s stamped with three stars on its inside--the
detective ceased to make any further inquiries after mad dogs, and, with
a disengaged mind, accompanied Mr Bright through the remainder of the
basement, where he commented on the wise arrangement of having the
mail-bags made by convicts, and on the free library, which he pronounced
a magnificent institution, and which contained about 2000 volumes, that
were said by the courteous librarian to be largely used by the
officials, as well as the various newspapers and magazines, furnished
gratuitously by their proprietors. He was also shown the "lifts," which
raised people--to say nothing of mails, etcetera--from the bottom to the
top of the building, or _vice versa_; the small steam-engine which
worked the same, and the engineer of which--an old servant--was
particularly impressive on the peculiar "governor" by which his engine
was regulated; the array of letter stampers, which were kept by their
special guardian in immaculate order and readiness; the fire-hose, which
was also ready for instant service, and the firemen, who were in
constant attendance with a telegraphic instrument at their special
disposal, connecting them with other parts of the building. All this,
and a great deal more which we have not space to mention, the man in
grey saw, admired, and commented on, as well as on the general evidence
of order, method, regularity, neatness, and system which pervaded the
whole place.

"You manage things well here," he said to his conductor at parting.

"We do," responded Mr Bright, with an approving nod; "and we had need
to, for the daily despatch of Her Majesty's mails to all parts of the
world is no child's play. Our motto is--or ought to be--`Security,
Celerity, Punctuality, and Regularity.' We couldn't carry that out,
sir, without good management.--Good-bye."

"Good-bye, and thank you," said the detective, leaving St.
Martin's-le-Grand with his busy brain ruminating on a variety of
subjects in a manner that no one but a detective could by any
possibility understand.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

THE TURNING-POINT.

As time advanced Philip Maylands' circumstances improved, for Phil
belonged to that class of which it is sometimes said "they are sure to
get on." He was thorough-going and trustworthy--two qualities these
which the world cannot do without, and which, being always in demand,
are never found begging.

Phil did not "set up" for anything. He assumed no