at on earth should we do with it?" muttered Grey.

"Ah, there is one little difficulty, but only a slight one. Would you
add the small favour of roasting it for us, ma'am? We have no
convenience for cooking it. We should then call the matter settled, and
say no more about it."

"Thank you kindly, sir. I'll roast it, and gladly. And where might I
bring it to, sir?"

"Oh, my goodness!" ejaculated Grey under his breath. Cadbury considered
a moment.

"I think it will be better to leave it to be called for," he said
presently. "We shall probably send someone over next Wednesday."

The woman looked mildly surprised at the suggested interval, but only
replied, "Very good, sir. Just when you please. It shall be ready. And
this is to go no further?"

"Certainly not. I'm sure you have made all the amends in your power, and
we are much obliged to you. Good afternoon! Come, Grey, do you feel as
if you could make a start? Lean on my arm, and I will help you."

As the woman, grateful and relieved, closed her door, Grey gazed
admiringly at his school-fellow.

"Cadbury, what a clever chap you are! I can't think how you worked it.
But I say, what about fetching the thing? Who's going to risk that?"

"You are."

"Me! What do you mean?"

"What I say. Aren't you expecting to visit your godmother next
Wednesday?"

"Yes; and what's more, I must! She'd write and ask West why I didn't
turn up."

"Oh, you'll turn up right enough! But you'll run over here first."

"She lives bang in the opposite direction."

"Never mind. You'll be an hour or so late for once. You must explain
that you were--well, detained! She can make what she likes of that."

"Um! I don't feel over sweet on the job."

"Possibly not; we can't always do what we like. It's your little part
in the game. I've done mine for the present. You must hide the chicken
away somehow and bring it home, and then I'll have a second innings, and
undertake all the risk."

[Illustration]

By this time the top of the hill was gained once more. Of course any
idea of rejoining the paper-chase had to be given up, but a little
brushing and beating made Grey respectable, and he and Cadbury rode home
together, to confess to having lost the track, and to await the return
of the pack, who, after a capital run, had eventually captured the hares
at a most convenient spot--the door of a lemonade shop!

CHAPTER IV

A KNOCK AT THE WINDOW

By mutual agreement the story of t