was all.

But one night Uncle Dick took it into his head to go down to the works
and see that all was right.

Nothing of the kind had been done before since the watchman came, for
everything went on all right; the place was as it should be, no bands
were touched, and there seemed to be no reason for showing any doubt of
the man; and so Uncle Jack said when Uncle Dick talked of going.

"No, there is no reason," said Uncle Dick; "but I cannot help feeling
that we have been lulling ourselves too much into a feeling of security
about the place. I shall wait till about one o'clock, and then walk
down."

"No, no," said Uncle Jack; "I'm tired. Had a very heavy day, and of
course you cannot go alone."

"Why not?"

"Because we should not let you. Even Cob would insist upon going."

"Of course!" I said. "I had made up my mind to go."

"It's quite right," said Uncle Bob. "We've been remiss. When sentries
are set the superior officers always make a point of going their rounds
to see if they are all right. Go, Dick, and we'll come with you."

Uncle Dick protested, but we had our own way, and about a quarter to one
on a bitter March night we let ourselves out and walked down to the
works.

For my part I would far rather have gone to bed, but after a few minutes
the excitement of the proceeding began to assert itself, and I was
bright and wakeful enough.

We walked quickly and briskly on till we came to the lane by the factory
wall; but instead of turning down we all walked on along the edge of the
dam, which gleamed coldly beneath the frosty stars. It was very full,
for there had been a good deal of rain; and though the air was frosty
there was a suggestion of change and more rain before long.

When we reached the top of the dam we turned and looked back.

Everything was as quiet as could be, and here and there the glow from
the lowered furnace-fires made a faint halo about the dark building, so
quiet and still after the hurry and buzz of the day.

As we went back along the dam the wavelets lapped the stone edge, and
down below on the other side, as well as by the waste sluice, we could
hear the water rushing along towards the lower part of the town, and
onward to the big river that would finally carry it to the sea.

We were very silent, for every one was watching the works, till, as
Uncle Dick and I reached the lane, we stopped short, for I caught his
arm.

I had certainly heard whispering.

There we