stice Burnflat. Vel, ven he got out, he vent to the devil,
or summut like it, and ve have not 'card a vord of him since. You
'members the lad,--a 'nation fine cull, tall and straight as a harrow!"

"Why, you fool," said Ned, "don't you know"--then checking himself
suddenly, "Ah! by the by, that rigmarole oath! I was not to tell; though
now it's past caring for, I fear! It is no use looking after the seal
when the letter's burned."

"Blow me," cried Dunnaker, with unaffected vehemence, "I sees as how you
know vot's come of he! Many's the good turn I'll do you, if you vill but
tell I."

"Why, does he owe you a dozen bobs; or what, Dummie?" said Ned.

"Not he,--not he," cried Dummie.

"What then, you want to do him a mischief of some sort?"

"Do little Paul a mischief!" ejaculated Dummie; "vy, I've known the cull
ever since he was that high! No, but I vants to do him a great sarvice,
Meester Pepper, and myself too,--and you to boot, for aught that I know,
Meester Pepper."

"Humph!" said Ned,--"humph! what do you mean? I do, it is true,
know where Paul is; but you must tell me first why you wish to know,
otherwise you may ask your grandfather for me."

A long, sharp, wistful survey did Mr. Dummie Dunnaker cast around him
before he rejoined. All seemed safe and convenient for confidential
communication. The supine features of Mrs. Lobkins were hushed in a
drowsy stupor; even the gray cat that lay by the fire was curled in the
embrace of Morpheus. Nevertheless, it was in a close whisper that Dummie
spoke.

"I dares be bound, Meester Pepper, that you 'members vell ven Harry
Cook, the great highvayman,--poor fellow! he's gone vhere ve must all
go,--brought you, then quite a gossoon,' for the first time to the
little back parlour at the Cock and Hen, Dewereux Court?"

Ned nodded assent.

"And you 'members as how I met Harry and you there, and I vas all afeard
at you,--'cause vy? I had never seen you afore, and ve vas a going to
crack a swell's crib. And Harry spoke up for you, and said as 'ow though
you had just gone on the town, you was already prime up to gammon. You
'members, eh?"

"Ay, I remember all," said Ned; "it was the first and only house I ever
had a hand in breaking into. Harry was a fellow of low habits; so I
dropped his acquaintance, and took solely to the road, or a chance
ingenuity now and then. I have no idea of a gentleman turning
cracksman."

"Vel, so you vent vith us, and ve slipped you throu