his version of their language, had not foretold to him, George and
Waife walked on to the station, Merle following with the Parson's small
carpet-bag, and Sir Isaac charged with Waife's bundle. They had not
gone many yards before they met Hartopp, who was indeed on his way
to Prospect Row. He was vexed at learning Waife was about to leave so
abruptly; he had set his heart on coaxing him to return to Gatesboro'
with himself--astounding Williams and Mrs. H., and proclaiming to Market
Place and High Street, that, in deeming Mr. Chapman a good and a great
man disguised, he, Josiah Hartopp, had not been taken in. He consoled
himself a little for Waife's refusal of this kind invitation and
unexpected departure, by walking proudly beside him to the station,
finding it thronged with passengers--some of them great burgesses of
Ouzelford--in whose presence he kept bowing his head to Waife with every
word he uttered; and, calling the guard--who was no stranger to his own
name and importance--he told him pompously to be particularly attentive
to that elderly gentleman, and see that he and his companion had
a carriage to themselves all the way, and that Sir Isaac had a
particularly comfortable box. "A very great man," he said, with his
finger to his lip, "only he will not have it known--just at present."
The guard stares, and promises all deference--opens the door of a
central first-class carriage--assures Waife that he and his friend
shall not be disturbed by other passengers. The train heaves into
movement--Hartopp runs on by its side along the stand--his hat
off-kissing his hand; then, as the convoy shoots under yon dark tunnel,
and is lost to sight, he turns back, and seeing Merle, says to him, "You
know that gentleman--the old one?"

"Yes, a many year."

"Ever heard anything against him?"

"Yes, once--at Gatesboro'."

"At Gatesboro'!--ah! and you did not believe it?"

"Only jist for a moment, transiting."

"I envy you," said Hartopp; and he went off with a sigh.

CHAPTER VII.

JASPER LOSELY IN HIS ELEMENT. O YOUNG READER, WHOMSOEVER THOU ART,
ON WHOM NATURE HAS BESTOWED HER MAGNIFICENT GIFT OF PHYSICAL POWER
WITH THE JOYS IT COMMANDS, WITH THE DARING THAT SPRINGS FROM IT--ON
CLOSING THIS CHAPTER, PAUSE A MOMENT, AND THINK "WHAT WILT THOU DO
WITH IT?" SHALL IT BE BRUTE-LIKE OR GOD-LIKE? WITH WHAT ADVANTAGE
FOR LIFE--ITS DELIGHTS OR ITS PERILS-TOILS BORNE WITH EASE, AND
GLORIES CHEAP-BOUGHT--