“I suppose not.”

“By no means. Did my father say anything about the lad that used to be with us—​the boy Alf Purvis?”

“No, he did not mention his name.”

“What can have become of that young scapegrace? We have had no tidings of him since he left here with the dead hare tied round his neck.”

“How very remarkable!”

“It is singular, I must confess. I know father would be glad to learn something about him; but he never will, I suppose, now.”

“I fancy not, but he’s better lost than found, if all be true I’ve heard.”

No. 44.

THE ATTEMPTED ESCAPE FROM WAKEFIELD GAOL.