OR, OUR HEARTH AND HOMESTEAD. BY JOHN MILLS, 66 AUTHOR OF THE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN," THE STAGE COACH, IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: T. C. NEWBY, MORTIMER STREET. 1845. THE OLD HALL; OR, OUR HEARTH AND HOMESTEAD. CHAPTER I. "As we do turn our backs From our companion thrown into his grave, THE day following John Hardy's singular nocturnal adventure at the Lion had scarcely began to peep, when an old and heavy post-chaise was seen rumbling up the long avenue, flanked by stalwart oaks, leading to the Range, with Blossom, the squabby cob, tied by the reins to VOL. II. B the rear. For the purpose of obtaining assistance on his way, Blossom threw the entire weight of his body on the bridle, and thus permitted himself to be dragged, with as little exertion as possible on his own part, towards his journey's end. Upon the antiquated carriage stopping at the porch, the face of John Hardy emerged from the dropped window; and ere the deep-toned bell, which the post-boy-his venerable appearance betokening the sere and yellow leaf of life-tugged as a summons to their arrival, ceased to swell through every nook and corner of the house, that active little man had escaped from the confinement of the carriage, and was offering his assistance to the safe descent of his companion, the eccentric and volatile hero in the scenes of the preceding night. "A neat box this," said he, taking John's hand, and glancing at the gray and time-worn walls of the old mansion, "very." “Ah, sir,” replied John, rubbing his hands with glee, "it's none of the lath, white-wash, |