so. But unluckily he was in an enterprising temper, proud of recovered

activity, and determined to act up to the phosphate supplied by fish

diet. Therefore when the Rector, rejoicing in an outlet for his long

pent-up discoveries, and regarding this sage man as one of his family,

repeated the whole of his adventure at Carne Castle, Mr. Shargeloes

said, briefly, "It must be seen to."

"Stubbard has been there," replied Mr. Twemlow, repenting perhaps of his

confidence; "Stubbard has made an official inspection, which relieves us

of all concern with it."

"Captain Stubbard is an ass. It is a burning shame that important

affairs should be entrusted to such fellows. The country is in peril,

deadly peril; and every Englishman is bound to act as if he were an

officer."

That very same evening Carne rode back to his ruins in a very grim state

of mind. He had received from the Emperor a curt and haughty answer to

his last appeal for immediate action, and the prospect of another gloomy

winter here, with dangers thickening round him, and no motion to enliven

them, was almost more than he could endure. The nights were drawing in,

and a damp fog from the sea had drizzled the trees, and the ivy, and

even his own moustache with cold misery.

"Bring me a lantern," he said to old Jerry, as he swung his stiff legs

from the back of the jaded horse, "and the little flask of oil with the

feather in it. It is high time to put the Inspector's step in order."

Jerry Bowles, whose back and knees were bent with rheumatism and dull

service, trotted (like a horse who has become too stiff to walk) for the

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