"Judkins," said his mistress, when he had been desired to enter, "I am sorry to hear so bad an account of your conduct."
"I know what you mean, ma'am. It's cook. Don't mind what she says, she's a lunatic, ma'am. She says I eat the eggs,—I never eat the eggs. She says I lit her fire,—I never lit her fire. But I've done something else, ma'am: I've got in my stable the very man which has been, ma'am, annoying us so long."
"Is it possible? Have you really? Is he now in the stable?"
"Secure, ma'am. I've roped him regular. He can't get away."
"Have you locked the door?"
"Fast, ma'am. Here's the key. He didn't want Snorter last night. No, he only just wanted the pony and gig."
"Well, run to Mr. Rouse with my compliments. Tell him what has happened, and beg of him to come as soon as possible."
Judkins started off at full speed, and in less than five minutes, the reverend gentleman was there.
"My dear sir," said Aunt Eleanor as he entered, "I have the happiness to inform you, that we have at length discovered—"
"I know, my dear madam—I know all about it," said the reverend gentleman, "Judkins, bring him in."
Judkins disappeared on the instant, and soon re-appeared with his prisoner.
"Now, sir, what's your name?" enquired the reverend gentleman.
"John Todd," replied the man.
"John Todd! John Todd! Well, sir, what have you to say to this?"
"All I have to say is, that master found the pony in one of his meadows, and hearing that it belonged to this lady, he told me to take it home."
"Your master, sir!—who is your master?"
"Squire Lane, your reverence."
"Oh! Squire Lane. John Todd! John Todd! Don't you occupy the cottage on the left of his gate, John Todd?"
"Yes, your reverence."
"There has been some mistake here, my dear madam," said the reverend gentleman, aside. "John Todd," he added, turning again to the man, "you are a very honest person, John Todd. I recollect you. Give my compliments to your master, and tell him that I will do myself the pleasure of calling upon him in the course of the morning. There has been some mistake, but never mind what has passed. I here present you with half-a-crown for your trouble."
John did not much like the rough treatment he had received, but as the half-crown healed every wound that had been inflicted, he respectfully bowed, and in silence withdrew.
"I know John Todd," observed the reverend gentleman; "he's a very honest man. I have known him for years, and I am perfectly sure that he is not at all involved in this mystery."
"I hope, sir," said Judkins, "that I hav'n't in your opinion exceeded my duty."
