“Well, in writing to me a few days back, he added a hurried postscript, saying he had just seen you; that you were then starting for Ireland, where, on your arrival, it would be well I should wait upon you at once.” “Did his Lordship mention with what object, sir?” “I can't exactly say that he did. He said something about your being his man of business, thoroughly acquainted with all his affairs, and so, of course, I expected--I believed, at least--that you might be able to lead the way,--to show me the line of country, as one might call it,” added he, with a desperate attempt to regain his ease by recurring to his favorite phraseology. “Really, sir, my engagements are so numerous that I have to throw myself on the kindness of those who favor me with a call to explain the object of their visit.” “I haven't got Lackington's letter about me; but if I remember aright, all he said was, 'See Dunn as soon as you can, and he 'll put you up to a thing or two,' or words to that effect.” “I regret deeply, sir, that the expressions give me no clew to the matter in hand.” “If this ain't fencing, my name isn't Davis,” said Grog, breaking in. “You know well, without any going about the bush, what he comes about; and all this skirmishing is only to see if he's as well 'up' as yourself in his own business. Now then, no more chaff, but go in at once.” “May I ask who is this gentleman?” “A friend,--a very particular friend of mine,” said Beecher, quickly,--“Captain Davis.” “Captain Davis,” repeated Dunn, in a half voice to himself, as if to assist his memory to some effort,--“Captain Davis.” “Just so,” said Grog, defiantly,--“Captain Davis.” “Does his Lordship's letter mention I should have the honor of a call from Captain Davis, sir?” “No; but as he's my own intimate friend,--a gentleman who possesses all my confidence,--I thought, indeed, I felt, the importance of having his advice upon any questions that might arise in this interview.” “I 'm afraid, sir, you have subjected your friend to a most unprofitable inconvenience.” “The match postponed till further notice,” whispered Grog. “I beg pardon, sir,” said Dunn, not overhearing the remark. “I was a saying that no race would come off to-day, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather,” said Grog, as he adjusted his shirt collar. “Am I to conclude, then,” said Beecher, “that you have not any communication to make to me?” “No, you ain't,” broke in Grog, quickly. “He don't like me, that's all, and he has n't the manliness to say it.” “On the contrary, sir, I feel all the advantage of your presence on this occasion, all the benefit of that straightforward manner of putting the question which saves us so much valuable time.” Grog bowed an acknowledgment of the compliment, but with a grin on his face that showed in what spirit he accepted it. “Lord Lackington did not speak to you about my allowance?” asked Beecher, losing all patience. “No, sir, not a word.”