n never
understand, might say that it was quite unkind of us. But if you have
made up your mind to go, in spite of all remonstrance, you must be sure
to come back to-night; and do please to see that the oysters are round,
and have not got any of their lids up."

The dogman knew well that he jeopardized his life in either half of the
journey; no little in going, and tenfold as much in returning through
the snows of night. Though the journey in the first place had been of
his own seeking, and his faithful mind was set upon it, some little
sense of bitterness was in his heart, that his life was not thought more
of. He made a low bow, and turned away, that he might not meet those
eyes so full of anxiety for another, and of none for him. And when he
came to think of it, he was sorry afterward for indulging in a little
bit of two-edged satire.

"Will you please to ask my lady if I may take Marmaduke? Or whether she
would be afeared to risk him in such weather?"

"I think it is unkind of you to speak like that. I need not ask my
sister, as you ought to know. Of course you may take Marmaduke. I need
not tell you to be careful of him."

After that, if he had chosen for himself, he would not have taken
Marmaduke. But he thought of the importance of his real purpose, and
could trust no other horse to get him through it.

In fine summer weather, when the sloughs were in, and the water-courses
low or dry, and the roads firm, wherever there were any, a good horse
and rider, well acquainted with the track, might go from Scargate Hall
to Middleton in about three hours, nearly all of the journey being well
down hill. But the travel to come back was a very different thing; four
hours and a half was quick time for it, even in the best state of earth
and sky, and the Royal Mail pony was allowed a good seven, because his
speed (when first established) had now impaired his breathing. And ever
since the snow set in, he had received his money for the journey,
but preferred to stay in stable; for which everybody had praised him,
finding letters give them indigestion.

Now Jordas roughed Marmaduke's shoes himself; for the snow would be
frozen in the colder places, and ball wherever any softness was--two
things which demand very different measures. Also he fed him well, and
nourished himself, and took nurture for the road; so that with all haste
he could not manage to start before twelve of the day. Travelling was
worse than he expected, a