ches of the pretty scentless flowers called "Love everlasting." A
couple of guns slung to the beams that crossed the ceiling; an old
cutlass in its iron scabbard, and a very suspicious-looking pair of
horse pistols, completed the equipment of the room. The lean-to
contained a pantry and wash-house, and places for stowing away game and
liquor.

The private room was infinitely better furnished than the one just
described. It boasted the luxury of a carpeted floor, and a dozen of
painted cane-bottomed chairs, several mahogany card-tables, and a good
mirror.

In this room a tall drooping girl was busily employed in wiping the dust
from the furniture, and placing the cards and dice upon the tables.
Sometimes she stopped and sighed heavily, or looked upwards and pressed
her hand upon her head, with a sad and hopeless glance; ever and anon
wiping away the tears that trickled down her pale cheeks with the corner
of her checked apron.

The door was suddenly flung open with a sound that made the girl start,
and the broad person of Mrs. Strawberry filled up the opening.

"Mary Mathews!" she shouted at the top of her voice, "what are you
dawdling about? Do you think that I can afford to pay gals a shilling a
week to do nothing? Just tramp to the kitchen and wash them potatoes for
the men's supper. I don't want no fine ladies here, not I, I'se can tell
you! If your brother warn't a good customer it is not another hour that
I'd keep you, you useless lazy slut!"

"I was busy putting the room to rights, ma'am," said Mary, her
indignation only suffered to escape her in the wild proud flash of her
eye. "I can't be in two places at once!"

"You must learn to be in three or four, if I please," again bawled the
domestic Hecate. "Your time is mine; I have bought it, and I'll take
good care not to be cheated out of what's my due. Light up them candles.
Quick! I hear the men whistling to their dogs. They'll be here
directly."

Away waddled the human biped, and Mary, with another heavy sigh, lighted
the candles, and retreated into the bar-room.

The night was cold and damp, although it was but the first week in
October. The men were gathered about the fire, to dry their clothes and
warm themselves. The foremost of these was Godfrey Hurdlestone. "Polly!"
he shouted. "Polly Mathews, bring me a glass of brandy, and mind you
don't take toll by the way."

The men laughed. "A little would do the girl good, and raise her
spirits," said old