JACK FINDS ME ON MY PERCH. 17

get him to lend me some, though, of course,
in that case I shall bid adieu to peace of
mind for evermore. However, I must not
let my thoughts drift away in this fashion.
Although I have a plan in my head it will re-
quire a good deal of maturing and manage-
ment to carry out, for the risk will be awful
and great I fear. There is a large market-
garden at M——,, and it is my intention to pay
it a visit early the next morning. I believe
it is a long distance; but I must manage to
do it and get back by half-past eight, which
is our breakfast hour. If this can be accom-
plished I shall be safe; for Father never sets
foot in the garden before breakfast, the hour
from 7°30 being taken up in tramping over
the farm, stables, &c. Then, after breakfast,
he retires to the library and answers his
letters, and after that he takes a stroll round
the garden and gives a bird’s-eye view to
things in general. If, therefore, I can get the
pots in, and then steal the key for a short
time, all will be well; and at eleven o’clock

Father leaves home, not to return until the
(220) B