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The youth made no answer, he was already too much engrossed by what was going on before his sight. The veteran nobleman having parted with his wig, put on a cap of Scotch plaid, threw off his coat and waistcoat, and displayed his shroud, which he had on beneath them. Harry shuddered as the last garment of perishing mortality was exhibited to his view, but Trueman still kept uttering mingled plaudits and regrets.

Balmarino then knelt to the block, but placed himself on the wrong side-the executioner informed him of his error, and the old man sprang up with the agility of youth, and with quickness corrected the mistake-he laid his neck upon the block-the official stood ready with his weapon-the rebel Chief threw his hand aloft, in the same manner as he had done to James Trueman—it was the signal-the axe descended-the commotion amongst the populace was renewed, so that it was with difficulty any one could keep his feet-loud cries and groans arose-when again the axe gleamed above, and with the rapidity of lightning came heavily down a second time there was a convulsive heaving of the victim's body, but his head was still unsevered-a third time the instrument was raised, and the succeeding blow did its office more effectually-the head was separated from the shoulders-and the whole were almost immediately placed in the coffin, and deposited in the hearse.

Trueman tremblingly grasped the arm of his young companion, who himself needed support, and for some time they stood side by side in silence—the mind's eye of the youth had still the horrible spectacle passing in visionary review before him-the unknown fate of the man he had tried to rescue, as well as that of his gallant old master, came terribly connected with the fearful scene he had witnessed- -a gory redness, like that of the vital stream he had seen so profusely shed, dimmed his sight, and gave a similar hue to surrounding objects-even when he shut out the light of day it was still the same-and though the noise of the retiring populace grew louder and louder, yet it could not drown in his ears the protracted sounds of the axe, as it successively fell upon the necks of the condemned.

The crowd slowly and gradually dispersed through the many outlets from the hill, and Harry and his seemingly aged relative went with the stream towards Billingsgate, where they engaged a wherry; and the young apprentice taking one of the sculls, they swiftly passed beneath the middle arch of the bridge, it being about the top of the tide. Trueman sat alone, abaft, indulging in self-communion, for he seldom spoke—the river was thronged with boats-active life was

everywhere pursuing its accustomed avocations and amusements— business and pleasure progressed-the latter most prevalent-as if nothing material had occurred.

But return we to old Will, who, as soon as he had gained the entrance to Saint Saviour's dock, diligently employed himself in cleaning his wherry, whilst many a mournful thought was given to the youth, whose duty it would have been to have executed this task. As soon as it was completed he rowed to the opposite shore, and pulled up against the current over the ground he had so hazardously traversed some hours before, lingering on his paddles near the spot where he had last seen his apprentice; he then continued on his way till he reached his own stairs, where he made his boat fast, and full of painful ruminations walked towards the Hatch, scarcely daring to meet the widow of his deceased friend.

It was still early morning, but Mrs. Paulet was in her garden, and on hearing the gate shaken she promptly advanced and welcomed the veteran waterman.

"Truly happy am I that you have returned," said the widow, as she opened the wicket, "for your counsel is much needed at this moment."

"And rejoiced shall I be to add assistance to my counsel," added the waterman. "These are no times, Mrs. Paulet, for mere wordsactions-actions must best prove the strength of real friendship-say what are your commands-my worthy old messmate, now in glory, would not act with more obedience were he here to tell you so himself."

"John was ever good and kind, Master Buntline," responded the widow as she applied her white apron to either corner of her eyes. "Heaven has seen fit to deprive me of my husband, but whilst I have my boy to cheer my lonely thoughts and hours, and so good a friend in you, I am not without my pleasant comforts, and for which I would be grateful."

This conversation passed as they walked towards the cottage, and old Will's eyes and ears were on the alert to try whether he could detect the presence of his young apprentice at home. But it was evident from the widow's manner that he was not there, nor did she appear aware of the cause of his absence, and how to break it to her perplexed him sorely; his usual clearness of judgment failed him, for the origin of his distrust and sorrow was deeply seated in his heart, and belonged to himself. On entering the doorway, however, his ears were greeted by a voice he well remembered, though in the

darkness of the night he had no opportunity of remarking the person of the owner.

"Welcome-welcome, my worthy Charon of the ferry-nay, do not back astern"-for the waterman was about to withdraw. "May

hap you think it was a scurvy trick I played you, but I merely did that which you yourself were about to do-shoved up to the dockhead in my own boat, which seemed the lightest-there I found the carriage"-he rose, and advanced towards old Will-"so give us your hand, Master Buntline-he is safely stowed away for whom you risked so much, and the blessings of his grateful daughter now await you. I wish I could hear her say one tithe as much of me as she has said of you; that would, indeed, be joyous to my heart. But come, my gallant rough-knot, there is still a toothful in the flask; here, take it, and refresh-nay, for the matter o' that, you may keep it altogether, and it will serve to remind you of one who, however rude, knows in what way to value bravery."

Buntline took both the hand and the vessel that were tendered to him. "You have my thanks, good skiffsman," said he with serious earnestness; "for though at first I felt surprised and angered, yet as you have been successful, why Will was never the boy to think of his-self when the safety of another was secured-your health, whoever you are, and long life and happiness attend you." He quaffed the liquor, and without another word put the flask into his pocket; nor did he notice its value, for it was silver.

