As soon as it became plainly manifest that his zeal in the public service would carry him no lower, and would hardly suffice to keep life throbbing in his bosom much longer, even in his present level, preparations were made for his ascent.

A bell was rung; hoarse voices were again heard speaking and answering in sounds quite unintelligible to a Cockney's ears; chains rattled, the windlass whirled, and the huge bucket came tumbling down, nearly on their heads.

Poor Neverbend was all but lifted into it.

Where now was all the pride of the morn that had seen him go forth the great dictator of the mines?
Where was that towering spirit with which he had ordered his tea and toast, and rebuked the slowness of his charioteer?
Where the ambition that had soared so high over the pet of the Weights and Measures?
Alas, alas! how few of us there are who have within us the courage to be great in adversity.

_'Aequam memento'_--&c., &c.!--if thou couldst but have thought of it, O Neverbend, who need'st must some day die.
But Neverbend did not think of it.