"Och then it is you, sir? I thought it was Ted," Cried Meg, as she crept from her nook near the bed; "For he's in such a pet of a passion to-day, That I'm forced for peace sake to keep out of his way." Then too entered Looney, who, panting for breath, Had made up his mind to be in at the death. "Tom Smithers, yer rev'rence, I met close by here, With pleasure he'd see yer whenever ye're near. His old father's but bad still--you've heard, I suppose, He was thrown from his horse and was pitched on his nose?" "Yes, I have of it heard, and will see him ere long; He'd been drinking too much, which was dreadfully wrong. This cottage is small," he continued; "I fear That comfort and ease you can ne'er enjoy here. Besides, you're so far off that you don't get your share Of the gifts I bestow on those under my care. Now I have a neat cottage, and 'tis my intent, Ted, to let it to you at a moderate rent. And as to the Abbey, you'll then be so nigh, Its garden will work for your spare hours supply." "Hurrah! thanks! your rev'rence!" cried Ted with delight; "I am grateful, contented, and happy now quite. Sure I'll back with you now, sir, and see what it's like, Then with pleasure the bargain I'll readily strike." "Then with me at once, and your wife, if she'd see The dwelling I speak of, can come too with me. Though 'tis out of repair, yet to you 'twill appear Like a palace, compared with this old hut out here. Then Jenkins will lend you his cart to remove Your goods; and, I think, a good neighbour will prove." "Sure I'm ready," said Meg, As she took from a peg Her bonnet, which once might have been an old hat. "And," cried Ted, "so am I, Though I feel rather dry, And maybe his rev'rence admires a good vat." But a dark frown descending, Made him tremble with awe; He was sadly offending The proud Abbot, he saw. Then they went out together, And, it being hot weather, Their pace was exceedingly slow; While the Abbot endeavours From converse to gather If they of the treasure aught know. Now what after befell It is needless to tell, Save the cottage was liked and they went there to dwell. While their hut and its ground Was dug up all around, Though there never a bone or a guinea was found. [Illustration: Och then it is you, sir?] * * * * * _CHAPTER THE FOURTH._