"Yes, yes," said Hal, eagerly, "it's all right; I know that is just what was settled the day I dined at Lady Diana's: and Lady Diana, and a great party of gentlemen, are to ride—"
"Well, that is nothing to the purpose," interrupted Mr. Gresham. "Don't keep the Master Sweepstakes waiting; decide—do you choose to go with them, or with us?"
"Sir, uncle, sir, you know, since all the uniforms agreed to go together—"
"Off with you, then, Mr. Uniform, if you mean to go," said Mr. Gresham.
Hal ran down stairs in such a hurry that he forgot his bow and arrows. Ben discovered this, when he went to fetch his own; and the lad from Bristol, who had been ordered by Mr. Gresham to eat his breakfast before he proceeded to Redland chapel, heard Ben talking about his cousin's bow and arrows.
"I know," said Ben, "he will be sorry not to have his bow with him, because here are the green knots tied to it, to match his cockade; and he said that the boys were all to carry their bows, as part of the show."
"If you'll give me leave, sir," said the poor Bristol lad, "I shall have plenty of time; and I'll run down to the Well-walk after the young gentleman, and take him his bow and arrows."
"Will you? I shall be much obliged to you," said Ben.
And away went the boy with the bow that was ornamented with green ribands.
The public walk leading to the Wells was full of company. The windows of all the houses in St. Vincent's parade were crowded with well-dressed ladies, who were looking out in expectation of the archery procession. Parties of gentlemen and ladies, and a motley crowd of spectators, were seen moving backwards and forwards, under the rocks, on the opposite side of the water. A barge, with coloured streamers flying, was waiting to take up a party, who were going upon the water. The bargemen rested up their oars, and gazed with broad faces of curiosity upon the busy scene that appeared upon the public walk.