a period of most painful anxiety followed,
for it was not till nearly four hours afterwards that, thanks to the
skill and assiduity of Dr. Fergus Maccoll, of 22A, Albion Crescent,
assisted by Dr. Vereker, of London, the young lady showed signs of
life. We are happy to say that the latest bulletins appear to point to
a speedy and complete recovery, with no worse consequences than a bad
fright. We understand that the expediency of placing a proper railing
at all dangerous points on the pier is being made the subject of a
numerously signed petition to the Town Council."

"That seems all right," said the Professor. And he said nothing
further, but remained rubbing his shaved surface in a sort of
compromising way--a way that invited or permitted exception to be
taken to his remark.

"All right? Yes, but--oh, papa, do think what might have happened!
They might both have been drowned."

"But they weren't!"

"Of course they weren't! But they _might_ have been."

"Well, it would have proved that people are best away from the seaside.
Not that any further proof is necessary. Now, good-bye, my dear; I must
get back to my work."

* * * * *

That afternoon Julius Bradshaw went on a business mission to Cornhill,
and was detained in the city till past five o'clock. It was then too
late to return to the office, as six was the closing hour; so he
decided on the Twopenny Tube to Lancaster Gate, the nearest point to
home. There was a great shouting of evening papers round the opening
into the bowels of the earth at the corner of the Bank, and Julius's
attention was caught by an unearthly boy with a strange accent.

"'Mail and Echo,' third edition, all the latest news for a 'apeny.
Fullest partic'lars in my copies. Alderman froze to death on the
Halps. Shocking neglect of twins. 'Oxton man biles his third wife
alive. Cricket this day--Surrey going strong. More about heroic rescue
from drowning at St. Senna's. Full and ack'rate partic'lars in my
copies only. Catch hold!..." Julius caught hold, and thought the boy
amusing. Conversation followed, during cash settlements.

"Who's been heroically rescued?"

"Friend of mine--young lady--fished her governor out--got drownded
over it herself, and was brought to. 'Mail' a 'apeny; torkin' a penny
extra! Another 'apeny." Julius acquiesced, but felt entitled to more
talking.

"Where was it?"

"St. Senna's, where they make the lectury--black stuff.... Yes,