“Yes, my dear.”

“The people up at the settlement say they do, and that they can’t keep any fowls at all.”

“Then that’s it,” cried Sarah, triumphantly; “and I was right about that smell a few nights ago.”

“What smell?”

“Of something roasting in the lean-to shed where those two sleep.”

“Nonsense, Sarah! It was squirrel or something of that kind that they had knocked down and cooked.”

“No, my dear; it was exactly like roast chicken, and I’m very much afraid—”

“So am I, Sarah, that you are going to make a mistake. I don’t believe either of them would steal. Ah! Here comes Pomp all in a hurry about something.—What is it?”

“Hi! Find um, Mass’ George,” cried the boy, who was in a high state of excitement.

“Find what?” I cried.