"How do you manage when there isn't any cock handy?" I inquired.

He was on the point of replying, when again he started and
listened. This time I distinctly heard Mr. Bowles's cock, next
door, crow twice.

"There you are," he said, rising and reaching for his hat; "that's
the sort of thing we have to put up with. What IS the time?"

I looked at my watch, and found it was half-past three.

"I thought as much," he muttered. "I'll wring that blessed bird's
neck if I get hold of it." And he prepared to go.

"If you can wait half a minute," I said, getting out of bed, "I'll
go a bit of the way with you."

"It's very good of you," he rejoined, pausing, "but it seems unkind
to drag you out."

"Not at all," I replied; "I shall like a walk." And I partially
dressed myself, and took my umbrella; and he put his arm through
mine, and we went out together.

Just by the gate we met Jones, one of the local constables.

"Good-night, Jones," I said (I always feel affable at Christmas-
time).

"Good-night, sir," answered the man a little gruffly, I thought.