“Still,” added our master, shaking his head, “I entertain great doubt as to the policy of hesitating to take the safer course. However, let him be shut up by himself and watched incessantly; and in the event of the most trifling but certain symptom appearing, wait for no instructions from me, but shoot him.” I was now taken from the court and subjected to solitary confinement for six weeks; but as Tom Holt explained the cause of poor Gameboy’s malady, from having seen him attacked by the cur, and all the rest being found free from the smallest likelihood of inoculation, I was permitted to join my companions again soon after cub-hunting commenced. During my involuntary retreat, Mark paid me the greatest attention, and, that I might not be low-spirited for want of company, would often sit upon my bench and chat to me, and croon snatches of old ballads to himself. He took me long walks, too, when his work was done, and altogether the time was spent much more agreeably than might be imagined in the gloom of solitude. Hearty was the welcome upon my re-appearance in the court, and each of my friends expressed his warm delight at seeing me again; although a stranger to our ways and customs might deem the reception somewhat churlish, and of the growling mood. However, we do not ‘use our tongues for the concealment of our thoughts,’ and if devoid of the polish of refined manners, we at least possess an equal proportion of their honesty. CHAPTER XV. “Slow pass’d the night, and now with silver ray, The star of morning ushers in the day; The shadows fly before the roseate hours, And the chill dew hangs glittering on the flowers; The pruning-hook or humble spade to wield, The cheerful labourer hastens to the field.” “Trifles, light as air,” observed Trimbush, “are frequently of the most momentous importance. Who could have thought, now,” continued he, “that brushing a flea from your neck would have subjected ye to upwards of six weeks confinement from all society?” “Ah!” exclaimed I, “if I could have had any anticipation of such a result, he might have sucked my blood till now.” “I was in a terrible fright,” rejoined my friend, “that they were going to stop its circulation at once.” “It would have been one of the most unjustifiable murders ever committed,” returned I. “That may be all very true,” added my companion; “but what compensation would the act of injustice have been to you?” “None,” replied I. “There have been innumerable such-like mistakes committed,” said Trimbush, “and never discovered. Fortunately for you, the suspected had the benefit of the doubt.” “I consider that the Squire was far too hasty in his decision regarding myself,” responded I.