Cashel Byron's Profession

"Not one," said Cashel, with a laugh that rang through the house. "I

never was happier in my life, though I'm crying inside all the time.

I'll have a try for you yet. Good-bye. No," he added, turning from

her proffered hand; "I daren't touch it; I should eat you

afterwards." And he ran out of the room.

In the hall was Bashville, pale and determined, waiting there to

rush to the assistance of his mistress at her first summons. He had

a poker concealed at hand. Having just heard a great laugh, and

seeing Cashel come down-stairs in high spirits, he stood stock-

still, and did not know what to think.

"Well, old chap," said Cashel, boisterously, slapping him on the

shoulder, "so you're alive yet. Is there any one in the

dining-room?"

"No," said Bashville.

"There's a thick carpet there to fall soft on," said Cashel, pulling

Bashville into the room. "Come along. Now, show me that little trick

of yours again. Come, don't be afraid. Down with me. Take care you

don't knock my head against the fire-irons."

"But--"

"But be hanged. You were spry enough at it before. Come!"

Bashville, after a moment's hesitation, seized Cashel, who

immediately became grave and attentive, and remained imperturbably

so while Nashville expertly threw him. He sat for a moment thinking

on the hearth-rug before he rose. "I see," he said, then, getting

up. "Now, do it again."

"But it makes such a row," remonstrated Bashville.

"Only once more. There'll be no row this time."

"Well, you ARE an original sort of cove," said Bashville, complying.

But instead of throwing his man, he found himself wedged into a

collar formed by Cashel's arms, the least constriction of which

would have strangled him. Cashel again roared with laughter as he

released him.

"That's the way, ain't it?" he said. "You can't catch an old fox

twice in the same trap. Do you know any more falls?"

"I do," said Bashville; "but I really can't show them to you here. I

shall get into trouble on account of the noise."

"You can come down to me whenever you have an evening out," said

Cashel, handing him a card, "to that address, and show me what you

know, and I'll see what I can do with you. There's the making of a

man in you."

"You're very kind," said Bashville, pocketing the card with a grin.