

THE THREE RAVENS. 941 



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" Will you step down," said Raven, hurriedly, through the same 

 medium, "and see my horse put into the chaise-cart directly?" 



" I will ;" and Nonsuch trotted down stairs with serene composure. 



It was a sorry animal whose energies were now about to be called 

 into requisition. Guiltless of oats, it seemed very little better ac- 

 quainted with hay ; and the state of the rack evinced the lament- 

 able fact, that the forlorn steed had been fain, occasionally, to solace 

 its digestive organs with timber. 



After a brace of shakes, however, on the part of the paralyzed 

 palfrey, he suffered himself to be attached to the vehicle ; and the two 

 Ravens, having by this time adjusted their plumage, and followed by 

 Nonsuch, took their seats in the chaise-cart, and were soon seen 

 goading the debilitated brute towards the Spilsbury Arms. 



A clean-napkined waiter met them as they hurried into the 

 passage. 



" A lady and gentleman !" demanded Raven. 



" A lady and gentleman !" urged his wife. 



" A lady and gentleman !" echoed the linendraper. 



" You'll find them in No. 4.," said the waiter, pointing with his 

 finger ; and as they rushed past, the wind of their garments lifted 

 with undulating motion the clean napkin of the much marvelling 

 retainer. 



A scene presented itself as the three made their way into the room 

 which may easily be conceived, and with no less facility described. 

 Captain Trigger had been fighting with hunger, and having called 

 toast to his aid, had now commenced the second round ; while Miss 

 Niobe Raven was enacting imitation woe on the sofa. At the sight 

 of her family, however, the young lady shrieked hysterically, and 

 rising suddenly, tossed herself into the arms of the maternal branch. 



The old lady heaved a groan, but whether caused by corporal 

 or mental trouble, did not at the moment appear altogether evident. 



" What is the meaning of all this ?" cried Raven, advancing 

 towards the table ; " restore my daughter instantly : she is contracted 

 to Mr. Nonsuch." 



" No such thing !" returned the Captain, coolly, decapitating an 

 egg ; " she is mine she must be mine. Call your good lady hither, 

 and let me explain. Come hither, Mrs. Raven." 



The old lady approached, and being politely handed to a seat by 

 the Captain, prepared herself for the statement, which it was evident, 

 by sundry clearings of the throat, he was now about to make. 



" Do you see my injured friend yonder ?" said he, pointing towards 

 Nonsuch, who during the preceding arrangement had opened a 

 conversation with Miss Niobe ; " and do you remember poor Penelope 

 Pincroft ?" 



A ghastly derangement of the facial organs made itself manifest in 

 Mr. and Mrs. Raven. 



" We have the most conclusive evidence to prove," continued 

 Trigger, " that the letters you proposed bringing in evidence against 

 my friend, were addressed to that deceased person. Now, I'll tell 

 you what we'll do. We will have that is, / will have Miss Niobe 



