The old sexton took a key from his vest, and opened a curious old oaken corner cupboard, upon whose shelves were ranged a variety of objects which gleamed out from their prison, and seemed to suggest that they had not been honestly come by. The most prominent object, however, was a square, black schnapps bottle, with a footless glass turned upside down beside it. "There, doctor," chuckled the old man, as he made the cork squeak and the liquid gurgle when he poured some out; "that arn't the same physic as you give me, but it's real line, and was sent down to me by a London gent as I've dealt with many a time." North did not hesitate, but drank the dram of strong brandy at a gulp. "That puts life into you, don't it, doctor, eh? Better now?" "Hah!" sighed North, returning the glass, and leaning back in the chair. "No, no; that will do." The stimulus did more than carry off the sensation of fainting, it gave back the power to think consistently; and North sat up as if considering what he should do next. "He's knocked you about a bit, doctor," said Moredock, breaking in upon his musings. "Eh? Yes; we had a sharp struggle," said North, starting. "Sent him home like a cur with his tail between his legs, haven't you, doctor?" North shuddered and caught Moredock's arm. "How did you know that--that he was there?" "Oh, I foun' it out!" said the old man evasively. "I've seen ends of cigars there and ashes on the floor; and I thought at first that parson smoked, and told him of it." "And--and what did he say?" "Looked guilty," chuckled the old man. North was silent for a few moments, sitting with one hand across his eyes, trying to think out what he should do. "Moredock," he said, sharply turning on the old man; "why did you show me that to-night?" The sexton gazed at him fixedly. "Tell me--the truth." "Well, doctor, it didn't do for young Squire Tom to be dessicating my church." "You had some other reason." "Well, it warn't safe for us. He might ha' foun' us out." "Yes, exactly; but you would have warned me instead of taking me there. Why did you do that?" "Well, doctor, of course I warn't blind." "What do you mean?" "Well, you see," said the old man, with a grin, "the saxun's pay arn't much; and a man looks out for what's coming to help him on." "I don't understand you, man." "Well, berrin's and christenin's and marriagein's as all bring in a bit more. I've sin it for long enough." "Seen what?" "That you was doin' a bit o' courting up at the Rect'ry; and it didn't seem nice for your young lady to be going out o' nights to meet Squire Tom, and in my church." North groaned. "Never you mind, doctor; I like you," said Moredock soothingly. "Was this--was this known about the village?" "'Bout you, or 'bout young miss?" "Both, man, both!"