Mr.Neverbend, who is to be your colleague, cannot put two words together.' 'Mr.Neverbend!' said Alaric.
'Yes, Fidus Neverbend, of the Woods and Forests; a very excellent public servant, and one in whom the fullest confidence can be placed.

But between you and me, he will never set the Thames on fire.' 'Does he understand mining ?' asked Alaric.
'He understands Government properties, and will take care that the Crown be not wronged; but, Tudor, the Government will look to you to get the true common-sense view of the case.

I trust--I mean that I really do trust, that you will not disgrace my choice.' Alaric of course promised that he would do his best, expressed the deepest gratitude to his patron, and went off to put himself into communication with Mr.Neverbend at the Woods and Forests, having received an assurance that the examination in his own office should not take place till after his return from Tavistock.

He was not slow to perceive that if he could manage to come back with all the _eclat_ of a successful mission, the prestige of such a journey would go far to assist him on his coming trial.
Mr.Fidus Neverbend was an absolute dragon of honesty.

His integrity was of such an all-pervading nature, that he bristled with it as a porcupine does with its quills.