It was at this point that their troubles first began; for mine host, while he professed to furnish entertainment for man and beast, was dubious concerning the monster which it was proposed to quarter on him so unexpectedly. The lady and gentleman, their coachman, horses, and even the cockney mahout were more than welcome; but elephants were not in his line of business. He didn't know if he could give satisfaction; feared his accommodations were not sufficiently ample; would like to oblige, but had the reputation of his house to maintain, &c., &c. When Scarsdale happened, however, casually to mention that it was Lady Melton's elephant a change came over the face of affairs, of which he was not slow to take advantage. Her ladyship was well known throughout the county, while her reputation for severity had a still wider circulation, and the landlord was in abject fear of her, though, nevertheless, obstinately determined to have none of the beast. The subject of all this altercation had meantime appropriated the public horse-trough to his exclusive use for drinking and bathing purposes, and was enjoying himself in consequence, which was more than could be said of his rider, who shared unwillingly in his ablutions. "Give 'im the word to sit down, sir. S'welp me, I'll be drownded with 'is tricks!" cried Tom. "I don't speak his infernal language," returned Scarsdale testily; "that's your business." "I've told 'im all I know, sir, an' it's no use." "Then I'm afraid you'll have to stay up and get wet." "Couldn't yer 'elp me down, sir? Quit that, yer 'eathen!" as he dodged a shower of water. "Certainly not," replied Scarsdale. "You can't leave him riderless in a public place." Then, turning to the landlord, who stood by in sore perplexity, aimlessly rubbing his hands, he continued: "It's a beastly shame that a gentleman can't take a lady's elephant out for--exercise without running up against all this nonsense in the first little hamlet he comes across! One would almost think you had never seen an elephant before." The landlord, whose eyes had up to this time been fairly bulging with curiosity, now declared himself desolated at such an uncalled-for suspicion. "Perhaps it would be better if the gentleman were to send for a constable." Mine host neglected to add that he had done so on his own responsibility in his first burst of agitation. But Scarsdale, noting the excellent effect which his rating had produced on the landlord, determined that he should have some more of it. "If you are afraid," he said, "of damaging your ramshackle old inn, perhaps you'll consent to give my elephant his dinner in the square?" Mine host rolled up his eyes at this new phase of the question. "I suppose," continued Scarsdale, "that the dignity of this 'tuppenny ha'penny' town won't be seriously impaired by his presence for an hour in your elegant plaza!"