Here, a sharp peal at the bell reduced the powdered-headed footman to the ignominious necessity of putting the fox’s head in his pocket, and hastening with a humble countenance to Mr. Bantam’s “study.” By the by, who ever knew a man who never read or wrote either, who hadn’t got some small back parlour which he would call a study!

“There is the answer, sir,” said the powdered-headed footman. “I’m afraid you’ll find it inconveniently large.”

“Don’t mention it,” said Sam, taking a letter with a small enclosure. “It’s just possible as exhausted natur’ may manage to surwive it.”

“I hope we shall meet again, Sir,” said the powdered-headed footman, rubbing his hands, and following Sam out to the doorstep.