James Hawkins was gifted
with that low cunning which peculiarly adapts a small villain for the
service of a greater villain.
At nine o'clock on the following evening, the two met again at the
"Goat and Compasses." This time their interview was very brief and
business-like.
"Have you succeeded?" asked Victor.
"I have, guv'nor, like one o'clock. Mr. Spavin will take five-and-
twenty guineas from my friend the jock; but wouldn't sell the 'Buffalo'
to a gentleman on no account."
"Here is the money," answered Victor, handing the groom five bank-notes
for five pounds each, and twenty-five shillings in gold and silver.
"Have you asked for a holiday?"
"No, guv'nor; because, between you and me, I don't suppose I should get
it if I did ask. I shall make so bold as to take it without asking.
Sham ill, and send my wife to say as I'm laid up in bed at home, and
can't come to work."
"Hawkins, you are a diplomatist," exclaimed Victor; "and now I'll make
short work of my instructions. There's a bit of paper, with the name of
the place to which you're to take the animal--Frimley Common,
Dorsetshire. You'll start to-morrow at daybreak, and travel as quickly
as you can without taking the spirit out of the horse. I want him to be
fresh when he reaches my friend."
Mr. Hawkins gave a sinister laugh.
"Don't you be afraid of that, sir. 'Wild Buffalo' will be fresh enough,
you may depend," he said.
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