n on the line. Before his uncle could express more
than a mute remonstrance, he jumped out and hailed Tom Bakewell, who
came behind with the boxes and baggage in a companion cab, his head a
yard beyond the window to make sure of his ark of safety, the vehicle
preceding.

"What an extraordinary, impetuous boy it is," said Hippias. "We're in
the very street!"

Within a minute the stalwart Berry, despatched by the baronet to arrange
everything for their comfort, had opened the door, and made his bow.

"Mr. Richard, sir?--evaporated?" was Berry's modulated inquiry.

"Behind--among the boxes, fool!" Hippias growled, as he received Berry's
muscular assistance to alight. "Lunch ready--eh!"

"Luncheon was ordered precise at two o'clock, sir--been in attendance
one quarter of an hour. Heah!" Berry sang out to the second cab, which,
with its pyramid of luggage, remained stationary some thirty paces
distant. At his voice the majestic pile deliberately turned its back on
them, and went off in a contrary direction.

CHAPTER XXVI

On the stroke of the hour when Ripton Thompson was accustomed to
consult his gold watch for practical purposes, and sniff freedom and the
forthcoming dinner, a burglarious foot entered the clerk's office where
he sat, and a man of a scowling countenance, who looked a villain, and
whom he was afraid he knew, slid a letter into his hands, nodding that
it would be prudent for him to read, and be silent. Ripton obeyed in
alarm. Apparently the contents of the letter relieved his conscience;
for he reached down his hat, and told Mr. Beazley to inform his father
that he had business of pressing importance in the West, and should
meet him at the station. Mr. Beazley zealously waited upon the paternal
Thompson without delay, and together making their observations from the
window, they beheld a cab of many boxes, into which Ripton darted and
was followed by one in groom's dress. It was Saturday, the day when
Ripton gave up his law-readings, magnanimously to bestow himself upon
his family, and Mr. Thompson liked to have his son's arm as he walked
down to the station; but that third glass of Port which always stood for
his second, and the groom's suggestion of aristocratic acquaintances,
prevented Mr. Thompson from interfering: so Ripton was permitted to
depart.

In the cab Ripton made a study of the letter he held. It had the
preciseness of an imperial mandate.

"Dear Ripton,--You are to get lodgings