"You may wait," he said, "and keep an eye on my things."
Hackney coachmen, all the world over, have a keen eye for good customers. This honest fellow was no exception.
"Excellency may be quite satisfied," he answered with a wink. "I will keep careful guard over them."
The traveller entered the inn, and passing straight through it arrived at a pleasant court shaded by lime-trees. Here he selected a small table with chairs for two, one of which was promptly occupied by Frisk; his master took possession of the other and the two proceeded to lunch. This occupied an hour, and no lady could have received more attention than the young man bestowed on Frisk. The dog ate whatever his master ate, only politely protesting when a hare, accompanied by currant jelly, appeared on the scene, that as a sporting dog he ought not to touch game, and personally had a serious objection to sweets. Meanwhile, the driver remaining on his box refreshed himself with bread, cheese, and a half bottle of wine. Consequently, when master and dog re-occupied the carriage the trio presented an appearance of general satisfaction.
"Where to, Excellency?" enquired the driver, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, with the air of a man ready to drive to the world's end if you wished.
"I don't quite know," was the answer, "it depends a little on you."
"How so?"
"Well, if I find you a good fellow, I might wish to keep you on for some time."
"Oh, a year if you like!
"No, that is too long."