un for it now, at all events;" replied I, laughing, "and I
let the cow loose on purpose; for if I had held on, and used all my
strength, I could have brought her down on her side and kept her down.
Oh! there's a break in the bank, and he has climbed up it, so he is safe
for a good fright," continued I; "and now we had better get away
ourselves; for the animal may come back, and, although one can pin her
in that way from behind, it is not to be done when she comes stem on to
you."

"Well, sir, I have heard of taking the bull by the horns as not being a
very wise thing; but taking a cow by them has probably saved my life. I
thank you."

"We manage them that way on board ship," replied I, laughing.

"You are a sailor, then, sir," replied the little man. "Probably I have
the pleasure of addressing Captain Keene?"

"That is my name," replied I; "but here is the cow coming back, and the
sooner we get to the gate the better. I'm not ashamed to run for it,
and I suppose you are not either." So saying, I took to my heels,
followed by my new companion, and we very soon put the barred gate
between us and our enemy.

"I will wish you good day now, sir," said I; "I am going to the Hall."

"I am also bound there, Captain Keene," replied my companion, "and, with
your permission, will accompany you. Egad, we may meet another cow,"
said he, laughing, "and I prefer being in your company."

He then informed me that he was the solicitor and agent of the
Honourable Miss Delmar, and had been sent for about some new leases, and
that his name was Warden. During our walk I found him a very cheerful,
merry little man, and a very good companion.

On our arrival at the Hall, Mr Warden was informed that Miss Delmar was
not able to receive him just then, as she was very busy with Lord de
Versely, who was with her in her private room. I therefore remained
with Mr Warden for about an hour, when Lord de Versely came down and
joined us. He appeared to be in a remarkable gay humour, and shook me
warmly by the hand when he came in.

"Now, Mr Warden, you are to go up and receive your instructions, and
recollect, the sooner everything is executed the better."

Mr Warden left the room, and I narrated to his lordship the adventure
with the cow. Just as I had begun it, Colonel Delmar came in, and
listened to my narration.

In about half an hour Mr Warden came down-stairs, and with a very
smiling face.

"Well, Mr Warden," said his lordsh