AFTER THE DIP. 245 



claiming, '' Good Lord ! what will they do next !") 

 coffee distilling from every garment, where he was 

 undergoing the process of wringing out, when the 

 " Missis " appeared, offering her husband's wardrobe, 

 and begging him to come in and change. 



" Thank you, my good woman," replied he ; 

 '' but as to your rigging me out in Styles's vest- 

 ments, the old sow there might as easily get into 

 a rat's hole as I should into his small clothes. 

 But if you will bring me a glass of brandy and 

 w^ater, I w411 accept that with many thanks, and 

 then ride home as soon as possible." 



When the stable door was opened the pack 

 limped away in doleful plight. 



" There, sir," exclaimed Jem, as he wiped the 

 perspiration streaming down his face, " I'll forgive 

 that lot, Fencer and Jumper too, if ever they looks 

 a goat again in the face, or any other animal as I 

 bids 'em not look at. But lor ! Master, what's 

 the matter wi' ye? Ye be the colour of ma- 

 hogany." 



" Dip in the pool, Jem, that's all. So now let 

 us be off, for I want drying. But I fear you have 

 been too severe upon those poor devils !" pitying 

 their maimed condition. 



" I han't, begging your pardon, sir ; 'twere 

 just a trial between us who's to be master ; and as 



