rberus seemed to dwindle into the bumpkin!
This young fellow, a good deal less than half Mr. Dyke's age, was yet
a far older man of the world than he. Not that his appearance
suggested the kind of maturity which results from abnormal or
distorted development,--on the contrary, he was thoroughly genial and
healthful. But that power and assurance of eye and lip, generally
bought only at the price of many years' buffetings, given and taken,
were here married to the first flush and vigor of young manhood.

"My name is Helwyse; I have come from Europe to see Mr. Amos
MacGentle," said the visitor, courteously.

"Helwyse!--Hel--" repeated Mr. Dyke, having seemingly quite forgotten
himself. His customary manner to strangers implied that he knew,
better than they did, who they were and what they wanted; and that
what he knew was not much to their credit. But he could only open his
mouth and stare at this Helwyse.

"Mr. MacGentle is an old friend; run in and tell him I'm here, and you
will see." The young man put his hand kindly on the elderly clerk's
shoulder, much as though the latter were a gaping school-boy, and
directed him gently towards the inner door.

Mr. Dyke regained his voice by an effort, though still lacking
complete self-command. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Helwyse, sir,--of
course, of course,--it didn't seem possible,--so long, you know,--but
I remembered the voice and the face and the name,--I never
forget,--but, by George, sir, can you really be--?"

"I see you have a good memory; you are Dyke, aren't you?" And Mr.
Helwyse threw back his head and laughed, perhaps at the clerk's
bewildered face. At all events, the latter laughed, too, and they both
shook hands very heartily.

"Beg pardon again, Mr. Helwyse, I'll speak to the President," said Mr.
Dyke, and stepped into the sanctuary of sanctuaries.

Mr. MacGentle was taking a nap. He was seventy years old, and could
drop asleep easily. When he slept, however lightly and briefly, he was
pretty sure to dream; and if awakened suddenly, his dream would often
prolong itself, and mingle with passing events, which would themselves
put on the semblance of unreality. On the present occasion the sound
of Helwyse's voice had probably crept through the door, and insinuated
itself into his dreaming brain.

Mr. Dyke was too much excited to remark the President's condition. He
put his mouth close to the old gentleman's ear, and said, in an
emphatic and penetrating underton