and when you know all, you just make a mark on this piece of paper,
ready folded and addressed; and then you will seal it, and give it to
the man who calls for the letters nearly twice a week. And when I get
that, I come and eat another duck, and have oysters with my cod-fish,
which to-day we could not have, except in the form of mussels, ma'am."

"Naw, not a moosel--they was aw gude flithers."

"Well, ma'am, they may have been unknown animals; but good they were,
and as fresh as the day. Now, you will remember that my desire is to do
good. I have nothing to do with the revenue, nor the magistrates,
nor his Majesty. I shall not even go to your parson, who is the chief
authority, I am told; for I wish this matter to be kept quiet, and
beside the law altogether. The whole credit of it shall belong to you,
and a truly good action you will have performed, and done a little good
for your own good self. As for this trinket, I do not leave it with you,
but I leave you this model in wax, ma'am, made by my daughter, who is
very clever. From this you can judge quite as well as from the other.
If there are any more of these things in Flamborough, as I have strong
reason to believe, you will know best where to find them, and I need
not tell you that they are almost certain to be in the possession of a
woman. You know all the women, and you skillfully inquire, without even
letting them suspect it. Now I shall just stretch my legs a little,
and look at your noble prospect, and in three hours' time a little
more refreshment, and then, Mistress Precious, you see the last of your
obedient servant, until you demand from him fifty gold guineas."

After seeing to his horse again, he set forth for a stroll, in the
course of which he met with Dr. Upround and his daughter. The rector
looked hard at this distinguished stranger, as if he desired to know
his name, and expected to be accosted by him, while quick Miss Janetta
glanced with undisguised suspicion, and asked her father, so that Mr.
Mordacks overheard it, what business such a man could have, and what
could he come spying after, in their quiet parish? The general factor
raised his hat, and passed on with a tranquil smile, taking the crooked
path which leads along and around the cliffs, by way of the light-house,
from the north to the southern landing. The present light-house was not
yet built, but an old round tower, which still exists, had long been
used as a signal station, for sem