how, but never having heard of Clink, or Burrows either, for that
matter, he made up his mind that it was best for his reputation for him
to stay out of the controversy.

"Very slight similarity, however," said the School-master, in despair.

"Where can I find Clink's books?" put in Mr. Whitechoker, very much
interested.

The Idiot conveniently had his mouth full of chicken at the moment, and
it was to the School-master who had also read him that they all--the
landlady included--looked for an answer.

"Oh, I think," returned that worthy, hesitatingly--"I think you'll find
Clink in any of the public libraries."

"What is his full name?" persisted Mr. Whitechoker, taking out a
memorandum-book.

"Horace J. Clink," said the Idiot.

"Yes; that's it--Horace J. Clink," echoed the School-master. "Very
virile writer and a clear thinker," he added, with some nervousness.

"What, if any, of his books would you specially recommend?" asked the
Minister again.

The Idiot had by this time risen from the table, and was leaving the
room with the genial gentleman who occasionally imbibed.