, as
you are so soon to leave them; and I will take Pablo with me, that he
may know his way to the town; and I will show him where to buy things,
in case he goes there by himself."

"It appears to me to have been a most fortunate thing your having caught
Pablo as you did, Humphrey, for I do not well know how I could have left
you if you had not."

"At all events I can do much better without you than I should have
done," replied Humphrey; "although I think now that I could get on by
myself; but still, Edward, you know we cannot tell what a day may bring
forth, and I might fall sick, or something happen which might prevent my
attending to anything; and then, without you or Pablo, everything might
have gone to wrack and ruin. Certainly, when we think how we were left,
by the death of old Jacob, to our own resources, we have much to thank
God for in having got on so well."

"I agree with you, and also that it has pleased Heaven to grant us all
such good health. However, I shall be close at hand if you want me, and
Oswald will always call and see how you get on."

"I hope you will manage that he calls once a week."

"I will if I can, Humphrey, for I shall be just as anxious as you are to
know if all goes on well. Indeed, I shall insist upon coming over to
you once a fortnight; and I hardly think the Intendant will refuse me--
indeed I am sure that he will not."

"So am I," replied Humphrey. "I am certain that he wishes us all well,
and has, in a measure, taken us under his protection; but, Edward,
recollect, I shall never kill any venison after this, and so you may
tell the Intendant."

"I will, and that will be an excuse for him to send some over, if he
pleases. Indeed, as I know I shall be permitted to go out with Oswald,
it will be hard if a stray buck does not find its way to the cottage."

Thus did they continue talking over matters till they arrived at the
cottage. Alice came out to them, saying to Humphrey--"Well, Humphrey,
have you brought my geese and ducks?"

Humphrey had forgotten them, but he replied, "You must wait till I go to
Lymington again on Saturday, Alice, and then I hope to bring them with
me. As it is, look how poor Billy is loaded. Where's Pablo?"

"In the garden. He has been working there all day, and Edith is with
him."

"Well then we will unload the cart, while you get us something to eat,
Alice, for we are not a little hungry, I can tell you."

"I have some rabbit stew on th