lecturing the intelligent native; but I had a feeling that the thing
tended to expose our ignorance to men who had probably had to do with
fowls from their cradle up.

"His lectures are very popular," said Phyllis Derrick with a little
splutter of mirth.

"He enjoys them," I said.

"Look here, Garnet," said Tom Chase, "I hope you won't consider all
these questions impertinent, but you've no notion of the thrilling
interest we all take--at a distance--in your farm. We have been
talking of nothing else for a week. I have dreamed of it three nights
running. Is Mr. Ukridge doing this as a commercial speculation, or is
he an eccentric millionaire?"

"He's not a millionaire yet, but I believe he intends to be one
shortly, with the assistance of the fowls. But you mustn't look on me
as in any way responsible for the arrangements at the farm. I am
merely a labourer. The brainwork of the business lies in Ukridge's
department. As a matter of fact, I came down here principally in
search of golf."

"Golf?" said Professor Derrick, with the benevolent approval of the
enthusiast towards a brother. "I'm glad you play golf. We must have a
round together."

"As soon as ever my professional duties will permit," I said
gratefully.