PARLEY.  “Not the least in the world.  And I begin to think there is not a word of truth in all my master says.”

FLATTERWELL.  “The more you know us, the more you will like us.  But I wish there was not this ugly hedge between us.  I have a great deal to say, and I am afraid of being overheard.”

Parley was now just going to give a spring over the hedge, but checked himself, saying, “I dare not come on your side; there are people about, and every thing is carried to my master.”

Flatterwell saw by this that his new friend was kept on his own side of the hedge by fear rather than by principle, and from that moment he made sure of him.  “Dear Mr. Parley,” said he, “if you will allow me the honor of a little conversation with you, I will call under the window of your lodge this evening.  I have something to tell you greatly to your advantage.  I admire you exceedingly.  I long for your friendship; our whole brotherhood is ambitious of being known to so amiable a person.”

“O dear,” said Parley, “I shall be afraid of talking to you at night; it is so against my master’s orders.  But did you say you had something to tell me to my advantage?”

“Yes,” replied Flatterwell, “I can point out to you how you may be a richer, a merrier, and a happier man.  If you will admit me tonight under the window, I will convince you that ’tis prejudice, and not wisdom, which makes your master bar his door against us; I will convince you, that the mischief of a ‘robber,’ as your master scurrilously calls us, is only in the name—­that we are your true friends, and only mean to promote your happiness.”

“Don’t say we,” said Parley, “pray come alone, I would not see the rest of the gang for the world; but I think there can be no great harm in talking to you through the bars, if you come alone; but I am determined not to let you in.  Yet I can’t say but I wish to know what you can tell me so much to my advantage; indeed, if it is for my good, I ought to know it.”

“Dear Mr. Parley,” said Flatterwell, (going out, but turning back,) “there is one thing I had forgot, I cannot get over the hedge at night without assistance.  You know there is a secret in the nature of that hedge:  you in the house may get over to us in the wilderness of your own accord, but we cannot get to your side by our own strength.  You must look about and see where the hedge is thinnest, and then set to work to clear away here and there a little bough for me; it wont be missed:  and if there is but the smallest hole made on your side, those on ours can get through; otherwise, we do but labor in vain.”

To this Parley made some objection through the fear of being seen.  Flatterwell replied, that “the smallest hole from within would be sufficient, for he could then work his own way.”

“Well,” said Parley, “I will consider of it.  To be sure, I shall even then be equally safe in the castle, as I shall have all the bolts, bars, and locks between us; so it will make but little difference.”