This long-continued intimacy commenced when the men were both young; and the very first development of Leech's taste for horses began with his acquaintance with Mr. Adams. It is told of that gentleman that, being the possessor of two horses, and being at that early time employed in business in London during the day, the night served him and Leech for a wild career, Adams driving his horses tandem-fashion far into the country, rousing sleepy toll-keepers and terrifying belated wayfarers, while Leech's watchful eye noted incidents for future illustration. That Leech could sing, and sing well, I know, for I have often heard him troll forth in a deep voice his favourite song of "King Death"; but that he had ever performed in public I was unaware till enlightened by Mr. Adams, who told me that it was a favourite and not infrequent prank of these two spirits to disguise themselves in imitation of street-musicians, and, with the assistance of a young fellow named Milburn, as wild as themselves, descend upon the London streets, and by singing glees make "a lot of money." "Leech used to go round with the hat," said Adams; "but we never could make the fellow look common enough. Still, he collected a good deal, though he failed on one occasion; for, on presenting his hat to a bystander, who had been an attentive listener, the man claimed exemption as being in 'the profession,' in proof of which he produced a fiddle from behind him." Barkway is in the heart of a hunting country, and the meets of the "Puckeridge" frequently took place near Mr. Adams' house, or at an easy distance from it. The house itself--a large mass of red brick, ivy, gables, and twisted chimneys--is one of those old places which have been enlarged to suit modern convenience without any sacrifice of the original design and quaint character. "Ah," said my host, as he showed me into his dining-room, "what happy times we have had in this room, when Leech, Millais, Lemon--editor of _Punch_, you know, long ago--Tenniel, and others, found themselves round that table!" The following letters, with their too few characteristic sketches, prove the affectionate intimacy between Leech and his friend. "TO CHARLES F. ADAMS, ESQ. "August 9, 1847. "MY DEAR CHARLEY, "You will be glad to hear that I have got a little daughter, and that both mother and child are doing well. Mrs. Leech was taken ill, unfortunately, at the end of our trip to Liverpool--where, as perhaps you are aware, Dickens and some of us had been acting for Leigh Hunt's benefit--and she was confined at the Victoria Hotel, Euston Square, where she is now. I thought you would like to hear the news, so send off these few lines. Give my kindest regards to Mrs. Adams, and believe me, old boy, "Yours faithfully, "JOHN LEECH."