grin, he said, "He's 'iding,
I reckon, governor. That there dorg'll have to start with a B after
all."

Our laughter at this philosophic observation was interrupted by an
unwonted footstep on the stairs outside. It certainly was not Mr
Smith, for he was out at his work; nor was it the doctor, our only other
visitor, for he always came up two steps at a time, and his boots always
squeaked. Who could our visitor be?

"Come in," called Smith, as a knock sounded on the door.

To my utter astonishment and concern, Hawkesbury, with his sweetest
smile, entered the room.

How had he found out my retreat? What did he want here? What would
Jack Smith say? These were the questions which rushed through my mind
as he closed the door behind him and walked into the room.

I glanced round at Jack. There was written anything but peace in his
countenance, while Billy glared like a young bulldog ready to spring on
the intruder.

"Well, Batchelor," said Hawkesbury, in his blandest voice, addressing me
and ignoring everybody else; "you'll be surprised to see me here. The
fact is, I couldn't feel happy till I came to see you and tell you how
sorry I was for your accident."

My few days' confinement and the opportunity for meditation they had
afforded had served to give me an insight into Hawkesbury's character
which made me treat this speech suspiciously. I replied nothing, and
felt very uncomfortable.

"It was most unfortunate," proceeded Hawkesbury, helping himself to the
chair. "You know--"

"Excuse me," interrupted Smith at this point, in a tone which made me
start; "this is my room, Hawkesbury, and I must ask you to go."

The visitor's face clouded with a quick shade of vexation, but
immediately regained its chronic smile, as he said, "Ah, Smith! I
should have said it was my friend Batchelor I came to see, not you."

"You're no friend of his," retorted Smith, with rising wrath.

"Do you hear, nob," broke in Billy, unable to restrain himself any
longer; "you ain't a-wanted here."

Hawkesbury looked round with an amused smile.

"Really," said he, "a most gratifying reception, and from a most
unexpected quarter. Er--excuse me, Smith, I'm afraid it's rather a
strange request--would you mind allowing me to have a little private
conversation with my friend?"

"No," replied Smith, firmly.

"Really," said Hawkesbury. "I must appeal to Batchelor himself."

"I shall answer for Batchelor," said Smith, not giving