116 TALES OF PINK AND SILK. 



A few words to Lady Middleford set her fears at rest, and 

 the luncheon, with the usual toasts and songs, passed off most 

 successfully; the Master was in capital spirits, and seemed 

 none the worse for his fall, which he was careful to explain, 

 was due to his horse's rearing and falling back on him. But 

 to return to the woods for an explanation of the late 

 appearance at the Puppy Show. 



When Lord Middleford regained consciousness, he found 

 himself lying on a bank, his hands bound behind him with a 

 leather strap, and his horse gone; whilst just in front of him 

 stood the poacher, Jackson, carefully loading his short- 

 barrelled poacher's gun. 



" Well, this is a hunexpected meeting," he remarked ; " 'oo 

 would 'er thought 'er seein' you 'ere ? " 



" What are you going to do with me ? " asked Lord 

 Middleford. 



The man grinned sardonically. " I'm in 3^er debt, most 

 noble lord, and I think now's a good hopportunity for 

 squarin' matters." 



" Do you mean to murder me ? " 



"Put it which ever way yer Lordship likes," replied the 

 man : " if yer wants t' say yer prayers, ye've jist sixty minutes 

 t' say 'em in, and then we're quits." 



A little leather case, lying on the ground, caught his eye 

 as he spoke. 



" 'Ullo ! what's this ? " 



Lord Middleford saw it too, as the fellow stooped to pick 

 it up. 



" Give that to me," he cried, " let me look at it before you 

 kill me." 



" 'Old 'ard, guv'nor, 'old 'ard ; my turn fust." 



He rested his gun against a tree and proceeded to open 

 the little red morocco case ; in a moment his victim had leapt 

 to his feet and was vainly struggling to undo his bonds. 



