"In the van, sir?"
"No; he is here—under the seat. Come out, Albatross!—come out, good fellow!" And Podgers chirruped and whistled in what was meant to be a seductive and blandishing manner.
Albatross stirred not.
"Hi! hi! Here, good fellow!"
Albatross commenced to growl.
"Dear me, this is very awkward!" cried Podgers, poking at the animal in a vigorous and irritated way.
"Time's up, sir," shouted the guard, essaying to close the door.
"Hold hard, sir! I can't get my dog out!" cried Podgers.
"I'll get him out," volunteered the guard; and, seizing upon the whip which the smart driver of the smart trap held in inviting proximity, he proceeded to thrust and buffet beneath the seat where Albatross lay concealed. The dog uttered no sound, gave no sign.
"There ain't no dog there at all," panted the guard, whose exertions rendered him nearly apoplectic, proceeding to explore the recesses of the carriage—"there ain't no dog here."