ting-grounds. If _we_ don't
harpoon him, somebody else will. A beast of such fat on the haunches is
not going to escape scot free; and lastly, by falling into good hands,
he shall have the advantage of being cut up artistically, and not mauled
and mangled by the rude fingers of the ignorant Faith, as for myself, I
think I richly merit all the spoils I shall obtain!"

"As how, pray?" asked Lord Charles, languidly.

"In the first place, to speak of the present, I have ridden out with
him, sat beside him on the box of his drag; he is seen with me in
public, and has been heard to call me 'Linton' on the ride at Dycer's.
My tradespeople have become his tradespeople. The tailor who reserved
his master stroke of genius for me now shares his favors with him. In
fact, Charley, we are one. Secondly, as regards the future, see from
what perils I shall rescue him. He shall not marry Livy Kennyfeck;
he shall not go into Parliament for the Liberal interest, nor for any
interest, if I can help it; he shall not muddle away a fine fortune in
fattening Durham bulls and Berkshire boars; neither shall he excel in
rearing mangel-wurzel or beet-root. I 'll teach him to have a soul above
subsoiling, and a spirit above green crops. He shall not fall into the
hands of Downie Meek, and barter his birthright for a Whig baronetcy;
neither shall he be the victim of right honorable artifices, and marry a
Lady Juliana or Cecilia. In fine, I 'll secure him from public meetings
and agricultural societies, twaddling dinners, horticultural breakfasts,
the Irish Academy, and Mrs. White."

"These are great deservings indeed," said Lord Charles, affectedly.

"So they are," said the other; "nor do I believe there is another man
about town could pilot the channel but myself. It is only reasonable,
then, if I save the craft, that I should claim the salvage. Now, the
next point is, will you be one of the crew? I'll take you with pleasure,
but there's no impressment All I ask is secrecy, whether you say yea or
nay."

"Let me hear what the service is to be like."

"Well, we shall first of all cruise; confound metaphors,--let us talk
plainly. Cashel has given me a _carte blanche_ to fill his house with
guests and good things. The company and the _cuisine_ are both to be
among my attributions, and I intend that we should do the thing right
royally. Selection and exclusiveness are, of course, out of the
question. There are so many cock-tails to run,--there can