reverberation of the road and the stir of rapid exercise, and

plunged into the gloom and damp of this receptacle for vagabonds,

struck an instant chill upon the Arethusa's blood. Now see in how

small a matter a hardship may consist: the floor was exceedingly

uneven underfoot, with the very spade-marks, I suppose, of the

labourers who dug the foundations of the barrack; and what with the

poor twilight and the irregular surface, walking was impossible.

The caged author resisted for a good while; but the chill of the

place struck deeper and deeper; and at length, with such reluctance

as you may fancy, he was driven to climb upon the bed and wrap

himself in the public covering. There, then, he lay upon the verge

of shivering, plunged in semi-darkness, wound in a garment whose

touch he dreaded like the plague, and (in a spirit far removed from

resignation) telling the roll of the insults he had just received.

These are not circumstances favourable to the muse.

Meantime (to look at the upper surface where the sun was still

shining and the guns of sportsmen were still noisy through the

tufted plain) the Cigarette was drawing near at his more

philosophic pace. In those days of liberty and health he was the

constant partner of the Arethusa, and had ample opportunity to

share in that gentleman's disfavour with the police. Many a bitter

bowl had he partaken of with that disastrous comrade. He was

himself a man born to float easily through life, his face and

manner artfully recommending him to all. There was but one

suspicious circumstance he could not carry off, and that was his

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