Look sharp, young man--look sharp!" "And, whatever happens in the future," added my mistress, her kind voice trembling a little, "believe, William, that I shall never forget the proof you now show of your devotion to me.

It is still some comfort to know that I have your fidelity to depend on in this dreadful trial--your fidelity and the extraordinary intelligence and experience of Mr.Dark." Mr.Dark did not seem to hear the compliment.

He was busy writing, with his paper upon the map on his knee.
A quarter of an hour later, when I had ordered the dog-cart, and had got down into the hall with my bag packed, I found him there waiting for me.

He was sitting in the same chair which he had occupied when he first arrived, and he had another jug of the old ale on the table by his side.
"Got any fishing-rods in the house ?" says he, when I put my bag down in the hall.
"Yes," I replied, astonished at the question.

"What do you want with them ?" "Pack a couple in cases for traveling," says Mr.Dark, "with lines, and hooks, and fly-books all complete.