92 PODGEES' POINTER 



who were in possession of Albatross claimed a half- 

 crown, refusing to give up the animal unless it was 

 duly ransomed ; and it was during a fierce and 

 angry discussion upon this very delicate question 

 that the last bell rang. With one despairing tug, 

 Podgers pulled the dog inside the door of the station, 

 which was then promptly closed, and through the 

 intervention of a friendly guard our hete noire was 

 thrust into the carriage with us. 



Having kicked the cause of our chagrin beneath 

 one of the seats, I ventured to remark that in all 

 probability the dog, instead of being a credit to us, 

 was very likely to prove the reverse. 



" It's only his liveliness, and be hanged to him," 

 said Podgers. " He has been shut up for some 

 time, and is as wild as a deer." 



He would not admit a diminished faith in the 

 dog ; but his tone was irresolute, and he eyed the 

 animal in a very doubting way. 



" His liveliness ought to be considerably toned 

 down after the rough handling he received from my 

 servant, and " 



" By the way," Podgers went on, " that infernal 

 woman isn't safe to have in the house ; she'll be 

 tried for murder some day, and the coroner will be 

 sitting upon your body. Is my eye very black ? " 



" Not very," I replied. It had reached a dis- 



