A. NIGHT'S PERIL. 117 



tickled the fancy of the local vagabonds ; and they 

 habitually made a point of affording him a guard 

 of honour on his excursions. 



On this occasion the noise waxed louder than usual, 

 and soon let me see that something more than com- 

 mon was in the wind. As soon as I could make out 

 the personal appearance of the steed, I saw that his 

 garniture was out of the ordinary equestrian fashion. 

 About his saddle was slung a collection of parcels, 

 and over his neck depended two uncovered and 

 uncommonly good-looking bottles. Besides this, 

 Hamilton had in his hands a basket, and was 

 evidently made up in all respects for a start or a 

 cruise some whither. 



" Whither away my man 1 " said I as he entered, 

 mustering up the most facetious look I could, to hide 

 the possible traces of melancholy on my physiognomy ; 

 for I knew him of old as a desperate roaster. 



"Where you are coming with me, Jack," replied 

 Hamilton " so get your traps together in a quarter 

 less no time." 



" But, my good fellow, I cannot ; you know I sail 

 the day after to-morrow, and have lots to do. Be- 

 sides, to tell you the truth, I am a little, just a little 

 out of sorts." 



?' Melancholy, and so forth," said my friend ; " but 

 let toe tell you, that's exactly the reason why I've 

 come to fetch you. Here, read this billet-doux, and 

 then give me your answer." 



