CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.
CAPTAIN OLIPHANT PAYS ONE OF HIS DEBTS.
Mr Ratman's natural modesty prompted a precipitate retreat from the embarrassing vicinity of the gentleman whom he had last seen with a horsewhip in his hand; but prudence and the presence of the stranger, and the lack of any other place to go to, prevailed upon him to remain.
The stranger, apparently unaware of the presence of a third party, continued his conversation where it had been interrupted.
"Yes," said he, "I reckon I should know something of my own family, although it's a generation since I set foot in these parts." "Yes; all right," said Ratman uncomfortably.

"I'll go and order dinner." But the entrance of the landlord prevented this manoeuvre.
"The gig from Maxfield is in the village, Mr Armstrong," said he, addressing the tutor.

"I've sent word to Robbins to call for you in half an hour.

Maybe, if Mr Ratman is going up, you could give him a lift." "Mr Ratman is not going up," said Mr Armstrong.
The stranger here took notice of the tutor.
"Friend of my friend, eh ?" said he.

"Pleased to know you, sir.
Resident in these parts, I presume?
What ?" "Quite so," said Mr Armstrong, putting up his glass, and honouring the speaker with a minute survey.
"As I was saying to our young friend here, there's been changes in this locality since I was here about the time of Noah.