JACK APPEARS ON THE SCENE. 65

along the road before me. This figure has a
* basket slung across his back and something
long in his hand, and as I gain on him what
is my surprise and alarm to recognize my
brother Jack!

My heart gives a great jump and I feel
that I am done for; but in another second I
have made up my mind to put a bold face
on the matter, and if necessary make a con-
fidant of Jack.

By the time I have come to this conclusion
I am close upon him, and turning round in
astonishment at the sight of a pony-carriage
at that early hour of the day, he is evidently
greatly relieved on finding it is only I, and
accordingly greets me with his usual remark
of:

“Qh! it’s you, is it?”

I pull up Frisk on hearing this, and say
severely:

“Why, where on earth have you been,
and what have you got in that basket?”

Jack returns my look with an equally

severe one, and fixing his eyes remorselessly
(220) E