"Not a day passes without my thinking of them," replied Edward. "I should like to see them. I should like to see if any one has taken possession of the property, for they say it is confiscated."
"I heard that it was to be, but not that it was yet," said Oswald; "but we shall know more when we get to Lymington. I have not seen it for more than a year. I hardly think that any one will recognize you."
"I should think not; but I care little if they do. Indeed, who is thee to know me?"
"Well, my introduction of you will save some surmises, probably; and I shall not take you among those who may be inclined to ask questions. See, there is the steeple; we have not more than a quarter of an hour's drive."
As soon as they arrived at Lymington, Oswald directed the way to a small hostelry to which the keepers and verderers usually resorted. In fact, the landlord was the party who took all the venison off their hands, and disposed of it. They drove into the yard, and, giving the pony and cart in charge of the hostler, went into the inn, where they found the landlord, and one or two other people, who were drinking.
"Well, Master Andrew, how fare you?" said Oswald.
"Let me see," said the corpulent landlord, throwing back his head, and putting out his stomach, as he peered at Oswald. "Why, Oswald Partridge, as I am a born man. Where have you been this many a day!"
"In the forest, Master Andrew, where there are no few chops and changes."
"Yes, you have a sort of Parliamentary keeper, I'm told; and who is this with you?"
"The grandson of an old friend of yours, now dead, poor old Jacob
Armitage."