In and about 1849 the commons were enclosed on which the races had been run, and the tents pitched, and gipsies had encamped. Magistrates, squires, parsons, and police conspired against Revels, routed them out of the field, and supplied their places with other attractions,—cottage-garden shows, harvest thanksgivings, and school teas. Possibly there were objectionable features in those old Revels which made their abolition advisable, but the writer remembers none of these. He saw them through the eyes of a child, and recalls the childish delight they afforded. The day was clear and sunny. People streamed into Bratton Clovelly from the country round, many on foot, others in gigs and carts, all in gayest apparel. Honor had dressed the children neatly, had assumed her scarlet cloak, and stood at the cottage door turning the key ready to depart with the little eager company, when the tramp of a horse’s hoof was heard, and Larry Nanspian drew up before the house. He was driving his dappled cob in the shafts of a two-wheeled tax-cart. ’What, Larry!’ exclaimed Kate, ’mounted on high to display the flowery waistcoat? Lost your legs that you cannot walk a mile?’ ’Not a bit, sharp-tongue,’ answered the young man, good-naturedly. ’I have come round for Honor and you and the little ones.’ ’We have feet, sixteen among us.’ ’But the tiny feet will be tired with trotting all day. You will have fairings moreover to bring home.’ ’Thank you for the kind thought, Larry,’ said Honor, softened by his consideration and by the pleasant smile that attended his words. ’Kate and I will walk, but we accept your offer for the children.’ ’I cannot take them without you,’ said the young man. ’I hold the whip with one hand and the reins with the other. I have not a third wherewith to control a load of wriggling worms.’ ’Jump in, Honor,’ said Kate; ’sit between me and the driver, to keep the peace.’ The eldest sister packed the children in behind and before, then, without more ado, ascended the seat by Larry, and was followed by Kate, with elastic spring. ’Heigho!’ exclaimed the young man, ’I reckon no showman at the Revel has half so fine wares as myself to exhibit.’ ’What, the waistcoat?’ asked Kate, leaning forward to look in his face. ’No, not the waistcoat,’ answered he; ’cutlery, keen and bright.’ ’Your wit must have gone through much sharpening.’ ’I do not allude to my wit. I mean the pretty wares beside me.’ ’But, driver, the wares are not and never will be yours.’ As they drew near Bratton they heard a shout from behind, and turning saw Taverner Langford driving in, with Mrs. Veale beside him, at a rattling pace. Larry drew aside to let them pass; as they went by Taverner looked keenly at Honor, and Mrs. Veale cast her a spiteful glance, then turned to her master and whispered something. ’Upon my word!’ exclaimed Larry, ’I’ve a mind to play a lark. Say nothing, girls, but don’t be surprised if we give Uncle Langford a hare-hunt.’