THE WILD-DUCK SHOOTER.
had missed it and fallen in, for it would not bear him. He had made some landmarks, and taken every proper precaution, but he supposed the sport had excited him so much that, in the moonlight, he had passed them by.
He then told her of his attempt to get shelter in the other cottage.
'Sir,' said the woman, 'if you had said you were a gentleman'—
The boy laughed. 'I don't think I knew it, my good woman,' he replied, 'my senses were so benumbed; for I was some time struggling at the water's edge among the broken ice, and then I believe I was nearly an hour creeping up to your cottage door. I remember it all rather indistinctly, but as soon as I had felt the fire, and drank the warm beer, I was a different creature.'
While they still talked the husband came in, and, while he was eating his supper, they agreed that he should walk to Deen Hall, and let its inmates know of the gentleman's safety; and when he was gone they made up the fire with all the coal that remained to that poor household, and the woman crept up to bed and left her guest to lie down and rest before it.
In the gray of dawn the laborer returned, with a servant leading a horse, and bringing a fresh suit of clothes.
The young gentleman took his leave with many thanks, slipping three half-crowns into the woman's hand, probably all the money he had about him. And I must not forget to mention that he kissed the baby, for when she tells the story, the mother always adverts to
