Page 728 of 896

"Jerry," said Mr. Lorry. "Come here."

Mr. Cruncher came forward sideways, with one of his shoulders in

advance of him.

"What have you been, besides a messenger?"

After some cogitation, accompanied with an intent look at his

patron, Mr. Cruncher conceived the luminous idea of replying,

"Agicultooral character."

"My mind misgives me much," said Mr. Lorry, angrily shaking a

forefinger at him, "that you have used the respectable and great

house of Tellson's as a blind, and that you have had an unlawful

occupation of an infamous description. If you have, don't expect

me to befriend you when you get back to England. If you have,

don't expect me to keep your secret. Tellson's shall not be

imposed upon."