They have owed me a grudge ever since; but hitherto I have had the best of our encounters." "Drunken sots have no chance against sober fellows with thews and sinews like yours, good Tom; yet they can give trouble in other ways, and are better under ground than above it.

I marvel they have all escaped so long; for they are well known for a set of ruffianly vagabonds, and well deserve the hangman's noose." The carriage spun fast over the ground, and the westering sun threw long shadows over their path as they rolled farther and farther through the country lanes, leaving the racket of the streets far behind.

The country was familiar to Tom, who had ridden over the same ground early in the year; but how different it all looked in the vivid green of early summer, instead of draped in a mantle of frost and snow! He felt a little elation of spirit as they drove through the old town, the observed of all observers.

Some friends of his own hailed him with eager nods of recognition, looking with a great admiration and respect at himself and his companion.

Tom felt his heart swell with pride, knowing that in time it would reach Gablethorpe how he had been seen sitting in such state.