“I can but suggest one thing. Go to Devonport, and see if the Government Dockyard will buy the oak. Ship-building can’t go on without material. If Government will take the timber, you need not concern yourself about the bank’s demand; it will be satisfied, and more than satisfied, that the money is safe. Bless you! in these times a man is happy to see his money within twelve months of him, and know he must have it.” “I don’t mind; but I’ll go to Devonport at once,” said Pepperill. Whilst the conversation thus detailed was taking place, the three had crossed a strip of moor that intervened between Sharpitor and the high road, walking slowly, for Pasco was fagged with his scramble, and Jason was crippled. “I don’t mind,” said Pasco again. “But I shall want a few pounds to take me there, and my pockets are empty.” “I can’t help you. Mine wouldn’t yield if wrung out.” “Here comes the parson,” said Pepperill—"our parson, jogging along as if nothing were the matter and went contrary in the world. I’ll borrow of him." “Oh, uncle,” protested Kate, flushing crimson, “pray do not, if you have no chance of paying.” “You impudent hussy, mind your own concerns,” answered Pasco angrily. “I, with no chance of paying! I’m a man of means. I’ll let you see what that signifies. How d’ y’ do, parson?” “What! my churchwarden?” exclaimed Mr. Fielding, drawing rein. “What brings you to the moors?” “Business, sir, a trifle with regard to oak timber. I’ve bought the Brimpts wood—cost me a few hundred, and will bring me a thousand.” “Glad to hear it, Mr. Pepperill;—and then we shall have a double subscription to our school.” “I daresay, Mr. Fielding; I’m a free man with my money, as you and others have found. And, by the way, talking of that, could you kindly accommodate me with a little loan of a few pounds. I started from home without a thought but of returning to-day, and I learn that the Government has an eye on these oaks—first-rate timber—and I must to Devonport to strike a bargain. I won’t come to their terms, they must come to mine. Such timber as this is worth its weight in gold.” “How much do you want, Mr. Pepperill?” “How much can you spare, Mr. Fielding?” “Well, let me see.” The rector of Coombe opened his purse. “I have about six guineas here. I shall want to retain one for current expenses. When can you let me have the loan returned.” “Any day. I’ll drop you a line to my wife—or—on my return. I’m only going to Devonport to get the best price for the timber, and then I shall be back. If you can spare me five guineas—or five sovereigns—I shall be obliged. You know me—a man of substance, a man of means, a warm man. We represent the Church, do we not, Mr. Fielding? and hang Dissenters all, say I.” “I can let you have five pounds,” said the rector; “I see I am short of silver.” “That will suffice,” answered Pasco, with dignity. “I will let you have it back directly I have settled with Government about the oaks.”