MARTIN RATTLER. 85

it would be a great bore to be obliged to lie here
when I’ve so many things to see. In fact I feel
better already, and if you will be so kind as to give
me a little breakfast I shall be quite well.”

While Martin was speaking, the obliging hermit—
who, by the way, was now habited in a loose, ‘short
hunting-coat of brown cotton—spread a plentiful re-
past upon his table, to which, having assisted Martin
to get out of his hammock, they all proceeded to do
ample justice; for the travellers were very hungry
after the fatigue of the previous day, and as for the
hermit, he looked like a man whose appetite was
always sharp set, and whose food agreed with him.

They had cold meat of several kinds, and a hot
steak of.venison just killed that morning, which the
hermit cooked while his guests were engaged with
the other viands. There was also excellent coffee,
and superb cream, besides cakes made of a species of
coarse flour or meal, fruits of various kinds, and very
fine honey.

“Arrah! ye’ve the hoith o’ livin’ here!” cried
Barney, smacking his lips as he held out his plate for
another supply of a species of meat which resembled
chicken in tenderness and flavour. “ What sort 0
bird or baste may that be, now, av I may ask ye,

Mister—what’s yer name ?”