392 WYLDER'S H.MVD.
with the small note of consent, which must accompany the
articles agreeing to sell.
"I remain, &c. &c. &c."
Larkin's groom was waiting for an answer.
"Tell him I shall probably see Mr. Larkin myself."
said the Captain, snappishly; and so he walked down to
pretty little Gylingden.
On the steps of the reading-room stood old Tom Ruddle,
who acted as marker in the billiard-room, treasurer, and
book-keeper beside, and swept out the premises every
morning and went to and fro at the proper hours, between
that literary and sporting institution and the post-office;
and who, though seldom sober, was always well instructed
in the news of the town.
"How do you do, old Ruddle — quite well?" asked
the Captain with a smile. "Who hare you got in the
rooms?"
Well, Jos Larkin was not there. Indeed he seldom
showed in those premises which he considered decidedly
low, dropping in only now and then, like the great county
gentlemen, on sessions days to glance at the papers, and
gossip on their own high affairs.
But Buddle had seen Mr. Jos Larkin on the green, not
five minutes since, and thither the gallant Captain bent
his steps.