one out, He looked the picture of
indolent enjoyment.

Within a few feet of him sat the ruddy, full-faced landlord, as idle
as himself.

At sight of Mr. Jinks and Verty, Ralph rose, with a smile, and came
toward them.

"Ah! my dear Jinks," he said, after bowing to Verty familiarly, "how
did you get out of that scrape? I regret that business of a private
and important nature forced me to leave you, and go round the corner.
How did it result?"

"Triumphantly, sir!" said Mr. Jinks, dismounting, and, with great
dignity, entrusting Fodder to a stable-boy, lounging near; "that
hound, O'Brallaghan, knew his place, sir, and did not presume to
complain--"

"Of Fodder?"

"Of anything, sir."

"The fact is, it would have been ridiculous. What had he to complain
of, I should like to be informed. So he retreated?"

"He did, sir," said Mr. Jinks, with dignity, "amid the hisses of the
assembled crowd."

"Just as I suspected; it would take a bold fellow to force such a Don
Quixote and Dapple, as yourself and Fodder!"

"Yes; although I regretted," said Mr. Jinks, with great dignity, "the
accident which occurred when we set out, I rejoice at having had an
occasion to inform that Irish conspirator and St. Michael-hater, that
I held him in opprobrious contempt."

And Mr. Jinks glanced at the landlord.

"He was making the breeches for St. Michael, whom he is to represent,"
said Mr. Jinks, "day after to-morrow; and I have not done with
him--the Irish villain!"

Mr. Jinks looked again, significantly, at the host.

That gentleman had not lost a word of the conversation, and his sleepy
eyes now opened. He beckoned to Mr. Jinks. A smile illumined the
countenance of the worthy--the landlord was a German;--the plot
against Irish O'Brallaghan was gaining strength.

The landlord rose, and, with a significant look, entered the house,
followed by Mr. Jinks, who turned his head, as he disappeared, to cast
a triumphant look upon Ralph.

No sooner had he passed from sight, than Ralph turned to Verty, who
had sat quietly upon Cloud, during this colloquy, and burst into
laughter.

"That is the greatest character I have ever known, Verty," he said;
"and I have been amusing myself with him all the morning."

Verty was thinking, and without paying much attention to Ralph,
smiled, and said:

"Anan?--yes--"

"I believe you are dreaming."

"Oh, no--only thinking," said Verty, smiling; "I can't get out of the
habit, and I really don