ot
say you were roused to a state of frenzied alarm at the sight of the
bobby? and assuredly, although unhung as yet, you are not uncondemned,
if self-condemnation counts for anything. Come, don't take such a
desponding view of the matter. We shall see the whole affair in the
morning papers before sailing, with a report of the old lady's name and
condition--I mean condition of health--as well as your unmanly flight,
without leaving your card; so you'll be able to start with an easy--Ha!
a cab! yes, it's Jackman. I know his manservant," said Mabberly, as he
looked out at the window.

Another moment and a broad-chested man, of about five-and-twenty, with a
bronzed face--as far as hair left it visible--a pair of merry blue eyes,
and a hearty manner, was grasping his old schoolfellows by the hand, and
endeavouring to trace the likeness in John Barret to the quiet little
boy whom he used to help with his tasks many years before.

"Man, who would have thought you could have grown into such a great
long-legged fellow?" he said stepping back to take a more perfect look
at his friend, who returned the compliment by asking who could have
imagined that he would have turned into a Zambezian gorilla.

"Where'll I put it, sor?" demanded a voice of metallic bassness in the
doorway.

"Down there--anywhere, Quin," said Jackman turning quickly; "and be off
as fast as you can to see after that rifle and cartridges."

"Yes, sor," returned the owner of the bass voice, putting down a small
portmanteau, straightening himself, touching his forehead with a
military salute, and stalking away solemnly.

"I say, Giles, it's not often one comes across a zoological specimen
like that. Where did you pick him up?" asked Mabberly.

"In the woods and forests of course," said Jackman, "where I have picked
up everything of late--from salary to jungle fevers. He's an old
soldier--also on sick-leave, though he does not look like it. He came
originally from the west of Ireland, I believe; but there's little of
the Irishman left, save the brogue and the honesty. He's a first-rate
servant, if you know how to humour him, and, being a splendid cook, we
shall find him useful."

"I hope so," said Mabberly, with a dubious look.

"Why, Bob, do you suppose I would have offered him as cook and steward
if I had not felt sure of him?"

"Of course not; and I would not have accepted him if I had not felt sure
of you, Giles, my boy; so come along and let