51
again sitting down to work* it was not until they ware seated at their
evening meal that he turned to his wife “Do you know of any markets on
Thursday, in this part of the world, Victoria?"
The woman seated across from him shook her head. "No, not on Thursday,
dear. Why do you ask?"
"Nothing" he said. "It’s of no significance. ' And he forgot the matter,
Meanwhile Martha and Hamilton Jogged on in silence until they reached
the old woman's cottage.Dismounting, Martha crossed to the door where
aha kicked away the drift of leaves that had blown into the doorway. he
took a large iron key from under her shawl and turned it with a grating
noise in the lock. As she lifted the shutter from the little sunken
window, Hamilton looked morosely r uni the little room before turning
away to bring in her belongings. The last article to be brought In, a
lidded basket with a sally-rod through its wicker hoops, he laid on the
table. He was on his knees breaking twigs and placing them in the hearth
when Martha came up again from the bedroom. ..lie had taken off her boots
and her bare feet slapped on the polished earth floor. She was about to
speak when she saw the unfamiliar basket on the table. Opening it, she
drew out a dressed chicken and a cake. “Who put this in?" she demanded,
turning to Hamilton who lay with his cheek to the floor nursing the fire
with his breath. He stood up and rubbed his eyes. “Sarah" he replied,
"I saw her putting it in."
The old woman slammed the lid down angrily. “I didna bring it - ye
may take it back.” Hamilton rubbed his chin slowly, gazing round the
bare little cabin. “Martha' he said "don't be harsh on the girl.She's
gey sad at ye leaving. Look," he raised his boot over the pulsing heart
of fire “let me put it out an’we’ll go back.” She followed his glance
