are my lodgings with
you,--give you an upper berth. A very good tavern; rooms airy, fine
prospect; though the table don't seem to be very well supplied, and I
can't say I fancy the entrance. 'Sich gittin' up stairs I never did
see!'"

Jack checked this flow of nonsense by shouting, "Will you come down, or
not?"

"Suppose not?" said the fellow.

"Then I leave the dog to guard the door of your tavern, and go for a
warrant and a constable, to bring you down."

"What would you have me come down for? You seem to be very pressing in
your attentions to a stranger!"

"Don't say stranger,--you who drove the deer in for me! I am anxious to
pay you for that kindness. I want you to ride with me."

"Why didn't you say so before?" cried the rogue, rolling a fresh quid
in his cheek. "I always ride when you ask me to, don't I? Say, did you
ever know me to refuse when you offered me a ride? Which way are you
going?"

"Down through the woods," said Jack, amused, in spite of himself, at the
scamp's reckless gayety.

"Why, that's just the way I am going! Why didn't you mention it? I never
should have put up at this tavern if I had thought a friend would come
along and give me a lift in his carriage. Please relieve the guard, and
I'll descend."

The dog was driven off, and the youth dropped from the branches to the
ground.

"Pick up your coat," said Jack, "and do pretty much as I tell you now,
or there'll be trouble. None of your tricks this time!"

He held the reins and the gun while he made the fellow get into the
buggy; then took his seat, with the prisoner on his left and the gun on
his right, drove on to the travelled track, and turned into the woods;
the vigilant Lion walking close by the wheel.

CHAPTER XXX.

JACK'S PRISONER.

For a second time Jack now travelled that woodland road under odd
circumstances; the first occasion being that on which he himself had
pulled in the shafts, while Link pushed behind. He laughed as he thought
of that adventure, of which the present seemed a fitting sequel. Before,
he had been obliged to go home without his horse; what a triumph it
would now be to carry home the thief! But to do this, great care and
vigilance would be necessary; and he calculated all the chances, and
resolved just what he would do, should his captive attempt to escape.
The rogue, on the contrary, appeared contented with his lot.

"Young man," said he, "I can't call your name, but let me say you
impro