All I know is that you are wanted," said the other.
"Who are the house committee ?" queried the Ferryman.
"Sir Walter Raleigh, Cassius, Demosthenes, Blackstone, Doctor Johnson, and Confucius," replied the shade.
"Tell 'em I'll be back in an hour," said Charon, pushing off.

"I've got a cargo of shades on board consigned to various places up the river.

I've promised to get 'em all through to-night, but I'll put on a couple of extra paddles--two of the new arrivals are working their passage this trip--and it won't take as long as usual.

What boat is this, anyhow ?" "The _Nancy Nox_, of Erebus." "Thunder!" cried Charon, as he pushed off and proceeded on his way up the river.

"Named after my mother! Perhaps it'll come out all right yet." More hopeful of mood, Charon, aided by the two dead-head passengers, soon got through with his evening's work, and in less than an hour was back seeking admittance, as requested, to the company of Sir Walter Raleigh and his fellow-members on the house committee.