We hardly need say,
that there never were two brothers who were more attached, and who so
mutually respected each other.
CHAPTER VIII.
Edward put the pony to a trot, and in two hours was on the other side
of the New Forest. The directions given to him by Jacob were not
forgotten, and before it was noon he found himself at the gate of the
keeper's house. Dismounting, and hanging the bridle of the pony over
the rail, he walked through a small garden, neatly kept, but, so early
in the year, not over gay, except that the crocus and snowdrops were
peeping. He rapped at the door with his knuckles, and a girl of about
fourteen, very neatly dressed, answered the summons.
"Is Oswald Partridge at home, maiden," said Edward.
"No, young man, he is not. He is in the forest?"
"When will he return?"
"Toward the evening is his time, unless he is more than usually
successful."
"I have come some distance to find him," replied Edward; "and it would
vex me to return without seeing him. Has he a wife, or any one that I
could speak to?"
"He has no wife; but I am willing to deliver a message."
"I am come about some dogs which he promised to Jacob Armitage, my
relation; but the old man is too unwell, and has been for some time,
to come himself for them, and he has sent me.
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