One unfortunate, on the failure of all his hopes, had thrown himself into the Thames from the neighbouring boat-stairs; and though he had been hooked out uninjured by the man who always attends there with two wooden legs, the effect on his parents' minds had been distressing.

Shortly after this occurrence the chief clerk had been invited to attend the Board, and the Chairman of the Commissioners, who, on the occasion, was of course prompted by the Secretary, recommended Mr.Hardlines to be a _leetle_ more lenient.

In doing so the quantity of butter which he poured over Mr.Hardlines' head and shoulders with the view of alleviating the misery which such a communication would be sure to inflict, was very great.

But, nevertheless, Mr.Hardlines came out from the Board a crestfallen and unhappy man.

'The service,' he said, 'would go to the dogs, and might do for anything he cared, and he did not mind how soon.