"I will see if I can learn anything. There are ways if you know how to use them."
"Thank you, sir. I thought if any one could help us it would be you."
"How are you mounted? You ought to have a second horse if you're going out. They will allow you two, I suppose."
"I believe so. I was thinking of buying one out of that money you gave me."
"Keep it, my boy. You may need it all. You never know what may happen when you get abroad. If you'll take my advice you'll always carry a good supply in a belt next your skin when you're campaigning. I'll find you a horse up to all your requirements. You want height and bone and muscle for a charger on campaign. Beauty Is a fifth consideration. Your life may depend upon your horse."
"There is no doubt about our going, then, sir?" asked the boy, with a sparkle in his eyes.
"No doubt, I'm afraid, my boy; but their plans are very undecided. I was speaking with Clarendon only last night, and, as far as I can make out, what our Government would like would be to coerce Russia by making a demonstration in force, and the Tsar is much too pig-headed for that--as they would know if they knew him as well as I do."
"You know him, sir?
"I was ambassador there for nearly ten years, and in ten years one learns a man fairly well. He is an unusually strong-willed and determined man, bigoted too, and believes absolutely in his mission----"
"What is that, sir?"