( 109 ) 



THE POACHER'S REVENGE. 



" Got anything to do next week, Frank ? " 



" No, nothing particular. Why ? " 



"Because if you have nothing on hand you might run 

 down to Manby Towers with me for a few days. It's my 

 Puppy Show on Tuesday, and a few whiffs of country air will 

 do us both good after the racket of the past month or 

 two." 



The two speakers were standing in the bay-window of a 

 St. James's Street club, gazing out at the shimmering heat 

 which was fast driving the lingerers in London to cooler and 

 breezier spots. 



" Many thanks, old man," replied he who was addressed as 

 Frank; "nothing will suit me better. When do you go 

 down ? " 



" On Monday," returned the other ; " we leave King's Cross 

 at 11.30, so you had better meet us there a few minutes before 

 the train starts." 



" Is Lady Middleford going with you ? " 



"Yes. The little girls have been there with their 

 governess some time, and she wants to see them before we 

 go to Scotland for the grouse." 



" Well, good-bye for the present," said Captain Frank 

 Charlton, as the two shook hands at parting ; " hope you will 

 have a good entry of puppies to show me." 



" Above the average, I think," replied the other ; " but you 

 must judge for yourself" 



" Who was that man talking to Charlton ? " asked another 



