'Sir, it is already made. I have slept upon it; I have prayed upon it; I will go.' 'That is well. It is also most opportune, because a ship sails this very day. It is most opportune I say--even Providential. She will drop down the Channel with the coming tide. You will want a few things for the voyage.' 'It will be winter when we arrive, and the winters in that country are cold; I must buy some thicker clothing. Will there be any gentlewoman on board?' 'Surely'--he smiled--'surely. There will be, I am told, more than one gentlewoman on board that ship. There will be, in fact, a large and a cheerful company. Of that you may be assured. Well, since that is settled, a great load of care is removed, because I have heard that your husband rode into Taunton with Judge Jeffreys; that he learned from someone--I know not from whom--of your presence in the town, and of your departure with me.' 'It must have been the market-woman.' 'Doubtless the market-woman'--I have often asked myself whether this was a falsehood or not--'and he is even now speeding towards Bristol hoping to find you. Pray Heaven that he hath not learned with whom you fled!' 'Oh!' I cried. 'Let us go on board the ship at once! Let us hasten!' 'Nay; there is no hurry for a few hours. But stay withindoors. Everything that is wanted for the voyage shall be put on board for you. As for your meals, you will eat with'--here he paused for a moment--'with the rest of the company under the care of the Captain. For your berth, it will be as comfortable as can be provided. Next, as to the money. You have, I understand, two hundred pounds and more?' I took the bag from my waist and rolled out the contents. There were in all two hundred and forty-five pounds and a few shillings. The rest had been expended at Ilminster. He counted it carefully, and then replaced the money in the bag. 'The Eykins of Boston, in New England,' he said, 'are people of great credit and substance. There will be no necessity for you to take with you this money should you wish it to be expended to the advantage of your brother and your friends.' 'Take it all, kind Sir. Take it all, if so be it will help them in their need.'