"Ah! my dear Jinks," he said, after bowing to Verty familiarly, "how did you get out of that scrape? I regret that business of a private and important nature forced me to leave you, and go round the corner. How did it result?" "Triumphantly, sir!" said Mr. Jinks, dismounting, and, with great dignity, entrusting Fodder to a stable-boy, lounging near; "that hound, O'Brallaghan, knew his place, sir, and did not presume to complain--" "Of Fodder?" "Of anything, sir." "The fact is, it would have been ridiculous. What had he to complain of, I should like to be informed. So he retreated?" "He did, sir," said Mr. Jinks, with dignity, "amid the hisses of the assembled crowd." "Just as I suspected; it would take a bold fellow to force such a Don Quixote and Dapple, as yourself and Fodder!" "Yes; although I regretted," said Mr. Jinks, with great dignity, "the accident which occurred when we set out, I rejoice at having had an occasion to inform that Irish conspirator and St. Michael-hater, that I held him in opprobrious contempt." And Mr. Jinks glanced at the landlord. "He was making the breeches for St. Michael, whom he is to represent," said Mr. Jinks, "day after to-morrow; and I have not done with him--the Irish villain!" Mr. Jinks looked again, significantly, at the host. That gentleman had not lost a word of the conversation, and his sleepy eyes now opened. He beckoned to Mr. Jinks. A smile illumined the countenance of the worthy--the landlord was a German;--the plot against Irish O'Brallaghan was gaining strength. The landlord rose, and, with a significant look, entered the house, followed by Mr. Jinks, who turned his head, as he disappeared, to cast a triumphant look upon Ralph. No sooner had he passed from sight, than Ralph turned to Verty, who had sat quietly upon Cloud, during this colloquy, and burst into laughter. "That is the greatest character I have ever known, Verty," he said; "and I have been amusing myself with him all the morning." Verty was thinking, and without paying much attention to Ralph, smiled, and said: "Anan?--yes--" "I believe you are dreaming." "Oh, no--only thinking," said Verty, smiling; "I can't get out of the habit, and I really don't think I heard you. But I can't stop. Here's a note Redbud asked me to give you--for Fanny. She said you might be going up to old Scowley's--" "Might be! I rather think I am! Ah, Miss Redbud, you are a mischievous one. But why take the trouble to say that of the divine sex? They're all dangerous, scheming and satirical." "Anan?" said Verty, smiling, as he tossed Ralph the note. "Don't mind me," said Ralph; "I was just talking, as usual, at random, and slandering the sex. But what are you sitting there for, my dear Verty? Get down and come in. I'm dying of weariness." Verty shook his head. "I must go and see Mr. Roundjacket," he said. "What! is he sick?" "Yes." "Much?" Verty smiled. "I think not," he said; "but I don't know--I havn't much time; good-bye."