it is quite probable."

"There are, perhaps, important movements intended in the Crimea?"
asked Mr. Hobson, as he picked his strawberries and prepared himself a
sauce of sugar and cream.

"You have heard so?" replied Mr. Faulks.

"There was something in the _Times_ this morning from their special
correspondent. Some new expedition was talked of."

"They ought to be all shot, these correspondents," said Mr. Faulks,
decisively. "They permit themselves to canvass the conduct and
character of persons of our position with a freedom that is
intolerable."

"Pardon me," said Mr. Hobson, "but as one of the British public, a
taxpayer and bearer of the public burden, I feel grateful to these
newspaper gentlemen for seeing that our money is properly spent."

"I am sorry to hear you commend them," said Mr. Faulks, in a way that
implied much resentment.

"Well, but without them we should hear of nothing that is going on.
This new expedition, for instance, which I have a shrewd suspicion
covers some deep design."

"You think so, do you? On what ground, pray?" said Mr. Faulks, with
the slight sneer of superior knowledge.

"The _Times_ man hints as much. There has long been a rumour of some
change in the plan of operations, and he seems to be right in his
conjecture."

"He knows nothing at all about it--how can he?" said Mr. Faulks,
contemptuously.

"You must forgive my differing with you. It is not my business to say
how he obtains his information, but I have generally found that he is
right. Now, this great expedition--"

"Is all moonshine!" cried Mr. Faulks, losing his temper, and thrown
off his guard. "It's quite a small affair--a trip round the Sea of
Azof, and the reduction of Kertch."

"The old affair revived, in fact."

"Neither more nor less. There is no intention at the present moment of
drawing any large detachment from the siege. On the contrary, every
effort is being strained to bring it to an end."

"Quite right too; it ought to be vigorously prosecuted--attack should
follow attack."

"We shall hear of one or more before long," went on Mr. Faulks,
growing more and more garrulous. "Our advanced trenches are creeping
very near, and I expect any day to hear that the French have stormed
the Mamelon, and our people the Quarries."

"Indeed? That is very interesting. And we shall take them--do you
think?"

"We must. The attacking columns will be of great strength, and the
attack will be preceded by a tre