did not relish overmuch. Now that our hero had recovered, he gladly
prepared to indulge himself in an extra nap.

"Paul!" called Mr. Mudge from the bottom of the staircase leading up
into the attic, "it's five o'clock; time you were downstairs."

Mr. Mudge waited for an answer, but none came.

"Paul!" repeated Mr. Mudge in a louder tone, "it's time to get up;
tumble out there."

Again there was no answer.

At first, Mr. Mudge thought it might be in consequence of Paul's
sleeping so soundly, but on listening attentively, he could not
distinguish the deep and regular breathing which usually accompanies
such slumber.

"He must be sullen," he concluded, with a feeling of irritation. "If he
is, I'll teach him----"

Without taking time to finish the sentence, he bounded up the rickety
staircase, and turned towards the bed with the intention of giving our
hero a smart shaking.

He looked with astonishment at the empty bed. "Is it possible," he
thought, "that Paul has already got up? He isn't apt to do so before he
is called."

At this juncture, Mrs. Mudge, surprised at her husband's prolonged