"He was a true sportsman," said Maynadier. "His horses and his dogs next after his family. It was the sure sign of his British blood."
"Colonel Sharpe," said Parkington, presently, "I want to ask a favor?"
"It is granted, before it is asked."
"Which is a trifle rash, sir; I may ask for a hundred guineas."
"They will be forthcoming, if you do."
"I will not impose on good nature," smiled Parkington. "But what I do want, is your permission to go to Annapolis, and bring back a friend, Sir Charles Brandon, who came two days ago. He would have paid his respects sooner, to your Excellency, but the Assembly took all your time."
"Go, by all means!" said the Governor; "but you should have informed me of his intended coming, so I could have had him down."
"I did not know he was closer than London," Parkington protested, "until he walked into the Coffee-house, the other night, and found me—and he was as surprised as I."
"Bring him down!" said the Colonel, heartily.—"Take the pinnace and bring him down.—How long does he expect to stay in Annapolis?"