ency."

I returned with Hanger to the tavern, much against my will; but he
insisted I should not give myself airs, but consent to be his guest to
the extent of some bitter ale. Cross's new client was before a joint of
cold beef, on the merits of which, combined with pickled onions, pickled
by the identical hands of Mrs. Cross, Cross could not be prevailed upon
to be quiet.

"Not a bad bit of beef," said the stranger, helping himself to a
prodigious slice. "Another pint of beer."

Cross carried off the tankard, and returned, still muttering--"Not bad
beef, I should think not--nor bad ale neither. Had the beef over from
the old country."

The stranger brought his fist with tremendous force upon the table, and
roared--"That's right, landlord; that's it; stick to that."

Cross, thus encouraged, would have treated the company to a copious
dissertation on the merits of British fare, had not the company chorused
him down with--"Now Cross is off! Cross on beef! Cross on beer!"

In a furious passion Cross left the room, rowing that he would be even
with "the captain" before the day was over. Hanger considered himself
bound to ask the stranger whether he was satisfied with his
recommendation.

"Couldn't be better, thankee," the stranger answered; "but the landlord
doesn't seem to know much about the place. New comer, I suppose?"

"Was forty years ago," the old captain said, looking round for a laugh;
"but he doesn't go out of the street once a month."

"I asked him where Marquise was, and be hanged if he could tell me. I
want to know particularly."

The major glanced at the captain, and the captain at a third companion.
Was somebody wanted? Who was hiding at Marquise?

"Thought every fool knew that," the captain said, in the belief that he
had made a palpable hit.

"Every fool who lives in these parts, leastwise," the stranger retorted.
"Perhaps you'll direct me?'

"Now, look you here, sir," the captain was proceeding, leisurely
emphasizing each word with a puff of tobacco smoke.

But the stranger would not be patient. He changed his tone, and
answered, fiercely--

"I'm in no mind for fun or chaff. I've got d----d serious business on
hand; and if you can tell me how to get to Marquise, tell me straight
off, and ha' done with it--and I shall be obliged to you." With this he
finished his second tankard of ale.

Hanger, feeling some responsibility about the man he had introduced,
approached him with marked urban