hat's-'is-name."
Bacon pretended to accept the decision and changed the subject.
"Now permit me to approach the theme of my immediate need," he said.
"These bailiffs without--they must be evaded. May I have your
assistance, friend, in this matter?"
"Why--what can I do?"
"Pray observe me with all attention," Bacon began. "These my habiliments
are of the latest fashion and of rich texture. Your habit is, if I may
so speak, of inferior fashion and substance. I will exchange my habit
for yours on this condition--that you mount my horse forthwith and ride
away. The moon is bright and you will be pursued at once by these scurvy
bailiffs. Lead them astray, Master Droop, to the southward, whilst I
slip away to London in your attire, wherein I feel sure no man will
recognize me. Once in London, there is a friend of mine--one Master
Isaac Burton--who is hourly expected and from whom I count upon having
some advances to stand me in present stead. What say you? Will you
accept new clothing and rich--for old and worn?"
Droop approached his visitor and slowly examined his clothing, gravely
feeling the stuff between thumb and finger and even putting his hand
inside the doublet to feel the lining. Bacon's outraged dignity
struggled within him with the sense of his necessity. Finally, just as
he was about to give violent expression to his impatience, Droop stepped
back and took in the general effect with one eye closed and his head
cocked on one side.
"Jest turn round, will ye?" he said, with a whirling movement of the
hand, "an' let me see how it looks in the back?"
Biting his lips, the furious barrister turned about and walked away.
"Needs must where the devil drives," he muttered.
Droop shook his head dismally.
"Marry, come up!" he exclaimed. "I guess I can't make the bargain,
friend Bacon."
"But why?"
"I don't like the cut o' them clothes. I'd look rideec'lous in 'em.
Besides, the's too much risk in it, Bacon, my boy," he said, familiarly,
throwing himself into the arm-chair and stretching out his legs
comfortably. "Ef the knaves was to catch me an' find out the trick I'd
played 'em, why, sure as a gun, they'd put me in the lock-up an' try me
fer stealin' your duds--your habiliments."
"Nay, then," Bacon exclaimed, eagerly, "I'll give you a writing, Master
Droop, certifying that the clothes were sold to you for a consideration.
That will hold you blameless. What say you?"
"What about the horse and the
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