It is to be remarked how dependent we are for the simplest actions on
the teaching we have had. Never having received the smallest instruction
as to how to deal with such a charge, it cost him effort of thought and
some courage to put on this inscription. Saul watched, divided between
curious interest and his desire to be away.

"You've got another coffin inside this case, of course?" said the
station-master, struck with a sudden doubt.

To him, polished wood and silver plating seemed such a natural accessory
of death that he had, without thought, always associated the one idea
with the other.

"No, that's all there is. We made it too large by mistake, but we put a
bed quilt in for stuffing."

"But, my man, it isn't very well put together; the lid isn't tight."

"No--neither it is." Saul had already sidled to the door.

Trenholme felt it with his thumb and fingers.

"It's perfectly loose," he cried. "It's only got a few nails in the lid.
You ought to have put in screws, you know."

"Yes, but we hadn't got any; we had used the last screws we had for the
hinge of a door. I'm going to buy some to put in at St. Hennon's.
Good-day."

As they spoke, Saul had been going to his cart, and Trenholme following,