d him up again. "I
had not the advantage of knowing your other name, and I was in such a
hurry that I had no time to think what I was saying."

They laughed again in the most good-humoured way, and, as soon as
the young fellow had recovered, we all joined in quite a confidential
conversation. It is wonderful how the intrusion of any of the realities
of life brushes away the cobwebs of etiquette. In half an hour we knew
all about each other, or at any rate I knew all about them. Mrs. La
Force was the mother's name, a widow with these two children. They had
given up housekeeping, and found it more pleasant to live in apartments,
travelling from one watering place to another. Their one trouble was
the nervous weakness of the son Fred. They were now on their way to
Birchespool, where they hoped that he might get some good from the
bracing air. I was able to recommend vegetarianism, which I have found
to act like a charm in such cases. We had quite a spirited conversation,
and I think that we were sorry on both sides when we came to the
junction where they had to change. Mrs. La Force gave me her card, and I
promised to call if ever I should be in Birchespool.

However, all this must be stupid enough to you. You know my little ways
by this time, and you don't expect me to keep on the main line of my
story. However, I am back on the rails now, and I shall try to remain
there.

Well, it was nearly six o'clock, and evening was just creeping in when
we drew up in Bradfield Station. The first thing I saw when I looked out
of the window was Cullingworth, exactly the same as ever, striding in
his jerky way down the platform, his coat flying open, his chin thrust
forward (he is the most under-hung man I have ever seen), and his great
teeth all gleaming, like a good-natured blood-hound. He roared with
delight when he saw me, wrung my hand, and slapped me enthusiastically
upon the shoulder.

"My dear chap!" said he. "We'll clear this town out. I tell you, Munro,
we won't leave a doctor in it. It's all they can do now to get butter
to their bread; and when we get to work together they'll have to eat it
dry. Listen to me, my boy! There are a hundred and twenty thousand folk
in this town, all shrieking for advice, and there isn't a doctor who
knows a rhubarb pill from a calculus. Man, we only have to gather them
in. I stand and take the money until my arm aches."

"But how is it?" I asked, as we pushed our way through the crowd, "ar