"Hum!" said he at last, "so it seems in finding a friend I have also
found myself another rival?"
"I greatly fear so," said Barnabas, and they walked on together.
But when they had gone some distance in moody silence, the Viscount
spoke:
"Beverley," said he, "forewarned is forearmed!"
"Yes," answered Barnabas, "that is why I told you."
"Then," said the Viscount, "I think we'll--shake hands--after all."
The which they did forthwith.
Now it was at this moment that Milo of Crotona took it upon himself
to become visible.
CHAPTER XIV
CONCERNING THE BUTTONS OF ONE MILO OF CROTONA
Never did a pair of top boots, big or little, shine with a lustre
more resplendent; never was postilion's jacket more excellent of fit,
nattier, or more carefully brushed; and nowhere could there be found
two rows of crested silver buttons with such an air of waggish
roguery, so sly, so knowing, and so pertinaciously on the everlasting
wink, as these same eight buttons that adorned the very small person
of his groomship, Milo of Crotona. He had slipped out suddenly from
the hedge, and now stood cap in hand, staring from the Viscount to
Barnabas, and back again, with his innocent blue eyes, and with every
blinking, twinkling button on his jacket.
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