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Come, hie thee to thy boat, good Master Buntline," said the stranger, "for we have need of some one who holds much skill in leech-craft; I will find the man, and you must guide him hither without loss of time. Dame Paulet, accept my best thanks for your hospitality; I cannot, at this moment, render thee more. And" his voice became soft and persuasive—" when thou seest the fair Maude -whom angels protect-tell her of the devotional regard of Eustace de Vere. Adieu-adieu-come, Master Buntline, come"-and he hurried the veteran from the dwelling without allowing him time or opportunity to speak of the missing apprentice. On their way across the water they conversed upon the past, so as to gain more intimate acquaintance, and Will became better pleased with his young and handsome companion, who advised to keep Harry's absence a secret from his mother, and promised to join him in his searches as soon as he had conducted the surgeon to the widow's cottage.

For several hours the waterman waited at the Savoy stairs, anxiously expecting the return of his friend the skiffsman. At last he made his appearance, but had it not been for his features Will

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would not have known him, for he was now elegantly dressed in the fashion of the times, though still approaching to something of a nautical character, and certainly a much handsomer man could not have well been found. He was accompanied by the surgeon, who paid him great deference, and Will thought he heard more than once the title of "my Lord," as they conversed together in a low tone whilst crossing the river. The surgeon was landed, and left to pursue his path to the Hatch, but the waterman was directed to shove out into the stream, where they might the better consult on the course to be pursued respecting Harry. Old Will obeyed, and repeated every circumstance connected with the young man's intrepid conduct and his disappearance, and it was resolved to go down into the immediate neighbourhood where he had last been seen in order to make inquiries, and to act according to the information they should receive. The waterman, though much fatigued, bent sturdily to his purpose -hope and fear alternately swaying their influence over his mind.

""Twill break his mother's heart should any thing misfortunate have happened to him," said he; "and there is James Trueman, too, whom your honour seems to know; but he, you say, is safe."

"He was when I last saw him," responded the other; " and doubtless he reached the shore, for he was one of our best swimmers at College."

"God send"

"And Harry, too," continued the veteran. "So ho, Master Buntline," shouted a distant voice from the middle of the now broad river. "So ho-heave-to for a friend."

""Tis he 'tis he-Harry, my boy," exclaimed the old man in ecstasy, dropping both his sculls overboard as he sprang up and gave the shuffle of a hornpipe, through extreme delight-then extending his arms, he sang out " Harry, my lad-here away-bear a hand and pull alongside."

"Moderate your joy, good Master Buntline," said the late supposed skiff's-man. "Your transports will draw upon us universal notice, which will be scarcely pleasant under our present circumstances— he has a companion with him—a stranger to my eyes-do you know aught of the man ?"

"I do not he is equally a stranger to me," replied Will, as joyously as ever. "God bless the boy!-and now I shall meet the widow with a fearless face."

"Be cautious, good Master Buntline," said Eustace de Vere-" he may be in custody-though his shipmate must be too aged for an official-ply thy sculls, and keep way upon the wherry. Gad so, but thy head is turned, and thy sculls are gone adrift."

By this time the wherry in which Harry and James Trueman had embarked pulled up alongside, and the young apprentice, with happy glee, sprang on to his old thwart, and catching up the boathook, gained possession of the paddles. The seemingly aged wayfarer in life's pilgrimage was assisted from one wherry to the other, the fare was paid, and the boats separated, shaping their course in opposite directions.

"And how is it with you, my brave lad ?" asked the old seaman, whose gratification at again beholding the youth had almost overpowered him. "Did you think I had abandoned you, my poor boy? How did you escape-and who is your aged companion ?"

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'Avast, there, Master Buntline, avast," exclaimed James Trueman

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in his own proper voice. You read me a lesson yesterday on practising deception-I will not incur a second chastisement to-day"he turned to his fellow passenger, and exposing his features, continued, “I am glad to see you in such worthy company, my Lord; these are old friends of mine. Were you successful in your undertaking, Will?-is he"

“Safe-safe and snug at the Hatch," answered the waterman; "though they tricked the old tar at last-it was that gentleman and another who piloted him securely into port."

"I could have expected no less from one so ardently devoted to our cause," said the packman, smiling; "Lord Eustace de Vere is at least no pretender"

"Enough-enough," uttered the other, extending his hand and interrupting further expression of sentiment, whether real or ironical.

"We can converse upon such matters when we are alone; at present I can only say-and I say it with the honest sincerity of my heart-I am truly rejoiced, Sir James, that I have this opportunity of thanking you for all that you have done-right nobly have these good people served you-and doubtless they will do still more to merit your regard. Your disguise is excellent, but there are those abroad who will not fail to penetrate it. Do you know that"-and he hesitated, but his thread was instantly taken up by the supposed packman.

"A heavy price for blood is laid upon my head. Tut, I heed it not-we have seen richer than ever swelled my veins poured forth this day, and they are seeking fresh victims for their wrath. Fear not for me-old Will may get five hundred pounds for the betrayal of his friend-it will serve to smooth his latter days."

"Never, never," exclaimed the waterman as be ceased rowing, and stared the taunter full in the face. "No, no; I'm poor in pocket,

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