n.

Thoroughly ruffled--for this was the last train to town--Mr Ratman
vented his wrath on the world in general, and the railway officials in
particular, even including in his objurgations an unlucky passenger who
had arrived by the train and shared with him the uninterrupted
possession of the platform.

"Easy, young man," said the latter, a substantial-looking, bony
individual with a wrinkled face, and speaking with a decided American
twang. "You'll hurt yourself, I reckon, if you talk like that. It's
bad for the jaws."

Mr Ratman took a contemptuous survey of the stranger and quitted the
platform.

His first idea was to return to Maxfield and demand entertainment there
for the night. But since he would have to walk all the way, and the
first train in the morning left Yeld at eight, he decided to put up at
the little hotel of the village instead, and with that object threw
himself and his bag into the omnibus of that establishment which waited
on the trains.

Somewhat to his disgust, the stranger, after collecting his baggage,
entered the same vehicle and took a seat opposite him.

"Wal," said he, "you'll have time to cool down before the next train,
young man. Putting up at the hotel?"

"Where else should I put up?" growled Ratman. "What business is it of
yours?"

"I guess it's my business to get all the information I can on this trip.
I came over this side to learn."

"You've come to a queer hole to do it," said Ratman, beginning to feel
he might as well resign himself to circumstances.

"Just so. It's changed a bit since I was here last. We had to drive
from Barbeck then."

"So you know the place, do you?" inquired Ratman.

"That's so," was the laconic rejoinder. "A resident, likely?"

"Well, not at present, or I shouldn't be going to the inn."

"Down here on business, I reckon? I was a bagman myself once."

"You're wrong again. I've been down to see my property, if you want to
know."

"Large estate, no doubt? Anywhere near my friend Ingleton's plot, now?"

Mr Ratman stared at the stranger with something like consternation.

"Ingleton!" he exclaimed. "What do you know of Ingleton?"

Here the omnibus pulled up.

"Wal, I reckon I should know something of my own family," drawled the
stranger as he alighted. "What say?--shall we have a snack of something
in the parlour! Come along."

The landlord led the way into the coffee-room. He knew Mr Ratman by
this time.

"Sorry we can