revenge
on the hound, O'Brallaghan, will come out right! Listen, while I tell
about it; then, sir, judge if the revenge is likely to be nice and
good!"

And Mr. Jinks scowled, and gulped down some rum. He then paused a
moment, stared the fire-place out of countenance, and scowled again.
He then opened his lips to speak.

But just as he uttered the first words of his explanation, a knock was
heard at the door, which arrested him.

Ralph rose and opened it.

A negro handed him a note, with the information, that the bearer
thereof was waiting below, and would like to see him.

Ralph opened the letter, and found some money therein, which, with the
signature, explained all.

"Jinks, my boy," he said, laughing, "we must defer your explanation;
come and go down. The Governor has sent me a note, and Tom is waiting.
Let us descend."

Mr. Jinks acquiesced.

They accordingly went down stairs, and issued forth.

At the door of the tavern was standing a negro, who, at sight of
Ralph, respectfully removed his cap with one hand, while the other arm
leaned on the neck of a donkey about three feet high, which had borne
the stalwart fellow, as such animals only can.

The negro gave Mr. Ralph a message, in addition to the letter, of no
consequence to our history, and received one in return.

He then bowed again, and was going to mount and ride away, when Ralph
said, "Stop, Tom!"

Tom accordingly stopped.

CHAPTER LIV.

EXPLOITS OF FODDER.

Ralph looked from the donkey to Mr. Jinks, and from Mr. Jinks to the
donkey; then he laughed.

"I say, my dear fellow," he observed, "you wanted a horse, did'nt
you?"

"I did, sir," said Mr. Jinks.

"What do you say to a donkey?"

Mr. Jinks appeared thoughtful, and gazing at the sky, as though the
clouds interested him, replied:

"I have no objection to the animal, sir. It was in former times, I am
assured, the animal used by kings, and even emperors. Far be it from
me, therefore, to feel any pride--or look down on the donkey."

"You'll have to," said Ralph.

"Have to what, sir?"

"Look down on Fodder here--we call him Fodder at the farm, because the
rascal won't eat thistles."

"Fodder, sir?" said Mr. Jinks, gazing along the road, as though in
search of some wagon, laden with cornstalks.

"The donkey!"

"Ah?--yes--true--the donkey! Really, a very handsome animal," said Mr.
Jinks, appearing to be aware of the existence of Fodder for the first
time.

"I as