He was still holding forth when my lord entered the room. Carstares raised his glass languidly to survey the assembled company, bowed slightly, and walked over to the fire. He seated himself in an armchair and took no further notice of anybody. Mr. Hedges had recognised at a glance that here was some _grand seigneur_ and wished that Mr. Fudby would not speak in so loud a voice. But that individual, delighted at having a new auditor, continued his tale with much relish and in a still louder tone. My lord yawned delicately and took a pinch of snuff. "Yes, yes," fussed Mr. Hedges. "But, short of sending to London for the Runners, I do not see what I can do. If I send to London, it must, of course, be at your expense, sir." Mr. Fudby bristled. "At _my_ expense, sir? Do ye say at _my_ expense? I am surprised! I repeat--I am surprised!" "Indeed, sir? I can order the town-crier out, describing the horse, and--er--offering a reward for the capture of any man on such an animal. But--" he shrugged and looked across at the town-clerk--"I do not imagine that 'twould be of much use--eh, Mr. Brand?" The clerk pursed his lips and spread out his hands. "I fear not; I very much fear not. I would advise Mr. Fudby to have a proclamation posted up round the country." He sat back with the air of one who has contributed his share to the work, and does not intend to offer any more help. "Ho!" growled Mr. Fudby. He blew out his cheeks. "'Twill be a grievous expense, though I suppose it must be done, and I cannot but feel that if it had not been for your deplorably cowardly conduct, Chilter--yes, cowardly conduct, I say--I might never have been robbed of my two hundred!" He snuffled a little, and eyed the flushed but silent Chilter with mingled reproach and scorn. "However, my coachman assures me he could swear to the horse again, although he cannot remember much about the man himself. Chilter! How did he describe the horse?" "Oh--er--chestnut, Mr. Fudby--chestnut, with a half-moon of white on its forehead, and one white foreleg." Jack perceived that it was time he took a hand in the game. He half turned in his chair and levelled his quizzing-glass at Mr. Chilter. "I beg your pardon?" he drawled. Mr. Fudby's eye brightened. The fine gentleman was roused to an expression of interest at last. He launched forth into his story once more for my lord's benefit. Carstares eyed him coldly, seeing which, Mr. Hedges came hurriedly to the rescue. "Er--yes, Mr. Fudby--quite so! Your pardon, sir, I have not the honour of knowing your name?" "Ferndale," supplied Jack, "Sir Anthony Ferndale." "Er--yes--" Mr. Hedges bowed. "Pray pardon my importuning you with our--" "Not at all," said my lord. "No--quite so--The fact is, these--er--gentlemen have had the--er--misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here." Sir Anthony's glass was again levelled at the group. His expression betokened mild surprise. "_All_ these gentlemen?" he inquired blandly. "Dear, dear!"