This was Mr.Tasker; he had served Mr.Dalmaine thus for three years, prior to which he had been employed as a clerk at the works in Lambeth.

Mr.Dalmaine first had his attention drawn to Tasker eight or nine years before, by an instance of singular shrewdness in the latter's discharge of his duties.

From that day he kept his eye on him--took Opportunities of advancing him.

Tasker was born with a love of politics and with a genius for detail; Mr.Dalmaine discovered all this, and, when the due season came, raised him to the dignity of his private scribe.

Tasker regarded his employer as his earthly Providence, was devoted to him, served him admirably.