I cordially assented. I was so very nervous, that I had already lighted the Aged's sausage like a torch, and been obliged to blow it out.

     "I accidentally heard, yesterday morning," said Wemmick, "being in a certain place where I once took you,--even between you and me, it's as well not to mention names when avoidable--"

     "Much better not," said I. "I understand you."

     "I heard there by chance, yesterday morning," said Wemmick, "that a certain person not altogether of uncolonial pursuits, and not unpossessed of portable property,--I don't know who it may really be,--we won't name this person--"

     "Not necessary," said I.

     "--Had made some little stir in a certain part of the world where a good many people go, not always in gratification of their own inclinations, and not quite irrespective of the government expense--"

     In watching his face, I made quite a firework of the Aged's sausage, and greatly discomposed both my own attention and Wemmick's; for which I apologized.