844 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



few clays previously, approaclied him and offered his 

 hand, saying, " Good morning, Captain Tracy/' 



The salutation was returned most courteously, 

 yet deferentially, with uplifted hat, displaying a fine 

 forehead, encircled by dark-brown wavy hair. 



*' I hold only a commission as lieutenant, sir, 

 although my friends are pleased to assign me a 

 higher rank," he answered, smiling. 



" I have a few words for your ear only, Captain 

 Tracy, if you will ride with me a little way out of 

 the crowd •'' and when apart from observation, the 

 elderly gentleman presented him with a small packet, 

 saying, " If you will read the enclosed, not now, but 

 when you return home, you will find that I have not 

 addressed you impertinently as Captain Tracy." 



George felt so taken aback, that he really did not 

 know what to say or do, but sat as one bewildered 

 in the saddle, holding the paper in his hand. 



" Put that in the breast pocket of your coat. 

 Captain Tracy," said the elderly gentleman impa- 

 tiently, "and come along, the hounds are moving 

 off." 



George mechanically obeyed the order, and on 

 meeting with Coventry again, the latter asked, 

 "Who's your friend, George?" 



*' I cannot exactly tell, although his features seem 

 familiar. We have met before, butwh ere I cannot 

 remember." 



" Well, that is Colonel Hamilton, one of our 

 county members, a man of considerable influence, 

 both in town and country ; lots of tin, and people 

 say a great favourite at the Horse Guards. Worth 



