Overcome by these reminiscences, Mr. Mortimer let his chin sink, his
legs dangle, and rode forward a pace or two in the classical attitude of
the Last Survivor from Cabul; but anon looked up with set jaw and
resolution in his eye, took a grip with his knees, and challenged--

"Give a man a horse he can ride,
Give a man a boat he can sail,
And his something or other--I forget
the exact expression--
On sea nor shore shall fail!"

--"Fling wide the gate, Smiles!" He was now the Dashing Cavalier,
life-sized. "Take care of yourself, poppet!"

He gave his bridle-rein a shake (so to speak), turned, blew a kiss to
his spouse, dug heel and jogged forth chanting--

"_Tirra tirra_ by the river
Sang Sir Lancelot!"




CHAPTER VI.

MR. MORTIMER'S ADVENTURE.


"_Old mole! canst work i' the earth so fast?_"--HAMLET