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"Now, sir," cried Sir Francis angrily, "have the goodness to explain

what you were doing there"

This was to Ike, who seeht had roused him up for a few minutes; but as soon as that was over

he yawned very loudly, and when Sir Francis turned fiercely upon him and

asked him that question he said aloud: "Eh?"

"Answer me, you scoundrel!" cried Sir Francis "You heard what I said"

"Eh? Hah, yes What had I been a-doing--heigh--ho--hu here? What I been doing, Mars

Grant?"

"You were asleep," I said on being appealed to; and I spoke angrily, for

I was s a thief

"Asleep!" cried Ike "To be sure That's it Asleep I was under the

bushes there Dropped right off"

"You repeat your lesson well," said Sir Francis "Pray, go up to the

house--to the library, you boys--you, sir, follow me"

Courtenay and Philip went on in advance, Sir Francis followed, and ere bringing up the rear when Ike exclaiht to sep'rate them two or a nyste bit

of a tale they'll make up between theht, sir; scoundrel it is, just as you like Wonder who'll tell

the truth, and on't?"