XVI 



" Well, an' you did, there be many as don't know 

 half as much, who think they are deep in't." 



I bowed, as the compliment deserved, and felt 

 elated, but said nothing. 



'' If so be, Sir, as you wish for to know more 

 about it, I can put you in the way." 



I bowed again, somewhat humiliated, but still 

 remaining silent. He proceeded. 



" When I bought that ere off leader, it might be 

 five weeks ago, I thought I was done — he's turned 

 out a good 'un, tho' ; but as I was saying, when I 

 bought him he hadn't a leg to stand on ; so I was 

 going to la about un, but a young chap, a lawyer's 

 clerk, that I sometimes treats with a drive, (for all 

 those chaps must learn to drive,) told me it would 

 cost me a guinea merely to ax counsel's opinion, 

 and that for less than half the money I might get 

 my own, if I would buy the book of a brother 

 chip ; so I bought his book, and soon found that 

 I was a fool as 'twas, and had no need to be a 

 bigger by throwing good money after bad ; but 

 mayhap you've read the book. Sir?" 



I felt the jealousy of an author, and replied 

 somewhat petulantly, " Oh no, I never read such 

 matters." 



" Then you can't do better than buy it." 



