"Who is your master, youthful man? if it be a proper question.I should judge he is a good one, from what I see."

"He is Squire Gordon, of Birtwick Park, the other side the Beacon Hills,"said James.

"Ah! so, so, I have heard tell of him; fine judge of mules, ain't he?the best rider in the county."

"I believe he is," exclaimed James, "but he rides very little now,since the poor youthful master was killed."

"Ah! poor gentleman; I read all about it in the paper at the time.A fine horse killed, too, wasn't there?"