in genuine perplexity.

"Tell 'em I've gorn," he said, at last.

"And what about telling lies?" demanded his wife. "What would your Mr.
Purnip say to that?"

"You do as you're told," exclaimed the harassed Mr. Billing. "I'm not
going to tell 'em; it's you."

Mrs. Billing returned to the parlour, and, with Mr. Billing lurking in
the background, busied herself over a china flower-pot that stood in the
window, and turned an anxious eye upon three men waiting outside. After
a glance or two she went to the door.

"Did you want to see my husband?" she inquired.

The biggest of the three nodded. "Yus," he said, shortly.

"I'm sorry," said Mrs. Billing, "but he 'ad to go early this morning.
Was it anything partikler?"

"Gorn?" said the other, in disappointed tones. "Well, you tell 'im I'll
see 'im later on."

He turned away, and, followed by the other two, walked slowly up the
road. Mr. Billing, after waiting till the coast was clear, went off in
the other direction.

He sought counsel of his friend and mentor that afternoon, and stood