_Und._ (_to himself_). I _knew_ they'd find me out! I must pacify them. (_Aloud._) But, look here, I'm _not_ a vet. I never said I _was_. It was your mistake entirely. The fact is, my--my good men, I came down here because--well, it's unnecessary to explain now _why_ I came. But I'm most anxious to get away, and if you, my dear Mr. CHECKLEY, could let me have a trap to take me to Shuntingbridge to-night, I should feel extremely obliged. [CHECKLEY _stares, deprived of speech._ _Adams_ (_with a private wink to_ CHECKLEY). Certainly he will, Sir. I'm sure CHECKLEY'll feel proud to turn out, late as it is, to oblige a gentleman with your remarkable knowledge of 'orse-flesh. Drive you over hisself in the broom and pair, _I_ shouldn't wonder! _Und. One_ horse will be quite sufficient. Very well, then. I'll just run up and get my portmanteau, and--and one or two things of mine, and if you will be round at the back entrance--don't trouble to drive up to the _front_ door--as soon as possible, I won't keep you waiting longer than I can help. Good evening, Mr. ADAMS, and many thanks. (_To himself, as he hurries back to the house._) I've got out of that rather well. Now, I've only to find my way to the Verney Chamber, see this fellow SPURRELL, and get my clothes back, and then I can retreat with comfort, and even dignity! These CULVERINS shall learn that there is at least _one_ poet who will not put up with their insolent patronage! _Check._ (_to_ ADAMS). He _has_ got a cool cheek, and no mistake! But if he waits to be druv over to Shuntingbridge till _I_ come round for him, he'll 'ave to set on that portmanteau of his a goodish time! _Adams._ He did you pretty brown, I must say. To 'ear you crowing over me when he was on your side. I could 'ardly keep from larfing! _Check._ I see he warn't no vet long afore you, but I let it go on for the joke of it. It was rich to see you a wanting him to feel the 'oof, and give it out navickler. Well, you got his opinion for what it was wuth, so _you_'re all right! _Adams._ You think nobody knows anything about 'orses but yourself, you do; but if you're meanin' to make a story out o' this against me, why, I shall tell it _my_ way, that's all! _Check._ It was you he made a fool of, not me--and I can prove it--there! [_They dispute the point, with rising warmth, for some time._ _Adams_ (_calming down_). Well, see 'ere, CHECKLEY, I dunno, come to think of it, as either on us'll show up partickler smart over this 'ere job; and it strikes me we'd better both agree to keep quiet about it, eh? (CHECKLEY _acquiesces, not unwillingly_.) And I think I'll take a look in at the 'Ousekeeper's Room presently, and try if I can't drop a hint to old TREDWELL about that smooth-tongued chap, for it's my belief he ain't down 'ere for no good! [Illustration "You've a lot to learn about navicular, _you_ 'ave, if you can talk such rot as that!"] * * * * * [Illustration]