shall but be so much the further on our journey." "With all my heart," Albert returned ; "and we will here, if you please, enter into contract, that stand or fall, we will die ere we desert each other." said Trenton, grasping his hand; "ever, my own dear What say you, James ?" 66 Agreed, agreed," brother. What say you, The good fellow could not speak; his heart was too full; but a look of gratified and grateful respect showed his sense of the honourable and earnest friendship of his young masters. They loosened the swords in their scabbards, which each wore under his cloak, and surveying every bush and coppice as they passed, had scarcely advanced a mile up a road, which turned off to the right, when Heseltine's opinion was confirmed by the sight of a house, of humble pretensions, but surrounded by considerable out-offices, from whence the smoke, which had been their guiding line, proceeded. Within a stone's throw beyond, was a mansion of a different character. It might be the residence of a squire of high degree, or the home of some agent of a feudal lord. Of chimneys there were many and clustered in antique style, and the appearance induced the supposition that its inhabitants were numerous, and abundantly possessed of this world's goods. But the house was without defence of any kind, and seemed to have escaped the horrors of the civil contest with singular good for tune. The three travellers eyed the place with suspicion, for it was evident that it was defended by some superior authority, therefore it was encumbent upon them to keep watch and ward; but Heseltine determined to take off all care from his superiors; and notwithstanding the entreaties of both Trenton and Albert, decided upon staying by his horses all night. It was well that he did so. The two young men were speedily installed in a comfortable apartment, while Master Heseltine made himself the companion and acquaintance of every person about the place. Trenton Daubigny retired to rest, deeply and earnestly thankful for his deliverance from the great peril into which he had been cast, and assured that the gracious God, whose eyes are over all His works, in mercy, will never leave or forsake those who, regardless of consequences, determine to act rightly, and put their trust in Him. He was grateful also for the affectionate friendship of Albert, and for the use he had been permitted to become in confirming his convictions, and directing his mind aright, Night was merging into morning before sleep rested in peace on his eyelids. He knew not of the fresh trial which awaited him-futurity is happily hid from our eyes -a new trial, and a fresh triumph. Principle in the end is always successful. CHAPTER XIV. The same dew, which sometime on the buds WHETHER from an intuitive perception of their condition, or from the existence of the natural feeling, which, however unaccountably, does sometimes draw the hearts of individuals to each other, Master Ruscock, the landlord of the inn, appeared to have attached himself involuntarily to Trenton and Albert. James Heseltine was also a favourite, if good will might be gathered from the tasty dishes, and the choice ale with which he supplied him. Occasionally, indeed, a friendly pipe, a dry stroke of humour, or an unwonted gossip relaxed the old man's severity, and he would then converse with a freedom and fluency which inade his listener well content to receive notice rather than enter into companionship. Through such association there grew up such kindly feeling between good Master Heseltine, and honest Master Ruscock as proved of infinite value to Trenton and his friend. The peasantry and little farmers in the neighbourhood gradually became interested in their welfare, and at length served in the place of an efficient bodyguard enabling them to extend their rambles to a considerable distance round their dwelling. The peril in which both Albert and Trenton would be placed, if captured, was alarming to contemplate; but against any |