man to grow strong upon. Never
would make a man strong--never!"

Mr. Shubrick made no answer. He was going quietly about the room.

"What are you doing?" said the other presently, watching him.

"Making things ship-shape--clearing decks."

"What do you know about clearing decks?" said Mr. Copley.

"I will show you."

And the sick man watched with languid amusement to see how, as his new
nurse went from place to place, the look of the room changed. Shawls
and clothing were folded up and bestowed on a chest of drawers;
slippers were put ready for use at the bedside; books were laid
together neatly on the table; and a small army of cups and glasses and
empty vials were fairly marched out of the room. In a little while the
apartment was in perfect order, and seemed half as large again. The
invalid drew a long breath.

"You're an odd one!" said he, when he caught Mr. Shubrick's eye again.
"Where did you learn all that? and who are you? and how did you come
here? I have a right to know."

"You have a perfect right, and shall know all about me," was the
answer; "but first, here is your broth, hot and good." (Mr. Shubrick
had just received it from the little maid at the door). "Take this now,
and to-morrow, if you behave well, you shall have something better."

Mr. Copley suffered himself to be persuaded, took the broth, and then
repeated his question.

"I am Sandie Shubrick, lieutenant in the United States navy, on board
ship 'The Red Chief;' just now on furlough, and in England."

"What did you come to England for?"

"Business and pleasure."

"Which do you call this you are about now?"

"Both," said Mr. Shubrick, smiling. "Now you may lie still, and keep
the rest of your questions for another time."

Mr. Copley yielded, and lay looking at his new attendant, till he dozed
off into unconsciousness. Waking then after a while, hot and restless,
his nurse brought water and a sponge and began sponging his face and
neck and hands; gently and soothingly; and kept up the exercise until
restlessness abated, breaths of satisfied content came at easy
intervals; and finally Mr. Copley slumbered off peacefully, and knew no
more. When he awoke the sun was shining on the oaks of Brierley Park.
The window was open, as it had been all night, and by the window sat
Mr. Shubrick, looking out. The sick man eyed him for a while.

"Are you asleep there?" he said at last, growing impatient of the
silence. Mr. Shubrick got up and c