t to feel and know the superiority of Professor
Woodensconce? Is Professor Grime insane? or does he wish to be reminded
in plain language of his true position in society, and the precise level
of his acquirements and abilities? Professor Grime will do well to look
to this.'

'_One o'clock_.

'I am writing in bed. The small cabin is illuminated by the feeble light
of a flickering lamp suspended from the ceiling; Professor Grime is lying
on the opposite shelf on the broad of his back, with his mouth wide open.
The scene is indescribably solemn. The rippling of the tide, the noise
of the sailors' feet overhead, the gruff voices on the river, the dogs on
the shore, the snoring of the passengers, and a constant creaking of
every plank in the vessel, are the only sounds that meet the ear. With
these exceptions, all is profound silence.

'My curiosity has been within the last moment very much excited. Mr.
Slug, who lies above Professor Grime, has cautiously withdrawn the
curtains of his berth, and, after looking anxiously out, as if to satisfy
himself that his companions are asleep, has taken up the tin tube of
which I have before spoken, and is regarding it with great interest.
What rare mechanical combination can be contained in that mysterious
case? It is evidently a profound secret to all.'

'_A quarter past one_.

'The behaviour of Mr. Slug grows more and more mysterious. He has
unscrewed the top of the tube, and now renews his observations upon his
companions, evidently to make sure that he is wholly unobserved. He is
clearly on the eve of some great experiment. Pray heaven that it be not
a dangerous one; but the interests of science must be promoted, and I am
prepared for the worst.'

'_Five minutes later_.

'He has produced a large pair of scissors, and drawn a roll of some
substance, not unlike parchment in appearance, from the tin case. The
experiment is about to begin. I must strain my eyes to the utmost, in
the attempt to follow its minutest operation.'

'_Twenty minutes before two_.

'I have at length been enabled to ascertain that the tin tube contains a
few yards of some celebrated plaster, recommended--as I discover on
regarding the label attentively through my eye-glass--as a preservati