l, yea, even unto the adjournment!"

"A very pretty tale, and one to be remembered," observed Colonel
Manysnifters thoughtfully. "_I_ never had an adventure like that,
because I am awfully careful about what I eat and drink, and I roost at
chicken-time. There's no telling what will happen to a man when he
violates Nature's laws. Night is made for sleep, and the three hours
before midnight count for more than all the rest."

"And yet, Colonel," remonstrated Van Rensselaer, "by your own admission
just now----"

"You mean my outing with the 'Jewels,' I suppose. That, my friend, is
the solitary exception that proves the rule. That little adventure
simply confirmed yours truly in his belief of the old maxim learned at
Mammy's knee, that

"'Early to bed and early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise!'

"I may misquote, but it will do. Old Sol has scarce seemed to illumine
the Western heavens ere I seek my humble couch. And yet I do not pose as
a saint. But stop! If I do not greatly err, the junior Senator from
Massachusetts seems restless and eager-eyed. I think he would like to
take the floor. I know the signs, having often observed just such a
readiness in many a good man before."

Senator Wendell, blushing, denied the charge, but when urged by all
present responded gamely.

"I really think I have no story to tell that would interest you. My life
has been cast upon very hum-drum matter-of-fact lines, and I can recall
no startling incident. In my native town there is a shop-keeper who,
when he is out of any article called for, tells his customers to wait a
moment while he sends the boy over to the warehouse,--the 'warehouse'
being the larger and more prosperous establishment of a rival just
around the corner,--and the boy never returns empty-handed. I shall have
to imitate my worthy friend; so pardon me just a moment." And the
Senator left us and went to his room. He soon returned with some papers.

"I am, as perhaps you know, connected with the ---- Magazine, and this
is one of the many manuscripts that reach our office every day. These
things, with a very few exceptions, are promptly returned to their
authors--provided, of course, that sufficient postage for that purpose
is enclosed. This particular effort is as yet under advisement. Perhaps
the tale will interest you. It is called 'The Creaking of the Stairs,'
and is rather out of the ordinary. You may fancy it."

VIII

SENATOR WENDEL