; but
you have induced me to leave, and they have to thank you if I am able to
be of any service to them."

"Well, Massa Edward, you go; never mind us, we make plenty of work; do
everything all the same as you."

"I think you will, Pablo, and that is the reason why I have agreed to go
away. But, Pablo, Billy is growing old, and you will want some more
ponies."

"Yes, Massa Edward, Massa Humphrey talk to me about ponies last night,
and say, plenty in the forest. Ask me if I think us able catch them. I
say yes, catch one, two, twenty, suppose want them."

"Ah! How will you do that, Pablo?"

"Massa Edward, you tell Massa Humphrey no possible, so I no tell you
how," replied Pablo, laughing. "Some day you come see us, see five
ponies in the stable. Massa Humphrey and I, we talk about, find out
how; you see."

"Well, then, I shall ask no more questions, Pablo; and when I see the
ponies in the stable then I'll believe it, and not before."

"Suppose you want big horse for ride, catch big horse, Massa Edward, you
see. Massa Humphrey very clever, he catch cow."

"Catch gipsy," said Edward.

"Yes," said Pablo, laughing, "catch cow, catch gipsy, and by and by
catch horse."

When Edward arrived at the Intendant's house, he was very kindly
received by the Intendant and the two girls. Having deposited his
wardrobe in his bedroom, he went out to Oswald and put Smoker in the
kennel, and on his return found Pablo sitting on the carpet in the
sitting-room, talking to Patience and Clara, and they all three appeared
much amused. When Pablo and Billy had both had something to eat, the
cart was filled with pots of flowers, and several other little things as
presents from Patience Heatherstone, and Pablo set off on his return.

"Edward, you do look like a--," said Clara, stopping.

"Like a secretary, I hope," added Edward.

"Well, you don't look like a forester; does he, Patience?" continued
Clara.

"You must not judge of people by their clothes, Clara."

"Nor do I," replied Clara. "Those clothes would not look well upon
Oswald, or the other men, for they would not suit them; but they do suit
you: don't they, Patience?"

Patience Heatherstone, however, did not make any answer to this second
appeal made by Clara.

"Why don't you answer me, Patience?" said Clara.

"My dear Clara, it's not the custom for young maidens to make remarks
upon people's attire. Little girls like you may do so."

"Why, did you not te