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Haward had indeed re&eu toward them

Darden went to meet him "These be fine tales I hear of you, Mr Darden,"

said his parishioner cale you were near the end of your

rope There's a vestry ood word for

your reverence? Egad, you need it!"

"I shall be your honor's ed servant," quoth the

I mean to preach

next Sunday upon calumny,--calumny that spareth none, not even such as I

You are for home, I see, and our road for a time is the same Will you

ride with us?"

"Ay," said Haward briefly "But youI travel not with thieves"

He had not troubled to lower his voice, and as he and Darden were now

themselves within the shadow of the oak, the schoolmaster overheard him

and answered for himself "Your honor need not fear my company," he said,

in his slow and lifeless tones "I ah the woods Good-day, worthy Gideon Madaood-day"