BILL AKNULL. 45 



The latter's engagements and occupations in riding- 

 trials on the Heath were carefully ascertained be- 

 forehand by this inveterate practical joker, and the 

 hamper containing " Little Peter " was conveyed 

 in a luggage van to the jockey's residence. Mrs 

 Arnull, who expected to receive, as per promise, 

 a hamper of wine, directed that the new arrival 

 should be put into the cellar. When Arnull got 

 home his wife told him the gleeful tidings that 

 Mr Petre's hamper had arrived, and was in the 

 cellar. " I will go and see it directly," quoth the 

 exultant jockey ; and down he went, followed by a 

 little pet dog, who was his constant companion. 

 Scarcely had the faithful quadruped got into the 

 cellar before he became greatly excited, and barked 

 furiously, running backwards and forwards round 

 the hamper. Thereupon old Bill exclaimed, "Drat 

 it, there must be a mouse inside ! " As he spoke 

 he thrust his whip into the hamper, upon which 

 the dog barked more furiously than ever. " Beggar 

 my limbs if it ain't a rat ! " ejaculated the jockey ; 

 " get me a knife to cut the string, so that I may 

 let it out." Suiting the action to the word, he 

 uplifted the lid, and out jumped " Little Peter." 

 " You young rascal ! " exclaimed the astonished 

 jockey, " what brings you here ? Get out of my 

 house immediately, or I will lay this whip about 

 your shoulders." The dwarf, thus admonished, 

 proceeded to make tracks with all expedition to 

 the Horse Shoe Inn over the way, at which Mr 



