n a low, grumbling voice, to Upton, "and you forget all its
vermicular motion, as ould Fabricius called it, and that it is only by
a coagalum, a kind of barrier, like a mud breakwater, that it can be
plugged. Be off out of that, ye spalpeens! be off, every one of yez, and
leave us tranquil and paceable!"

This summary command was directed to the various servants, who were
still moving about the room in imaginary occupation. The room was at
last cleared of all save Upton and Billy, who sat by the bedside, his
hand still resting on the sick man's forehead. Soothed by the stillness,
and reduced by the loss of blood, Glencore sank into a quiet sleep,
breathing softly and gently as a child.

"Look at him now," whispered Billy to Upton, "and you 'll see what
philosophy there is in ascribin' to the heart the source of all our
emotions. He lies there azy and comfortable just because the great
bellows is working smoothly and quietly. They talk about the brain, and
the spinal nerves, and the soliar plexus; but give a man a wake, washy
circulation, and what is he? He's just like a chap with the finest
intentions in the world, but not a sixpence in his pocket to carry them
out! A fine well-regulated, steady-batin' heart is like a credit on the
bank,--you draw on it, and your draft is n't dishonored!"

"What was it brought on this attack?" asked Upton, in a whisper.

"A shindy he had with the boy. I was n't here; there was nobody by. But
when I met Master Charles on the stairs, he flew past me like lightning,
and I just saw by a glimpse that something was wrong. He rushed out with
his head bare, and his coat all open, and it sleetin' terribly! Down he
went towards the lough, at full speed, and never minded all my callin'
after him."

"Has he returned?" asked Upton.

"Not as I know, sir. We were too much taken up with the lord to ask for
him."

"I 'll just step down and see," said Sir Horace, who arose, and left the
room on tiptoe.

To Upton's inquiry all made the same answer. None had seen the young
lord,--none could give any clew as to whither he had gone. Sir Horace
at once hastened to Harcourt's room, and, after some vigorous shakes,
succeeded in awakening the Colonel, and by dint of various repetitions
at last put him in possession of all that had occurred.

"We must look after the lad," cried Harcourt, springing from his bed,
and dressing with all haste. "He is a rash, hot-headed fellow; but
even if it were nothing e