If the Board chose to make the Weights and Measures a hospital for idiots, it might do so.
He had done what little lay in his power to make the office respectable; and now, because mammas complained when their cubs of sons were not allowed to come in there and rob the public and destroy the office books, he was to be thwarted and reprimanded! He had been,' he said, 'eight-and-twenty years in office, and was still in his prime--but he should,' he thought, 'take advantage of the advice of his medical friends, and retire.

He would never remain there to see the Weights and Measures become a hospital for incurables!' It was thus that Mr.Hardlines, the chief clerk, expressed himself.

He did not, however, send in a medical certificate, nor apply for a pension; and the first apparent effect of the little lecture which he had received from the Chairman, was the admission into the service of Alaric Tudor.

Mr.Hardlines was soon forced to admit that the appointment was not a bad one, as before his second year was over, young Tudor had produced a very smart paper on the merits--or demerits--of the strike bushel.
Alaric Tudor when he entered the office was by no means so handsome a youth as Harry Norman; but yet there was that in his face which was more expressive, and perhaps more attractive.

He was a much slighter man, though equally tall.