Chapter 75 - Page 2

obliged to him for volunteering that evidence. These insane creatures make such very odd and embarrassing remarks, that they really ought to be hanged for the comfort of society.a€™

The country justice had indeed turned the wavering scale against poor Barnaby, and solved the doubt that trembled in his favour. Grip little thought how much he had to answer for.

a€˜They will be a singular party,a€™ said Sir John, leaning his head upon his hand, and sipping his chocolate; a€˜a very curious party. The hangman himself; the centaur; and the madman. The centaur would make a very handsome preparation in Surgeonsa€™ Hall, and would benefit science extremely. I hope they have taken care to bespeak him.a€"Peak, I am not at home, of course, to anybody but the hairdresser.a€™

This reminder to his servant was called forth by a knock at the door, which the man hastened to open. After a prolonged murmur of question and answer, he returned; and as he cautiously closed the room-door behind him, a man was heard to cough in the passage.

a€˜Now, it is of no use, Peak,a€™ said Sir John, raising his hand in deprecation of his delivering any message; a€˜I am not at home. I cannot possibly hear you. I told you I was not at home, and my word is sacred. Will you never do as you are desired?a€™

Having nothing to oppose to this reproof, the man was about to withdraw, when the visitor who had given occasion to it, probably rendered impatient by delay, knocked with his knuckles at the chamber-door, and called out that he had urgent business with Sir John Chester, which admitted of no delay.

a€˜Let him in,a€™ said Sir John. a€˜My good fellow,a€™ he added, when the door was opened, a€˜how come you to intrude yourself in this extraordinary manner upon the privacy of a gentleman? How can you be so wholly destitute of self-respect as to be guilty of such remarkable ill-breeding?a€™

a€˜My business, Sir John, is not of a common kind, I do assure you,a€™ returned the person he addressed. a€˜If I have taken any uncommon course to get admission to you, I hope I shall be pardoned on that account.a€™

a€˜Well! we shall see; we shall see,a€™ returned Sir John, whose face cleared up when he saw who it was, and whose prepossessing smile was now restored. a€˜I am sure we have met before,a€™ he added in his winning tone, a€˜but really I forget your name?a€™

a€˜My name is Gabriel Varden, sir.a€™

a€˜Varden, of course, Varden,a€™ returned Sir John, tapping his forehead. a€˜Dear me, how very defective my memory becomes! Varden to be surea€"Mr Varden the