t three days' work in helping to
unload. The offer suited me well; and if ever a free man worked like a
galley slave, I did for that week. Yet the French fellow was kindly
enough, and hearing I was a fugitive from the law, he suffered me to lie
on his boat at nights, and even let me feed with his men. Finding, too,
that I could talk a smattering of his tongue he tempted me sorely to
take service northward with him, and become a sailor. I would have done
it but for two things--I must see how my mistress and Jeannette and the
little ones fared; and, further, I knew not when I might receive a
summons from Ludar to fulfil my pledge to him. So I refused, to his
regret, yet we parted friends; and, as you may hear later on, not for
the last time.

At the week's end, I found myself once more knocking at Master's Udal
door at Kingston. The place looked pleasanter already for the presence
of my gentle mistress and her daughter. The little garden was trim and
well kept, the windows were brighter, and the children's voices near
made the air gladder. As for Master Udal himself, when he opened the
door, I could have laughed to see the change in him. His hair was
kempt, and the rents in his garments were mended; there was a peep of
ruffle at his wrists, and his stockings, which had ever lagged down at
his heels, now held up bravely by the buckle at his knee. More than
that, he looked scared and jaded, like a man undergoing some penance,
and doubtful what will be wanted of him next.

But when he saw me his face grew black, and without a word he flung-to
the door in my face. I was so taken aback, that I was minded to laugh
and suppose the good man to have lost his wits. But when I came to
knock again, and no answer, then the jest went out of the business.
What had happened? I walked round the house, hoping to meet someone,
but not a soul could I see. Then I tried the door again, but with the
same luck as before. At last, quite dazed by the mystery, I gave it up
and wandered off anywhere. In the village I met an old man, carrying
wood; him I accosted, and asked how the minister fared.

He cackled and laid down his faggots.

"Grammercy, the poor lad's head is turned, neighbour. The Frenchwoman
who has come has looked over him. Why--he! he!--he's been to the
barber's, and--he! he!--he preached an hour short on Sunday, and,
forgive us! he hath gotten him a new shirt. She's a witch, I tell'ee;
and mark me if the next b