sion of the affair; for he may prove more dangerous when
discharged than when under your control. Now sit down and take your
supper. Billy must have an hour to get his, and therefore there is no
hurry for you."

"That is your gipsy lad, Edward, is he not?" said Oswald.

"Yes."

"I like the boy's looks; but they are a queer race. You must not trust
him too much," continued Oswald, in an under tone, "until you have tried
him, and are satisfied of his fidelity. They are very excitable, and
capable of strong attachment if well treated, that I know; for I did a
gipsy a good turn once, and it proved to be the saving of my life
afterwards."

"Oh, tell us how, Oswald," said Alice.

"It is too long a story now, my dear little lady," replied Oswald; "but
I will another time. Whatever he may do, do not strike him; for they
never forgive a blow, I am told by those who know them, and it never
does them any good; as I said before, they are a queer race."

"He will not be beaten by us," replied Humphrey, "depend upon it, unless
Edith slaps him; for she is the one who takes most pains with him, and I
presume he would not care much about her little hand."

"No, no," replied Oswald, laughing, "Edith may do as she pleases. What
does he do for you?"

"Oh, nothing as yet, for he is hardly recovered, poor fellow," replied
Humphrey. "He follows Edith, and helps her to look for the eggs; and
last night he set some springes after his own fashion, and certainly
beat me, for he took three rabbits and a hare, while I, with all my
traps, only took one rabbit."

"I think you had better leave that part of your livelihood entirely to
him; he has been bred up to it, Humphrey, and it will be his amusement.
You must not expect him to work very hard; they are not accustomed to
it. They live a roving life, and never work if they can help it; still,
if you make him fond of you, he may be very useful, for they are very
clever and handy."

"I hope to make him useful," replied Humphrey, "but still I will not
force him to do what he does not like. He is very fond of the pony
already, and likes to take care of him."

"Bring him over to me, one of these days, so that he may know where to
find me. It may prove of consequence if you have a message to send, and
cannot come yourselves."

"That is very true," replied Edward; "I will not forget it. Humphrey,
shall you or I go with the cart?"

"Humphrey, by all means; it will not do for them