ive. When they entered
Flychett it was about three.

'Now, where's the inn?' said Mountclere, yawning.

'Just on the knap,' Sol answered. ''Tis a little small place, and we
must do as well as we can.'

They pulled up before a cottage, upon the whitewashed front of which
could be seen a square board representing the sign. After an infinite
labour of rapping and shouting, a casement opened overhead, and a woman's
voice inquired what was the matter. Sol explained, when she told them
that the horses were away from home.

'Now we must wait till these are rested,' growled Mountclere. 'A pretty
muddle!'

'It cannot be helped,' answered Sol; and he asked the woman to open the
door. She replied that her husband was away with the horses and van, and
that they could not come in.

Sol was known to her, and he mentioned his name; but the woman only began
to abuse him.

'Come, publican, you'd better let us in, or we'll have the law for't,'
rejoined Sol, with more spirit. 'You don't dare to keep nobility waiting
like this.'

'Nobility!'

'My mate hev the title of Honourable, whether or no; so let's have none
of your slack,' said Sol.

'Don't be a fool, young chopstick,' exclaimed Mountclere. 'Get the door
opened.'

'I will--in my own way,' said Sol testily. 'You mustn't mind my trading
upon your quality, as 'tis a case of necessity. This is a woman nothing
will bring to reason but an appeal to the higher powers. If every man of
title was as useful as you are to-night, sir, I'd never call them lumber
again as long as I live.'

'How singular!'

'There's never a bit of rubbish that won't come in use if you keep it
seven years.'

'If my utility depends upon keeping you company, may I go to h--- for
lacking every atom of the virtue.'

'Hear, hear! But it hardly is becoming in me to answer up to a man so
much older than I, or I could say more. Suppose we draw a line here for
the present, sir, and get indoors?'

'Do what you will, in Heaven's name.'

A few more words to the woman resulted in her agreeing to admit them if
they would attend to themselves afterwards. This Sol promised, and the
key of the door was let down to them from the bedroom window by a string.
When they had entered, Sol, who knew the house well, busied himself in
lighting a fire, the driver going off with a lantern to the stable, where
he found standing-room for the two horses. Mountclere walked up and down
the kitchen, mumbling wor