The Four Canadian Highwaymen; Or, The Robbers of Markham Swamp

inner, then, had we not: I

ner?' stooping for a pansy that flou

remembrance w

d I could only remember y

t between the le

ll remember your lecture ever

don't want you to bother about my lecture. You can feast yours

d his arm within that of his guest, and both were so engrossed in their subject-talking in a low tone-that they seemed for a time unconscious of the presence of Aster and Roland. When the hos

g the Marsh, and he thinks that I

ney expended in reclaiming it,' put in

juncture Roland's temper was asserting itself under the slight by the rude pa

all that.' The father was simply amazed; and drawing himself up to his full height he frowned up

nce never meddle in such matters; but the truth

ncerns; but a girl who is to become a farmer's wife should make the man

of a husbandman the farm should be her great concern. But I was n

ith displeasure,' that there are many of my daughter's affa

myself as one upon the list of your dau

d, as one of my most sincere friends. Her colour had risen as she end

aware,' her father replie

s thoughtlessly form friendships. You'll forgive her, I know, for

ast, Mr. Ham, for which my fathe

is that, p

u upon my list o

,' her father almost shouted, wh

Roland turned, and bo

o terms of such intimacy, nothing, I assure you, but the sacred shield of your household could have saved him from the punishment which his insolence deserves. However, he will not always be able t

after all that has happened it

a manner towards his guest. I feel quite certain that it was not the swamp they were discussing while alone together this afternoon, but yo

famous? This is su

link my life. For the past four years his wishes in this respect have been horribly plain to me. Oh, it is very dread

, Aster, dear?' He was looking w

never do it of

well.' And taking her hand into his he raised it reverently, tenderly, to his lips, and imprinted upon it a warm kiss. Then h

Eton schoolfellow, whom he found smo

at is wrong? I thought that the fair Aster ha

d, Ham, there, and he saw fit to insult me. You ca

s then. Do you want me to help

, that he may name a friend with whom you can arrange the meeting. Let it not be l

f the man

job of giving him a horse-whipping. And I presume

e coarse-haired Mr. Ham. He alighted at the gate, and throwing his bridle rein over a post entered the grounds. Mr. Ham was at the momen

ve seen each other. Was over looking at some of my fellows who are clearing the bush of

and the grave face of the visitor had alarmed him; but he had not the courage to put any of the questions that had turne

rtant and delicate mission; and should be glad if

face, and it was vivid through th

east, that the matter is capable of an amicable and satisfact

satisfaction.' With these words the visitor seated himself in

ubt very readily guess, when you come to remember the language which you recently employed respecting him, and the threat which

omprehend what you

de of honour among gentlemen under such circum

led him, if the pallor in his swar

n that you come to pro

e; and shall immediately wait upo

f having used any language that could evoke the resentme

word of my friend upon the matter; and he is a gentleman and a man of honour.' At this re

tion; there is another feature of the matter which I bring forward with reluc

proce

e to engage in a combat of honour with him. My position as I have said is unquestioned; but I know nothing of your friend save that report speaks of him as

ur position in this matter shall be made very plain. I intend to show tha

er be?' The fellow was once mo

owardic

in my own house t

it me to state that in denying that fitness, every statement that you have made is a falsehood. First, as to his blood: he is a gentleman. And I know that in proving he is your

erty; and held the position of magistrate i

en, sir, was

stood up, glaring at his interrogator

describe as a "common person." That is, he was not a gentleman.' Mr. Ham

y. Then, sir, as to the undefined charges against his character, they are gratuitous falsehoods. If, with these facts before you, a refusal of satisfaction is still made

use, I am constrained to accept your statements respecting your friend's fitness to meet me

oes he propose?

shall arrange. The choice of weapons, h

fears had so unnerved him that he made several attempts before he could get the pen into the ink bottle; and wasted severa

u not come and breakfast with me?' His cringing manner was m

thank

etter into Harland

al encounter? I have read th

you mean,

xample, use bullets. L

iberty to do what you p

ith irony. 'But we

seem to delight in takin

rning, M

t what time, I mean,

eason to prevent it taking place to-morrow at the rise of sun. Good morning, Mr. H