AN ECCENTRIC CHASE. 245 



London is a far cry ; but engines and energy can do 

 much in these days, and within considerably less than 

 forty-eight hours I was once more in London and on my 

 way to Leonard's chambers. It would be very hard if 

 he had again escaped me. 



" ]\Ir. Leonard returned ? " I inquired of his man as 

 he appeared at the door. 



"Yes, sir, master's returned from abroad, but he 

 has gone down to the country. Left last night, sir, 

 for Horchester. He has been to Nice, sir, but only 

 stayed " 



" Yes, I know ; when will he be back ? " I inter- 

 rupted. 



"Well, sir, it's uncertain, I think. I was not to 

 forward letters or papers till I heard, sir," the man 

 answered ; and here was another source of perplexity. 



The best thing to be done seemed to carry on the 

 pursuit without flagging, however, especially as I was 

 sure of a friendly welcome from my errant friend's uncle. 

 There was a train at 7.10 in the morning, reaching 

 Horchester at 10.30, and at any rate I might have the 

 consolation of discussing the matter with Leonard. 

 This was Monday, and the race was to be run next day. 

 He must have put my ;^5oo on the wretched Muffin 

 Boy, who now figured in the quotations at 33 to i, while 

 125 to 100 was the last recorded bet against King 

 Pippin. As the tram carried me down to Horchester I 

 had the pleasure of reading the analyses of the prophets, 

 most of whom went for the King in big letters, with the 



