eme unapt,--
Yet it will show some sparkles of gentle mynd
And at the last breake forth in his owne proper kynd.
_Faerie Queene_--B. vi. C, 5.

All the men were now dismissed by their leader except one--who was
directed to place wine and refreshments on the table: this was done.
"And now, Valentine," said the leader, "you may return home: for I
think you have a scolding wife; and by the way, if she wishes to have a
certificate of your good behaviour and fidelity to her during your
absence from home, get me a pencil and I will write one."

"Ah! Captain Nicholas," said the man, "you're still the same man;
always ready for a joke, let danger be as near as it will."

"Danger! what danger?"

"Why, to say the truth, I don't above half like the old woman from
Anglesea."

"What, Gillie Godber?"

"Yes: she talks strangely at times; and, as sure as your name's
mentioned, she puts on a d--d Judas face; and talks--God! I hardly know
what she talks; but it's my belief she means you no good."

"Hm!--Well, so I have sometimes thought myself. Yet I know not. At
times she's as kind as if she were my own mother. And at all events I
can't do without her, so long as I have business at Walladmor Castle.
Her son, you know, lives there: and, but for her, I should often be at
a loss for means of communicating with him."

"And has Gillie been at Walladmor to-day?"

"Yes: pretty early this morning."

"Then take my word for it--its she that has blabbed to Sir Morgan about
the funeral. And I'd be glad to think _that_ were the worst: for I
heard it whispered once or twice to-day that Sir Morgan had got notice
of your return. Black Will saw an express of Sir Morgan's riding off to
Carnarvon: and, by one that left Machynleth at noon I heard that
Alderman Gravesend was stirring with all his bull-dogs."

"Well,--I think they'll hardly catch me this night. And, as the moon
will soon be rising, I would advise you to make the best of your way to
Aberkilvie. Pleasant moonlight to you; and give my compliments to your
wife."

"Ah! Captain,--I wish there were no moonlight to-night: for my heart
misgives me, unless you take better care, some cross luck will fall
out. However, I'll not go to Aberkilvie: I'll stay in the
neighbourhood: and, if I hear a shot, I'll come down with one or two
more."

The man retired: and Nicholas for a few minutes appeared to be sunk in
reverie: but soon recovering