"Very well," said Mr. Roundjacket, "I shall then have more time to
devote to my epic."

"Epic, the devil! You'll be obliged to do more than ever."

"More?"

"Yes--you will have to teach the new comer office duty."

"Who is he?"

"An Indian."

"What?"

"The Indian boy Verty--you have seen him, I know."

Mr. Roundjacket uttered a prolonged whistle.

"There!" cried Mr. Rushton--"you are incredulous, like everybody!"

"Yes, I am!"

"You doubt my ability to capture him?"

"Precisely."

"Well, sir! we'll see. I have never yet given up what I have once
undertaken. Smile as you please, you moon-struck poet; and if you
want an incident to put in your trashy law-epic, new nib your pen to