" And the messenger gave his report, for Oliver Tempest was
impatiently awaiting his return.
"'Tis well," said he; "and now, hark thee, should one syllable of this
night's business bubble through thy lips, thou hadst better have stayed
in the paws of the hobgoblin. Away!"
Gregory needed no second invitation, but scampered home with great
despatch, leaving his master to grope out the way as he thought proper.
There was more bustle and preparation for dinner than usual on the
morrow. Oliver Tempest had sent messengers to Bashall and Waddow; but
the guests had not made their appearance. About noon the hall-table was
furnished with a few whittles and well-scoured trenchers. Bright pewter
cups and ale-flagons were set in rows on a side-table, and on the
kitchen hearth lay a savoury chine of pork and pease-pudding. In the
great boiling pot, hung on a crook over the fire, bubbled a score of
hard dumplings, and in the broth reposed a huge piece of beef--these
dainties being usually served in the following order--broth, dumpling,
beef, according to the old distich--
"No broth, no ba';
No ba', no meat at a'.
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