y Writ--"

"Sir, I know all about Elijah and Obadiah, and the rest of them. Profane
literature we leave now for clerks in holy orders--we positively have no
time for it. Everything begins to move with accelerated pace. This is a
new century, and it means to make its mark. It begins very badly; but
it will go on all the better. And I hope to have the pleasure, at a
very early day, of showing you one of its leading men, a man of large
intellect, commanding character, the most magnificent principles--and,
in short, lots of money. You must be quite familiar with the name of Sir
Duncan Yordas."

"I fancy that I have heard or seen it somewhere. Oh, something to do
with the Hindoos, or the Africans. I never pay much attention to such
things."

"Neither do I, Dr. Upround. Still somebody must, and a lot of money
comes of it. Their idols have diamond eyes, which purity of worship
compels us to confiscate. And there are many other ways of getting on
among them, while wafting and expanding them into a higher sphere of
thought. The mere fact of Sir Duncan having feathered his nest--pardon
so vulgar an expression, doctor--proves that while giving, we may also
receive: for which we have the highest warranty."

"The laborer is worthy of his hire, Mr. Mordacks. At the same time we
should remember also--"

"What St. Paul says per contra. Quite so. That is always my first
consideration, when I work for my employers. Ah, Dr. Upround, few men
give such pure service as your humble servant. I have twice had the
honor of handing you my card. If ever you fall into any difficulty,
where zeal, fidelity, and high principle, combined with very low
charges--"

"Mr. Mordacks, my opinion of you is too high for even yourself to add to
it. But what has this Sir Duncan Yorick--"

"Yordas, my dear sir--Sir Duncan Yordas--the oldest family in Yorkshire.
Men of great power, both for good and evil, mainly, perhaps, the latter.
It has struck me sometimes that the county takes its name--But etymology
is not my forte. What has he to do with us, you ask? Sir, I will answer
you most frankly. 'Coram populo' is my business motto. Excuse me,
I think I hear that door creak. No, a mere fancy--we are quite 'in
camera.' Very well; reverend sir, prepare your mind for a highly
astounding disclosure."

"I have lived too long to be astounded, my good sir. But allow me to put
on my spectacles. Now I am prepared for almost anything."

"Dr. Upround, my duty compels