d where might this horchid be?"

I pointed to the tin case.

"Yes, it's there," went on Mr. Somers, "and that's what you've got to
watch. Mr. Quatermain, if anyone attempts to rob you, call for Woodden
and he will knock them down. He's my gardener, you know, and entirely to
be trusted, especially if it is a matter of knocking anyone down."

"Aye, I'll knock him down surely," said Woodden, doubling his great fist
and looking round him with a suspicious eye.

"Now listen, Woodden. Have you looked at that Odontoglossum Pavo, and if
so, what do you think of it?" and he nodded towards a plant which stood
in the centre of the little group that was placed on the small table
beneath the auctioneer's desk. It bore a spray of the most lovely white
flowers. On the top petal (if it is a petal), and also on the lip of
each of these rounded flowers was a blotch or spot of which the general
effect was similar to the iridescent eye on the tail feathers of a
peacock, whence, I suppose, the flower was named "Pavo," or Peacock.

"Yes, master, and I think it the beautifullest thing that ever I saw.
There isn't a 'glossum in England like that there 'glossum Paving,"
he added with conviction, and rocked again as he said the word. "But
there's plenty after it. I say they're a-smelling round that blossom
like, like--dawgs round a rat hole. And" (this triumphantly) "they don't
do that for nothing."

"Quite so, Woodden, you have got a logical mind. But, look here, we must
have that 'Pavo' whatever it costs. Now the Governor has sent for me.
I'll be back presently, but I might be detained. If so, you've got to
bid on my behalf, for I daren't trust any of these agents. Here's your
authority," and he scribbled on a card, "Woodden, my gardener, has
directions to bid for me.--S.S." "Now, Woodden," he went on, when he
had given the card to an attendant who passed it up to the auctioneer,
"don't you make a fool of yourself and let that 'Pavo' slip through your
fingers."

In another instant he was gone.

"What did the master say, sir?" asked Woodden of me. "That I was to get
that there 'Paving' whatever it cost?"

"Yes," I said, "that's what he said. I suppose it will fetch a good
deal--several pounds."

"Maybe, sir, can't tell. All I know is that I've got to buy it as you
can bear me witness. Master, he ain't one to be crossed for money. What
he wants, he'll have, that is if it be in the orchid line."

"I suppose you are fond of orchids, t