CHAPTER III.
In the days that followed all England was thrilled to its base as the news spread that the Wazoo might rise at any moment.
"Will the Wazoos rise ?" was the question upon every lip.
In London men went to their offices with a sense of gloom.

At lunch they could hardly eat.

A feeling of impending disaster pervaded all ranks.
Sir John as he passed to and fro to the House was freely accosted in the streets.
"Will the Wazoos rise, sir ?" asked an honest labourer.

"Lord help us all, sir, if they do." Sir John, deeply touched, dropped a shilling in the honest fellow's hat, by accident.
At No.

10 Downing Street, women of the working class, with children in their arms, stood waiting for news.
On the Exchange all was excitement.