no boxes as she knowed of. And
blowed if they had, Mr. Garnet, sir."

"What! They didn't pack!"

"No, sir."

We looked at one another.

"Beale," I said.

"Sir?"

"Do you know what I think?"

"Yes, sir."

"They've bolted."

"So I says to the missus, sir. It struck me right off, in a manner of
speaking."

"This is awful," I said.

"Yes, sir."

His face betrayed no emotion, but he was one of those men whose
expression never varies. It's a way they have in the Army.

"This wants thinking out, Beale," I said.

"Yes, sir."

"You'd better ask Mrs. Beale to give me some dinner, and then I'll
think it over."

"Yes, sir."

I was in an unpleasant position. Ukridge by his defection had left me
in charge of the farm. I could dissolve the concern, I supposed, if I
wished, and return to London, but I particularly desired to remain in
Combe Regis. To complete the victory I had won on the links, it was
necessary for me to continue as I had begun. I was in the position of a
general who has conquered a hostile country, and is obliged to soothe
the feelings of the conquered people before his labours can be
considered at an end. I had rushed the professor. It must now be my aim
to keep him from regretting that he had been rushed. I must, therefore,
stick to my post with the tenacity of an able-bodied leech. There would
be trouble. Of that I was certain. As soon as the news got about that
Ukridge had gone, the deluge would begin. His creditors would abandon
their passive tactics, and take active steps. There was a chance that
aggressive measures would be confined to the enemy at our gates, the
tradesmen of Combe Regis. But the probability was that the news would
spread, and the injured merchants of Dorchester and Axminster rush to
the scene of hostilities.

I summoned Beale after dinner and held a council of war. It was no time
for airy persiflage. I said, "Beale, we're in the cart."

"Sir?"

"Mr. Ukridge going away like this has left me in a most unpleasant
position. I would like to talk it over with you. I daresay you know
that we--that Mr. Ukridge owes a considerable amount of money round
about here to tradesmen?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, when they find out that he has--er----"

"Shot the moon, sir," suggested the Hired Retainer helpfully.

"Gone up to town," I amended. "When they find out that he has gone up
to town, they are likely to come bothering us a good deal."

"Yes, sir."

"I fancy that we sha