rman,
considerably astonished to find Bill with a sovereign in his
possession.

"Never you mind. Give us a drink and have one yourself," he answered.

The drinks were served and Bill received his change, but still the
barman seemed curious.

"Where did you get it, Bill?" he asked again, coming from behind the
bar, which gave Hal an opportunity of getting rid of his rum.

"Never mind," said Bill, huffily. "Can't a fellow have a sovereign
without you troubling yourself?"

Hal now became decidedly interested, and ordered another round of
drinks, this time including the barman. The barman returned the
compliment, and Bill, having four pints of beer inside him, began to
talk volubly on his strong point--thoroughbreds. Still the barman seemed
to think he ought to have a share of that sovereign, and again plied
Bill with questions.

"Tell us, Bill. Did you prig it?"

"Prig it! You go to the devil. Come on, mate, let's have another drink,"
and Bill began to show signs of intoxication.

"Rather, Bill," answered Hal, pretending to be similarly affected. So
far, he had succeeded in throwing his liquor down a hole in the floor.

The landlord now appeared on the scene and began to rate Bill for
neglecting his work.

"I ain't a-going to chop your wood, I ain't; eh, mate? We ain't a-going
to chop wood."

"No, that we ain't," said Hal, with a lurch.

The barman stopped the retort rising to the landlord's lips by
whispering, "plenty of stuff," in his ear. Thereupon the latter asked
where Mr. Wyckliffe had gone.

"Who?" said Bill. "He's No. 5, ain't he?"

"Yes."

"Well, he give me two bob, and went away early."

"Where did he go to, Bill?" asked the barman.

"Don't know, and don't care. Give us another drink." After which he
staggered away, followed by Hal, to the back, in the direction of the
stables.

"I'm going to sleep," he said, entering a small house attached to the
coach-house, where a lot of bags were strewn about.

Hal staggered after him, and noticed a portmanteau and a rug in the
corner. Bill tottered to a rude bunk, on which he fell, and was soon
fast asleep and snoring loudly.

Hal hearing him mutter, leant over him and managed to make out the
following:

"Get up--six o'clock train West--Go to 'ell--two yellow boys," from
which he drew his own deductions. Then he proceeded to examine the
portmanteau, which he found unlocked. He could hardly restrain his joy
when he found lying underneath the thi