, and forming a glorious top to the
glowing clear fire of wood embers beneath, into which was
inserted a long, funnel-shaped tin, out of which the figure
helped himself to some warm compound, when he had settled the
fagot to his satisfaction. He was enveloped as to his shoulders
in a heavy, dirty-white coat, with huge cape and high collar,
which hid the back of his head, such as was then in use by
country carriers; but the garment was much too short for him, and
his bare arms came out a foot beyond the end of the sleeves. The
rest of his costume was even more eccentric, being nothing more
or less than a coarse flannel petticoat, and his bare feet rested
on the mat in front of the fire.

Tom felt a sudden doubt as to his sanity, which doubt was
apparently shared by the widow woman, who kept the house, and her
maid-of-all-work, one or other of whom might be seen constantly
keeping an eye on their guest from behind the end of the wooden
screen. However, it was no time to be over particular; they must
rest before going further, and, after all, it was only one man.
So Tom thought, and was just on the point of calling Harry to
come on, when the figure turned round towards the window, and the
face of the lieutenant disclosed itself between the high-peaked
gills of the carrier's coat. Tom burst out into a loud laugh, and
called out,--

"It's all right, come along."

"I'll just look to the hosses, Master Tom."

"Very well, and then come into the kitchen;" saying which, he
hurried into the house, and after tumbling against the
maid-of-all-work in the passage, emerged from behind the screen.

"Well, here we are at last, old fellow," he said, slapping East
on the shoulder.

"Oh, it's you, is it? I thought you were in the lock-up by this
time."

East's costume, as he sat looking up, with a hand on each knee,
was even more ridiculous on a close inspection, and Tom roared
with laughter again.

"I don't see the joke," said East without moving a muscle.

"You would, though, if you could see yourself. You wonderful old
Guy, where did you pick up that toggery?"

"The late lamented husband of the widow Higgs, our landlady, was
the owner of the coat. He also bequeathed to her several pairs of
breeches, which I have vainly endeavored to get into. The late
lamented Higgs was an abominably small man. He must have been
very much her worse half. So, in default of other clothing, the
widow has kindly obliged me by the loan of one