"Tall," he said slowly, "and fat--you said fat, I think, Mr. Chilter?" Rather anxiously Mr. Chilter reiterated this statement. "Ah! And with a long scar--yes, that is undoubtedly he. Furthermore," he added audaciously, "he has a squint in his left eye. 'Tis a most ill-favoured rogue in all." "It would appear so, Sir Anthony," remarked the mayor drily. He did not in the least believe the story of the squint, and imagined that the fine court gentleman was amusing himself at their expense. Nevertheless, he had no intention of remonstrating; the sooner he could withdraw from this very tiresome affair the better. So he gravely took down all the absurd particulars, remarked that the man should be easy to find, and made ready to depart. The town-clerk rose, and tapped the beadle on the shoulder, whereupon that worthy, with a grunt, abandoned his pose of masterly inactivity and followed the mayor out of the room. Mr. Fudby rose. "I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you, Chilter had not been so--" "Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lord gently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish to see my mare?" "I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appears to have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically. "Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr. Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah--Fudby, your servant." * * * * * "And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, as they walked across the little garden. "Me, sir? Oh--er--have you, Sir Anthony?" He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing. "Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!" Chilter nearly fainted. "_You_, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement. "Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar running from my mouth to my chin." Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path. "It was you, sir, all the time? _You_ held us up? Were _you_ the man who wrenched open the door?" "I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?" They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed. "I scarce know, sir, save that I--that I liked you, and--and--" "I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is anything that I can do to show my gratitude?" Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly. "I thank you, sir, but there is nought." By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they entered. "Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?" Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from the palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and stammered a little.