ing in his sleeve
at the idea of the pleasant evening Jack and Jawleyford would have
together, occasionally complimenting Jawleyford on the cut and condition of
his horse, and advising him to be careful of the switching raspers with
which the country abounded, and which might be fatal to his nice
nutmeg--coloured trousers. The rest of the 'field' followed, the fall of
the ground enabling them to see 'how thick Jawleyford was with my lord.'
Old Blossomnose, who, we should observe, had slipped away unperceived on
Jawleyford's arrival, took a bird's-eye view from the rear. Naughty Blossom
was riding the horse that ought to have gone in the 'chay' to Jawleyford
Court.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE GREAT RUN

Our hero having inveigled the brown under lee of an out-house as the field
moved along, was fortunate enough to achieve the saddle without disclosing
the secrets of the stable; and as he rejoined the throng in all the pride
of shape, action, and condition, even the top-sawyers. Fossick, Fyle,
Bliss, and others, admitted that Hercules was not a bad-like horse; while
the humbler-minded ones eyed Sponge with a mixture of awe and envy,
thinking what a fine trade literature must be to stand such a horse.

'Is your friend What's-his-name, a workman?' asked Lord Scamperdale,
nodding towards Sponge as he trotted Hercules gently past on the turf by
the side of the road along which they were riding.

'Oh no,' replied Jawleyford tartly. 'Oh no--gentleman, man of property--'

'I did not mean was he a mechanic,' explained his lordship drily, 'but a
workman; a good 'un across country, in fact.' His lordship working his arms
as if he was going to set-to himself.

'Oh, a first-rate man!--first-rate man!' replied Jawleyford; 'beat them all
at Laverick Wells.'

'I thought so,' observed his lordship; adding to himself, 'then Jack shall
take the conceit out of him.'

'Jack!' halloaed he over his shoulder to his friend, who was jogging a
little behind; 'Jack!' repeated he, 'that Mr. Something--'

'_Sponge_!' observed Jawleyford, with an emphasis.

'That Mr. Sponge,' continued his lordship, 'is a stranger in the country:
have the kindness to take _care_ of him. You know what I mean?'

'Just so,' replied Jack; 'I'll take care of him.'

'Most polite of your lordship, I'm sure,' said Jawleyford, with a low bow,
and laying his hand on his breast. 'I can assure you I shall never forget
the marked attention I have received from your l