'You'll find you'll have to, my boy,' was Michael's easy comment, and he

began calling for the waiter, with whom he at once resumed a sparkling

conversation.

It was a downcast little man that followed him. 'Of course he is very

clever, but can I trust him in such a state?' he asked himself. And when

they were once more in a hansom, he took heart of grace.

'Don't you think,' he faltered, 'it would be wiser, considering all

things, to put this business off?'

'Put off till tomorrow what can be done today?' cried Michael, with

indignation. 'Never heard of such a thing! Cheer up, it's all right, go

in and win--there's a lion-hearted Pitman!'

At Cannon Street they enquired for Mr Brown's piano, which had duly

arrived, drove thence to a neighbouring mews, where they contracted

for a cart, and while that was being got ready, took shelter in the

harness-room beside the stove. Here the lawyer presently toppled against

the wall and fell into a gentle slumber; so that Pitman found himself

launched on his own resources in the midst of several staring loafers,

such as love to spend unprofitable days about a stable. 'Rough day,

sir,' observed one. 'Do you go far?'

Yes, it's a--rather a rough day,' said the artist; and then, feeling

that he must change the conversation, 'My friend is an Australian; he is

The Wrong Box