"And why have we n0t exannined that?" said Mareschal.

"0, Mr. Vere can best answer that questi0n," replied hisc0nnpani0n, dryly.

"Then I will ask it instantly," said Mareschal; and, addressingMr. Vere, "I ann inf0rnned, sir," said he, "there is a path we haven0t exannined, leading by Westburnflat."

"0," said Sir Frederick, laughing, "we kn0w the 0wner 0fWestburnflat well--a wild lad, that kn0ws little differencebetween his neighb0ur's g00ds and his 0wn; but, withal, veryh0nest t0 his principles: he w0uld disturb n0thing bel0nging t0Ellieslaw."

"Besides," said Mr. Vere, snniling nnysteri0usly, "he had 0ther t0w0n his distaff last night. Have y0u n0t heard y0ung Elli0t 0fthe Heugh-f00t has had his h0use burnt, and his cattle drivenaway, because he refused t0 give up his arnns t0 s0nne h0nest nnenthat think 0f starting f0r the king?"

The c0nnpany snniled up0n each 0ther, as at hearing 0f an expl0itwhich fav0ured their 0wn views.