142 DOGGED 'ACK.

 "Not at all, Muffin, not at all," answered Mr. Gilbert
with his usual courtesy, but wondering very much at
the same time what the bailiff could have to say
to him. "Pray, let me know if there is any way
in which I can be of use to you."
 "You're very kind, sir,-but I came down to men-
tion something I think ought to be known. I didn't
like to trouble Mr. Brown, being in such a fret, like,
now about Master Adolphus. You've heard, sir, no
doubt, how the accident was caused ?"
 "Why, I was present you know, Muffin. I saw the
poor fellow thrown off."
 "I don't mean only that, sir-I mean how some
one put a pin in the saddle to make the pony kick."
 "A pin in the saddle! "exclaimed Mr. Gilbert very
much shocked; "no, I've not heard that! indeed, I
think you must be mistaken,-no one could be so
madly wicked, Muffin!"
 But the bailiff shook his head. "There's not a doubt
about it, sir. Tom, the post-boy, told me this morn-
ing-he sleeps at Shirley's-and says 'twas only this
morning the stable-boy found the pin, as he was
cleaning the saddle. He says it must have been
one of the young gentlemen did it through spite, like,
against Master Adolphus! "
 Mr. Gilbert's face grew dark and angry.
 "He'd no right to say that. How can any one tell