e in the heavens, by which I knew that
the night was tolerably well advanced. The gypsy encampment lay before
me; all was hushed and still within it, and its inmates appeared to be
locked in slumber; as I advanced, however, the dogs, which were fastened
outside the tents, growled and barked; but presently recognising me, they
were again silent, some of them wagging their tails. As I drew near a
particular tent, I heard a female voice say--'Some one is coming!' and,
as I was about to pass it, the cloth which formed the door was suddenly
lifted up, and a black head, and part of a huge naked body protruded. It
was the head and upper part of the giant Tawno, who, according to the
fashion of gypsy men, lay next the door, wrapped in his blanket; the
blanket, had, however, fallen off, and the starlight shone clear on his
athletic tawny body, and was reflected from his large staring eyes.

'It is only I, Tawno,' said I, 'going to fill the kettle, as it is
possible that Miss Berners may arrive this night.' 'Kos-ko,' {89}
drawled out Tawno, and replaced the curtain. 'Good, do you call it?'
said the sharp voice of his wife; 'there is no good in the matter; if
that young chap were not living with the rawnee in the illegal and
uncertificated line, he would not be getting up in the middle of the
night to fill her kettles.' Passing on, I proceeded to the spring, where
I filled the kettle, and then returned to the dingle.

Placing the kettle upon the fire, I watched it till it began to boil;
then removing it from the top of the brands, I placed it close beside the
fire, and leaving it simmering, I retired to my tent, where, having taken
off my shoes, and a few of my garments, I lay down on my palliasse, and
was not long in falling asleep. I believe I slept soundly for some time,
thinking and dreaming of nothing; suddenly, however, my sleep became
disturbed, and the subject of the patterans began to occupy my brain. I
imagined that I saw Ursula tracing her husband, Launcelot Lovell, by
means of his patterans; I imagined that she had considerable difficulty
in doing so; that she was occasionally interrupted by parish beadles and
constables, who asked her whither she was travelling, to whom she gave
various answers. Presently methought that, as she was passing by a
farmyard, two fierce and savage dogs flew at her; I was in great trouble,
I remember, and wished to assist her, but could not, for though I seemed
to see her, I was st