"Yes--Indian," said Verty; "but I just thought, Mr. Roundjacket, of my
new suit. To-day was to be the time for getting it."

"Very true," said the clerk, laying down his pen, "and as everything
is best done in order, we will go at once."

Roundjacket opened Mr. Rushton's door, and informed him where he was
going, and for what purpose--a piece of information which was received
with a growl, and various muttered ejaculations.

Verty had already put on his fur hat.

"The fact is," said Roundjacket, as they issued forth into the street
of the town, followed by Longears, "the old fellow, yonder, is getting
dreadfully bearish."

"Is he, sir?"

"Yes; and every year it increases."

"I like him, though."

"You are right, young man--a noble-hearted man is Rushton; but
unfortunate, sir,--unfortunate."

And Mr. Roundjacket shook his head.

"How?"