n Somering repeated the process, and having backed to
the edge of the stairs, swept his topee from his head and treated Dick
to an elaborate bow. "We shall meed again, Meinheer Dick," he called
out. "Till zen a Dutchman is proud do call himself your gread friend.
Mein word! bud id has been a pleasure to meed you."

He swept his topee on to his head again, mopped the perspiration from
his face, and descended slowly, leaving Dick with his head in a whirl,
and feeling half inclined to laugh at the memory of this Dutchman's
comical figure, his absurd attempts to be dignified, and his vast stock
of self-assurance; and more than half disposed to shed tears of joy and
relief at the words of Mr Pepson, at the offer which had been made to
him, and at the prospect for the future. Then he sat down and did what
many another youngster has done, who has been hurt and has been sick for
a time. He fainted from sheer weakness and inability to withstand so
much excitement.

"And that is all the thanks I get for allowing them to come," exclaimed
the trim-bearded doctor, as he glared at Dick some minutes later. "It's
all the work of that fat little Dutchman, of that I'm sure. He'd talk
till any one was weary. Well, he shall not come again. You are to be a
prisoner here, my boy, till you show signs that you are really mending.
Fainted! Just fancy!"

He went off with a sniff and a smile, leaving Dick quite well again, but
ready now to inflict the direst punishment upon himself for displaying
such weakness.

"I could kick myself!" he exclaimed in disgust. "Here am I, in clover,
as the doctor says, but till half an hour ago with starvation before me.
I was on my beam ends, and did not know where to look for work or help.
And here I am, with a post assured, and every prospect of earning a
decent living. And the news upsets me. I'm a donk ey! A fine thing if
Mr Pepson had seen me. A nice thing for him to know that his future
manager might faint like a girl at the first critical moment. Pah! I
wish some one would kick me!"

There was no one at hand to comply with his invitation, and presently
the memory of his weakness wore off and Dick fell asleep. A few days
later he was far stronger, and when three weeks had passed he was
himself again, his arm was out of the splints, and carried in a sling,
while, when the doctor or Mr Pepson were not about, he amused himself
with using the hand and fingers.

"As well get accustomed to