en in
hunting expeditions, for the benefit of their employers."

Sir James set his son's shoulder free by giving him a fierce thrust, and
his own hand too, so as to bring down his doubled fist upon the library
table.

"Look here, sir," he roared, "do you for a moment think that I would
consent to be carried stretched out on a couple of poles raised shoulder
high by a pack of niggers? Because if you do--"

"And sometimes," continued the doctor calmly, "the sure-footed ponies of
a country are very much used by travellers and hunting parties, for it
is necessary that the sportsman or naturalist should not be over
fatigued and should keep his nerves steady, as at times his life or that
of his companions may rest upon the ability to be true in his aim at
some dangerous beast about to charge and strike him down."

"Humph! Yes. That's quite true, boys. A man can't shoot straight when
he's pumped out with too much exertion. I have missed horribly
sometimes after a long day's tramp seeing nothing worth shooting at; and
then just at the end the birds have risen, or a hare has started up and
given me an easy chance, and then got away. There, go on, doctor, and
don't let me check you with my chatter."

"Oh, I have not much more to say, sir," was the reply.

"Not much more to say!" cried Sir James, in a disappointed tone.
"There, go on, sir; go on. The boys are very anxious to hear you--
there, I won't be a sham--so am I too."

"Well, to be brief, sir--" began the doctor.

"But I don't want you to be brief," cried Sir James, thumping the table
again, but this time more softly, and no coffee sprang out into the
saucers.

"Oh, do go on; do go on!" said Mark's lips inaudibly, and Dean sat
swinging himself softly to and fro as he rubbed his hands over his
knees.

"Well, Sir James," continued the doctor, "I must say that it seems to me
perfectly feasible for you to make up your mind to be one of the party."

"An old man like me, sir?" cried Sir James.

"I beg your pardon, sir; you are not an old man. I believe I number as
many years as you, and saving for a slight indisposition now and then
you certainly enjoy robust health."

"Oh, no, no, no, no!" cried Sir James. "That's adulation, sir, and I
won't have it."

"'Tisn't father; is it, Dean?"

"Not a bit of it," was the reply. "The doctor never flatters."

"Will you boys be quiet?" shouted Sir James, and Mark clapped his hand
over his cousin's lips, receivin