y looks like something important."

When the boy had gone off to deliver the letters, Mr. Burnet took
Mitchell outside the office and pointed out to him the different parts
of the building and the advantages of the position. One of these was
that the Little Bourne, a small but rapid stream, flowed close by,
supplying water. There were gas-works on the premises, and there was a
small tramway for sending paper, &c., from one end to the other. There
was handsome stabling, and there were lofty, airy work-rooms.

"Every appliance for making a good thing of it," said Mr. Burnet.

He held up his hand for silence as a strange, low sound rolled out
from the works. Was it the roar of fire or an explosion of steam? But
no sign of fire followed, and nothing shook or broke. Only there came
a second roar, louder than the first, and then the great gates of the
great yard burst open, and out poured a crowd of men, jumping,
dancing, shouting, and apparently in great joy.

"A strike," said Mitchell, "or what?"

"I don't know," answered Mr. Burnet calmly but gravely; "I have no
notion what can be the matter."

The men came nearer, some twenty in all, and in the midst of them was
one man seated in a chair and carried by four others.

"What can they be doing with Rayner?" exclaimed Mr. Burnet. "Why are
they chairing him?"

"Hurrah for Rayner! Hurrah for New Zealand! Hurrah for everybody!
Half-time to-day and a sovereign apiece! Hurrah for Rayner and New
Zealand!"

All this was most extraordinary; and yet even more extraordinary was
the conduct and manner of Rayner. He laughed loudly, and then he
plunged his face into his handkerchief and sobbed wildly. He shook
hands with every one near, and then waved them away with a majestic
air. In fact he seemed to have taken leave of his senses; the truth
was, that his senses had taken leave of him for a season. And yet the
sight of Mr. Burnet's perplexed face sobered him in a measure.

He swaggered up to his master, saying, "Shake hands, Burnet; I'm not
too proud for that."

Mr. Burnet obeyed.

"Listen to me, I'll tell you something. Wonders will never cease. If
you had a brother, Burnet, whom you had not seen for thirty-five
years, would not your heart yearn towards him? Yes, even a letter from
his lawyer would fill your heart with joy."

"No doubt," said Mr. Burnet.

"Here's a letter, come this minute; why, joy is nothing to it. I'm a
made man, a rich man, snap my fingers at you a