ion
Birket was the best Hereford bull he had ever bred.

Antony, however, had no intention of going further away than London. His
idea of seeing the world was to see, not countries, but people; and to
see them from as many angles as possible. There are all sorts in London
if you know how to look at them. So Antony looked at them--from
various strange corners; from the view-point of the valet, the
newspaper-reporter, the waiter, the shop-assistant. With the
independence of 400 pounds a year behind him, he enjoyed it immensely.
He never stayed long in one job, and generally closed his connection
with it by telling his employer (contrary to all etiquette as understood
between master and servant) exactly what he thought of him. He had
no difficulty in finding a new profession. Instead of experience and
testimonials he offered his personality and a sporting bet. He would
take no wages the first month, and--if he satisfied his employer--double
wages the second. He always got his double wages.

He was now thirty. He had come to Waldheim for a holiday, because
he liked the look of the station. His ticket entitled him to travel
further, but he had always intended to please himself in the matter.
Waldheim attracted him, and he had a suit-case in the carriage with him
and money in his pocket. Why not get out?

The landlady of 'The George' was only too glad to put him up, and
promised that her husband would drive over that afternoon for his
luggage.

"And you would like some lunch, I expect, sir."

"Yes, but don't give yourself any trouble about it. Cold
anything-you've-got."

"What about beef, sir?" she asked, as if she had a hundred varieties of
meat to select from, and was offering him her best.

"That will do splendidly. And a pint of beer."

While he was finishing his lunch, the landlord came in to ask about the
luggage. Antony ordered another pint, and soon had him talking.

"It must be rather fun to keep a country inn," he said, thinking that it
was about time he started another profession.

"I don't know about fun, sir. It gives us a living, and a bit over."

"You ought to take a holiday," said Antony, looking at him thoughtfully.

"Funny thing your saying that," said the landlord, with a smile.
"Another gentleman, over from the Red House, was saying that only
yesterday. Offered to take my place 'n all." He laughed rumblingly.

"The Red House? Not the Red House, Stanton?"

"That's right, sir. Stanton's the