"Mine's Peter Pax," answered the small boy, returning to his goblet; "but I've no end of _aliases_--such as Mouse, Monkey, Spider, Snipe, Imp, and Little 'un. Call me what you please, it's all one to me, so as you don't call me too late for dinner." "And what have you got there, Pax?" asked Phil, referring to the pot. "A plum-pudding." "Do two or three of you share it?" "Certainly not," replied the boy. "What! you don't mean to say you can eat it all yourself for dinner?" "The extent of my ability in the disposal of wittles," answered Pax, "I have never fairly tested. I think I could eat this at one meal, though I ain't sure, but it's meant to serve me all day. You see I find a good, solid, well-made plum-pudding, with not too much suet, and a moderate allowance of currants and raisins, an admirable squencher of appetite. It's portable too, and keeps well. Besides, if I can't get through with it at supper, it fries up next mornin' splendidly.--Come, I'll let you taste a bit, an' that's a favour w'ich I wouldn't grant to every one." "No, thank 'ee, Pax. I'm already loaded and primed for the forenoon, but I'll sit by you while you eat, and chat." "You're welcome," returned Pax, "only don't be cheeky, Philip, as I can't meet you on an equal footing w'en I'm at grub." "I'll be careful, Pax; but don't call me Philip--call me Phil." "I will, Phil; come along, Phil; `Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can'--that sort o' thing you understand, Phil, me darlint?" There was such a superhuman amount of knowing presumption in the look and air of Pax, as he poked Phil in the ribs and winked, that the latter burst into laughter, in which however he was not joined by his companion, who with the goblet in one hand and the other thrust into his pocket, stood regarding his new friend with a pitiful expression till he recovered, and then led him off to a confabulation which deepened their mutual esteem. That same evening a gentleman called at the Post-Office, desiring to see Philip Maylands. It turned out to be George Aspel. "Why, George, what brings you here?" said Phil in surprise. "I chanced to be in the neighbourhood," answered Aspel, "and came to ask the address of that little creature who posted my letter the other night. I want to see her. She does not go to your cousin's, I know, till morning, and I must see her to-night, to make sure that she _did_ post the letter, for, d'you know, I've had no reply from Sir James, and I can't rest until I ascertain whether my letter was posted. Can you tell me where she lives, Phil?" At that moment Phil was summoned for duty. Giving his friend the address hastily, he left him.