shed it well.

"You see, Joey, I have commenced operations already; I shall soon be
prepared to act the part of the gentleman who has turned tinker to gain
the love of a fair lady of high degree."

"I wish you success: but what are your plans?"

"That you will find out to-morrow morning; now we must go to bed."

CHAPTER THIRTY.

PLOTTING, READING AND WRITING.

Spikeman was up early the next morning. When they had breakfasted, he
desired Joey to go for the knife-grinder's wheel, and follow him. As
soon as they were clear of the village, Spikeman said, "It will not do
to remain at the village; there's a cottage half a mile down the road
where they once gave me a lodging; we must try if we can get it now."

When they arrived at the cottage, Spikeman made a very satisfactory
bargain for board and lodging for a few days, stating that they charged
so much at the village alehouse that he could not afford to stay there,
and that he expected to have a good job at Squire Mathews's, up at the
mansion-house. As soon as this arrangement was completed, they returned
back to the copse near to the mansion-house, Joey rolling the
knife-grinder's wheel.

"You see, Joey," said Spikeman, "the first thing necessary will be to
stimulate curiosity; we may have to wait a day or two before the
opportunity may occur; but, if necessary, I will wait a month. That
Miss Mathews will very often be found on the seat by the copse, either
alone or with her cousin, I take to be certain, as all ladies have their
favourite retreats. I do not intend that they should see me yet; I must
make an impression first. Now, leave the wheel on the outside, and come
with me: do not speak."

As soon as they were in the copse, Spikeman reconnoitred very carefully,
to ascertain if either of the young ladies were on the bench, and
finding no one there, he returned to Joey.

"They cannot come without our hearing their footsteps," said Spikeman;
"so now we must wait here patiently."

Spikeman threw himself down on the turf in front of the copse, and Joey
followed his example.

"Come, Joey, we may as well read a little to pass away the time; I have
brought two volumes of Byron with me."

For half an hour they were thus occupied, when they heard the voice of
Miss Mathews singing as before as she came down the walk. Spikeman rose
and peeped through the foliage. "She is alone," said he, "which is just
what I wished. Now, Joey, I am going to read to