ust behind him, and if greedily devouring it during the entire
day would have made a finish of it, the deed would have been done. But
the more they fed on it, the larger and sweeter it grew, and, by the
time they had arrived at Squire Tinknor's, their loaf had grown to be
almost as much as they could carry.

Squire Tinknor, it will be remembered, was an old acquaintance of Dr.
DeWolf, and, as we have elsewhere stated, the two gentlemen were on
intimate terms. Having at one time been his partner in some extensive
land speculations, the Squire had, since that period, acted as the
doctor's financial agent and advisor. He was generally shrewd and
reliable in his business transactions, although his appetite for drink
occasionally got the better of his judgment. This known discrepancy of
character was tolerated in society rather as an amiable weakness, than
a vile habit, for none had the hardihood to frown openly upon a man of
Squire Tinknor's wealth and position.

His family consisted of a wife and one son. The latter, a handsome,
dashing young man, he had secretly desired to see attracted towards
the daughter of his friend, and in this had not been disappointed.
Thomas Tinknor had, from a boy, bestowed his choicest attentions upon
the young lady, and when she was carried off, he had sworn to bring
her back, or "die in the attempt." To this end he had faithfully
mounted his horse each day since her disappearance, and had ridden
several miles into the woods, always going out in high spirits, and
returning somewhat dejected.

It was in this condition that he might have been seen approaching his
father's house just as Jacob Mentor drew up before the gate. His heart
beat quickly, for he instantly recognized the toss of that little
head, enveloped as it was in hood and veil. He was not slow in
extending to Little Wolf a warm welcome. So warm indeed, was it, and
of such vapory stuff is comfort made, that Edward's ponderous loaf
evaporated, leaving only a small fragment such as could be drawn from
a stolen glance of the eye, while she was being carried into the
house, and transported from the arms of Mr. Tinknor the younger, to
the arms of Mr. Tinknor the elder, and lastly, affectionately folded
in the embrace of Mrs. Tinknor.

"You see everything I have on is borrowed," said Little wolf, as Mrs.
Tinknor was assisting her in undoing her wrappings, "but I hope to be
at home in a day or two."

"Home in a day or two!" interrupte