and then
inconsequently burst into tears. The Baron and Mr Bunker looked at one
another.

"It is a fine night for a walk, and the cab, I'm afraid, is smashed beyond
hope of redemption. Give the lady your arm, Baron; we must eventually
arrive somewhere."

There was really nothing else for it, so leaving the horse and cab to be
recovered by the first policeman who chanced to pass, they set out on
foot. At last, after half an hour's ramble through the solitudes of South
London, a belated cab was hailed and all three got inside. Once on her way
home, the lady's indignation again gave way to fright.

"What _am_ I to do? What _am_ I to do?" she wailed. "Oh, whatever will my
husband say?"

In his most confident and irresistible manner Mr Bunker told her he would
make matters all right for her at whatever cost to himself; and so
infectious was his assurance, that, when at last they reached Eaton
Square, she allowed him to come up to the door of number 602. The Baron
prudently remained in the cab, for, as he explained, "My English, he is
unsafe."

After a prolonged knocking and ringing the door at length opened, and an
irascible-looking, middle-aged gentleman appeared, arrayed in a
dressing-gown.

"Louisa!" he cried. "What the dev--where on earth have you been? The police
are looking for you all over London. And may I venture to ask who this is
with you?"

Mr Bunker bowed slightly and raised his hat.

"My dear sir," he said, "we found this lady in a lamentable state of
intoxication in the Tottenham Court Road, and as I understand you have a
kind of reversionary interest in her, we have brought her here. As for
you, sir, your appearance is so unprepossessing that I am unable to remain
any longer. Good night," and raising his hat again he entered the cab and
drove off, assuring the Baron that matters were satisfactorily arranged.

"So you have had your adventure, Baron," he added, with a smile.

For a minute or two the Baron was silent. Then he broke into a cheerful
guffaw, "Ha, ha, ha! You are a fonny devil, Bonker! Ach, bot it vas
pleasant vile it lasted!"

CHAPTER V.

A few days passed in the most entertaining manner. A menu of amusements
was regularly prepared suitable to a catholic taste, and at every turn the
Baron was struck by the enterprise and originality of his friend. He had,
however, a national bent for serious inquiry, and now and then doubts
crossed his mind w