The Secret of the League. Bramah Ernest

could ever confer upon any of those he left behind, and a moment later his ragged escort was in motion homeward—slumward.

      "Kumreds," said Mr Tubes, looking up, "the harmony of the occasion has been somewhat impaired by an untoward incident, but on the whole I think that you may rest well satisfied with the result of your representations. Having another appointment I must now leave you, but I have given instructions for some beer and sandwidges to be brought in, and I trust that in my enforced absence you will all make yourselves quite at home." He shook hands with each man present and withdrew.

      "Beer and sandwidges!" muttered Comrade Tintwistle, with no affectation of delight, to a chosen spirit. "And this is the man we pay fifty quid a week to!"

      "Ah!" assented the friend, following Mr Tubes's hospitable directions by strolling round the room and fingering the ornaments. "Well, when it comes to a general share-out I don't know but what I should mind having this here little round barometer for my parlour."

      "Neat little thing," assented Tintwistle with friendly interest. "What does it say?"

      "Seems to be dropping from 'Change' to 'Stormy,'" read the friend.