As, full of this resolution and buried in the dream which it conjured up, he was returning with downcast eyes and unheeding steps through the stable-yard, to the delights of No.

4, he was suddenly accosted by a loud and alarmed voice,-- "For God's sake, sir, look out, or--" The sentence was broken off, the intended warning came too late, our hero staggered back a few steps, and fell, stunned and motionless, against the stable door.

Unconsciously he had passed just behind the heels of the stranger's horse, which being by no means in good humour with the clumsy manoeuvres of his shampooer, the hostler, had taken advantage of the opportunity presented to him of working off his irritability, and had consequently inflicted a severe kick upon the right shoulder of Mr.C.L.
The stranger, honoured by the landlady with the name and title of Squire Mordaunt, was in the yard at the moment.

He hastened towards the sufferer, who as yet was scarcely sensible, and led him into the house.
The surgeon of the village was sent for and appeared.

This disciple of Galen, commonly known by the name of Jeremiah Bossolton, was a gentleman considerably more inclined to breadth than length.