o18 "THE CA VALIER'S PETS."
before three weary men, soiled with travel and rough living,
approached by back ways and side gates, skulking in the
gloom into the house of which one of them was the master.
 "Alack and well-a-day!" cried Dame Hynd, wringing
her hands at the sorry plight of a gallant gentleman.
 It is the fortune of war, dame," he cried, relishing con-
dolence as little as ever. He liked better the greeting of Roy
and Reine, that no Parliament or Lord Protector or Fairfax's
men in the neighbourhood could prevent-timid creatures
though the welcomers were-from rushing to hail his arrival,
with acclamation, little ringing yelps, much scuttling to and
fro and clambering up his legs, with lavish licking of his
muddy boots.
 Having heard that the vicar was from home-indeed the
worthy man was in hiding with greater sinners-Master
Neville proceeded to the business which had brought him
there-the destruction of private papers, in anticipation of a
visit to his house from a detachment of the Parliamentary
-army.
 "I don't think you have anything to fear at the rogues'
 hands," he told his housekeeper, as he prepared to leave again
 in the dank dawn of the next morning. You have my leave
 to speak them fair. As for me, I think I shall make the
 country quit of me-like others I will not name; God be
 praised, they are out of danger;" and he raised his beaver for
 an instant-" till better times. I see my way to the coast, and
 I shall do my best to survive a term of existence in some
 wretched mouldy or whitewashed French or Dutch town.
 Why, I should not care to carry off my beauties with me to
 bear me company," he cried on a sudden impulse, catching