But as his gaze, accustoming itself to the atmosphere, searched around, he could not perceive what was its cause.

Adam Warner was standing in the middle of the room, his arms folded, and contemplating something at a little distance, which Marmaduke could not accurately distinguish.

The youth took courage, and approached.

"Honoured mine host," said he, "I thank thee for hospitality and kindness, I crave pardon for disturbing thee in thy incanta--ehem!--thy--thy studies, and I come to bid thee farewell." Adam turned round with a puzzled, absent air, as if scarcely recognizing his guest; at length, as his recollection slowly came back to him, he smiled graciously, and said: "Good youth, thou art richly welcome to what little it was in my power to do for thee.

Peradventure a time may come when they who seek the roof of Adam Warner may find less homely cheer, a less rugged habitation,--for look you!" he exclaimed suddenly, with a burst of irrepressible enthusiasm--and laying his hand on Nevile's arm, as, through all the smoke and grime that obscured his face, flashed the ardent soul of the triumphant Inventor,--"look you! since you have been in this house, one of my great objects is well-nigh matured,--achieved.