14 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



Barldw replied. " He's an artist now, and some of his pic- 

 tures are beautiful, but he has squandered the best part of 

 his fortune in speculating and gambling on the Stock Ex- 

 change ; I think he began with the law. You wouldn't 

 believe what a pleasant man he can be when he's sober ; 

 but when he's drunk he is more like a devil. I can't under- 

 stand how the Squire allows him up at Dewthorpe, he's 

 there sometimes ; but they do say they're some kin, uncle 

 and nephew, or something." 



*' Not a very desirable kinsman, certainly," Jack remarked. 

 Tom Barlow lighted a candle and preceded Jack to his 

 bedroom. 



" I wasn't going to say anything before him," he said, 

 nodding his head backwards as he put down the candle, 

 " but if you like to ride one of my old nags to-morrow, 

 you're welcome. He'll know the country, which is a bit 

 of a change from Dumpshire, and you can ride him where 

 you've a mind to. I shouldn't like a sportsman, and I know 

 you are one, to go out from the Duchy Arms on foot. I've 

 got to be away some hours on business, otherwise I would 

 show you the way." 



Jack was profuse in his thanks ; here was a bit of luck. 

 Instead of kicking his heels a whole day waiting for the 

 tenant who was away burying his mother-in-law, he would 

 be able to combine a glimpse of Cornish scenery with a 

 glimpse of Cornish sport. No wonder he went to bed con- 

 tented, and slept the sleep of the weary. 



