four; when I
did, it was minus Paul's cheque, all the loose cash about me, and a bill
for one hundred and thirty to Vaughan. Pleasant, all that wasn't it?
Monk, who took my place, told me that Herbert and Watson were gone out
together to the park, where I should certainly find them. Off, then, I
set for the Phoenix, and, just as I was entering the gate of the Lodge,
a chaise covered with portmanteaus and hat-boxes drove past me. I
had just time to catch a glimpse of De Vere's face as the light fell
suddenly upon it; I turned as quickly as possible, and gave chase down
Barrack Street. We flew, he leading, and I endeavouring to keep up; but
my poor hack was so done up, between waiting at the club and the sharp
drive, that I found we couldn't keep up the pace. Fortunately, however,
a string of coal-cars blocked up Essex Bridge, upon which my friend came
to a check, and I also. I jumped out immediately, and running forward,
just got up in the nick, as they were once more about to move forward,
"Ah, Dudley," cried I, "I 've had a sharp run for it, but by good
fortune have found you at last" I wish you had seen his face as I said
these words; he leaned forward in the carriage, so as completely to
prevent Watson, who was with him, overhearing what passed?

"May I ask," said he, endeavouring to get up a little of his habitual
coolness; "may I ask, what so very pressing has sent you in pursuit of
me?"

'"Nothing which should cause your present uneasiness," replied I, in a
tone and a look he could not mistake.

'"Eh--aw! don't take you exactly; anything gone wrong?"

'"You 've a capital memory, my lord, when it suits you; pray call it to
your aid for a few moments, and it will save us both a deal of trouble.
My business with you is on the part of Mr. Hinton, and I have to request
you will, at once, refer me to a friend."

'"Eh! you want to fight? Is that it? I say, Watson, they want to make a
quarrel out of that foolish affair I told you of."

'"Is Major Watson your friend on this occasion, my lord?"

'"No; oh no; that is, I didn't say---- I told Watson how they walked
into me for three hundred at Rooney's. Must confess I deserved it richly
for dining among such a set of fellows; and, as I have paid the money
and cut the whole concern, I don't see what more's expected of me."

'"We have very little expectation, my lord, but a slight hope, that
you'll not disgrace the cloth you wear and the profession you follow."

'"I