Part 40 (2/2)

”A lodging, St. James's Street way, is less expensive, sir, and more usual.”

”Good!” said Barnabas; ”to buy a house will be more original, at least. Then there must be servants, horses--vehicles--but you will understand--”

”Certainly, sir.”

”Well then, John--go and get 'em.”

”Sir?” exclaimed Peterby.

”Go now, John,” said Barnabas, pulling out his purse, ”this very moment.”

”But,” stammered Peterby, ”but, sir--you will--”

”I shall stay here--I don't intend to stir out until you have me dressed as I should be--in 'clothes that exist,' John!”

”But you--don't mean to--to entrust--everything--to--me?”

”Of course, John.”

”But sir--”

”I have every confidence in your judgment, you see. Here is money, you will want more, of course, but this will do to go on with.”

But Peterby only stared from Barnabas to the money on the table, and back again.

”Sir,” said he at last, ”this is--a great deal of money.”

”Well, John?”

”And I would remind you that we are in London, sir, and that yesterday I--was a poacher--a man of no character--a--”

”But to-day you are my valet, John. So take the money and buy me whatever I require, but a tailor first of all.”

Then, as one in a dream, Peterby took up the money, counted it, b.u.t.toned it into his pocket, and crossed to the door; but there he paused and turned.

”Sir,” said he slowly, ”I'll bring you a man who, though he is little known as yet, will be famous some day, for he is what I may term an artist in cloth. And sir,”--here Peterby's voice grew uncertain--”you shall find me worthy of your trust, so help me G.o.d!”

Then he opened the door, went out, and closed it softly behind him.

But as for Barnabas, he sat with his gaze fixed on the ceiling again, lost in reverie and very silent. After a while he spoke his thoughts aloud.

”A race!” said he.

CHAPTER XXVII

HOW BARNABAS BOUGHT AN UNRIDABLE HORSE--AND RODE IT

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