"Not a bit. It wasn't your fault. Between you and me, Hare, I
think you managed it wonderfully."

"Thank you, Alice. That's very sweet of you."

"I hope Pomfret isn't much hurt."

"The little brute. Only a wing, I think. Look here, if we walk
into the village, you can have some lunch- you must want it- at
the inn, while I get some help to get him out."

Just at the foot of the hill we came upon 'The Old Drum,' its
timbered walls showing white behind the red screen of its
Virginia creeper. When I had escorted my lady into the little
parlour, I sought the kitchen. I could hardly believe my ears
when the comfortable mistress of the house told me that at that
very moment a toothsome duck was roasting, and that it would and
should be placed before us in a quarter of an hour. Without
waiting to inquire whom we were about to deprive of their
succulent dish, I hastened with the good news to my companion.

"Splendid!" she said.

"You don't mind waiting?"

"I should have waited for you, anyway. Now go and retrieve
Pomfret; you've just got time."

To the two husbandmen I found in the bar, the idea of earning