He saw the fine thin lips, like a woman's, primmed in satisfaction.

He heard words of compliment--"none so swift and certain as you"-- "in truth, a master-hand"-- "I know not where to look for your like." Delicious speeches seemed to soothe his ear.

And gold, too, bags of it, the tale of which would never appear in any accompt-book.

Nay, his fancy soared higher.

He saw himself presented to Ministers as one of the country's saviours, and kissing the hand of Majesty.