pecuniary loss to be heavier than it actually was--
since the Dragoons had after all surprised but a portion of the
cargo, and the leafy woods of Pentethy yet concealed many scores of
tubs of _eau-de-vie_; but they knew that he brooded over no pecuniary
loss. He had been outraged, betrayed as a neighbour, as a military
commander, and again as a father of his people; wounded in the house
of his friends; scourged with ridicule in the very seat of his
dignity. Maidens, inconsolable for lovers snatched from them and now
bound for Bodmin Gaol, hushed their sorrow and wiped their tears by
stealth, abashed before those tragic eyes which, fixed on the river
reach ahead, travelled beyond all petty private woe to meet the end
of all things with a tearless stare.

So they returned, drew to the quays, and disembarked, unwitting yet
of worse discoveries awaiting them.

In the hospital Gunner Sobey, having dived into bed, with great
presence of mind fell asleep. The Vicar had fled the town by the
North, or Passage, Gate, and was by this time devouring a country
walk in long strides, heedless whither they led him, vainly
endeavouring to compose his thoughts and readjust his prophecies in
the light of the morning's events--a process which from time to time
compelled him to halt and hold his head between both hands.

The Major had slammed his front door, locked himself in his room, and
would give audience to no one.

It was in vain that the inhabitants besieged his porch, demanding to
know if the town were bewitched. Who had gutted their shops?
Why the causeways swam with strong liquor? How the churchyard came
to be full of cattle? What hand had fired Farmer Elford's ricks?
In short, what in the world had happened, and what was to be done?
They came contritely, conscious of their undeserving; but to each and
all Scipio, from the head of the steps, returned the same answer.
His master was indisposed.

Troy, ordinarily a busy town, did no business at all that day.
Tradesmen and workmen in small groups at every street-corner
discussed a mystery--or rather a series of mysteries--with which, as
they well knew, one man alone was competent to grapple. To his good
offices they had forfeited all right. Nevertheless, a crowd hung
about all day in front of the Mayor's house, nor dispersed until long
after nightfall. At eight o'clock next morning they reassembled,
word having flown through the town that Dr. Hansombody and Lawyer
Ch