find was the case. The lad groaned several times, and
opened his eyes. Humphrey was afraid that he was not strong enough to
lift it on his shoulders and carry it up the ladder; but on making the
attempt, he found out, from exhaustion, the poor lad was light enough
for him to carry him, which he did, and safely landed him by the side of
the pit.

Recollecting that the watering-place of the herd of cattle was not far
off, Humphrey then hastened to it, and filled his hat half full of
water. The lad, although he could not speak, drank eagerly, and in a
few minutes appeared much recovered. Humphrey gave him some more, and
bathed his face and temples. The sun had now risen, and it was broad
daylight. The lad attempted to speak, but what he did say was in so low
a tone, and evidently in a foreign language, that Humphrey could not
make him out. He therefore made signs to the lad that he was going
away, and would be back soon; and having, as he thought, made the lad
comprehend this, Humphrey ran away to the cottage as fast as he could;
and as soon as he arrived he called for Edward, who came out, and when
Humphrey told him in few words what had happened, Edward went into the
cottage again for some milk and some cake, while Humphrey put the pony
into the cart.

In a few moments they were off again, and soon arrived at the pit-fall,
where they found the lad still lying where Humphrey had left him. They
soaked the cake in the milk, and, as soon as it was soft, gave him some;
after a time he swallowed pretty freely, and was so much recovered as to
be able to sit up. They then lifted him into the cart, and drove gently
home to their cottage.

"What do you think he is, Edward?" said Humphrey.

"Some poor beggar lad, who has been crossing the forest."

"No, not exactly; he appears to me to be one of the Zingaros or gipsies,
as they call them: he is very dark, and has black eyes and white teeth,
just like those I saw once near Arnwood, when I was out with Jacob.
Jacob said that no one knew where they came from, but that they were all
over the country, and that they were great thieves, and told fortunes,
and played all manner of tricks."

"Perhaps it may be so; I do not think that he can speak English."

"I am most thankful to Heaven that I chanced this morning to visit the
pit-fall. Only suppose that I had found the poor boy starved and dead!
I should have been very unhappy, and never should have had any pleasure
in lo