essed up a bit so
as people shan't take no notice of him. You make him put on some of
your oldest clothes, and keep him three or four days wi'out weshing his
hands and face. That'll make him look more nat'ral."

"Oh, we'll see about that, Bunny; and now you do this. You go down to
Loo Creek and see your brother-in-law at once. But look here; you'll
want some money."

"What for?" said the man sharply.

"Oh, to pay somebody for giving you a lift, and for something to eat,
because you won't be able to do it all in a day."

"Oh, you let me alone for that."

"I shan't," said Waller. "Here, take this."

"I shan't neither," said the man, and he made a little resistance, which
ended in Waller thrusting a couple of half-crowns into his pockets.
"Say, Master Waller, you and me has had some games in these 'ere woods
in our time, ar'n't us?"

"Yes, Bunny! Hundreds."

"But this 'ere's quite a new un, eh?"

"New indeed, Bunny."

"Ay, and I'm beginning to like it, too, lad. Well, I suppose I must be
off."

"But, Bunny, may I depend on you that you will keep this a secret?"

"May you depend on me, lad? Why, ar'n't I said it? Did yer ever know
me not keep my word?"

"Never!" cried Waller.

"Then look 'ere, sir. That means mum."

"That" was a smart slap on the mouth, Bunny's metaphorical way of
showing that the secret of the young enthusiast who had come, as he
believed, to fight for and rescue a lost cause, was within that casket
and he had banged down the lid.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

RETURN OF THE SEARCH-PARTY.

"What are you thinking about?" said Waller.

"Thinking," replied Godfrey.

"Yes; you haven't spoken a word for the last five minutes."

The two lads were standing together with their elbows resting on the
sill of the wide dormer window, whose two casements were propped wide
open, while they gazed out into the soft darkness of the autumn night.

"I was thinking about that friend of yours who was going to get me a
pass across to France in a fishing-boat."

"Oh," said Waller in a disappointed tone; "I thought you were thinking
about how beautiful it is looking out here into the darkness of the
forest, with the scent of the soft, warm, damp leaves, and listening to
the owls and that squeaking rabbit that had the weasel after it."

"It is very beautiful," said Godfrey sadly; "but I was thinking about
that boat."

"I wish you wouldn't be so fond of wishing to get away," said Waller
gloomily.