WYLDER'S HAJVD. 105
Luke stuck on his greasy wideawake, and in a few min- ,
utes more the dog-cart was trundled out into the lane, and
the horse harnessed.
"Easily earned, Luke," said Captain Lake, in his soft
tones.
The Captain had buttoned the collar of his loose coat
across his face, and it was dark beside. But Luke knew
his peculiar smile, and presumed it; so he grinned facetious-
ly as he put the coin in his breeches pocket and thanked
him; and in another minute, the Captain, with a lighted
cigar between his lips, mounted to the seat, took the reins,
the horse bounded ofif, and away rattled the light convey-
ance, sparks flying from the road, down the deserted street
of Gylingden, and quickly melted in darkness.
That night a spectre stood by old Tamar's bedside, in
shape of her young mistress, and shook her by the shoul-
der, and stooping, said sternly, close in her face —
"Tamar, I'm going away — only for a few days; and
mind this — I'd rather be dead than any creature living
should know it. Little Margery must not suspect —
you'll manage that. Here's the key of my bed-room —
say I'm sick — and you must go in and out, and bring
tea and drinks, and talk and whisper a little, you under-
stand, as you might with a sick person, and keep the
shutters closed; and if Miss Brandon sends to ask me to
the Hall, say I've a headache, and fear I can't go. You
understand me clearly, Tamar?"
"Yes, Miss Radie," answered old Tamar, wonder-
'Btricken, with a strange expression of fear in her face.
"And listen," she continued, "you must go into my
room, and bring the message back, as if from me, with
my love to Miss Brandon; and if she or the Vicar's lady
Bhould call to see me, always say I'm asleep and a little
better. You see exactly what I mean?"
5*