"More charges, Griffin? surely getting hold of that bull is of far more value than the price of a horse. If that is the only charge you have to bring against the best stockman on the place, I shall take no further notice of it."
Griffin seemed quite crest-fallen at this rebuke, and replied maliciously:—"But you must remember, sir, that he is always giving me impudent answers, and is constantly disobeying my orders."
Charlie, who was listening to these trifling charges, could no longer bear to hear his old servant abused, replied provokingly:—"It appears to me, Mr. Griffin that you have already a good supply of impudence without giving you any more." This well-timed and merited cut sent Mr. Wilson into a fit of laughter on looking at Griffin's abashed countenance, as he muttered some unintelligible curses at the swell whom he had no doubt was a J.P.
Donald, who did not recognise Charlie, was ordered by Mr Wilson to lead the two horses to a small yard a short distance off. Charlie, thinking this was a good opportunity to make himself known without the spectators cognizance, followed Donald on the plea of getting a parcel off the saddle.
The happiness which the innocent convict experienced on meeting with Charlie, and the fact of his having his free pardon, was great.
Charlie then told Donald of the charges Griffin had brought against him, when he exultingly exclaimed—"Ah! the villian, won't I serve him out now.
It was agreed between them to return to the yard at once, and for the present to keep the recognition and the free pardon secret.
On their return Griffin was ineffectually endeavouring to draft the cattle, which proceeding was constantly interrupted by the attacks of the bull before-mentioned, which sent him in hot haste up the rails at every charge. On seeing Donald, Griffin roared out with his usual oath commanding the former to jump in and help to draft, which was done with a smile.
After once more compelling Griffin to seek refuge on
