“Mr. Horn!” cried the startled agent, “such generosity!”
“Not at all; I mean you to earn it, you know. But let your horse move on, or I shall miss my train. And, by the way, will you oblige me, Mr. Gray, by procuring for yourself a horse and trap better calculated to serve the interests of my property than this sorry turn-out. Get the best equipment which can be obtained for money.”
The agent, not knowing whether he was touched the more by the kindness of the injunction, or by the delicacy with which it had been expressed, murmured incoherent thanks, and promised speedy compliance with his employer’s commands.
CHAPTER XXII.
“THE GOLDEN SHOEMAKER” INSTRUCTS HIS LAWYERS.
“Cobbler” Horn reached London early the same evening, and the following morning, at the appointed hour, duly presented himself at the office of Messrs. Tongs and Ball. He was received with enthusiasm by the men of law. Long Mr. Ball was, as usual, the chief speaker; and round Mr. Tongs yielded meek and monosyllabic assent to all his partner’s words.
“And how are you by this time, my dear sir?” asked Mr. Ball, almost affectionately, when they had taken their seats.
“Cobbler” Horn had a vague impression that the lawyer was asking his question on behalf of his partner as well as of himself.
“Thank you, gentlemen,” was his cordial reply. “I am thankful to say I never was better in my life; and I hope I find you the same?”