I pray at night
for't.'

'O! cuss you! you needn't pray about it.'

'No, Maister Derriman, I won't.'

'Of course my sword will do its duty. That's enough. And now be off
with ye.'

Festus gloomily returned to his uncle's room and found that Anne was just
leaving. He was inclined to follow her at once, but as she gave him no
opportunity for doing this he went to the window, and remained tapping
his fingers against the shutter while she crossed the yard.

'Well, nephy, you are not gone yet?' said the farmer, looking dubiously
at Festus from under one eyelid. 'You see how I am. Not by any means
better, you see; so I can't entertain 'ee as well as I would.'

'You can't, nunc, you can't. I don't think you are worse--if I do, dash
my wig. But you'll have plenty of opportunities to make me welcome when
you are better. If you are not so brisk inwardly as you was, why not try
change of air? This is a dull, damp hole.'

''Tis, Festus; and I am thinking of moving.'

'Ah, where to?' said Festus, with surprise and interest.

'Up into the garret in the north corner. There is no fireplace in the
room; but I shan't want that, poor soul o' me.'

''Tis not moving far.'

''Tis not. But I have not a soul belonging to me within ten mile; and
you know very well that I couldn't afford to go to lodgings that I had to
pay for.'

'I know it--I know it, Uncle Benjy! Well, don't be disturbed. I'll come
and manage for you as soon as ever this Boney alarm is over; but when a
man's co