The Ship of Stars

th a big iron lantern, and the lantern with a crest-two snakes' heads intertwined. The gate was shut, but the fence had been broken down on either side, and the ga

" He heard the stable clock strike three, and caught a glimpse, over the shrubberies, of its cupola and gilt weather-cock. And then a turn of the road brought him under the gloomy northern face

the door was opened, and the dogs poured out upon him-spaniels, terriers, lurchers, greyhounds, and a big Gordon setter-barking at him, leaping against him, sniffing his calves.

" asked the

k the letter and went to inquire

one-flagged hall; then through a larger hall and a long dark corridor. The footman's coat, for want of a loop, had been hitched on a peg by its collar, and stuck out behind his neck in the most ludicrous

's the parso

d, and was shamefully dirty. And the vast apartment, with its white paint and gilding and Italian sketches in water-colour and statuettes under glass, might have b

riding crop. A handsome boy knelt at the back of the settee and leaned over the handsome gentleman's shoulder. On the floor, between the two men, lay a canvas bag; and something moved inside it. At the end of the

pled up the let

Sunday, I tell 'ee, and Parson will be here in an hour. Thi

ake hands with

on George," said Sir Harry; and Taffy sho

way, Harry," s

comfort '

e I won't

, and drew out a smaller one; untied

it. "H'm, he don't

les in a bag on purpose to cheer you up.

Get along with 'ee; I wouldn' ask a bird of min

sharp instruments of steel, very highly polished. He lifted one, felt its point, replaced it, set down the case

quire Moyle. After a long pause he ad

l do," sai

turned and r

to the wall-eyed footman-who must have been wa

" whispered Honoria. She had come forwa

t hear. He sat glum, pulling a whisker and keeping a sour eye on the bird, which w

very chance," he

, equably, "have it out in the yard,

ors is ba

ng the Squire's game-cock in a basket. He took it out; a very handsome bird, wi

he long steel spurs; a very delicate process, to judge by

he asked

to eye, furious, with necks outstretched and hackles stiff with the rage of battle. They began to rise and fall like two feathers tossing in the air, very quietly. But for the soft whir of wings there was no sound in the room. Taffy could scarcely believe they were fighting in earnest. For a moment

o words came. Sir Harry caught up his bird, whipped off his spurs, and thrust him back

ho shall deliver me fr

tying the neck of the bag, and lazil

looked at the dead bird, then at Honoria. Sh

hand me my Bible. It's all here"-he tapped the heavy book-"miracles, redemption,

al of laughter. Taffy had ne

les; but he took them off and laid th

m seeking higher things, there's no fight left in us or in the parish. I tell you what; make that boy of yours strip an

Honoria's, and they were fastened on him curiously. He was white

ing." Sir Harry mimicked

t to fight. He hated this house and its inhabitants. The othe

fy began fumbling wit

enough t'other day. If you lick en, I'll

s jacket-button when a bell soun

par

epped to the window and flung up the sash. "Out you tumble, youngsters-you too, Miss, if you like.

Taffy began to laugh; he laughed all the way as they ran. When they reached the stables he was swaying with laughter. There was a hepping-stock by

Dad!" cried

hed his eyes. Sir Harry whistled for J

watched the saddling. The horses were led out;

ou take my bird, and comfort your mast

d away up the avenue. Honoria p

e fought just

w. That's my f

ld you ha

" He would not loo

ll

ther! I d

out of