256 A WELL-SPENT SUNDAY. 



authority, deliver a brief and mysterious 

 message, and gallop back no one knew whi- 

 ther. 



" Why, Squire," said the Captain, as they 

 reached the steps, and found him and two 

 or three other fishermen, with eager and 

 anxious countenances, in deep council on 

 the platform at the top, " what is the matter 

 now? Another rising?" 



" Yes, and a pretty effectual one this 

 time," said the Squire. "Not a stake — 

 not a net remaining ; all as clean as a new- 

 mown field." 



" Well, I hate half-measures," said the 

 Captain. 



" Of course, one is very sorry that there 

 has been a breach of the peace, and all that, 

 you know," said one of the fishermen ; " but 

 as they have done it, and it cannot be helped, 

 I hope they have thrashed Hector within 

 an inch of his life." 



" Come, that is not fair," said the Squire ; 

 "the poor devil is only an agent, and a 

 gallant and firm-hearted fellow he is, too, 

 and did his duty well. I cannot say that I 

 am altogether sorry the nets are destroyed, 

 but I am glad the boys seem to have been 



