Strawberry. "Never mind him, my dear. He's a stingy
one. Take a good sup. Brandy's good for every thing. It's good for the
head-ache, and the tooth-ache, and the heart-ache. That's right, take it
kindly. It has put a little blood into your pale face already."

"I wish it would put a little into her heart," said Godfrey: "she's
grown confoundedly dull of late."

"Why, Master Godfrey, who's fault is that, I should like to know?" said
the old poacher. "You drink all the wine out of the cask, and then kick
and abuse it, because 'tis empty. Now, before that girl came across you,
she was as high-spirited a tom-boy as ever I seed. She'd come here at
the dead o' night to fetch home her old dad, when she thought he'd been
here long enough, and she'd a song and a jest for us all. She could
take her own part then, and not one of my fellows dared to say a crooked
word to her. I thought that she was the last girl in the world to be
brought to sich a pass."

"Hush," said Godfrey; "what's the use of ripping up old grievances? Here
comes Mathews with the game!"

"A poor night's work," said that ruffian, flinging down a sack upon the
floor. "Five hares, three brace of pheasants, and one partridge. It was
not worth venturing a trip across the herring pond for such a paltry
prize. Here, Poll! stow them away in the old place. In two hours they'll
be upon their journey to Lunnon without the aid of wings. Mind, girl,
and keep a good look-out for the mail."

"Tim will take them to the four cross ways," said Mrs. Strawberry. "I
want Mary at home. Why, boys, you have hardly earned your supper."

"If it's ready, let us have it upon trust, mother," said Godfrey: "this
cold work in the plantations makes a fellow hungry."

In a moment all was bustle and confusion: the clatter of plates, and the
clashing of knives and forks, mingled with blasphemous oaths and horrid
jests, as the _worthy_ crew sat down to partake of their evening meal.
Over all might be heard the shrill harsh voice of Mistress Strawberry,
scolding, screaming, and ordering about in all directions.

The noisy banquet was soon ended; and some of the principals, like
Godfrey and his associate Mathews, retired to the inner room, to spend
the rest of the night in gambling and drinking. Mary was, as usual, in
attendance to supply their empty glasses, and to procure fresh cards, if
required.

"I don't think I shall play to-night, Mathews," said Godfrey, drawing
his companion asid