POACHER'S AND POACHING. 47 



" You told me the last time you were here I 

 should not see you again, if you could help it." 



" I meant it, Squire ; 'tain't no fault o' mine as 

 I'm here now." 



After looking at the man and then at the two 

 under- keepers, with the greatest difficulty keeping 

 himself from smiling, the Squire replied that he 

 supposed not. 



" What did he get for the last affair ? " he asked. 



" Six months, Squire, I'm sorry to say." Here 

 Ned broke in with, " An' if I has another dose 

 like that, Squire, I shan't be a trouble no more." 



" Are you married ? " 



" No, Squire, but I be thinkin' on it." 



"Who are you courting, you rascal? Some 

 decent girl, I'll be bound; it generally is so." 



" Yes, Squire, you're right there ; she's a lot 

 better than I be, or she wouldn't be much." 



"What shall we do with him, D ?" But 



before the head - keeper could answer Ned broke 

 in, " For mercy sake, Squire, make a under-keeper 

 on me. I bin a poacher, an' I be one now, or else 

 I shouldn't ha' bin here. If ye will I'll sarve ye 

 faithful as a dog. Give me this one chance." 



