discomfiture of Mole.

The reader must be informed that the venerable Isaac was then
experimenting upon a new substitute for those unfortunate much damaged
members, his cork legs.

An American genius, with whom he had recently made acquaintance in the
town, had induced Mole to try a pair of his "new patent-elastic-spring-
non-fatiguing-self-regulating-undistinguishable-everlasting cork legs."

The inventor had helped Mr. Mole to put on these formidable
"understandings," and given him every instruction with regard to their
management.

"They'll be a little creaky at first," said the American; "nothing in
nature works slick when it's quite new, but when you get 'em well into
wear, they'll go along like greased lightning; now try them, old hoss."

Creaky indeed they were, for they made a noise almost as loud as a
railway break; but what was even worse was that the Yankee had failed
to inform Mole of the fact that the "new patent" etc., were only fitted
to act perfectly on a smooth surface.

Now the roadway, or footway--for they are all the same in those old
Turkish towns--are the very reverse of smooth, being principally
composed of round nubbly stones.

Consequently Mole's locomotion was the reverse of pleasant.

Chivey crept up behind the old schoolmaster, and seizing an opportunity
and one of his legs, gave it a pull, which caused Mole to roar with
fright.

Down, of course, came Mole on the nubbly pavement, but Chivey didn't
have exactly the fun he expected, for instead of his getting safely
away, Mole fell on him.

"Oh, it's you, is it? You, the bad servant of a bad man's wicked son,"
exclaimed the angered tutor; "it's you who dare to set upon defenceless
age and innocence, with its new cork legs on? Very good. Then take
that, and I hope you won't like it."

Whereat he began pommelling away at Chivey.

Chivey roared with all his might, till a small crowd of wondering
onlookers began to collect.

"What do you mean by daring to assault my servant in this manner?"
asked Murray sternly, as he came up.

"He attacked me first," protested Mole; "and it's my belief you set him
on to do it."

"How dare you insinuate----" began Murray, and he violently shook the
old man by the collar.

But there was more spirit in Mole than Herbert was prepared for.

By the aid of a post, the old man managed to struggle to his feet, and
leaning against this, he felt he could defy the enemy.

"My lad," he said, "it's evi