red tape the doctor kept in a little
drawer, sealed it, and directed it in his plainest hand to Sir James
Danby.

Dexter felt better after this was done, and the jacket-pocket a little
bulgy in which his missive was stuffed. He had previously felt a little
uneasy about the boat; but though not quite at rest now, he felt better
satisfied, and as if this was a duty done.

That same evening, just before it grew dusk, Dexter watched his
opportunity, and stole off down the garden, after making sure that he
was not watched.

There was no one visible on the other side, and it seemed as if Bob
Dimsted was not coming, so after waiting a few minutes Dexter was about
to go back to the house, with the intention of visiting his pets, when
there was a loud chirping whistle from across the river.

Dexter looked sharply through the gathering gloom; but still no one was
visible, and then the chirp came again.

"Are you there, Bob?"

"Why, course I am," said that young gentleman, rising up from where he
had lain flat behind a patch of coarse herbage. "I'm not the sort of
chap to stay away when I says I'll come. Nearly ready!"

"Ye-es," said Dexter.

"No gammon, you know," said Bob. "I mean it, so no shirking out."

"I mean to come too," said Dexter with a sigh.

"Well, you do sound jolly cheerful; you don't know what a game it's
going to be."

"No, not quite--yet," said Dexter. "But how are we going to manage!"

"Well, if ever!" exclaimed Bob. "You are a rum chap, and no mistake.
Of course we shall take the boat, and I've got that table-cloth ready
for a sail, and a bit of rope to hoist it up."

Dexter winced about that table-cloth, one which he had borrowed at Bob's
wish from the housekeeper's room.

"But must we take that boat?"

"Why, of course, but we shall send it back some day as good as new,
hanging behind a ship, and then have it sent up the river. I know lots
of fellows who'll put it back for me if I ask 'em."

Dexter felt a little better satisfied, and then listened to his
companion's plans, which were very simple, but effective all the same,
though common honesty did not come in.

The conversation was carried on across the river, and to ensure its not
being heard, Dexter lay down on the grass and put his lips close to the
water, Bob Dimsted doing the same, when, it being quite a still evening,
conversation became easy.

"What are your people doing now?" said Bob, after they had been talking
some