can't tell; he always has had a
hankering that way."

"Well, they do whisper the same of you, neighbour. Why do you keep a
gun?"

"I've carried a gun all my life," replied Rushbrook, "and I don't choose
to be without one: but that's not to the purpose; the question is, what
would you advise us to do?"

"Why, you see, friend Rushbrook," replied the schoolmaster, "advice in
this question becomes rather difficult. If Joey has been poaching, as
you imagine, and has been taken up, as you suspect, why, then, you will
soon hear of it: you, of course, have had no hand in it?"

"Hand in it--hand in what?" replied Rushbrook. "Do you think we trust a
child like him with a gun?"

"I should think not; and therefore it is evident that he has acted
without the concurrence of his parents. That will acquit you; but
still, it will not help Joey; neither do I think you will be able to
recover the gun, which I anticipate will become a deodand to the lord of
the manor."

"But, the child--what will become of him?" exclaimed Jane.

"What will become of him?--why, as he is of tender years, they will not
transport him--at least, I should think not; they may imprison him for a
few months, and order him to be privately whipped. I do not see what
you can do but remain quiet. I should recommend you not to say one
syllable about it until you hear more."

"But suppose we do not hear?"

"That is to suppose that he did not go out with the gun to poach, but
upon some other expedition."

"What else could the boy have gone out for?" said Rushbrook, hastily.

"Very true; it is not very likely that he went out to commit murder,"
replied the pedagogue.

At the word "murder" Rushbrook started from his chair; but, recollecting
himself, he sat down again.

"No, no, Joey commit murder!" cried he. "Ha, ha, ha--no, no, Joey is no
murderer."

"I should suspect not. Well, Master Rushbrook, I will dismiss my
scholars this morning, and make every inquiry for you. Byres will be
able to ascertain very soon, for he knows the new keeper at the manor
house."

"Byres help you, did you say? No, no, Byres never will," replied
Rushbrook, solemnly.

"And why not, my friend?"

"Why," replied Rushbrook, recollecting himself, "he has not been over
cordial with me lately."

"Nevertheless, depend upon it, he will if he can," replied Furness; "if
not for you, he will for me. Good morning, Mrs Rushbrook, I will
hasten away now; but will you not go