28 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



in order and father called him ' the Reformer '. He is always 

 'John ' at home." 



"Just like me again. I always am John when anyone 

 takes me seriously, but I'm proud to be his namesake." 



'* Well, he is certainly there or thereabouts when he's 

 wanted," Miss Badsworth said. "As a matter of fact we 

 shouldn't have killed when we did if he hadn't slipped round 

 that little furze brake and met the fox as he came out. I was 

 just on top of the hill in time to see." 



"There is nothing like being the right man in the right 

 place. There is often some degree of luck about it, but I'm 

 all for taking credit when I can get it." 



" Here you are, Mrs. Hog — Lord, I've forgotten what," 

 Jack exclaimed when eventually they reached the cottage. 

 " Behold the head of the traitor, and a pad for the fowl-house 

 door. Nothing like plenty of warning to offenders ; they don't 

 take it as a rule, but it relieves the mind of the conscien- 

 tious." 



A brief detour had brought them to the cottage gate, and 

 Mrs. Hogben gazed on the grinning mask with satisfaction. 



" Serves 'im right," she said. " But, Lor', Miss Lavvy, 

 you must be tired, and where's the Squire? " 



" Tired ? When did you know me tired ? The Squire 

 lamed his horse ; it was most unfortunate." 



" Well, anyhow, you had this young gent to look after 

 you," Mrs. Hogben said, with a dim vision of possibilities 

 which always delights the female mind. 



Miss Badsworth smiled again as she moved on, but Jack 

 was ready : — 



" I've just been saying there's nothing like being in the 

 right place at the right time." 



" No more there isn't," Mrs. Hogben replied; then drop- 

 ping her voice, " You couldn't do better, take my word for 

 it." 



Jack waved his hand gaily, and trotted on after his com- 

 panion. 



