Mr Fulton. "Whatever you may be told, whatever you may think, you are on the right side of the hedge, and so remain."

"I will," rejoined Ned, "if I can." "There can be no ifs in the case," returned the ratcatcher, "if you stretch away for the coast."

"That I promised not to do," said Ned. "Then follow your own bent," replied his friend. "I have nothing more to say." "But even you couldn't advise me to flee from one"

"Pish!" interrupted Mr Fulton.

"Yes,

I could. Your safety-your neck depends upon your getting hence. Don't talk to me your kickshaws!"

of

"I have no more committed a deed by which my life is forfeited than you have," observed his companion.

"What does that matter," returned the ratcatcher, "if you're hung in the belief that you have?"

"As far as concerns myself"

"And that's the concern with which we have only to do," interrupted Mr Fulton. "I might have recommended a different proceeding," continued he, "if I'd been aware of all that I now know.

and go at once."

As it is, I say go,

"You think, then," replied Ned, "that my escape would weigh against me"?" "I am sure of it," rejoined Mr Fulton. "So Grace said," returned Ned, "and yet she entreated of me not to flee."

"And what were her hopes in the event of your being re-taken ?-which event is a certainty," continued the ratcatcher. "My innocence-"

"Fudge!" exclaimed Mr Fulton.

"And the interest being made by many of her most influential friends," resumed Ned, without noticing the interruption, except by a flashing eye, "for my fair and impartial defence."

"That's better," observed the ratcatcher. "That's better than the innocence, that is."

"Well!" exclaimed his companion. "Now that ye know the reason of her desiring me not to escape from the country-what do you say to my braving the danger ?"

"What, to meet it ?" inquired Mr Fulton. Ay," replied Ned.

"If decided not to make a quick and certain clearance," rejoined the ratcatcher, "I should advise ye to give yourself up at once for trial."

"Not yet," said Ned. "I couldn't do that yet. I must have a few hours-nay, a few days' liberty. I've won them, and I'll enjoy them."

"I trust, if that's your resolution," replied Mr Fulton," that you may be allowed the pleasure."

"I will have it," rejoined Ned, "and you shall see that I will."

"Then I wish you a very good morning," returned the ratcatcher. "For when you say you will,' I know you mean it, and I can't but think your society particularly dangerous just now."

Ned waved his hand at the commencement of Mr Fulton's concluding remark, and before it was finished was out of sight.

CHAPTER XVI.

"He had not apprehension

Of roaring terrors—

HOME! let it be never so humble, still finds a whispered echo in the humblest heart. Like the breathed prayer of the penitent gains the readiest road to heaven, and is there treasured as the most grateful offer, so the thought of home and of childhood forms the priceless offering to the shrine of mortal adoration.

The good and the happy-those on whom the hand of misfortune has so lightly rested that the gaunt and lank necessities and cares of others sound but as tales to fan their sympathy-ever turn to the remembrance

VOL. II.

M