TINKER INTERVENES Sir Tancred lingered on at Ardrochan Lodge, for he saw that in that strong air Tinker was losing the last of the delicacy which had been the effect of his attack of scarlet fever.

And when Lord Crosland and two other men joined him there, he was very well contented.

The others shared his content; Tinker, more and more the Baron Hildebrand of Ardrochan, was quite happy, and there they stayed till the Scotch winter came down on them in all its fell severity.
Then they moved southwards to Melton Mowbray, and hunted till the frost put an end to that sport.

On the third night of the frost, as they were cutting for partners for a fresh rubber of bridge, Lord Crosland said: "I tell you what, Beauleigh, the sooner we get out of this weather the better.

Let's be off to Monte Carlo, make up a pool, and try that system of yours." "It's a very good idea," said Sir Tancred.