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Anne and her mother were just thinking of retiring to their own dwelling when Sergeant Stanner of the th Foot, who was recruiting at Budmouth, began a satirical song: When law'-yers strive' to heal' a breach', And par-sons prac'-tise what' they preach'; Then lit'-tle Bo-ney he'll pounce down', And march' his men' on Lon'-don town'! Chorus.
"I reckoned you'd be right lonely down there with that Stanner crowd, particklerly after that little speech o' your'n, so I sez to Maw I'd get you up yer for a spell. Maw and I heerd you exhort 'em! Maw allowed you woz talkin' a furrin' tongue all along, but I sakes alive! I hed to hump myself to keep from bustin' into a yell when yer jist drawed them Webster-unabridged sentences on 'em."
Oh, Maw! the Stanner crowd has vamosed the ranch, and this yer stranger kalkilates to stay!" A week had passed at Eagle's Court a week of mingled clouds and sunshine by day, of rain over the green plateau and snow on the mountain by night.
Rol'-li-cum ro'-rum, tol'-lol-lo'-rum, Rol'-li-cum ro'-rum, tol'-lol-lay. It was a verse which had been omitted by the gallant Stanner, out of respect to the ladies. The new-comer was red-haired and of florid complexion, and seemed full of a conviction that his whim of entering must be their pleasure, which for the moment it was.
"You shall hear from the Company's lawyers, sir," said Stanner turning red, and noisily leaving the room. "And so, my dear ladies," said Colonel Clinch, "you have spent a week with a highwayman.
"It is a matter that concerns the Stage Company, not me," said Stanner, with an attempt to appear at his ease. Hale accompanied Clinch and Rawlins through the kitchen to the stables. The ostler, Dick, had already returned to the rescue of the snow-bound coach.
Dashing bucks and beaux in cocked hats, black feathers, ruffles, and frills, stared at her as she hurried along; the beach was swarming with bathing women, wearing waistbands that bore the national refrain, 'God save the King, in gilt letters; the shops were all open, and Sergeant Stanner, with his sword-stuck bank-notes and heroic gaze, was beating up at two guineas and a crown, the crown to drink his Majesty's health.
The King had gone for a cruise in his yacht, and they would be in time to see him land. Then drums and fifes were heard, and in a minute or two they saw Sergeant Stanner advancing along the street with a firm countenance, fiery poll, and rigid staring eyes, in front of his recruiting-party.
"That's all very well, and like George Lee's high falutin'," said Stanner, approaching the table, "but as long ez the greenbacks are here he can make what capital he likes outer Manuel. I'll trouble you to pass over that package." "Excuse me," said Hale, "but I believe this is the package taken from Colonel Clinch. Is it not?" he added, appealing to the Colonel. "It is," said Clinch.
He left a letter for you. It will probably tell you if he was the man this person is seeking." "Thank you, mother," said Hale, lifting her hand to his lips quietly; "and perhaps you will kindly tell these gentlemen that, as your son does not care to know who or what the stranger was, there is no necessity for opening the letter, or keeping Mr. Stanner a moment longer."
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