over everywhere's." And then he saw the five recruits strutting along
with their caps at the side of their heads, the straps across their
chins, their riding-whips under their arms, and walking with such a
swagger that one would have thought they had just put down a rebellion,
or set up a throne.

It was some time before, in the confusion of his mind, the disappointed
Bumpkin could realize the fact that there was any connection between him
and the military. But as he looked, with half-closed eyes, suddenly the
thought crossed his mind: "Why, that be like our Joe--that middle un."

And so it was: they were walking at a fastish pace, and as they strutted
along Joe seemed to be marching away with the whole farm and with all the
pleasures of his past life. Even Mrs. Bumpkin herself, in some
extraordinary manner, seemed to be eloping with him. Why was it? And
now, despondent, disappointed and humiliated, with his blood once more
up, poor old Bumpkin bethought himself seriously of his position. For
weeks he had been waiting for his case to "come on"; weeks more might
pass idly away unless he made a stir. So he would call at the office of
Mr. Prigg. And being an artful man, he had a reason for calling without
further delay. It was this: his desire to see Prigg before that
gentleman should hear of his defeat. Prigg would certainly blame him for
not employing a solicitor, or going to the Public Prosecutor. So to
Prigg's he went about three o'clock on that Thursday afternoon. I do not
undertake to describe furniture, so I say nothing of Prigg's dingy
office, except this, that if Prigg had been a spider, it was just the
sort of corner in which I should have expected him to spin his web.
Being a man of enormous practice, and in all probability having some
fifty to sixty representatives of county families to confer with, two
hours elapsed before Mr. Bumpkin could be introduced. The place, small
as it was, was filled with tin boxes bearing, no doubt, eminent names.
Horatio was busy copying drafts of marriage settlements, conveyances, and
other matters of great importance. He had little time for gossip because
his work seemed urgent, and although he was particularly glad to see Mr.
Bumpkin, yet being a lad of strict adherence to duty, he always replied
courteously, but in the smallest number of words to that gentleman's
questions.

"Will ur be long?" asked the client; "I don't think so," said Horatio.

Then in a whis