Sir Harry untied the neck of the bag, and drew out a smaller one; untied this, and out strutted a game-cock. The old Squire eyed it. “H’m, he don’t seem flourishing.” “Don’t abuse a bird that’s come twelve miles in a bag on purpose to cheer you up. He’s a match for anything you can bring.” “Tuts, man, he’s dull--no colour nor condition. Get along with ’ee; I wouldn’ ask a bird of mine to break the Sabbath for a wastrel like that.” Sir Harry drew out a shagreen-covered case and opened it. Within, on a lining of pale blue velvet, lay two small sharp instruments of steel, very highly polished. He lifted one, felt its point, replaced it, set down the case on the carpet, and fell to toying with the ears of the Gordon setter, which had come sniffing out of curiosity. “You’re a very obstinate man,” said Squire Moyle. After a long pause he added, “I suppose you’re wanting odds?” “Evens will do,” said Sir Harry. The old man turned and rang the bell. “Tell Jim to fetch in the red cock,” he shouted to the wall-eyed footman--who must have been waiting in the corridor, so promptly he appeared. “And Jim won’t be long about it either,” whispered Honoria. She had come forward quietly, and stood at Taffy’s elbow. Sir Harry shook a finger at her and laid it on his lips. But the old Squire did not hear. He sat glum, pulling a whisker and keeping a sour eye on the bird, which was strutting about in rather foolish bewilderment at the pink peonies on the carpet. “I’m giving you every chance,” he grumbled at length. “Oh, as for that,” Sir Harry replied, equably, “have it out in the yard, if you please, on your own dunghill.” “No. Indoors is bad enough.” Jim appeared just then, and turned out to be Taffy’s old enemy, the Whip, bearing the Squire’s game-cock in a basket. He took it out; a very handsome bird, with a hackle in which gold, purple and the richest browns shone and were blended. Sir Harry had picked up his bird and was heeling it with the long steel spurs; a very delicate process, to judge by the time occupied and the pucker on his good-tempered brow. “Ready?” he asked at length.