Saint James's, of course,' returned the
General, in the same benignant way; 'for if her location was in Windsor
Pavilion it couldn't be in London at the same time. Your Tower of
London, sir,' pursued the General, smiling with a mild consciousness of
his knowledge, 'is nat'rally your royal residence. Being located in
the immediate neighbourhood of your Parks, your Drives, your Triumphant
Arches, your Opera, and your Royal Almacks, it nat'rally suggests
itself as the place for holding a luxurious and thoughtless court.
And, consequently,' said the General, 'consequently, the court is held
there.'

'Have you been in England?' asked Martin.

'In print I have, sir,' said the General, 'not otherwise. We air a
reading people here, sir. You will meet with much information among us
that will surprise you, sir.'

'I have not the least doubt of it,' returned Martin. But here he was
interrupted by Mr La Fayette Kettle, who whispered in his ear:

'You know General Choke?'

'No,' returned Martin, in the same tone.

'You know what he is considered?'

'One of the most remarkable men in the country?' said Martin, at a
venture.

'That's a fact,' rejoined Kettle. 'I was sure you must have heard of
him!'

'I think,' said Martin, addressing himself to the General again, 'that
I have the pleasure of being the bearer of a letter of introduction to
you, sir. From Mr Bevan, of Massachusetts,' he added, giving it to him.

The General took it and read it attentively; now and then stopping to
glance at the two strangers. When he had finished the note, he came over
to Martin, sat down by him, and shook hands.

'Well!' he said, 'and you think of settling in Eden?'

'Subject to your opinion, and the agent's advice,' replied Martin. 'I am
told there is nothing to be done in the old towns.'

'I can introduce you to the agent, sir,' said the General. 'I know him.
In fact, I am a member of the Eden Land Corporation myself.'

This was serious news to Martin, for his friend had laid great stress
upon the General's having no connection, as he thought, with any land
company, and therefore being likely to give him disinterested advice.
The General explained that he had joined the Corporation only a few
weeks ago, and that no communication had passed between himself and Mr
Bevan since.

'We have very little to venture,' said Martin anxiously--'only a
few pounds--but it is our all. Now, do you think that for one of my
profession, this would