"I shrewdly suspect," he added, as his commands were obeyed, and the cord twined around his arms unfastened, and the cloth removed,--"I shrewdly suspect," he said, fixing a stern glance upon Martin, which effectually banished the smile from his demure countenance, "that you have had some share in this business." "What I, your worship ?" exclaimed Martin.

"Not the slightest, I assure you.

It was by mere chance I came this way, and, perceiving some one tied to a tree, was about to take to my heels, when, fancying I recognised your worship's well-formed legs, I ventured forward." "You shall become more intimately acquainted with my worship's boots, rascal, if I find my suspicions correct," rejoined Catesby.

"Have you the effrontery to tell me you have never seen this rope and this cloth before ?" "Certes, I have, your worship," replied Martin.

"May the first hang me, and the last serve as my winding-sheet, if I speak not the truth! Ah, now I look again," he added, pretending to examine them, "it must be a horse-cloth and halter from the stable.