Behold me then about six o'clock on the said Saturday evening being
once more whirled by a splendid pair of horses through the gateway
arch of Ragnall Castle. The carriage stopped beneath the portico, the
great doors flew open revealing the glow of the hall fire and lights
within, the footman sprang down from the box and two other footmen
descended the steps to assist me and my belongings out of the
carriage. These, I remember, consisted of a handbag with my dress
clothes and a yellow-backed novel.

So one of them took the handbag and the other had to content himself
with the novel, which made me wish I had brought a portmanteau as
well, if only for the look of the thing. The pair thus burdened,
escorted me up the steps and delivered me over to the butler who
scanned me with a critical eye. I scanned him also and perceived that
he was a very fine specimen of his class. Indeed his stately presence
so overcame me that I remarked nervously, as he helped me off with my
coat, that when last I was here another had filled his office.

"Indeed, Sir," he said, "and what was his name, Sir?"

"Savage," I replied.

"And where might he be now, Sir?"

"Inside a snake!" I answered. "At least he was inside a snake but now
I hope he is waiting upon his master in Heaven."

The man recoiled a little, pulling off my coat with a jerk. Then he