in oblivion.




CHAPTER III.


"Hast any mortal name,
Fit appellation for this dazzling frame,
Or friends or kinsfolk on the citied earth?"

KEATS.

"This is positively absurd," murmured Lorimer, in mildly injured
tones, seven hours later, as he sat on the edge of his berth,
surveying Errington, who, fully dressed, and in the highest spirits,
had burst in to upbraid him for his laziness while he was yet but
scantily attired. "I tell you, my good fellow, there are some things
which the utmost stretch of friendship will NOT stand. Here am I in
shirt and trousers with only one sock on, and you dare to say you
have had an adventure! Why, if you had cut a piece out of the sun,
you ought to wait till a man is shaved before mentioning it."

"Don't be snappish, old boy!" laughed Errington gaily. "Put on that
other sock and listen. I don't want to tell those other fellows just
yet, they might go making inquiries about her--"

"Oh, there is a 'her' in the case, is there?" said Lorimer, opening
his eyes rather widely. "Well, Phil! I thought you had had enough,