178 RIVERSIDE LETTERS xxm 



after some time, succeeded. The little 

 secret was simple enough but extremely 

 ingenious. I have drawn you a " Shepherd's 

 Link" but do not intend to explain how it 

 can be opened. The link is almost exactly 

 like an ordinary chain swivel ; its two parts 

 move freely one within the other, but both 

 are quite solid and simple in construction. 



No force is required, and I have little doubt 

 but that a shepherd could open it in a 

 moment, even in the dark. I have repeatedly 

 seen these links securing gate-chains in the 

 country, and have climbed over without 

 stopping to examine the fastenings, taking 

 them for some sort of simple padlock which 

 required a key. 



Lilies have rather curious ways with them 

 sometimes. Occasionally the bulbs will re- 



