“I know his type too well,” was his quick thought, and he wheeled, spied the door, and was out in the open air, now one of the crowd, now skulking back of the buildings, dodging in and out between the small tents to evade all possible pursuit. Once when the search grew too harrassing for comfort, he even took refuge beneath a building which was set on piles. He had to crawl under and lay perfectly flat and quiet, for cruel nails and long slivers of wood from the rough sills caught his coat and caused him exquisite pain whenever he ventured to move.
“I would like to know how the other goat fared,” he thought. “Perhaps they’ve caught him—hope they have. And will punish him—hope they do. He was about the most impudent piece of goathood I’ve ever met, so there!” and Billy wagged his head sagely.
He remained in safe hiding until all grew quiet—no murmur from the passing crowds, no shouts and calls of fakirs hawking their wares. The gloomy part of the day, when darkness falls without a sunset to mark its close, had come ere he poked his head out, cautiously glanced around, and found that in truth the grounds were deserted.
CHAPTER IX
A NIGHT WITH THE DUKE
DON’T you think it is the first duty of a guest to be punctual? Especially a dinner guest?” was the Duke of Windham’s greeting as Billy knocked on his stall door for admittance.
“And do you think it according to the rules of etiquette for a host to remind his guest of his shortcomings in such a fashion as this?” retorted the glib Billy.
“I’ve misplaced the key to the door of my house, so you’ll have to jump,” said the Duke, ignoring Billy’s question. “I’m very sorry, but then I know you are an expert at leaping and vaulting, so it will not inconvenience you as it might old Browny, for example.”
“Not at all, not at all,” returned Billy, and with one light bound he was over and beside the Duke, and they were cordially greeting each other.
“Now, Will-yum, into what mischief have you been this afternoon?” queried the Duke, shaking his head to show his disapproval of any escapade.