Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/112

 Dodge was quite aware of it, in fact he was much clearer on that point than the lawyer himself.

He continued, "Now all you have to do is to accompany the person who will be here presently, show him the nearest way to Dodge's, lend him all the aid you can, and if the capture is made within the week I will make you a handsome present—there! and you shall hear no more of your  'joke.' "

"Thank you kindly," said Dodge, and he breathed freely once more.

Mr. Grabley, the bailiff, soon arrived, and Dodge prepared himself for his new duties. He examined his horse's feet, took an extra pull upon his saddle-girths, and looked to his spurs.

"Mr. Grabley is waiting, Sir" said a voice from the "clerk's office" by day, and bedroom at night.

The lawyer having fully explained to the bailiff the business to be transacted, accompanied him to the door, where Dodge was already in his saddle and attentively observing the bad points in Mr. Grabley's horse. As that functionary appeared, he observed to him, rather abruptly, "That's a screw, if I ever saw one."

"Well, he is rather stiff to day," said Grabley, "but he did forty miles yesterday: so we must ride easy."

"Slow and sure," suggested Dodge.

They were now ready to start upon the journey. The lawyer had given his parting directions; when, turning to Dodge, he said, "By the bye, my fine fellow, I want your name, if you please."

"My name," said Dodge, "ah—yes—to be sure! My name is—have you a pencil about you? write it, you might forget it.—Are you ready?"

The lawyer was ready.