I can always be reached at the address given; and I beg you to remember, sir, that I shall be most happy to serve you in the event that--" A rising gale of laughter drowned his further remarks, but he continued in dumb show, with fervid gesticulations, and a mouth that moved rapidly but produced no sound, concluding with a humble bow; and stalked back to his chair with stately dignity, unmarred by even the semblance of a smile.

Young Peter Johnson howled with the rest, his sulks forgotten; and even the withered serving-man relaxed to a smile--a portent hitherto unknown.
"Come; we grow giddy," chided McClintock at last, wiping his own eyes as he spoke.

"We have done with talk of yonder ghost-bogle mine.

But I must trouble you yet with a word of my own, which is partly to justify me before you.

This it is--that, even at the time of Stanley's flitting, I set it down in black and white that he was to halve my gear wi' Oscar, share and share alike.