CHAPTER I.
AT THE SIGN OF THE SHIP.
On a September evening, before the setting of the sun, a man entered the tavern of the Ship in Thursley, with a baby under his arm.
The tavern sign, rudely painted, bore, besides a presentment of a vessel, the inscription on one side of the board:—
"Now before the hill you climb, Come and drink good ale and wine."
On the other side of the board the legend was different....
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