LEAFLESS WOODS 205 



As is usual in real old country places, the 

 church was close on the green. Just opposite 

 the old lych-gate were the stocks, fronting the 

 church porch ; about forty yards away was the 

 comfortable-looking public-house ; and some- 

 how the reverend gentleman took offence at 

 the stocks. He suggested that they should 

 be removed, as relics of a barbarous past. 



"Eh, what?" said the squire; " I'm glad 

 that you've reminded me of them. I'll have 

 a covering put up over 'em like that of the 

 lych-gate, to preserve 'em. And when the 

 rascals come out of church, it will remind 'em 

 of what they deserve, but don't get." 



After hearing a better sermon than usual, 

 it was the habit of that congregation to go 

 direct to the public-house, in order to talk it 

 over. I have made one of that party at times, 

 so I know all about it. And better still, the 

 landlord of that pub. being a churchwarden, if 

 he knew that one of his favourite anthems 

 was going to be sung, he always invited the 

 mixed choir into his house, " Just to wet up a 

 bit fust," as he said. 



The parson objected to this discussion as 

 to the merits of his sermons over hot brandy 

 and water, and on a Sunday. Spiritual and 



