Not a soul stirred. I jumped down, threw the reins over the gate-post, and walked stealthily into the yard and up to the window. Still not a soul stirred. I peeped in. There was our Kate, leaning lovingly over my chair, pillowed as she had never pillowed it for me, and in the chair was clearly a man, for I could see his stockings and breeches stretching comfortably past her skirts. She laughed merrily at something said, and then stooped and kissed the person in the chair. This was woman's faith! With a great clatter, I strode into the porch, thrust open the door, and stepped in. There was a shout of delight, a babble of, "It's our Noll! It's our Noll!" and Kate leaped into my arms and rained kisses on me. The man followed her, slowly and feebly, leaning heavily on a stick. When he turned his face so that the firelight showed him up, my legs sank beneath me and my knees knocked together. It was Jack, dear old Jack, nothing but the shadow of himself, but still Jack right enough, and his hand was in mine. "Run, Kit!" he cried. "Get some wine! The lad's overcome. God bless you, old Noll, how are you?" Kate ran off into the parlour, where our wine was stored. "Jack!" "Hello, Noll!" "I thought I'd killed you." "Was it you?" he asked, all amazed at my self-accusation. "Yes," I faltered. "By gom, Noll, you did give me a sock!" He heard Kate tripping back with the wine, and put his finger on his lips for a warning. And that was the first and last remark Jack Dobson made on the subject. CHAPTER XXVI THE WAY OF A MAID WITH A MAN It took me to cure Jack. I administered one dose of medicine and he at once began to fill out and get strong and chesty in a manner almost absurd, whereon there was much twitting of our Kate who, in her old way, rated me soundly in public and crept up to me in private, and kissed me and wept gladly in the most approved maiden-like style. This was the way of it. I sent Joe Braggs into Stafford the day after I got home to fetch out Master Dobson, and had him alone in my room. True he was as near and grasping as ever, but I saw even this side of him in a new light now, for he had been near and grasping for Jack. He was rather uncertain when we met; glad enough, of course, to see an old friend back again safe and sound, but dubious on the main point. "Master Dobson," said I, "your Jack desires to wed our Kate." "So he tells me," said he dolefully, rubbing his thin finger under the edge of his bob-wig to scratch his perplexed head. "She is an excellent young woman, and a comely," said I, grinning at him. "Undoubtedly," he conceded. "But, as the head of the family, Master Dobson, I offer no objection to the proposal." Much it would have mattered if I had, but I always take credit when and while I can. "It's very kind of you, Ol ... Mr. Wheatman," said he, "but...." "Yes," said I encouragingly.