The schoolmaster emptied half the mug, and then handed it to the pedlar.
“And my little friend Joey, fast asleep, I’ll warrant!”
“Yes, poor child, and so should I have been by this time; the clock has gone twelve.”
“Well, Mrs Rushbrook, I wish you a good night. Come, Mr Byres, Mrs Rushbrook must want to be in bed.”
“Good night, Mr Furness, and good night, sir, and many thanks.”
The schoolmaster and pedlar quitted the cottage. Mrs Rushbrook, after having watched them for a minute, carefully closed the door.
“They’re gone now,” said she, as she turned to her husband.
What would have created much astonishment could anybody else have witnessed it, as soon as his wife had spoken, Rushbrook immediately sprang upon his feet, a fine-looking man, six feet in height, very erect in his bearing,—and proved to be perfectly sober.
“Jane, my dear,” said he, “there never was such a night: but I must be quick, and lose no time. Is my gun ready?”
“Everything’s ready; Joey is lying down on his bed, but all ready dressed, and he awakes in a minute.”