Bill tells me Gavel can get drunk twice any day; separate drunk, that is." "Liberal or Conservative ?" "Well," hesitated Tilda, playing for safety, "I dunno as he 'd tell, under a pint; but mos' likely it depends on the time o' day." "I arsked," said the wagoner, "because he's hired by the Primrose Feet; an' if he's the kind o' man to sell 'is princerples, I don't so much mind 'ow bad the news I breaks to him." "What news ?" The man searched in his pocket, and drew forth a greasy post card.
"He sent word to me there was six painted 'osses comin' by canal from Burning'am, to be delivered at the Wharf this mornin'; an' would I fetch 'em along to the Feet Ground, Henley-in-Arden, without delay ?" "Henley-in-Arden!" exclaimed a voice behind the children; whereat Tilda turned about with a start.

It was the voice of Mr.Mortimer, who had strolled across from the lock bank, and stood conning the wagon and team.

"Henley-in-Arden?
O Helicon! If you'll excuse the remark, sir.
OParnassus!" "Maybe I might," said the wagoner guardedly, "if I understood its bearin's." "Name redolent of Shakespeare! Of Rosalind and Touchstone, Jaques and Amiens, sheepcrooks and venison feasts, and ballads pinned to oaks! What shall he have who killed the deer, Mr.-- ?" "'Olly," said the wagoner.
"I beg your pardon ?" "'Olly--James 'Olly and Son, Carters an' 'Auliers." "Is it possible?
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