CHAPTER XXIV.
The next day did not look at all promising as regards the weather, but still the shooters, Tristram among them, started early for their sport.
And after the merriest breakfast at little tables in the great dining-room the intending picnickers met in conclave to decide as to what they should do.
"It is perfectly sure to rain," Jimmy Danvers said.

"There is no use attempting to go to Lynton Heights.

Why don't we take the lunch to Montfitchet Tower and eat it in the big hall?
There we wouldn't get wet." "Quite right, Jimmy," agreed the Crow, who, with Lady Anningford, was to chaperon the young folk.

"I'm all for not getting wet, with my rheumatic shoulder, and I hear you and Young Billy are a couple of firstclass cooks." "Then," interrupted Lady Betty enthusiastically, "we can cook our own lunch! Oh, how delightful! We will make a fire in the big chimney.

Uncle Crow, you are a pet!" "I will go and give orders for everything at once," Lady Ethelrida agreed delightedly.