Some tow, supplied by Mrs.Best, was fastened as a long straggling beard, and bushy eyebrows of the same material were fixed on with soap.

Leaning heavily upon a stick, he came limping in, complaining in a tremulous voice of his rheumatism, started with amazement at the sight of the handsome stranger seated by his hearth, and drew his wife aside for explanations.

The old couple, after conversing in audible whispers, decided to go out for more firewood, and as a last charge the dame commended her cakes to the care of their guest.

King Alfred, on being left alone by the hearth, whittled away at his arrows with more energy than discrimination, and showed indeed a sad lack of practical skill for so well seasoned a warrior.

Perhaps, however, he was not accustomed to have to make them for himself, and missed his chief archer.