296 WYLDER'S HAJVD.
don sherry, Mr. Larcom. Wonderful fine wine that!—
but still I'm told this is not a bad wine notwithstand-
ing.''
Larcom received it with grave gratitude, and sipped it,
and spoke respectfully of it.
"And — and any news in that quarter of Mr. Mark
Wylder — any — any surmise? I — you know — I'm
interested for all parties."
"Well, sir, of Mr. Wylder, I can't say as I know no
more than he's been a subjeck of much uncleasant feelin',
which I should say there has been a djrl of angry talk
since I last saw you, sir, between Mj^ltike and the Cap-
ting."
-' Ah, yes, you mentioned something of the kind; and
your own impression, that Captain Lake, which I trust
may turn out to be so, knows where Mr. Mark Wylder is
at present staying."
"I much misdoubt, sir, it won't turn out to be no good
story for no ooe^said Mr. Larcom, in a low and sad tone,
and with a loj^r shake of his head.
"No goo^^tory — hey? How do you mean, Lar-
com?" -'
"Well, sir, I know you won't mention me, Mr. Lar-
kin."
"Certainly n«,t — g0 on."
"When peoplg -gets hot a-talking they won't mind a
body comin' in ;\ that's how the Capting and Miss
Rachel Lake they*^.rie(j on their dispute like, though me
coming into the roomX
"Just so; and wha!^^ou f0UI1(j your opinion about
Mr. Mark Wylder on?" " ~\
"Well, sir, I could not he% m0re than a word now and
a sentince again; and pickin',B^jyB|p^gyr I could out
of what Miss Lake said, and Adapting coV^j* 0>eny)