up, as you call it, which goes first.

_Podb._ Done with you! (_Produces a mark._) Sudden death. You're
Eagle--I'm the other Johnny. (_Tosses._) Eagle! Confound you! But I
mean to have my innings all the same.

_Culch._ You're perfectly welcome--when I've had mine. I'll--er--wish
you good evening.

[_He stalks out triumphantly. PODBURY places himself in a
position from which he can command a view of the Musik-saal,
over the top of "über Land und Meer," and awaits results._

* * * * *

STORICULES.

VI.--BUDWELL'S REVENGE.

My friend, THOMAS GIDLING, is something indefinite and authoritative
in the Post Office. He is a practical man. He can do fretwork, cook a
steak, clean boots, find out what's wrong with the gas, and understand
Waterloo Station; in an emergency he is invaluable. This is just as
well, because destiny has decided that the life of THOMAS GIDLING
shall be a series of emergencies. He has comfortable bachelor
quarters at the very top of Parkington Chambers, which are situated in
Bloomsbury.

[Illustration]