352 AN ENGLISH GAMEKEEPER. 



Off he goes, and off I go, straight through 

 Durrell's wood to the end where I expected 

 they would come in, as the footpath (a right 

 of way) from Debden ran close to the corner. 

 I found Shepherd Wiffin close by, with his 

 sheep, and also five men, who had apparently 

 just left the footpath, and were making for the 

 wood. On seeing me and the shepherd they 

 legged it back to the path, and made off, and 

 that was the last I saw of them. So Monk 

 did me good service that time. 



On the night of the thirtieth of April, I 

 heard a tap at the door ; I opened it, and 

 saw a man beckoning me to come out. 



" Is that you, Monk ?" I shouted. 



" Yes, "was the reply. " Is there anyone 

 about, in the house, or anywhere." 



" No, not that I know of." 



" Well, to-morrow is the first of May 

 (Stanstead Fair), and there are nine or ten 

 of our chaps coming to give you a dressing. 

 Before I tell you any more, though, I want 

 you to promise me that you won't catch 

 them, as two of my sons will be there, and 



