82 STABLE SECRETS. 



" Your servant, sir," said Robert Top's best lad, respectfully 

 pulling the piece of hair sprouting luxuriantly upon his fore- 

 head. 



" Oh, it's you, Doddles, is it 1 " returned Mr. James Sloper, 

 as clearly and cheerfully as a piece of buttered toast, under- 

 going the process of mastication, permitted. " Oh, it's you, 

 Doddles, is it 1 " repeated Mr. James Sloper. 



" If you please, sir, it is," replied Puffy Doddles. 



" Then I do please," rejoined Mr. James Sloper, in one of 

 the most pleasant humours imaginable ; " and therefore, there 

 cannot be any doubt upon the point. What is it, Doddles, 

 that makes you look rather pale this morning — not the willy- 

 wabbles, I hope % " 



" No, sir, thank you," replied Robert Top's best lad, placing 

 a hand affectionately upon his abdominal regions; "it's all 

 right here, sir." 



"Glad to hear it," rejoined his employer. "Where is the 

 screw loose, then % " 



" They've been a- trying to get at me," returned Puffy 

 Doddles, with an expression of deep melancholy ; " to nobble 

 me, sir," 



" To nobble you ! " repeated Mr. James Sloper, in a tone of 

 great amazement, bordering on bewilderment. 



"Well, sir," added Robert Top's best lad, dejectedly, "it's 

 the same thing. They've been a-trying to buy me to nobble 

 my hoss." 



" Have they, indeed ? " exclaimed Mr. James Sloper. " And 

 who are they we've to thank for trying to get at you, 

 Doddles?" 



" Job Sweety," replied Sunshine's faithful attendant. 



" Oh, indeed ! " ejaculated Mr. James Sloper. " That 

 thief, eh 1 Well, well ! one good turn deserves another. Tell 

 me all about it, Doddles." 



Without omitting the smallest unimportant particular, 

 Puffy Doddles narrated all that was said and done in the 



