Page:Cuthbert Bede--Little Mr Bouncer and Tales of College Life.djvu/155

Rh undergrowth of evergreens—laurel, box, and berberis—specially planted for the encouragement of the Squire's pheasants; and, stealing through these shrubs, young Winstanley might have been seen curiously watching the movements of Mr. Bouncer and his companion, while the dense thicket and its umbrage prevented him from being observed from the road. At the end of the plantation the road from the lodge came at right angles into another road; and, when the two temporary companions had turned the sharp corner, they saw a one-horse car pulled up by the side of the road with the horse's head in the direction that led to Poynton and Barham. The driver was in his place on the box, and a commonly dressed and powerfully built man was standing in the road, waiting by the side of the car. The road was much shaded by some tall trees, whose thick foliage made a screen on either side; and there was no farm-house or cottage to be seen.

"This is my conveyance," said Dr. Dustacre. "Perhaps you 'll take a little drive with me?"

"Well, if it's the same to you, I'd rather not," replied Mr. Bouncer. "You see I 'm expecting my friend and pitcher—I mean my friend and host—back to luncheon."

"Oh," said the Doctor, with a winning smile, bright as his own gold-mounted spectacles, "I am sure that Mr. Smalls, who is also a friend of mine, will readily excuse you, especially when he knows that you are in my company. So pray oblige me by getting into this car."

But little Mr. Bouncer could not see why the elder Mr. Smalls should be pleased at this act of elopement from the luncheon at which he had promised to be present; nor could he imagine what motive should