Others of a still higher order of understanding, attributed the eccentricities of the caretakers to one cause alone: the Petershof air.

They know it had the invariable effect of getting into the head, and upsetting the balance of those who drank deep of it.

Therefore no one was to blame, and no one need be bitter.

But these were the philosophers of the colony: a select and dainty few in any colony.

But there were several rebels amongst the invalids, and they found consolation in confiding to each other their separate grievances.