Tomkins, and return after the king's writ has ceased its baneful activity for the day, and stopped running. I can get my own breakfast"
"But you can't cook your bacon, sir," said Pollyooly in a tone of dismayed conviction.
"I must be content with cold ham," said the Honorable John Ruffin sadly. "I think I could boil my eggs."
"I think you'd boil them hard, sir," said Pollyooly doubtfully.
"There's no saying. I might get into it," said the Honorable John Ruffin hopefully.
Pollyooly shook her head sadly; and her face showed no hopefulness at all as she carried the other garments she had carefully collected into his bedroom.
For the next half-hour, and for the next few days, when she happened to think of the danger which threatened the quiet peace of their little household, Pollyooly wore a grave air. The Honorable John Ruffin on the other hand, whom that danger chiefly concerned, showed himself entirely serene. He was even cheerful. He talked freely and frequently of the slow approach of the besiegers, with the im-
