"I never knew that he had one," replied Benjamin; "nor did I know that
old Jacob was dead."
"What became of all the women who were at Arnwood?" inquired Oswald.
"Why, Agatha married one of the troopers, and went away to London."
"And the others?"
"Why, cook went home to her friends, who live about ten miles from
here, and I have never heard of her since."
"But there were three of them," said Oswald.
"Oh, yes; there was Phoebe," relied Benjamin, looking rather confused.
"She married a trooper--the jilt!--and went off to London when Agatha
did. If I'd have thought that she would have done so, I would not have
earned her away from Arnwood behind me, on a pillion, as I did; she
might have been burned with the poor children, for all as I cared."
"Was not the old lady killed?"
"Yes; that is to say, she killed herself, rather than not kill
Southwold."
"Where was she buried?"
"In the church-yard at St. Faith's, by the mayor and the corporation;
for there was not money enough found upon her person to pay the
expenses of her burial."
"And so you are tapster at the Commonwealth. Is it a good inn?"
"Can't say much for it. I shan't stay longer than I can help, I can
tell you."
"Well, but you must have an easy place, if you can stay away as long
as you do now.
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