Page:Cuthbert Bede--Little Mr Bouncer and Tales of College Life.djvu/156

136 the mysterious individual in clerical dress, and with the bald head and hooked nose and gold-rimmed spectacles, to desire his company. And, for his own part, as he entertained very strong suspicions that, as he mentally expressed it—The old bald-pate had a tile off or a screw loose somewhere—he had considerable scruples for not desiring to take a country drive with him, immured in the narrowed limits of a car. The presence of a third person would not be altogether reassuring, even though he should prove to be a keeper from a lunatic asylum. For Mr. Bouncer thought—Is it possible that this old bald-pate had got away from this square-shouldered resolute looking party? If so, perhaps I had better humour him a little to prevent an outbreak.

These thoughts coursed rapidly through Mr. Bouncer's mind as the Doctor said, "Pray oblige me by accompanying me for a short drive! allow me to help you!" and, taking him by the arm and using some little strength, he forced, rather than guided, Mr. Bouncer to the car, the door of which was held open by the broad-shouldered man. Cabby, on the box, was regarding the scene with an unconcealed grin. Young Winstanley was also looking on from his covert of shrubs and trees, with a cunning smile on his face.

"After you! you get in first!" said Mr. Bouncer, taking the opportunity to tip an expressive wink to the broad-shouldered man, as though to say—If he can be got safely in, then you can see to him, and I can go about my business.

"Oh, no!" said the Doctor politely; "I could not think of it. You get in first, and I will follow you."

It struck Mr. Bouncer that the broad-shouldered