you down for eighteen or nineteen at least. You are
well grown indeed for that age. Well, nothing like a forest life to
turn a boy into a man! Can you stalk a deer?"

"I seldom go out without bringing one down."

"Indeed! That Jacob is a master of his craft is certain. But you are
young to have learnt it so soon. Can you tell the slot of a brocket
from a stag?"

"Yes, and the slot of a brocket from a doe."

"Better still. We must go out together; and besides, I must know where
the old man's cottage is (for I do not exactly); in the first place,
because I may want to come to you, and in the next, that I may put
others on a false scent.--Do you know the clump of large oaks, which
they call the Clump Royal?"

"Yes, I do."

"Will you meet me there the day after to-morrow, at early dawn?"

"If I live and do well."

"That's enough. Take the dogs in the leashes, and go away now."

"Many thanks; but I must not leave the pony; he is in the stable."

The keeper nodded adieu to Edward, who left him to go to the stable for
the pony. Edward saddled White Billy, and rode away across the forest
with the dogs trotting at the pony's heels.

Edward had much to reflect upon as he rode back to the cottage. He felt
that his position was one of more difficulty than before. That old
Jacob Armitage would not last much longer he was convinced; even now the
poor old man was shrunk away to a skeleton with pain and disease. That
the livelihood to be procured from the forest would be attended with
peril, now that order had been restored and the forest was no longer
neglected, was certain; and he rejoiced that Humphrey had, by his
assiduity and intelligence, made the farm so profitable as it promised
to be. Indeed he felt that, if necessary, they could live upon the
proceeds of the farm, and not run the risk of imprisonment by stalking
the deer. But he had told the intendant that he considered the game as
the king's property, and he was resolved that he would at all events run
the risk, although he would no longer permit Humphrey so to do. "If
anything happens to me," thought Edward, "Humphrey will still be at the
cottage to take care of my sisters; and if I am obliged to fly the
country, it will suit well my feelings, as I can then offer my services
to those who still support the king." With these thoughts, and many
others, he amused himself until, late in the evening, he arrived at the
cottage. He found all in bed exc